Friday, March 30, 2012

Paris Hilton, Friends, Hollywood Celebrities Open Marquee The Star, Sydney, Australia - 30th March 2012

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Australian entertainment and nightclub fans, and all you celebrity watchers out there... It's time for yet another showbiz update.

The Star's new nightclub Marquee in "Sin City" Sydney, Australia tonight held their grand opening last night and the ultimate party girl herself - Paris Hilton, along with boyfriend DJ Afrojack, and a bush tucker bag of friends and associates including Ashlee Simpson, Nick Lachey, Kellan Lutz, Abbie Cornish and LMFAO's Redfoo helped get the party started on the red (purple) carpet. By the way, the colour purple is supposed to attract money we understand, and it was working for Ms Hilton.

The gamble to sign up Paris and friends appears to have paid off, as far as attracting international headlines, but only time will tell what it does to the bottom line of The Star (once known as Star City Casino).

The Australian contingent of celebs who attended included Laura Dundovic, Alex Dimitriades, Glenn and Sara McGrath, Alex Perry, Nikki Phillips, Didier Cohen, April Rose Pengilly, Tim Commandeur, Laura Cstortan and Chris Joannou.

Marquee is understood to have snatched big dollars tonight, along with some positive press, but upping the ante in star power. Just how much it cost The Star to bring in Ms Hilton is anyone's guess but a well known media agency in Sydney estimated "between $50,000 to $150,000 for Ms Hilton and friends", but don't ever expect to find out the real figure as agents and legal eagles will be guarding that information from falling into the media and public domain.

The official VIP launch party featured DJ sets from The Black Eye Peas, will.i.am and Afrojack, with boat loads of celebs.

The 20,000 square foot nightclub occupies the entire top tier of The Star’s new Pirrama Road harbour side entrance. It enjoys a 1,200 people capacity and is aiming to fill up the venue with the right sort of customers. It's understood that there's three separate spaces within the one venue, and there was something for everyone's mood and taste.

The Main Room sports a 30-foot projection stage with an LED DJ booth and two funky dance floors, while another section entitled 'Boom Box' has an outdoor patio and DJ booth. For those guests who are looking for a bit more intimacy... and we know your out there boys and girls, there's a "library-style" lounge room along with fireplace, where you might want to get all cosy with your best friends.

The new sexy nightclub is a joint effort between The Star and Tao Group, which operates very successful nightclubs in the United States including LAVO in New York and Las Vegas, TAO Las Vegas and Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

We think its a pretty safe bet that you and yours will have fun (and spend a few dollars) at The Star's Marquee, so why not give them a go and tell us all about your experience.

It's all just another move in the Australian casino and entertainment wars, with a good dash of tourism biz factored in, and hopefully the public and Sydney benefit.

Competitor of sorts, Crown Limited, is following the progress of Sydney based 'The Star' closely, and the two gaming companies fight for the entertainment and gambling dollar, with big name celebs and casino "whales" being the most sought after patrons.

The Star will no doubt be hosting more celeb filled parties, but its unclear when Ms Hilton is returning to party (and pick up another payday). No word yet if she's got a whole floor to herself to sleep in and party (like Leonardo DiCaprio did on his previous down under Australian visits), but we highly suspect so.

Will you be on 'The List' any time soon at Marquee? Well, dress the part, work hard, and play harder, and you may soon be partying along with some of the world's hottest socialites.

If your into the best nightlife that Sydney has to offer you owe it to yourself to take the gamble and get on over to Marquee all you cool cats out there.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a hot success, and Paris - we hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Australia.

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Monday, March 26, 2012

Best 5 Gangster Movies Of All Time; The Godfather Still Rules The Mob

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From Bondi Beach, to Blacktown, all the way to Hollywood, Cannes and Italy (we can't forget the Mafia connection), gangster movies are as cool as ever. In Australia we have to settle for Underbelly, Underbelly Razor (now in an Uncut DVD set), and then there was Dirty Deeds (collecting money from pokie dens et al) from a few years ago on TV (soon to be released). Gangster movies serve as history, entertainment and commentary. With a combination of violence, betrayal, power and family, it is no surprise gangster movies are so popular. Here's our Top 5 Gangster Movies of all time.

5. Scarface

Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay and Brian De Palma directed this movie that reflected the violent chaos that cocaine brought to Miami in the late 70s and early 80s. Al Pacino gave an epic performance as Cuban immigrant turned drug lord, Tony Montana. Lots of violence, done in a way that makes the movie even better.

4. Casino

“Casino” was written by Nicholas Pileggi and directed by Martin Scorcese. It is based on the real life story of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, but the protagonist’s name was changed to Sam "Ace" Rothstein. Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone give excellent performances and Robbie Robertson did an excellent job providing the music for the movie. You don't have to be a fan of gambling to appreciate this classic movie.

3. The Godfather

Directed Francis Ford Coppola and written by Coppola and Mario Puzo, “The Godfather” is an epic tale of the fictitious Corleone mafia crime family and their struggles. Marlon Brando gives the performance of a lifetime and Al Pacino is amazing in his break out role.

2. Goodfellas

Nicholas Pillegi wrote and Martin Scorcese directed this real life story of mafia affiliate, Henry Hill. With its raw depiction of criminal life, “Goodfellas” takes away whatever romance and glamour that other movies have attributed to mob life.

1. The Godfather II

Again written by Mario Puzo and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “Godfather II” expands on the original by both going forward and backward, covering the origins of the original Godfather, Vito Corleone. The epic tale shows how crime took down Cuba and features great performances by Pacino and DeNiro as well as Lee Srassberg who played the Meyer Lansky based character, Hyman Roth.

News Update...

The Godfather Movie Franchise Turns 40...


Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather turned 40 this past weekend, a surprisingly ripe old age for a movie that hasn't aged a bit.

One of the great American movies, The Godfather hasn't stopped influencing popular culture since the day it was released.

Martin Scorsese owes much of his career to it, The Sopranos wouldn't have made sense without it, and VH1's reality show Mob Wives is a winking travesty of it.

The film's alluring portrait of the mob as Old World charmers with ice-cold hearts appears again and again in crime films, comedies, video games, comic books, hip-hop videos - the list goes on. In fact, nearly anything that focuses on organized crime, corporate gamesmanship or the glories of patriarchy - from HBO's The Wire to AMC's Mad Men - seems unable to escape the long, broad-shouldered shadow of The Godfather. You can even play The Godfather online slot game at Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment owned PartyCasino.com Tell 'em the Media Man sent you.

But for all its heavy themes (immigration, politics, business, the American dream), The Godfather is also vastly entertaining. It's a grand, macho soap opera full of unfettered ids, violently settled scores and men wearing enviable suits. And talk about a bromance: Have you ever seen so many guys hugging and kissing in a Hollywood movie?



Robert De Niro; King Of Gangster Movies Flys Into Perth: Visits Burswood Casino...

The general public might have guessed a president were in Perth a few days ago if they been near the Burswood Entertainment Complex.

Legendary actor Robert De Niro is Hollywood personified and as you might expect he got the super VIP treatment at James Packer's Crown Perth.

Speaking at the launch of his restaurant Nobu Perth on Sunday, De Niro was friendly, relaxed and "slightly scruffy" (said The West Australian). The voice and intense stare was true to form.

De Niro said he was planning to make the most of his whirlwind visit.

"I just got here last night, in the middle of the night," he said. "We have a list of things to do and see, so we are on it.

"I want to see as much as I can."

The New York native said he had "no expectations" of what to expect on his first visit to Perth, but wanted to explore the sights before he leaves tomorrow.

"I'm very curious about the west coast of Australia and my impressions are that it is somewhat like LA, but I could be wrong about that," he said.

Perth's social set jumped at the opportunity to rub shoulders with the star of such films as The Godfather: Part II, Goodfellas, Raging Bull and Taxi Driver.

The 68-year-old and his wife Grace Hightower De Niro, 56, joined his business partners of almost two decades, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa and movie producer Meir Teper, along with Burswood owner... king of the castle James Packer and wife Erica for the event, which followed in the tradition of Nobu openings around the globe with a sake ceremony.

Premier Colin Barnett and wife Lyn, Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes and Christine Simpson Stokes, Adam and Mel Gilchrist, Patti Chong, Janet Holmes a Court and Denise Satterley were in the mix of the 280 guests who walked a red carpet into the beautiful restaurant.

Former boxer turned actor Rai Fazio was quite likely the most excited guest of all.

"I got a call this afternoon saying Mr De Niro requests your company at Nobu tonight," he said.

Fazio met De Niro a year ago in West Hollywood, after they hit it off famously.


That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Sunday, March 25, 2012

Entertainment Industry News Update: Australia, Hollywood, Movies, WWE WrestleMania...

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Australian movie and entertainment fans. It's time for yet another showbiz update. We've got Marvel Entertainment, Disney, WWE WrestleMania, gaming, celebrities, The Star and more.

Walt Disney Releases "Fun Facts" for THE AVENGERS Movie...

In anticipation for the summer blockbuster release of Marvel's The Avengers superhero team-up of a life time, Walt Disney Pictures have officially released a series of neat "fun facts" surrounding the Joss Whedon-directed production. While we have learned a few of these "facts" prior, indulge in them down below.

* Marvel's The Avengers is based on the Marvel comic created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The first Avengers comic was published in September 1963 and the lineup consisted of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man and Wasp. Captain America joined the team in #4, after being revived from being trapped in a block of ice. This film brings together Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) when they are called to duty by S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

* Production on Marvel's The Avengers commenced on April 25, 2011, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the production shot onstage at Albuquerque Studios and various locations in and around the city until Thursday, July 28. Other filming locations included Wilmington, Ohio; Worthington, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio and New York City. The shoot lasted a total of 93 shooting days on 1st unit and 47 shooting days on second unit.

* The Helicarrier Bridge set was built on a soundstage in Albuquerque. This iconic home base for the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D., whose director is Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), resembles an aircraft carrier, but it's no ordinary carrier -- it can actually fly. The filmmakers wanted to embrace that key element of The Avengers history and give the fans a real thrill when it takes to the air. To achieve the exterior of the Helicarrier, the filmmakers shot on a runway at the Albuquerque International Sunport.

