Superhero Film The Avengers Divides Comic Fans; Stan Lee to host 'Avengers' screening at Catalina Film Festival...

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Superhero Film The Avengers Divides Comic Fans...

The latest film from the Marvel superhero franchise has premiered in London and although it is expected to be a mega hit at the box office some comic book fans are already critical.

Marvel Avengers Assemble not only features an all-star cast including Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L Jackson, it also brings together superheroes including Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow.

Downey Jr said it was "a blast" to be in London, saying: "It's been five years since our last adventure so I'm happy and humbled to be here."

But for some hardcore devotees of the comics, it is yet another film which "dumbs down" the Marvel books.

Comic book expert, Chris Thompson, told media that although the films help bring the comics to a wider audience, they harm the Marvel legacy.

He said: "One of the down sides is that they often to pander to this market and almost try to dumb down and take away what is great about the comics to cater to the audience.

"So it is very disappointing that you get a glut of very mediocre film titles that come out that don't show comics at their best."

Early reviews, though, indicate this is not one of the "mediocre" movies.

Influential industry magazine Variety tweeted: "Not a false note. Innovative. Brutal. And goddamn funny. Hype = believe it. It's the bomb. I could not possibly say enough."

Written and directed by Buffy creator Joss Whedon, the film is based on Marvel series The Avengers, first published in 1963.

Johansson said she enjoyed reprising the role of the feisty Black Widow, originally seen in Iron Man 2, despite the injuries she suffered doing her own stunts.

"It's nice to be able to play a female character that's not a damsel in distress or some woman in waiting but to actually play someone who's got a lot of conviction and who is really ready to kick some booty," she said.

It is part of a number of superhero films to be released in the past few years, including Thor, the Iron Man films, Captain America and the forthcoming Spiderman movie starring Brit actor Andrew Garfield.

The Avengers was made following the acquisition of Marvel Entertainment by Walt Disney studios in 2009, with Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 also in development.

Marvel Avengers Assemble also stars Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans and Tom Hiddleston.

The 3D film is released in cinemas on April 26.


Stan Lee to host 'Avengers' screening at Catalina Film Festival...

If you want to do brunch with comic book king, Stan Lee, it will cost you -- right now about $1,550.

That's the current minimum bid for a shot at attending a VIP brunch at the Catalina Film Festival on May 5 with the co-creator of Spider-man, the Hulk and a slew of other famous characters. The winning bidder gets a seat at the table and other cool stuff, including passes to the film festival in Avalon on Catalina Island, two autographed comic books and ferry tickets to get there and back.

Bidding ends noon Pacific time Thursday, and of course it's all for charity. Proceeds benefit the film festival and the Catalina Island Conservancy.

But brunch isn't the only Lee-centric event at the three-day festival. The former Marvel Comics president, who co-founded the new POW! Entertainment company, also will host a special screening of "The Avengers" on the film's opening weekend. He'll introduce a showing of the documentary "With Great Power -- The Stan Lee Story" and appear on a panel to answer questions about his work and his life.

And on opening night (May 4), he will be presented with the Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Award, which gives a nod to films and filmmakers who espouse "a philosophy of individual opportunity, optimism and pride," a film festival statement says.

The festival, May 4-6, will feature 75 films and present awards for animation (Lee will present this award), feature, documentary, student, short and other categories. Films will be shown at the Avalon Casino Theater and other venues. Tickets range from $8 for students and seniors to individual screenings to $150 for a weekend pass to $2,000 for two VIP guests.


Marvel's IRON MAN 3 to Be Co-Produced in China; The Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios and DMG Entertainment to Bring Super Hero to China...

SHANGHAI & BEIJING & LOS ANGELES, Apr 16, 2012 - The Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios and DMG Entertainment today announced the intention to co-produce IRON MAN 3 in China. Under the arrangement, DMG Entertainment will make an investment in the production of IRON MAN 3, manage the Chinese co-production process, and jointly produce the film in China. The Chinese portion of IRON MAN 3's production will run through DMG Entertainment in coordination with Marvel Studios' production and creative teams. DMG will also distribute IRON MAN 3 in China in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company China.

IRON MAN 3 will be the third movie in the billion-dollar plus franchise from Marvel and stars a returning cast including Robert Downey Jr. (as billionaire inventor Tony Stark) Gwyneth Paltrow (as Pepper Potts) and Don Cheadle (as James "Rhodey" Rhodes). IRON MAN 3 is produced by Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Louis D'Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz. The film is being directed by Shane Black who is working on the script with Drew Pearce. The film releases in the United States on May 3, 2013, and is being distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in all territories worldwide other than in China (which is being distributed by DMG Entertainment) and Germany/Austria (which is being distributed by the Tele Munchen Group).