* Another classic Marvel vehicle, the Quinjet, is also making an appearance in the movie. The Quinjet is essentially the jump jet that The Avengers use to go to and from the Helicarrier and to go into battles. The Quinjet design fits in with the Helicarrier -- the same technology that allows the Helicarrier to work has been incorporated into the Quinjet. But at the same time the silhouette of the Quinjet, the cockpit, the engines on the back and the weaponry make it feel as though it could actually exist today.

* In the very first issue of the comic book The Avengers, almost 50 years ago, it was Loki, Thor's brother, who was causing the trouble that brought all the Avengers together for the first time to defeat him. In the making of the movie, Marvel stayed true to that setup. Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, is a much stronger villain on Earth than he is in his own world of Asgard and wreaks havoc in Marvel's The Avengers.

* Chris Hemsworth (Thor) felt that being on location was like summer camp, where no one really knows each other but everyone hangs out together and has a great time. However, Hemsworth did know Tom Hiddleston (Loki) from Thor and developed a great relationship with him on that film that carried over to The Avengers.

* To play expert archer Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner received training from Olympic archers on how to use a bow properly. He learned the basics of archery as well as the proper positions, but one of the most difficult tasks Renner had to master was the consistency he had to employ in drawing back the bow, which is difficult to do when drawing back fast.

* Scarlett Johansson was more than happy to reprise her role as Black Widow in The Avengers. The actress says she is a huge fan of the character and is happy that fans liked her as Black Widow, a role she originated in "Iron Man 2." In "Marvel's The Avengers," during her scenes with another highly skilled S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, Hawkeye, the audience will be let in on some of their backstory and get a glimpse of their longtime working relationship.

* When the cast and crew of The Avengers flew from Albuquerque to Wilmington, Ohio, they didn't have to go far to reach their new shooting location. The production's charter flight landed right next to the film set at Clinton County Airpark, a massive complex complete with a 9,000-foot runway and a one million square foot, state-of-the-art shipping facility that would double in the film for parts of the interior of the Helicarrier.

* The famous battle cry in the comic book, "Avengers Assemble!" is a call to arms for members of the team to fight "the foes no single superhero can withstand." During production, Chris Evans (Captain America) borrowed the famous command to gather up his fellow cast members when he sent out text messages to them to come together for a night on the town in Albuquerque after a long, hard week of work on the production.

* Shooting in Central Park is never easy, but what about when you put the entire cast of the film at Bethesda Fountain on Labor Day weekend? The cast, crew and filmmakers got to find out firsthand as thousands of onlookers gathered to see something that held the attention of even the most hardened New Yorker -- the entire cast of "Marvel's The Avengers" in costume, including Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in their Asgardian finery. For the actors in the film it would be the first time they were all on set together in over a month and also the last time they would be shooting together. For director Joss Whedon the challenge was to keep his cast focused. "It was like a circus crossed with a class reunion," laughs the director. "Paparazzi and fans were everywhere and the cast was so happy to see each other, talk and catch up because they enjoyed hanging out together."

* The film's second unit shot a chase sequence in Worthington, Pennsylvania, at Creekside Mushroom LTD, the former home to World Famous MoonlightĂ‚® brand Mushrooms. Creekside was the world's largest mushroom-growing facility and the only underground mushroom farm in the United States. For the production, shooting at the facility meant gaining access to the 150 miles of tunnels 300 feet below the ground. Without power, prepping the tunnels for the chase sequences that involved Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) took months -- but it all paid off with spectacular results.

* With so many fight sequences in the film, many of the actors, including Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner, participated in extensive fight training with the stunt team. Cast members trained with fight choreographer Jonathan Eusebio. Renaming the gym the "Stunt Dojo," Eusebio and his team trained the cast in different fighting styles, including medieval fighting techniques, Wushu, Kung Fu and Kali.

* For three weeks, the production shut down East 9th Street in Downtown Cleveland to prep and shoot one of the larger action sequences. It was the talk of the town for months and attracted thousands of curious onlookers, who watched the street transform from empty buildings to a bustling New York City street complete with subway stop and popular storefronts with facades. The production design was so convincing that rumors circulated about new stores opening on the street.

* Another challenge for the production design team was transforming Cleveland's historic Public Square into an exterior location that would double for Stuttgart, Germany. The production changed words on the facades of the buildings to German and added a "biergarten" to the square. Local workers in the area loved the changes and hoped the upgrades to the square (new flowers, plants, picnic tables and lampposts) would stay in place after filming was completed.

* Despite being a secure location that only cast and crew members could access, one fan's persistence caught the eye of "The Avengers" cast and crew at the Airpark set in Wilmington, Ohio, when she made a big poster-board sign welcoming the cast to the city and requesting that the actors autograph a T-shirt that was in a bag. The sign was such a hit with the company that they passed it to the set. Filmmakers were able to contact the fan and she was given a tour of the set, an "Avengers" crew hat, a meet and greet with director Joss Whedon and, of course, the cast's autographs on the T-shirt she had placed by the sign. It truly was a day to remember for one lifelong Marvel fan.

* Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Tom Hiddleston was not exposed to American sports, but that all changed during production as he was able to watch a Cleveland Browns preseason football game on the sidelines, attend a Cleveland Indians game, throw out the first pitch, and be courtside at the US Open to watch several matches.

* In shooting one of the bigger action sequences in the film, director Joss Whedon enlisted the help of 25 members of the Ohio-based 391st Military Police Battalion to be part of the scene in which New York City is being attacked by unknown forces. The troops were brought in to add a layer of authenticity and give the combat scenes realism. And realism is exactly what the MPs delivered with their 50-caliber machine guns and Mark-19s. The film crew was blown away by their firepower and teamwork and Whedon was also impressed and appreciative as he posed for pictures with the Battalion after the scene was completed.

* For special effects to pull off the destruction of a New York City street, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick involved precision pyrotechnics and well-timed car gags so that the production's stunt people could safely maneuver through the explosions and flipping cars. To pull off the large pyrotechnic event, Sudick and his team rigged 28 explosions, which went off in a wave fashion down the street to simulate an air attack. The sequence also included setting up 14 cars down the middle of the street, which included cannon cars, flipper cars, ‘pyro cars as well as a semi-truck that exploded. Sudick and his team pulled off the sequence without a hitch and even though it was shot on East 9th Street in downtown Cleveland, it still made the cover of the New York Post with the headline: "Save us, Thor!"

Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”--the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, & directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble on May 4, 2012. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In addition to "Marvel's The Avengers," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Iron Man 3" on May 3, 2013!; and “Thor 2” on November 15, 2013. Source: Walt Disney Pictures


Why Paramount Pictures And Not Disney Is Credited in Avengers Movie Promos...

Some folks have wondered why it is Paramount Pictures and not Walt Disney Pictures that is credited in the The Avengers promos. After all, last October they announced that they had "reached an agreement under which Paramount will transfer its worldwide marketing and distribution rights to Disney for Marvel Studios' The Avengers and Iron Man 3... Under terms of the new deal, Disney will pay Paramount $115 million for the transfer of the distribution rights to Iron Man 3 and The Avengers to be paid on the theatrical release dates. These monies will serve as a minimum guarantee against the distribution fees. In completing this agreement, Disney will now assume worldwide marketing and distribution of 'The Avengers' and 'Iron Man 3'."

Yet, when you examine both the teaser poster and the new trailer, there is no mention of Disney at all. Variety has a report on this and mentions that some things were left out of the original announcement:

Knowing Disney wanted to turn "The Avengers" into a franchise and bank on the success of "Iron Man" after buying Marvel for $4 billion, Par's brass negotiated a deal in which it continues to collect 8% of the B.O. as part of fees it would have earned for distribbing the pic, as it did with the two "Iron Man" pics, "Thor" and "Captain America." It gets 9% for "Iron Man 3."

At the minimum, it earns $115 million, should they not perform.

At the same time, the deal granted Par placement on the marketing materials for both titles, even though Marvel's films are fully owned by Disney and will be solely distributed and marketed by the Mouse House, Variety learned.

While moviegoers will continue to think Paramount Pictures is releasing The Avengers and Iron Man 3 in theaters, it is Disney doing the vast amount of work and who most of the movie news is coming from. Most fans are not fussed, and just want to see quality super hero themed motion pictures.


Casino Club Promoters from The Star's Marquee Nightclub Ejected From Hugos; Trying to Attract Patrons...

The Star is pulling out all the stops in their ambitious attempt to establish Marquee as Sydney's elite nightclub, with an army of promoters - street team of sorts spotted looking to nab customers from rival nightclubs over the weekend.

There's a bakers dozen play celebrities being flown in from Los Angeles this week to attend the VIP party on Friday - Paris Hilton, Ashlee Simpson, Nick Lachey, Kellan Lutz, Abbie Cornish and LMFAO's Redfoo in the mix.

Rupert Murdoch's Daily Telegraph 'Confidential' Kings Cross spies noticed a group of Marquee workers being requested to leave Hugos on Friday night.

"They were handing out cards and talking up Marquee's big (public) opening on Saturday," said the leak. "Staff saw them and asked them to leave immediately."

Another leak said: "Being in Pyrmont, The Star are aware they really have to work to get people there because there's nothing else around. Even from Ivy it's quite a hike."

As revealed on Saturday, a massive group of socialites and party types have been recruited - many from other clubs - to help drive business to the $20 million Marquee. The official opening night on Saturday features a performance by will.i.am and the casino in a clever move not ticketing the event, with a door charge guaranteeing bigger numbers and early arrivals.


Mel Gibson selling his Costa Rican retreat...

Australian Actor-director Mel Gibson is putting his sprawling hilltop compound in Costa Rica up for sale with a $US29.75 million asking price.

The Oscar winner has suffered a series of public embarrassments in recent years after a decades-long reign as a top box office star.

Fortunately things have pretty much returned to normal for 'Our Mel', who is getting a lot of support from many Hollywooders and close friends.

He is reportedly selling the 500-acre compound to downsize his real estate portfolio.

Over the years Gibson has owned lavish properties in Malibu, Australia, Montana, Connecticut and even a private island in Fiji.

Gibson's Pacific coast compound, on Playa Barrigona on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula just south of the Nicaragua border, boasts three hilltop homes - the largest of which has seven bedrooms, with soaring ocean and jungle views.

Each villa on the former cattle ranch is outfitted with native Costa Rican woods and Italian and Spanish tiles and features multiple verandas and a private pool.

"The property is expansive, meticulously maintained and ultimately private," said Rick Moeser, a spokesman for Christie's real estate.

"With its multiple homes and outbuildings, this is the ideal family retreat."

Gibson, 56, has seven children from his long marriage which ended in divorce in 2009.

He also has one child with Russian star Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he had an acrimonious break-up.

Many people are looking forward to seeing Mel back in the media for quality film projects that he decides to involve himself in.

WWE WrestleMania: The Rock VS John Cena News...

The Rock, who rose to stardom in the pro wrestling business, says there's nowhere else he'd rather drop The People's Elbow than in the ring. The Rock returns to the WWE for his first WrestleMania match since 2004 when he headlines the April 1 WrestleMania 28 card against former champion John Cena at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, USA.

For a company once home to Hulk Hogan and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, this match is as close as it gets to a dream match. Both hardcore fans, casual fans and news media are buzzing about it.

"I came back to put on the biggest match of all time," Johnson said. "That's all I want to do. There's no one I can do that with right now other than John. He's far and above everyone else in terms of popularity. He's the guy. Is he Stone Cold? No. Is he Hogan? No. But he is John Cena and he's been on top for a long time now."

Johnson reigned in that top spot at the end of the 1990s and the early part of the last decade
before embarking on an impressive run in Hollywood. His current film, "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," grossed $95 million in its first six weeks in the U.S attained $300 million worldwide. His previous movie, "Fast Five," made more than $210 million in U.S grosses, proving that Johnson knows how to rock the box office.

All that big-ticket drawing power is why the WWE believes he can attract more than a million pay-per-view buys (at $54.95 U.S) in his return singles match.

"They know that I'm back, not for money, not because I like being on the road, but because I love the business," Johnson said. "The energy level is different this time around, the connection is more emotional this time around."

Sitting in the Wells Fargo Center seats hours before 18,088 fans packed the place for Monday's live "Raw," Johnson reflected on a career that took him from $40 paydays and Waffle House meals to his choice of top movie roles and a lavish $3.4 million pad in South Florida.

His stories are interrupted by visits from today's WWE crew. Sheamus, a rising WWE star, had a brief chat with The Rock.

"Great match on Friday," Rock says. "I texted Chris (Jericho) on Friday. You guys killed it. That boot at the end, that was awesome."

Sheamus smiles and appreciates the feedback.

"Thank you, Rock."

The Rock says, if the boys in the back are resentful he slid into the main event without toiling 200-plus days last year on the road, he hasn't noticed.

"The best part of me coming back is hearing them say, 'You've inspired me, thank you,'" Johnson said. "That's the greatest compliment that I can get. It's so cool man. They don't talk about movies. They don't talk about other matches. It's just, 'You've inspired me.'"

On screen, Cena has a contrasting take.

"I was a fan in '99. I'm not a fan now," Cena said. "I don't know what he's got going on upstairs."

The Rock returned to Vince McMahon's empire last year as WrestleMania's guest host, but couldn't help but get physical in the main event. He dropped his finishing move, The Rock Bottom, on Cena which allowed WWE champion The Miz to get the pin and retain his title. The next night on "Raw," Cena and Rock agreed to a bout for this year's signature event, a bold and risky yearlong push for a company where real injuries often fracture fantasy storylines.

Johnson's return boosted Wrestlemania's buy rate to 1,042,000 worldwide—the first time it topped a million in three years and seventh time overall.

The Rock wrestled for the first time in 7 1/2 years when he teamed with Cena at November's Survivor Series pay-per-view against Miz and R-Truth.

The temporary alliance disintegrated and the duo have engaged in verbal battles for most of the last two months. Cena tweaked Rock's catchphrases in a rap song. Rock strummed the guitar and sang his own tune about where he wants to stick his boots at Wrestlemania. The two have gone back-and-forth on Twitter. It's a unique twist on hype—far removed from the ferociousness of Roddy Piper bashing Jimmy Snuka's head with a coconut.

"We've been griping like two little kids now for about a year," Cena said. "Now, everybody wants to see us fight."

Cena and Rock top a card that includes WWE champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. the Undertaker in a steel cage, and Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres vs. Kelly Kelly and "Extra" co-host and current "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Maria Menounos.

Like Johnson, Jericho has found mainstream success as an author, lead singer of the band "Fozzy," and reality TV and awards show host. Jericho said few people have Johnson's oversized personality to transition into all forms of entertainment.

"I know just how much firepower Rock has," Jericho said. "I think people forget sometimes how good he is."

Fans have tuned in, though not quite in the monster numbers of Johnson's "Attitude Era" heyday. The March 12 "Raw," averaged 4.82 million viewers (4.97 million watched the second hour of the show) which bested the highest-rated NCAA tournament cable game, Kansas vs. Purdue (4.43 million viewers).

Johnson has committed to appearing at next year's WrestleMania at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. In what role, he hasn't said.

It's clear if the WWE wants to squeeze another potential blockbuster buy rate out of the Rock, the last man standing to get the headline match would be the return of former WWE and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

How about it: Brock vs. Rock at WrestleMania 29?

"I'm not saying a thing," said a laughing, grinning Rock, eyebrow raised. "I didn't say anything."

The Rock silenced. That's a first.

Before Johnson can map out a storyline for next year's WrestleMania, there are more movies to shoot. He just wrapped, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," and begins filming Michael Bay's "Pain & Gain," with Mark Wahlberg on April 3. He also has starring roles lined up for "Fast Six," and "Hercules."

Johnson would like to shed the invincible hero role for once and grapple with a meatier, dramatic role.

"A role like that will come," he said. "I can't wait for that to come, by the way. We'll develop things. I'm patient."

He won't have to wait much longer for WrestleMania.

*Australian fans can order WrestleMania 28 via the Main Event Channel on Foxtel for $34.95 - "Very good value for money considering the strength of the card" said a Media Man spokeperson. "If your going to order just one wrestling PPV this year, this is the one to get without question" continued the PR from the Media Man agency.

Main Event TV - WrestleMania promo...

WWE Wrestlemania XXVIII
LIVE Monday, April 2 at 9am AEDT
Replays: 2pm, 7pm, 12am AEST
Encores: 3 till 5 April 2012 then 8 till 9 April

In the most anticipated WrestleMania clash in history, John Cena will collide with The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII, emanating from The Great One’s hometown of Miami.

Few could have anticipated that two of sports-entertainment’s most celebrated icons would ever meet in the squared circle, let alone on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Yet, the WWE Universe will bear witness to this blockbuster collision - one year after The Cenation Commander-in-Chief and “The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment” agreed to battle in a dream match for the ages.

Following a seven-year absence, The Rock returned to WWE in characteristically grand fashion in early 2010 to host WrestleMania XXVII. Although The People’s Champion was overjoyed to be reunited with his millions – and millions – of fans at long last, he was quick to take aim at Cena, sparking a very public war of words with his fellow multi-time World Champion.

The verbal jousts escalated to physical confrontation in the weeks that followed, and it became abundantly clear that the pair would cross paths at The Showcase of the Immortals in one way or another. Ultimately, in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 71,000 WWE Universe members in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, The Rock put an exclamation point on his rivalry with Cena by hitting him with a Rock Bottom, a maneuver that afforded The Miz the opportunity to retain his coveted WWE Championship.

The following night on Raw, these two icons faced off once again, but this time the physicality was limited to a handshake. For the first time in history, a WrestleMania main event was made one year prior to the event itself.

Cena and The Rock forged an unstable alliance to combat The Awesome Truth – an outspoken tandem consisting of The Miz & R-Truth – at the monumental 25th annual Survivor Series in Madison Square Garden. Although “The Most Charismatic Tag Team of All Time” kept their cool for the most part as they battled common enemies, The People’s Champ issued a forceful WrestleMania reminder to his temporary tag team partner after their victory when he nailed Cena with yet another Rock Bottom.

The battle lines were drawn once again...

2pm, 7pm, 12am AEST

FOXTEL, OPTUS, AUSTAR $34.95

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
Are you a loyal member of Cenation, or are you allied with Team Bring It? Join the discussion about this monumental main event with the rest of the WWE Universe on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to watch history unfold by tuning in to WrestleMania XXVIII, April 2, 2012.


That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Hugh "The Wolverine" Jackman punches Russell "The Gladiator" Crowe in play...

Hugh Jackman tried to punch Russell Crowe as many times as possible during rehearsals for theatre production Les Miserables.

The Australian star keeps asking to re-shoot fight scenes where he knocks Crowe out, because he enjoys it so much.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The crew find it hilarious as Crowe would obviously sweep the floor with Jackman in real life.

"Hugh keeps ribbing Russell and winding him up but he's been getting his own back by calling Hugh a twirlie, which is showbiz speak for a singer/dancer."

Although Jackman has always had to be in good shape to play muscular superhero Wolverine in the X-Men films, he was recently told he had to bulk up to play the character in the next movie, The Wolverine, as he had lost so many pounds while appearing in Hugh Jackman: Back On Broadway.

He said: "The studio wants me to bulk up. Singing and dancing makes the suits nervous because weight just falls off me, but I'd rather sing and dance on Broadway than make movies."

Crowe is also no stranger to long fight scenes, having undergone gruelling shoots against Michael Shannon in Superman: Man of Steel, in which he played the titular superhero's father.

He tweeted: "15km bike ride, umpteen hours fighting Michael Shannon. He's very hard to put down. Hard to tell who wins, we are still fighting tomorrow. (sic)"


The Star Casino Nightclub To Lure Paris Hilton, Boyfriend And Clique - End Of Month...

It's been mixed headlines for The Star over the past month, but the powers that be are hoping the ship will turn around after re pushing the celebrity card, now looking to have netted Paris Hilton and friends.

The Star in 'Sin City' Sydney will fly in some big name celebs to help launch its new nightclub, Marquee.

It sounds like its going to be a huge night come March 30, and one of the hottest tickets in town we bet.

Dutch producer and DJ Afrojack (Nick van de Wall) is signed up, and Paris Hilton is as close to 100% as you can get.

The heiress recently fuelled the rumours when she posted this message on Twitter: "Congrats @NoahTepperberg on@MarqueeSydney! @DJAfrojack is gonna kill it at the opening party down there! I love #Australia!"

The casino is looking to throw off the negative press that came its way re the the surprise departure of former boss Sid Vaikunta.