"The popularity of the Marvel franchise globally creates a huge opportunity to deliver fans yet another action packed film," said Stanley Cheung, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China. "The co-production of IRON MAN 3 in China is testimony to the importance of this audience to Disney and the local industry capability to deliver a blockbuster title," he added.

"We look forward to working alongside DMG to bring IRON MAN to the Chinese marketplace in a significant way. We are confident that Marvel's stories will continue to be enjoyed by Chinese audiences, and adding a local flavor, and working with our new local partner, will enhance the appeal and relevance of our characters in China's fast-growing film marketplace," said Rob Steffens, General Manager of Operations and Finance for Marvel Studios.

"Our collaboration with Disney and Marvel marks a milestone in the global entertainment landscape, as this signifies the first multi-billion dollar franchise to be produced between Hollywood and China," said Dan Mintz, CEO of DMG Entertainment. "The IRON MAN franchise has been a major success worldwide, and we look forward to pushing the series to new heights with IRON MAN 3. The movie will further build upon its compelling storyline, and feature the hottest A-list stars, and spectacular action, which will resonate well both globally and in China, the second largest box office market in the world."

The first installment of IRON MAN lifted off with high-speed, high-flying action when jet-setting industrialist Tony Stark survives an unexpected attack and escapes by building a high-tech robotic suit of armor. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. Straight from the pages of the legendary comic book, Iron Man is a hero who is built--not born--to be unlike any other and made US$581 million at the global box office when released in 2008. Based on Marvel's iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN 2 continued the story of the 2008 summer box office blockbuster IRON MAN, and made US$624 million at the global box office when released in 2010. Now, IRON MAN 3 continues the story with a new chapter that will deliver more heart-pounding action than ever before. Marvel Studios' IRON MAN 3 will find Tony Stark with his back against the wall, facing his most fearsome foes yet.

Shooting is expected to commence in May in the United States and begin location filming in China in late summer 2012.

About The Walt Disney Company in China

The Walt Disney Company DIS -0.45%, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a diversified international family entertainment enterprise with five business segments and is a Dow 30 company with revenues of $41 billion in its most recently reported fiscal year. Disney's first animation screened in China in the 1930s and today our long association continues with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou with over 1000 employees. The Company has a broad range of businesses including publishing, broadcast, mobile, web, retail and its English language program, Disney English, which launched in 2008. Nearly 24 hours of Disney television programming is now available in China every week, reaching 300-360 million people each month. In September 2005, Disney opened its doors to its first theme park in China, Hong Kong Disneyland and in 2011 announced ground breaking for the Shanghai Disneyland Resort, a joint venture with Shanghai Shendi Group.

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 DMG Entertainment

Founded in China in 1993, DMG owns and operates a premier entertainment company (DMG Entertainment), and an award-winning communications agency (DMG Media), possessing nearly 20 years of experience. DMG Entertainment is a leader in China's film market through the production of a diverse portfolio of commercially driven films, including 2009's The Founding of a Republic, 2010's Go Lala Go!, and 2011's Beginning of the Great Revival, as well as through the distribution of Hollywood titles such as Twilight, Knowing, Killers, Resident Evil: Afterlife, RED, The Eagle, and Priest. DMG Entertainment has also produced Hollywood/China films including Looper set for release in 2012. DMG Media has provided strategic and creative campaigns for international brands looking to connect with Chinese consumers through DMG's all-encompassing platform. SOURCE: The Walt Disney Company China

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IGT Sex and The City - Human Statue Bodyart

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Today was a important day on the Australian gaming industry calendar. It's the third and final day of the 2011 Australasian Gaming Expo, held at Darling Harbour in 'Sin City' Sydney, Australia. The event comes at a time where the spotlight on the Australian gambling industry may have never been brighter or so politically red hot. My company, Human Statue Bodyart, was delighted to be in the thick of the action. Enter the events world of the Gaming Technologies Association...

Australasian Gaming Expo Open Day In Sydney...

Over 150 gaming - gambling exhibitors enjoyed day three at the Australasian Gaming Expo Open at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Dozens of big name brands were there including IGT (and its new 'Sex And The City' slot game), Aristocrat Technologies Australia, Ainsworth, Konami, WMS, ShuffleMaster and Bally.