Marquee is a joint venture with Tao Group, which is responsible for America's biggest nightclubs, including Tao in Las Vegas and New York, and Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub in Las Vegas.

Marquee's Vegas managed to snatch the likes of Rihanna, Beyonce, Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, and 'Sin City' version is hoping to at least equal that.


Are Bruce Willis And Sylvester Stallone’s Wives Joining Season 3 Of Real Housewives of Beverly Wills?...

Maybe! There has been many rumors that Sylvester Stallone’s wife, Jennifer Flavin was asked to join season 3 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills but no confirmation just yet. The National Enquirer is now reporting that Jennifer is "heavily recruiting" close friend and Bruce Willis wife Emma Heming to join the show as well! A hollywood pal told The Enquirer, "They know each other from their modeling days, and Jen thinks the two of them together can ‘take over’ the show – and she loves that their hubbies are friends too!"

So how exactly does Bruce and Sly feel about this? The leak says, "While Jennifer says Sly is totally supportive of the idea, she’s trying to get Emma to convince Bruce that this would be a good thing. He’s wary because Emma is about to become a first-time mom. He’s also not thrilled about having a reality TV crew following them everywhere." The two couples were seen having dinner last week and apparently "Bruce told Jennifer he would consider the idea. But first he wants to get past the impending arrival of his new baby."


Brummer 'acted in self-defence' during nightclub scuffle...

The former Home and Away heart-throb allegedly attempted to bite one man, and punched and kicked another in the scuffle at the city's Crown Casino after the actor was turned away from a Logie Awards afterparty in May (11).

Brummer appeared in court in Melbourne on Friday (23 Mar 12) to face charges of unlawful assault and attempting to commit an indictable offence for allegedly trying to bite the security guard.

However the actor's lawyer, Andrew Dickenson, argued the incident was "largely a case of self-defence" as Brummer was being restrained by up to five guards and had his hands tied.

Dickenson asked for the case to be reviewed at a diversion hearing, which allows first-time offenders to escape a conviction by making amends for their actions.

The magistrate granted the request and the diversion hearing will be held on 1 May (12).


Soapies star tried to bite bouncer - court...

Former soapie star Dieter Brummer will reappear in court in May for allegedly trying to bite, push and kick Crown Casino security guards on Logies night.

Brummer, 36, was outside a Logies after-party at Melbourne's Crown Casino on May 2 last year when he was restrained by up to five security guards aka "gorillas in suits".

Melbourne Magistrates Court heard Brummer tried to bite one of the guards and pushed and kicked another.

But his lawyer argued he was acting in self-defence.

Brummer, who shot to stardom on Home and Away and more recently starred in two Underbelly series, appeared in court on Friday facing nine charges.

Defence lawyer Andrew Dickenson said Brummer had been restrained by up to five security guards during the scuffle, had a bloodied nose and his hands tied when he lashed out.

"Largely this is a case of self-defence, but whether or not it's reasonable under the circumstances" he told the court.

The court heard Brummer had drugs in his possession but they were later found to be prescription medication.

Mr Dickenson asked for the matter to be referred for a diversion hearing, given the circumstances.

Magistrate Ann Collins initially had reservations, but agreed after hearing Brummer's claim of self-defence.

"Clearly these sorts of incidents are not the sort of incidents that would be diverted," she said.

The prosecution said the security guards were 'amenable' to the matter proceeding as a diversion.

Two of the nine charges will proceed: attempting to commit an indictable offence and unlawful assault.

Brummer was ordered to reappear in court on May 1 for a diversion hearing, under a program which allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal conviction.

Brummer, a winner of two silver Logie awards, walked from the court with his lawyer without speaking to news media.


Red Dog Film To Become Musical; Set For The Star Lyric Theatre Sydney...

Like The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - and Strictly Ballroom next year - the hit Australian film Red Dog is to become a stage musical.

Theatrical producer John Frost and film producer Nelson Woss will meet next week to thrash out ideas for Red Dog the Musical.

Frost, who has An Officer and a Gentleman opening at Sydney's Lyric theatre in May, says the new show (''music by Bach?'') is at least two years away. He thinks the story is likely to stay "pretty close" to the warm-hearted film, which was based on a true story about a free-spirited red Kelpie who united an outback mining community in the 1970s. And he hopes to do what Woss managed with the film - attract such big mining companies as Rio Tinto and Woodside as investors.

"These shows cost 7 or 8 million dollars," he told The Herald's Garry Maddox. "It's a lot of money to raise. It'll probably end up costing more than the film cost, as did Priscilla."

The Media Man publicity and internet agency just loves the idea. "Ruff and ready, and should make a motza of money for any half decent theatre that takes it on", a insider was overhead saying.

The Star Casino Fun And Games...

Timing is everything, as management at The Star discovered when the millions spent on flashy parties and celebrities backfired after boss Sid Vaikunta was sacked for inappropriate behaviour. Now the casino has yet another big-name party to launch its new nightclub Marquee, sister club to its racy Las Vegas counterpart famed for celebrity high jinks. Enlisted for the launch next Friday are Afrojack, Bobby Burns and Redfoo, of LMFAO fame and the hit song Sexy and I Know It. Team Media Man and Music News Australia is pretty keen to come to the afterparty, and we're not that hard to find kids.


Marc Webb Talks Amazing Spider-Man...

Director Marc Webb reveals several details for the upcoming reboot, The Amazing Spider-Man.

Talking at the WonderCon that is currently being held in Anaheim, California, check out what director Marc Webb has to say regarding the upcoming movie, The Amazing Spider-Man..

The Amazing Spider-Man follows Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), a teenager who is an outcast from high school and abandoned by his parents when he was young and is now living with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field), spends his days trying to unravel the mystery of his own past and winning the heart of his high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase belonging to his dad which leads him to his dad's former partner, Dr. Connors (Rhys Ifans). The discovery of his father's secret will ultimately shape his destiny of becoming "Spider-Man" and bring him face to face with Connors" alter ego, the Lizard. Under the direction of Marc Webb, the movie will swing in to theaters on July 3, 2012.


Official Marvel Avengers Colognes Hit the Online Marketplace...

After debuting at the International Toy Fair, Avengers colognes become available for public purchase online and at select comic stores throughout the U.S. and Canada

HUNT VALLEY, Md., March 22, 2012 - After debuting at the International Toy Fair in true Super Hero fashion, JADS International, LLC, a company producing fine fragrances worldwide, is proud to announce that official Marvel's The Avengers Colognes are now available for public purchase through the company's online marketplace (www.jadsinternational.com). Anticipation and excitement for the colognes and perfume has been building as the May 4 premiere of Marvel's The Avengers draws near.

"Demand for our official Avengers cologne and perfume has been, pardon the pun, out of this world and we are happy to report that fans can now get their hands on our products before the film premieres," said Andrew Levine, Chief Executive Officer of JADS. "Everyone has conventional cologne and perfume at home, but we take it to another level by offering supernatural scents that will empower and bring out the Super Hero in all of us."

The JADS Spring 2012 Line for Marvel's The Avengers is most accessible online and includes:

The Avengers Cologne Set (four 60ml Eud du Toilette Vaporisateur Spray Colognes, $59.99). Set includes four heroic fragrances:

Patriot Cologne, Your Attack Plan: inspired by Captain America, pays homage to the confident, stand-up to bullies, hard working average Joe in everyman. The cologne features hints of green lime and white pepper with finishes of dry oak wood, sandalwood and tequila.

Mark VII Cologne, Armor Up: inspired by Iron Man, combines mandarin and jasmine with light patchouli to create a contemporary expression of "I don't play well with others" confidence; leaving you ready for whatever a genius, billionaire, playboy-philanthropist might encounter throughout their day.

Worthy Cologne, Posses the Power: inspired by Thor, is a woody citrus cologne with a combination of bergamot, frozen ginger and wheatgrass blended with a hint of fresh natural grapefruit and layered with cypress; creating a deep dry masculine almost "God-like" musk.

SMASH!, Be Angry: inspired by Hulk, is a clean scent with clear top notes of water lily and nutmeg, which carries on an intense woody dry down, enriched with Indian sandalwood, dry musk and warm cedar. Complimentary to full range emotions, it wears well at work, in the lab, or an evening out on the town.

Additional Scents:

Black Widow Perfume (50ml Vaporisateur Eau de Parfum, $29.99) – Russian spy, trained assassin, world-class ballerina, girl from legal department. This perfume has a clear shot of citrus slowly giving way to sensual caramel and honey. The scent dries down with a blend of bitter chocolate, clear patchouli and praline.

Infinity Formula Cologne (100ml Eud du Toilette Vaporisateur Spray Cologne, $29.99) – Inspired by Nick Fury, CIC of S.H.I.E.L.D., this cologne is a seductive fragrance for not just any man; but only for those who will risk everything to keep the dream of freedom alive. And sure, you could describe it as a citron cocktail smoothed over with a couple of stiff shots of tonka bean and guaiac wood; or you could just put it on and know it makes you smell good.

Mischief Cologne (100ml Eud du Toilette Vaporisateur Spray Cologne, $29.99) – Inspired by Thor's bad brother, Loki, this unisex fragrance combines a base of green tea and amber with bergamot and cardamom in a dangerous-sexy, yet playful way that wears well on anyone; day or night.
All fragrances are made in the U.S., never tested on animals and are cruelty free.

More information and additional comic inspired cologne and perfume lines are available on www.jadsinternational.com. The website also supplies a list of comic retailers selling the products.

About Marvel's The Avengers Marvel Studios presents "Marvel's The Avengers"—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and written and directed by Joss Whedon, "Marvel's The Avengers" is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series "The Avengers," first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when "Marvel's The Avengers" assemble in summer 2012.

About Marvel Entertainment Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

About JADS International, LLC. JADS is a worldwide fragrance company built on the principles of developing and marketing niche high quality products and providing exceptional service at a fair price. Our diversified product range continues to grow by setting trends, improving our standard products, and most importantly, listening to the customer to exceed their expectations. Well known JADS fragrance collections include Star Trek (Tiberius Cologne for Men, Pon Farr Perfume for Her, Red Shirt Cologne, Shirtless Kirk Cologne and Sulu Pour Homme), Star Wars (Slave Leia Perfume, Eau Lando Cologne), and Marvel (The Avengers, Spiderman Cologne and Deadpool Cologne). For more information, visit www.jadsinternational.com.


The Godfather Movie Franchise Turns 40...

Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather turns 40 this weekend, a surprisingly ripe old age for a movie that hasn't aged a bit.

One of the great American movies, The Godfather hasn't stopped influencing popular culture since the day it was released.

Martin Scorsese owes much of his career to it, The Sopranos wouldn't have made sense without it, and VH1's reality show Mob Wives is a winking travesty of it.

The film's alluring portrait of the mob as Old World charmers with ice-cold hearts appears again and again in crime films, comedies, video games, comic books, hip-hop videos - the list goes on. In fact, nearly anything that focuses on organized crime, corporate gamesmanship or the glories of patriarchy - from HBO's The Wire to AMC's Mad Men - seems unable to escape the long, broad-shouldered shadow of The Godfather. You can even play The Godfather online slot game at Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment owned PartyCasino.com Tell 'em the Media Man sent you.

But for all its heavy themes (immigration, politics, business, the American dream), The Godfather is also vastly entertaining. It's a grand, macho soap opera full of unfettered ids, violently settled scores and men wearing enviable suits. And talk about a bromance: Have you ever seen so many guys hugging and kissing in a Hollywood movie?


Miranda Kerr and Jen Hawkins among richest models in the world...

Australian models Miranda Kerr, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Jennifer Hawkins and Elle Macpherson have all made Grazia's model rich list.

The magazine published a list of the 11 highest paid models in the world in its latest issue and listed Kershaw's earnings as more than the royals.

They reported the Melbourne-born model earns $100, 000 a week, making her one of the highest paid models on the planet.

Supermodel mum Kerr has a net worth of $11.4 million, while Hawkins earns $5 million a year.

However, industry veteran Macpherson dwarfs all of their salaries with a total worth of $57 million.

Kathy Ireland was listed as the richest model in the world with a fortune of $333 million. Controversial supermodel Kate Moss is worth $75 million, while her rival Naomi Campbell has $47 million.

Tipped by Forbes to become the "world's first billionaire supermodel", Gisele Bundchen is well on her way with an estimated fortune of $238 million.

Runway stalwarts Claudia Schiffer and Heidi Klum are worth $52 and $68 million respectively.

TV personality Tyra Banks is another one of the big earners with profits from her television and beauty empire worth $85 million.


Producer Offers Update On Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’...

After a ton of casting news followed by some very basic set photos, all’s been quiet on the Django Unchained front for some time now. That’s because writer/director Quentin Tarantino has been working hard with his amazing cast (Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Don Johnson, Christoph Waltz, Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony LaPaglia) to complete the film, which is aimed at a December 25 release date.

I’ve seen some stuff and it’s amazing. We’re still shooting and my partner Stacey [Sher] is producing with Pilar Savone who worked for Quentin and Reggie Hudlin. I’m exec-producing and we’re like, maybe, half-way through. You have no idea. It’s the most amazing film cause, as you know, it’s a spaghetti western about slavery and Quentin’s vocabulary is such that it’s just pure entertainment, Leonardo’s the bad guy, it’s gonna be awesome.

That’s the update on a film that’s still in production but Shamberg not only produced Pulp Fiction for Tarantino, he’s also did The Big Chill, Reality Bites, A Fish Called Wanda, Out of Sight, Contagion and many more. Not a bad track record. And it’s good to know they’re about half way done.

In the film Jamie Foxx plays Django, a slave freed by a bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). The pair team up to free Django’s wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) who is held captive by plantation owner and slave runner Calvin Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.


Smelly Leo DiCaprio not a shower man, says girlfriend Erin Heatherton...

Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly refuses to use deodorants, while his girlfriend, model Erin Heatherton, wants him to clean up a bit and be hygiene-conscious.

"Leo has let his love for the environment take over his whole world and it's killing his love life, he only showers a couple of days a week to conserve water and he considers deodorant to be unnatural," the showbizspy.com website quoted a source as saying.

"Erin loves him dearly but is starting to feel like Leo loves the environment more than her. Erin has warned him to clean up his act and his hygiene. If not, he may wind up chasing off the woman of his dream."


WWE® Studios and Anchor Bay Films to Distribute The Day - 23rd March 2012...

WWE® Studios WWE and Anchor Bay Films today announced a partnership to co-distribute the provocative action thriller, The Day. WWE Studios secured the U.S. distribution rights to the film immediately after the film's initial audience screening at the Toronto Film Festival.

The Day was one of the most buzzed-about films at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section. The film stars a stunning cast that includes Shawn Ashmore (The X-Men trilogy), Dominic Monaghan (“Lost” and The Lord of the Rings), Shannyn Sossamon (A Knight’s Tale, 40 Days and 40 Nights) and Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism).

“With the incredible audience reaction it saw at Toronto, we knew that The Day would be a great addition to our brand,” said WWE Studios President, Michael Luisi. “By combining the marketing power of our television, digital/social media and print assets with Anchor Bay’s tremendous distribution capabilities and successful track record, we look forward to bringing this film to a broad audience.”

“We are extremely excited that we are partnering with WWE Studios in this venture,” commented Kevin Kasha, Executive Vice President, Acquisitions and Co-Productions. “The film’s production team has created a truly fresh story and brought in top young talent to bring it to life. Audiences will be thrilled, thoroughly entertained and will be left hungry for more.”

About WWE Studios

WWE Studios continues to strategically diversify its slate of films, which include theatrical releases and direct-to-home premieres, under the guidance of President Michael Luisi. Upcoming films for WWE Studios includes: No One Lives starring Luke Evans and WWE Superstar Brodus Clay which was co-produced with Pathé Films; and Barricade starring Eric McCormack.

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company WWE, is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 600 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.


Stacy Keibler to judge X Factor?...

Stacy Keibler is in talks to join 'The X Factor'.

The former professional wrestler - who is the main squeeze aka girlfriend of actor George Clooney - has reportedly been involved in a series of secret meetings about the possibility of becoming a judge on the upcoming second series of the US version of Simon Cowell's pop star search TV show.

While the blonde beauty and pop superstar Britney Spears are believed to be filling the two panel slots left vacant by axed judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, insiders have suggested Stacy's "lack of experience" in the music industry means she could be more likely to take over from former host Steve Jones.

An leak said: "Stacy Keibler is also in talks to join the show, but her lack of experience in the music business may make her more appropriate as a host. She looks fantastic and has bags of charisma."

Although Britney is believed to have been offered a deal worth $10 million to become a judge, it is alleged she is demanding "a lot more money".

A source added to the New York Post newspaper: "Talks are still ongoing with Britney and she is asking for a lot more money than was originally offered. But producers are confident Britney will realise this is a great opportunity for her to reinvent herself and accept their deal."

Show boss Simon - who is joined on the judging panel by record label chief L.A. Reid - has previously admitted he is keen for the presenter of the series to not come from a hosting background.

He said: "I always wanted a boy and a girl to host the show. And I like hosts who don't kind of have a hosting background, it's a different kind of dynamic."


HBO cancels Luck after horse deaths...

It's Dustin Hoffman's television series Luck, which earned some of its critical acclaim for its portrayal of thoroughbreds racing around the racetracks of southern California.

Off camera however the show has had some very bad luck.

The horseracing drama series Luck has been cancelled after the deaths of three horses, TV network HBO and producers say.

HBO, which is currently filming the drama's second series, has abruptly suspended the use of horses on its set following the sudden death of yet another one of its equine performers.

The series won't return for the second season run that began production last month, it said.

A horse was put down on Tuesday after it reared, fell over backwards, and hit its head.

The incident, which occurred on location at Santa Anita racetrack north of Los Angeles, was the third fatal accident involving horses in Luck's short history.

Animal rights activists are understood to be outraged by the development, and have called for police to launch an investigation into possible breaches of welfare laws.

They blamed the "outrageous" deaths on "sloppy oversights" by the makers of the show, created by the Hollywood director, Michael Mann.

HBO, for its part, can barely afford more negative publicity for the expensive show, which recently debuted in the UK on Sky.

Though heavily marketed, and despite receiving positive reviews, Luck has underperformed commercially, attracting just 625,000 viewers in the US.

In a statement, the network said it was "deeply saddened" by the horse's death.

It promised "full co-operation" with an investigation by the American Humane Association [AHA].

"Recent assertions of lax attitudes or negligence could not be further from the truth," it read.

"We will not be filming horses until AHA completes its inquiry."

This week's fatal accident was witnessed by Gary Beck, a vet.

"The horse was on her way back to the stall when she reared, flipped over backwards, and struck her head on the ground," he said, in a statement.

Since the injury was too serious to respond to treatment, euthanasia the only appropriate move, he added.

The California Horse Racing Board, which has allowed HBO to use Santa Anita during its off-season, said that a full post mortem will now be carried out on the creature.

"Unfortunately, we see several of these injuries in the stable area every year," said its equine medical director, Rick Arthur.

"They are more common than people realise."

Hollywood's local animal welfare lobby is unlikely to be impressed with the statement.

Even before this week's events, they were investigating Luck's treatment of its equine stars, alleging that two other horses who suffered fatal accidents during the filming of the show's first series should never have been allowed on set.

The first season of Luck premiered in Australia on Showcase last Sunday.


Celebrity real estate: Sinatra, Cruise homes hit market...

Alicia Keys is moving on from her gorgeous Manhattan apartment, Frank Sinatra's former home is for sale, and the former rental home of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes as well as Russell Crowe is available for lease.

Alicia Keys lists 'Empire-State-of-Mind' penthouse

Forget about moving on up. Singer and New York native Alicia Keys did that a long time ago, trading her childhood residence at the artist-friendly Manhattan Plaza apartment complex in Hell's Kitchen for a slick SoHo real estate market triplex.

Now Keys and her producer husband Swizz Beatz have listed their Crosby Street penthouse for $17.95 million only two years after the couple bought the place from funk/soul/rocker Lenny Kravitz for $12.5 million.

According to Sotheby's International, which holds the listing, the apartment boasts five bedrooms, four bathrooms, four powder rooms and an enormous state-of-the-art, windowed, gourmet eat-in kitchen with walk-in butler's pantry. And separate formal dining room that faces east encased in a glass solarium.

That's only the start of the grand tour of a pad once rented by Nicole Kidman and Denzel Washington. The place also has an expansive living room with fireplace and library/media room that are all surrounded by undoubtedly one of the most beautiful private terraces in all of SoHo. Upstairs, there's a separate private master suite complete with spa, pass-through dressing area and private terrace.