Most of the exhibitors were making a return appearance from last year. It appeared they're were more exhibitors than "punters".

It's a huge production, with over 15,000 square meters decked out in gambling gear.

While big name companies like IGT somewhat dominated the event, it was impossible not to also recognise some of the smaller operations, as well as a few of IGT's competitors of sorts, thanks to their considerable branding and marketing efforts.

Here's the list of all of entities I was blessed to be able to speak with and photograph:

IGT
Aristocrat Technologies Australia
Ainsworth
Bally
Maxgaming
Keno
Paynter Dixon Hospitality
Tenrod Australia
Rohrig
Choice Paper & Imaging
Allpride Signs & Marketing
Paltronics Australasia
Maximun Light

As you can see from our photographs showcased on our Flickr, a great time was had by all, and the event was largely a success for all involved.

For the record, some of my personal favorite games are 'Sex And The City', 'The Phantom', 'Queen Of The Nile', 'Aussie Gold', 'Rose Tattoo', 'Jaws', 'Wheel Of Fortune' and Keno.

It's going to be interesting to see what poker machine manufacture is the one that will step up to battle with the red hot IGT slot - 'Sex And The City'. Will it be Australia's own Aristocrat or an international entrant.

Good on the organisers for also having coffee and bites on hand. 4.5 stars out of 5 for an excellent event, and we'll look forward to being on hand next year for more of the fun and games that is the Australasian Gaming Expo.

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2012 Hollywood Movies for Australian and American movie fans to get excited about

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"Sin City" Sydney has been a bit of a celebrity and media circus lately and there's more media and entertainment war, fun and games and the way soon. Australian and international media are all on the chase. Splash News, Snapper, TMZ, OMG, the Media Man agency - everyone is jockeying for position and exclusive news scoops.

Let's get ready to rumble. Here's some of the best Hollywood blockbuster movies coming up this year. We've got the U.S movie release dates, which in some cases will be the same as the Australian release date. Note: Some Australian release dates are likely to be a day or two after the U.S date.

Will the movies live up to their comic book or novel? The world is extremely keen to see how Baz's version of the "The Great Gatsby" (Dec. 25) literary classic matches up, but more on that and its star Leonardo DiCaprio later.

What many of this year's blockbusters are about is building on the brand and plugging into the news media machine. Most, like "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2" (Nov. 16), "The Amazing Spider-Man" (July 3) or "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" (June 22), are based on already mega successful brands. It's pop-culture realm stuff and plugging into established audiences.

Here's the list of some of this years most anticipated movies.

The Raven (April 27)

John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe, detective – tracking down a series of murders in 19th-century Baltimore.

The Avengers (May 4)

Fans are into this big time. This Marvel flick puts Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Nick Fury and The Hulk together. Little wonder Marvel fans can't wait. Last Sunday Sydney's George St Event Cinema's even had a preview screening for lucky fans who won a competition, with many fans dressing up as their favourite hero. Talk about an Excelsior initiative.

Dark Shadows (May 11)

Tim Burton directs, Johnny Depp has a white face. Depp fans are going to see his films no matter what, so let's hope its good.

Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1)

"Snow White" is a long time fav of Hollywood. It's a sword-and-sorcery epic version of the Grimm fairy tale.

Prometheus (June 8)

A prequel of sorts to 1979's "Alien," with "Dragon Tattoo" lady Noomi Rapace as a space archaeologist who digs up trouble. Directed by "Alien" and "Blade Runner's" Ridley Scott, this is already getting fans in a frenzy.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 22)

It's bit of a cross-pollinating of geek and traditional culture. It will be an interesting contrast to Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," arriving in December.

The Amazing Spider-Man (July 3)

It's been 10 years since the awesome original. Andrew Garfield plays Spidey and Rhys Ifans is The Lizard. Marvel Comic super hero movie fans are hoping they won't be disappointed and left in a spin.

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)

Batman (Christian Bale) with villains Bane (Tom Hardy) and Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). DC Comic super hero fans have long deserved a quality remake, so hopefully this is in. Pow.

Frankenweenie (Oct. 5)

Tim Burton's full-length puppet-cartoon remake of his early short from 1984.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (Nov. 16)

The second part of the fourth installment of Stephenie Meyer's girl-crush vampire series.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Dec. 14)

It's J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" prequel, directed by Peter Jackson.