Owner of former Sinatra home didn't stay long

When Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey bought Frank Sinatra's former Los Angeles home in November 2010 for $18.5 million, the famous Hollywood producer had big plans to restore and renovate the brick ranch that sits on a parklike 2.3 acres.

Turns out that, in the end, the Sinatra house that inspired Grey's dreams was merely a nice set for Grey's wedding in April 2011 to his new wife, Cassandra. The wedding was called lavish, and attended by the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez. The couple has since moved to Bel Air, making Grey's ownership stint a lot like Sinatra's.

"My client still owns (the Sinatra house) but I sold him another property. He didn't want to go through the process of renovating the house,'' said Stephen Shapiro, who holds the listing at Westside Estate Agency.

The property has been back on the market since September, when Grey listed the Holmby Hills residence for $23.5 million. After a price drop on March 15, the former Sinatra home at 320 N. Carolwood Drive was re-listed for its current list price of $19,995,000.

According to the Sinatra biography "The Voice,'' by James Kaplan, Sinatra bought the house in 1948 for $250,000 at a time when his career was at a low ebb. Sinatra had built a dream home in Palm Springs, and was strapped for cash and on the verge of divorce.

Rent like Tom Cruise or Russell Crowe for $100K a month...

What do Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Russell Crowe have in common?

Besides star status and high-paying movie roles, all three have at some point, for at least a little while, called 918 N. Alpine Drive home in Los Angeles.

The Tudor-style home was rented by Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise for $55,000 a month and then leased by Russell Crowe while he filmed "State of Play."

In 2001, the nearly three-acre estate was also the filming location for several scenes in the movie "Blow" starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz.

And for someone with a celebrity-sized housing budget, the home is available again — this time for a whopping monthly rental price of $100,000.

Available as a short or long-term lease, the Beverly Hills rental is set back from the street — perfect for privacy-seeking celebrity tenants. With almost three acres of landscaped property, 6,685 square feet of living space and three separate guest apartments, the estate also has enough room for the star with the biggest entourage of stylists, security personnel and various and sundry assistants.


WWE signs Australian Wrestler...

WWE has signed an Aussie! Sonny Elliot (formally Danny Bolton). Sonny was South Australian based and trained with Lance Storm in Canada. He was recently added to the main FCW roster. We wish Sonny well as his career continues.

That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

EPIX Celebrates Superheroes and the Legendary Stan Lee With Marvel Heroes Weekend April 27-29 - Hosted by Stan Lee

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Marvel Entertainment Marvel Studios Marvel Comics Stan Lee Events Internet Broadcasting Media Man




Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and true believers... here's some excelsior news you've been waiting for.

The Marvel Heroes Weekend is coming up in late April, so mark it down.

The comics world has been buzzing about this - from Bondi Beach, Sydney, to Hollywood, to manga crazy Japan and all points in between...

EPIX Celebrates Superheroes and the Legendary Stan Lee With Marvel Heroes Weekend April 27-29
--Hosted by Lee, Event Features World Television Premieres of Captain America: The First Avenger & EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story --National Free Preview Makes Marvel Heroes Weekend Available to Subscribers of Affiliated Partners...

NEW YORK, March 19, 2012 - EPIX, the multiplatform premium entertainment service, will present Marvel Heroes Weekend, April 27 - 29, a marathon of superhero movies including Iron Man 2, Thor, the world television premiere of Captain America: The First Avenger and the EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story. Hosted by legendary comic book creator Stan Lee, the marathon also includes EPIX Extra: Mighty Movie Superheroes, examining the origins and fan following of the mighty team. The weekend celebration of Marvel's famed superheroes and their creator features the movies that have led up to the highly anticipated theatrical release of The Avengers on May 4.

The EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story follows the life and creations of Stan Lee, the co-creator of Spider-Man, Captain America, Hulk, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man and over 200 other characters that can be found in Marvel comic books, on movie screens and in retail stores around the world.

"These action-packed superhero films are some of the most highly viewed titles among EPIX audiences across all platforms," said EPIX CEO and President Mark Greenberg. "We're excited to give fans more access than ever before to the mastermind behind it all, Stan Lee."

Marvel Heroes Weekend is part of a free preview of EPIX for all subscribers of affiliate partners, which will also showcase Hollywood blockbusters Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Rango, Conan the Barbarian, True Grit, The Lincoln Lawyer and more, along with EPIX original comedy and music events Lewis Black: In God We Rust, Kevin Smith: Burn in Hell and Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball. Over 30 million homes nationwide will have access to the free preview, including over 150 titles available On Demand and more than 3000 movie titles available online at EpixHD.com and through EPIX apps.

*please note: Australian residents may not be able to access all functionality from EPIX. If you have any issues please contact EPIX technical support.

The weekend event and free preview will be supported by television, print, online and out of home advertising and a national contest hosted by EPIX which will send winners to the Hollywood premiere of The Avengers. For more information or to enter, visit the EPIX Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EpixHD. Additionally, EPIX has partnered with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment for Avengers-themed sweepstakes promoted across Ryan Seacrest's nationally syndicated radio shows and website and across several local Clear Channel stations in the top 10 media markets.

EPIX is the first all screen network, available anytime, anywhere, on any screen.

Studio: Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM

About
EPIX delivers instant access to thousands of Hollywood Blockbusters

Plot Outline

WHAT IS EPIX?
EPIX, a joint venture between Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate, is a next-generation premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of its partners and other studios, EPIX provides a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up of new Hollywood titles, classic feature films, original series, music and comedy specials through the linear channel, video-on-demand and online at EpixHD.com, the leading online destination for movies. EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available on EpixHD.com. The service is available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.

That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Lenny Kravitz Headlines Sydney Entertainment Centre; The Cranberries and Wolfmother Support - 21st March 2012

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Tonight's the night.

Hungry for some Lenny Kravitz news? Wait not longer... no time for games fans.

McManus Entertainment and the world famous Sydney Entertainment Centre have brought together three of the greatest bands anywhere - Lenny Kravitz, The Cranberries and Australia's own Wolfmother.

The anticipation of music lovers in Sydney has been building and was further fuelled along by the announcement of promoter Andrew McManus...

"Not only will rock fans around Australia get to enjoy these three great artists, highlights of Lenny’s performance will be broadcast around the world via the F1 Rocks network to a huge international audience. It’s been 18 years since Lenny Kravitz last toured Australia. Lenny is an international superstar and it’s a pleasure to bring him back here. And it’s perfect timing for those that are at the Grand Prix in Melbourne. Fans can conveniently walk over from the track to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and enjoy a great night of rock in Melbourne".

Lenny Kravitz Song List...

Come On Get It
Always On The Run
American Woman
It's Over Till It's Over
Mr. Cab Driver
Black And White America
Fields Of Joy
Stand By My Woman
Believe
Stand
Rock And Roll is Dead
Rock Star City Life
Where Are We Running
Fly Away
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Let Love Rule

Promo...

Get ready to rock Australia! McManus Entertainment in association with F1 Rocks is thrilled to announce the return of rock icon Lenny Kravitz to Australia in March 2012. Marking his first concert appearance in the country in 18 years, Lenny will be joined by Irish chart-toppers The Cranberries, and Aussie rockers Wolfmother. In addition to playing Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, Lenny Kravitz, The Cranberries and Wolfmother will also be playing shows in Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane and Perth.

“Not only will rock fans around Australia get to enjoy these three great artists, highlights of Lenny’s performance will be broadcast around the world via the F1 Rocks network to a huge international audience. It’s been 18 years since Lenny Kravitz last toured Australia. Lenny is an international superstar and it’s a pleasure to bring him back here. And it’s perfect timing for those that are at the Grand Prix in Melbourne. Fans can conveniently walk over from the track to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and enjoy a great night of rock in Melbourne,” says promoter Andrew McManus.

Regarded as one of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, Lenny Kravitz has transcended genre, style and class into a 20-year musical career, one which revels in the rich influences of '60s and '70s soul, rock and funk. Lenny Kravitz is a four-time GRAMMY Award winner and has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. The artist’s multiple talents as a writer, producer and multiinstrumentalist have resonated through eight studio albums into a timeless catalogue. Lenny Kravitz released his ninth studio album earlier this year, Black and White America (out now through Roadrunner Records). Marking his first release of new material in three years, Black and White America is a rich rock and funk-infused collection filled with Lenny’s signature guitar riffs, compelling melodies and the undeniable anthemic lyricism that has been his trademark over the course of his 20-year career. In addition to the release of his new album, Lenny Kravitz will appear in the upcoming motion picture "The Hunger Games" set for release in March 2012.

“I am excited to return to Australia after so many years away,” says Lenny. “It's going to a great show and I cannot wait to see all my fans there. We are going to bring it!”

The Cranberries, fronted by Dolores O’Riordan, lit up the charts around the world for more than a decade with classics such as Linger, Dreams and Zombie. They have sold more than 30 million records and have had two number one albums in Australia, No Need To Argue (1994) and To The Faithful Departed (1996). Other live favourites include Free To Decide, When You’re Gone, Salvation, Ode To My Family and Ridiculous Thoughts. After taking a few years off to raise their families, the band are thrilled to be back with their new album, Roses (released next year through Shock Records on February 10), their first record in more than ten years since Wake Up And Smell The Coffee in 2001.

In 2007 Aussie rockers Wolfmother won a GRAMMY Award for Best Hard Rock Performance for their single Woman. This followed ARIA Award wins for Best Group, Best Breakthrough Album and Best Rock Album for their debut self-titled album. The album Wolfmother has been certified 5 x Platinum in Australia (as well as Gold in the US, UK and Canada). Their latest album, Cosmic Egg, was released in 2009 and debuted at number three in the Australian charts (as well as charting in Europe and US).

News Scoop...

Lenny Kravitz Discusses His Hunger Games Character's Sexuality...

Lenny Kravitz opened up about his character in The Hunger Games, and he explained why wanted to play the role of Cinna. Lenny further opens up further about his role, and the man who inspired his performance!

"I actually have a friend who is a dancer who is bisexual, and he was a lot of inspiration for my speech pattern and my rhythm, and kind of the way I sauntered in and out a little bit."

"I'll be quite frank with you — I didn’t know about Hunger Games — so when I'm telling kids and they say, 'Who are you playing?' and I say Cinna, they go, 'Oh you're playing the gay guy.' That was an actual answer. I've never brought that up yet. That's how they perceived it. So I thought about it, and I read the book and I don’t see that he is or isn't [gay]. He's a designer, he's a stylist, he has gold eyeliner—that doesn't mean anything either way."

"The question was how far do we go with him. The idea was to pull it back and create a character that's more like a Tom Ford or an Yves Saint Laurent so he wouldn’t be too outrageous. He's classic, he's got his gold. I kind of played him in the middle."

Thank yous...

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been diligently working away in putting this awesome concert together... especially the good folks at Flourish PR and McManus Entertainment.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Australian And Hollywood Entertainment, Celebrity and Gaming News; Jackman, Crowe, WWE...

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News Entertainment News Casino News




Hugh "The Wolverine" Jackman punches Russell "The Gladiator" Crowe in play...

Hugh Jackman tried to punch Russell Crowe as many times as possible during rehearsals for theatre production Les Miserables.

The Australian star keeps asking to re-shoot fight scenes where he knocks Crowe out, because he enjoys it so much.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The crew find it hilarious as Crowe would obviously sweep the floor with Jackman in real life.

"Hugh keeps ribbing Russell and winding him up but he's been getting his own back by calling Hugh a twirlie, which is showbiz speak for a singer/dancer."

Although Jackman has always had to be in good shape to play muscular superhero Wolverine in the X-Men films, he was recently told he had to bulk up to play the character in the next movie, The Wolverine, as he had lost so many pounds while appearing in Hugh Jackman: Back On Broadway.

He said: "The studio wants me to bulk up. Singing and dancing makes the suits nervous because weight just falls off me, but I'd rather sing and dance on Broadway than make movies."

Crowe is also no stranger to long fight scenes, having undergone gruelling shoots against Michael Shannon in Superman: Man of Steel, in which he played the titular superhero's father.

He tweeted: "15km bike ride, umpteen hours fighting Michael Shannon. He's very hard to put down. Hard to tell who wins, we are still fighting tomorrow. (sic)"


Bruce Willis and his heavily-pregnant wife make the most of their freedom on a double date with Sylvester Stallone...

They may be two of Hollywood's biggest action stars but recently Bruce Willis and Sylvester "Rambo" Stallone showed off their softer sides.

The actors enjoyed a double date with one another and their wives as they met up for dinner in Los Angeles.

As they emerged from Craig's Restaurant, Willis and his wife Emma Heming looked in good spirits following their meal, as they were making the most of their freedom before the birth of their first child.

Perhaps Stallone and his wife of almost 15 years, Jennifer Flavin, had been giving Heming some parenting advice.

Willis and Heming announced that they were expecting their first child together last year, and judging by the brunette's large bump, it won't be long until the baby arrives.

The model was glowing as she left the restaurant holding her husband's hand and smiled for the cameras.

She wore a black and white printed dress that highlighted her stomach with a waist belt, and completed her look with a black jacket and matching flats.

Die Hard star Willis had also dressed for the occasion and wore a smart dark suit and a shirt but looked less enthusiastic as he left the building.

Stallone followed closely behind the couple wearing a red two-tone blazer with grey trousers and a shirt.

His wife dressed down in a pair of jeans and a blue leather jacket, but she did make sure she was taller than her husband by wearing a pair of black knee-high boots.

Willis and Stallone recently reunited with one another to star in the upcoming action sequel, The Expendables 2.

The film, which is due for release in August this year, features an array of well-known action stars including Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme.


Are Bruce Willis And Sylvester Stallone’s Wives Joining Season 3 Of Real Housewives of Beverly Wills?...

Maybe! There has been many rumors that Sylvester Stallone’s wife, Jennifer Flavin was asked to join season 3 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills but no confirmation just yet. The National Enquirer is now reporting that Jennifer is "heavily recruiting" close friend and Bruce Willis wife Emma Heming to join the show as well! A hollywood pal told The Enquirer, "They know each other from their modeling days, and Jen thinks the two of them together can ‘take over’ the show – and she loves that their hubbies are friends too!"

So how exactly does Bruce and Sly feel about this? The leak says, "While Jennifer says Sly is totally supportive of the idea, she’s trying to get Emma to convince Bruce that this would be a good thing. He’s wary because Emma is about to become a first-time mom. He’s also not thrilled about having a reality TV crew following them everywhere." The two couples were seen having dinner last week and apparently "Bruce told Jennifer he would consider the idea. But first he wants to get past the impending arrival of his new baby."


Jagger and Richards mend relationship...

We all need someone to lean on, and the founding duo of the Rolling Stones say they are doing just that after overcoming three decades of misunderstandings with a year of that including some heavy conversation.

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards said they rebuilt their friendship after guitarist Richards's best-selling 2011 memoirs Life laid bare his pent-up frustration with the snake-hipped frontman.

"In the 1980s, for instance, Keith and I were not communicating very well," Jagger told the pop culture magazine, which celebrates the band's 50th anniversary in its current issue.

"I got very involved with the business side of the Stones, mainly because I felt no one else was interested - but it's plain now from the book that Keith felt excluded, which is a pity. Time I reckon to move on."

"Mick's right," said Richards. The pair the Stones in 1962 after they met in a London train station and discovered their mutual love for American blues music.

"He and I have had conversations over the last year of a kind we have not had for an extremely long time and that has been incredibly important to me," Richards said.

"As far as the book goes, it was my story and it was very raw, as I meant it to be - but I know that some parts of it and some of the publicity really offended Mick and I regret that."

Rolling Stone reported earlier this week that the Stones are planning no concert tour for its 50th anniversary, although it quoted Richards as suggesting that 2013 was a "more realistic" target for hitting the road. (AFP)


Souris in the dark about casino sackings...

The New South Wales Gaming Minister George Souris says he knows nothing about the latest sackings at Sydney's Star casino.

An official inquiry is underway into the sacking last month of Star's managing director Sid Vaikunta, for allegedly inappropriate behaviour.

Now, the casino has reportedly sacked three mid-level managers for breaches of its internet and email policies.

One manager is believed to have forwarded an email explaining why responsible gambling rules do not apply to international guests.

Mr Souris says it is news to him.

"Whatever matters relating to the operation of the casino that arise during this inquiry are matters not for me," he said.

"They are matters for the independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, and are specially in the hands of the independent inquiry that has been commissioned by the authority in the hands of Gail Furness SC."

Mr Souris was confronting a media pack for the first time since allegations were raised about the government's involvement in the Sid Vaikunta episode.

The state opposition has claimed the Premier's former communications director Peter Grimshaw used his position and his friendship with George Souris to conduct a personal vendetta against the casino operators.

Mr Souris says he has done nothing to compromise the government over the affair.

He has confirmed that he spoke to Peter Grimshaw about keeping some information secret, but said it had nothing to do with government policy.

"The conversation was deeply personal." he said.

"It had nothing to do with any decision the government was considering or any matter of policy whatsoever - nothing reflected or compromised the government."

Peter Grimshaw has was stood down from his role pending an investigation into allegations he forwarded confidential work emails.


Souris fronts media over Star allegations...

NSW Tourism Minister George Souris has defended his role in The Star casino scandal a week after being accused of hiding from the media.

Mr Souris has distanced himself from the widening scandal that began with the sacking of the The Star's boss Sid Vaikunta in February.

"This whole issue of the casino really does not reflect on anything I have done," Mr Souris said, speaking to journalists at the launch of the Sydney Racing Carnival at Bondi.

"There is nothing whatsoever that I have compromised - everything that I have done has been proper."

Mr Souris has become the lightning rod for opposition attacks over the casino, with Labor Leader John Robertson saying he had breached the ministerial code of conduct by withholding information from Premier Barry O'Farrell about an investigation into The Star.

In a text leaked to the media, Mr Souris told Mr O'Farrell's communications director Peter Grimshaw he hadn't informed the premier that one of Mr Vaikunta's alleged harassment victims was in fact Mr Grimshaw's partner.

Mr Grimshaw - who has been stood down by Mr O'Farrell over another matter - has been accused of waging a secret campaign against the casino, his former employer.

Mr Souris has been grilled in question time for two weeks over his dealings with Mr Grimshaw, with the opposition calling for him to be sacked.

He has also been accused of hiding from the media after refusing to do interviews about The Star and being absent at major announcements such as Thursday's launch of the Vivid Sydney festival.

On Monday, Mr Souris said the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) inquiry into Mr Vaikunta's sacking would focus on the "real substance of the matter".

"Matters concerning the operation of the casino itself, that is the true focus," Mr Souris told reporters.

"I can assure you not one breach of the public trust has occurred in anything that I have been involved in. No government decisions whatsoever have been compromised."

Mr Souris once again defended his decision not to tell Mr O'Farrell that Mr Grimshaw's partner was one of the casino boss's alleged victims.

"The conversation was deeply personal. It had nothing to do with any decision the government was considering, or any matter of policy whatsoever," he said.

"Nothing reflected or compromised the government. They were deeply personal, and I believe I was able to offer him a personal hearing board from which I respected the confidentiality of it."

Mr Souris's comments came as three more managers, including one who forwarded an email revealing that the casino allowed international high rollers to gamble non-stop for more than 24 hours, were sacked from the casino, Fairfax reported on Monday.

"I just don't even know anything about that," Mr Souris said.

Mr O'Farrell said he was concerned about the latest alleged breaches at The Star but was confident ILGA would investigate.

"That authority is independent, doesn't operate at the direction of government, but has shown itself proactive in the past on these issues," he told reporters in Sydney.


EPIX Celebrates Superheroes and the Legendary Stan Lee With Marvel Heroes Weekend April 27-29
--Hosted by Lee, Event Features World Television Premieres of Captain America: The First Avenger & EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story --National Free Preview Makes Marvel Heroes Weekend Available to Subscribers of Affiliated Partners...


NEW YORK, March 19, 2012 - EPIX, the multiplatform premium entertainment service, will present Marvel Heroes Weekend, April 27 - 29, a marathon of superhero movies including Iron Man 2, Thor, the world television premiere of Captain America: The First Avenger and the EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story. Hosted by legendary comic book creator Stan Lee, the marathon also includes EPIX Extra: Mighty Movie Superheroes, examining the origins and fan following of the mighty team. The weekend celebration of Marvel's famed superheroes and their creator features the movies that have led up to the highly anticipated theatrical release of The Avengers on May 4.

The EPIX Original Documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story follows the life and creations of Stan Lee, the co-creator of Spider-Man, Captain America, Hulk, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man and over 200 other characters that can be found in Marvel comic books, on movie screens and in retail stores around the world.

"These action-packed superhero films are some of the most highly viewed titles among EPIX audiences across all platforms," said EPIX CEO and President Mark Greenberg. "We're excited to give fans more access than ever before to the mastermind behind it all, Stan Lee."

Marvel Heroes Weekend is part of a free preview of EPIX for all subscribers of affiliate partners, which will also showcase Hollywood blockbusters Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Rango, Conan the Barbarian, True Grit, The Lincoln Lawyer and more, along with EPIX original comedy and music events Lewis Black: In God We Rust, Kevin Smith: Burn in Hell and Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball. Over 30 million homes nationwide will have access to the free preview, including over 150 titles available On Demand and more than 3000 movie titles available online at EpixHD.com and through EPIX apps.

The weekend event and free preview will be supported by television, print, online and out of home advertising and a national contest hosted by EPIX which will send winners to the Hollywood premiere of The Avengers. For more information or to enter, visit the EPIX Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EpixHD . Additionally, EPIX has partnered with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment for Avengers-themed sweepstakes promoted across Ryan Seacrest's nationally syndicated radio shows and website and across several local Clear Channel stations in the top 10 media markets.


Disney in the red after film flop John Carter...

This film has got a mixed bag of reviews. Most American media are panning it and most Australian media love it, so go figure!

John Carter is expected to lose $US200 million for Disney, dragging the studio's whole movie budget into the red.

Disney says it will take the huge operating loss on the movie, made by Oscar-winning director Andrew Stanton about a Civil War veteran transplanted to Mars, in its second fiscal quarter.

"In light of the theatrical performance of John Carter ($US184 million global box office), we expect the film to generate an operating loss of approximately $US200 million during our second fiscal quarter ending March 31," Disney said in a statement.

"As a result, our current expectation is that the studio segment will have an operating loss of between $US80 and $US120 million for the second quarter."

Starring Taylor Kitsch and Willem Dafoe, the movie cost an estimated $US250 million, but was met with a mixed bag of reviews from critics when it was released earlier this month.

It was the first live action movie for Stanton, who won best animated film Oscars for Finding Nemo in 2004 and Wall-E in 2009.

He also wrote for all three Toy Story movies as well as Monsters Inc.


2013 Oscars date set...

The annual Academy Awards will be held on February 24 next year, organisers say.

And nominations for those shortlisted for prizes on Hollywood's biggest night will be unveiled on January 15.

"The ceremony will take place at the Hollywood and Highland Centre ... and will be televised live by the ABC (America) Television Network to more than 225 countries," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement.

The name of the show's venue - the Kodak Theatre, in the heart of Hollywood - was changed at the last minute this year after the bankrupt photo company negotiated an end to its sponsorship deal.

It is unclear if the name will change by next February or remain the Hollywood and Highland Centre.

French-directed silent movie The Artist was crowned best picture at this year's show.


Theron talks about motherhood...

Actress Charlize Theron has opened up about motherhood, while promoting her new sci-fi thriller 'Prometheus' at California's 'wonder-con' convention.

The 36 year-old says it is everything she wanted, after adopting her son Jackson four months ago.

'Prometheus' is set for release later this year, marking Ridley Scott's return to the sci-fi film-making industry.

Australian actor Guy Pearce also stars in the film. Early buzz is that the film will be a hit.


Stacy Keibler to judge X Factor?...

Stacy Keibler is in talks to join 'The X Factor'.

The former professional wrestler - who is the main squeeze aka girlfriend of actor George Clooney - has reportedly been involved in a series of secret meetings about the possibility of becoming a judge on the upcoming second series of the US version of Simon Cowell's pop star search TV show.

While the blonde beauty and pop superstar Britney Spears are believed to be filling the two panel slots left vacant by axed judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, insiders have suggested Stacy's "lack of experience" in the music industry means she could be more likely to take over from former host Steve Jones.

An leak said: "Stacy Keibler is also in talks to join the show, but her lack of experience in the music business may make her more appropriate as a host. She looks fantastic and has bags of charisma."

Although Britney is believed to have been offered a deal worth $10 million to become a judge, it is alleged she is demanding "a lot more money".

A source added to the New York Post newspaper: "Talks are still ongoing with Britney and she is asking for a lot more money than was originally offered. But producers are confident Britney will realise this is a great opportunity for her to reinvent herself and accept their deal."

Show boss Simon - who is joined on the judging panel by record label chief L.A. Reid - has previously admitted he is keen for the presenter of the series to not come from a hosting background.

He said: "I always wanted a boy and a girl to host the show. And I like hosts who don't kind of have a hosting background, it's a different kind of dynamic."


HBO cancels Luck after horse deaths...

It's Dustin Hoffman's television series Luck, which earned some of its critical acclaim for its portrayal of thoroughbreds racing around the racetracks of southern California.

Off camera however the show has had some very bad luck.

The horseracing drama series Luck has been cancelled after the deaths of three horses, TV network HBO and producers say.

HBO, which is currently filming the drama's second series, has abruptly suspended the use of horses on its set following the sudden death of yet another one of its equine performers.

The series won't return for the second season run that began production last month, it said.

A horse was put down on Tuesday after it reared, fell over backwards, and hit its head.

The incident, which occurred on location at Santa Anita racetrack north of Los Angeles, was the third fatal accident involving horses in Luck's short history.

Animal rights activists are understood to be outraged by the development, and have called for police to launch an investigation into possible breaches of welfare laws.

They blamed the "outrageous" deaths on "sloppy oversights" by the makers of the show, created by the Hollywood director, Michael Mann.

HBO, for its part, can barely afford more negative publicity for the expensive show, which recently debuted in the UK on Sky.

Though heavily marketed, and despite receiving positive reviews, Luck has underperformed commercially, attracting just 625,000 viewers in the US.

In a statement, the network said it was "deeply saddened" by the horse's death.

It promised "full co-operation" with an investigation by the American Humane Association [AHA].

"Recent assertions of lax attitudes or negligence could not be further from the truth," it read.

"We will not be filming horses until AHA completes its inquiry."

This week's fatal accident was witnessed by Gary Beck, a vet.

"The horse was on her way back to the stall when she reared, flipped over backwards, and struck her head on the ground," he said, in a statement.

Since the injury was too serious to respond to treatment, euthanasia the only appropriate move, he added.

The California Horse Racing Board, which has allowed HBO to use Santa Anita during its off-season, said that a full post mortem will now be carried out on the creature.

"Unfortunately, we see several of these injuries in the stable area every year," said its equine medical director, Rick Arthur.

"They are more common than people realise."

Hollywood's local animal welfare lobby is unlikely to be impressed with the statement.

Even before this week's events, they were investigating Luck's treatment of its equine stars, alleging that two other horses who suffered fatal accidents during the filming of the show's first series should never have been allowed on set.

The first season of Luck premiered in Australia on Showcase last Sunday.


Australian TV Ratings - Sunday 18th March 2012

1 My Kitchen Rules 1,710,000 2 Aust FIA Formula One 1,399,000 3 Sunday Night 1,304,000 4 60 Minutes 1,187,000 5 Seven News 1,179,000


Australian Box Office...

This Week TITLE Weeks In Release Last Weekend ($) Total Gross ($)

1. John Carter NEW 3,092,526 3,092,526

2. Project X 2 1,098,478 2,920,967

3. Contraband 3 727,100 4,474,648

4. This Means War 4 673,397 7,263,919

5. The Vow 5 550,206 10,439,780

6. Safe House 5 429,402 8,131,194

7. The Artist 6 406,205 3,375,922

8. The Devil Inside 2 380,884 1,339,572

9. Hugo 9 296,163 9,830,145

10. My Week With Marilyn 4 228,551 2,161,960

11. Headhunters NEW 190,187 222,992

12. A Separation 2 173,093 563,630

13. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close 3 145,330 1,187,455

14. The Grey 4 132,988 2,295,195

15. The Descendants 9 120,235 14,930,061


Taylor Swift Unveils Hunger Games Song "Eyes Open"...

Taylor Swift fans who can't wait to see The Hunger Games got a special treat over the weekend.

The country pop princess performed, for the first time ever, "Eyes Open," the tune she contributed to the would-be blockbuster hitting theaters this weekend.

Listen here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7b-3MhTbJU&feature=player_embedded

"I'm really excited about it…but, I mean, you don't think I'd get in trouble if I played it now? Probably not, right?" Swift teased the thousands of screaming concertgoers who packed Auckland, New Zealand's Vector Arena last night.

She then launched into a solo acoustic rendition of "Eyes Open" that began with the refrain: "Everybody's waiting/Everybody's watching/Even when you're sleeping/Keep your eye-eyes open."

The song is one of the best cuts off the Hunger Games soundtrack, which hits stores tomorrow and also includes "Safe & Sound," which Swift wrote and performed with the singer-songwriter duo Civil Wars, along with ditties from Arcade Fire, Maroon 5 and Miranda Lambert among others.

"Do you like it?" Swift asked the crowd, and her fans do nuts.


WWE Sheamus Visit To Sydney On St. Patrick's Day News...

It was great to see WWE make the effort to bring Sheamus to Sydney, Australia this past Saturday. Sheamus was friendly to all of the fans (he got to meet). What wasn't so great was the way many fans missed out on the opp to meet him, and the miscommunication of information about the visit. One DVD - music distribution company published the wrong venue in their media and fan send outs, so some fans and media ended up going to Blacktown Big W instead of Bankstown Big W. Many fans and a number of media were also treated poorly by some security guards. It's a shame that one or two bad apples can spoil the show and put a black mark on the event. Media Man is hopeful that Sheamus goes on to win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 28 as he faces champion Daniel Bryan. By the way, check out the revamped WWE website which is very social media focused and looks fantastic.


WWE signs Australian Wrestler...

WWE has signed an Aussie! Sonny Elliot (formally Danny Bolton). Sonny was South Australian based and trained with Lance Storm in Canada. He was recently added to the main FCW roster. We wish Sonny well as his career continues.

That's it fans. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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