The Great Gatsby (Dec. 25)

The fourth film version of the 1925 F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, directed by the Australian Baz Luhrmann ("Moulin Rouge!" "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet") and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan. Millions of Australia's are hoping that Baz has done us proud.

Lincoln (December)

A Steven Spielberg historical epic, with Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th president and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln.

Movie speculation...

Now fans, can you just imagine what drama is going to hit Sydney if or when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson or Leonardo DiCaprio come to Sydney later this year. Stranger things have happened, so here's hoping.

‘Bending the Rules’ stars former WWE superstar Edge...

It was 22 years ago when Edge sat in the Toronto SkyDome for WWE’s WrestleMania 6 with big dreams of joining his boyhood idol Hulk Hogan in the ring.

In the past year since his wrestling career ended because of neck injuries, Edge has tried his hand at acting. He can be seen in his first starring role in the movie “Bending the Rules,” a WWE Studios production that hits select theaters Friday, March 9. The “Rated R Superstar” plays Detective Nick Blades, a New Orleans cop on trial for corruption.

“I have kind of likened it to ‘The Big Lebowski’ in a way,” Edge said describing his character during a media tour in Miami.

“He is the Big Lebowski, but he can kick a--. I guess it’s kind of what sums it up. I wear a Hawaiian shirt, board shorts and flip flops and Mardi Gras beads for about a month-and-a-half down in New Orleans. A recurring theme throughout is that you will always see the character eating a lot of donuts. We ate a lot of donuts in that movie.

“I liked the character because it didn’t take himself too seriously. I don’t really take myself too seriously, so it wasn’t that much of a stretch for me.”

The former pro wrestler enjoyed the movie-making process.

“I did some of the action stuff,” Edge said. “The only thing I didn’t do was the accident. We kind of had a head on kind of deal, and I guess they didn’t want me to do that because I had to go to Raw the next day. I guess they didn’t want me to do the whole, ‘He can’t wrestle because he just got whiplash.’

“Beyond that I did everything else. It wasn’t too in-depth or anything because it’s more of a buddy flick than it is action, but there is a little bit of action to it.”

Among the other cast members is Jamie Kennedy, Alicia Witt, Jennifer Esposito and accomplished actress Jessica Walter, who has recently done voice work on the animated series “Archer”.

“Philip Baker Hall was big for me, especially being a ‘Seinfeld’ fan. Lt. Bookman was one of my favorite, probably my favorite character in ‘Seinfeld’ actually. So when I saw I was sharing scenes with him I thought, ‘This is awesome.’ He is a really funny guy. His delivery is amazing. He is such an underrated actor to some people, but there are some people who know what he can do.”

“Jessica Walter I didn’t know what to expect,”Edge said. “Here is this proper actor or actress who shared the screen with [Clint] Eastwood. I was like, ‘I don’t know what I am doing. She is going to be sick of me right from the get go.’ But she could not have treated me better. Everyone was very understanding to the fact that I was in way over my head and having no idea what I was doing. So they were very gracious and respectful.”

Those who have seen “Highlander: Endgame” may remember Edge’s cameo. However, the budding actor says it didn’t prepare him much for “Bending the Rules.”

“That was 12 or 13 years ago, and that was basically a fight scene,” Edge said.

“I flew to Romania for that, but it was entirely different. At that point WWE was even new to me, so it was like what is happening? This was much more involved, I guess, being one of the stars of the movie. Being expected to learn a bigger part and not knowing what I was doing.

“My only real preparation has been WWE, which prepares you to adlib and comedic timing and those things. In respect to being able to think on your feet, I was able to bring that into it. But still my first day of shooting, in the first scene I had shot, I had just come from SummerSlam in LA…We did two Raw shows that day, so right after that I hopped on a jet to New Orleans, landed at 4 and was on set at 6 with Jennifer Esposito, having no idea what scene we were doing.

“I didn’t know what lines to study, nothing. This was my first real scene in the movie, and I was like ‘No, they are going to think I am such an idiot.’ I got it over with. Then I thought that once I got that over with, I thought, ‘OK, I might be able to pull this off.’"

Edge never really had his Hollywood in his eyes. His dream was always being a WWE superstar.

“Wrestling took up the radar for me,” Edge said. “That was always my priority, and if other things fell in my lap, then great. The ‘Highlander’ thing or any other thing that has come into my lap has always been because of WWE and that exposure. Then I got approached to do this movie by WWE and thought, ‘This could be fun. I’ll give it a shot. Why not?’"

The film was shot before his recurring role on the SyFy original series ‘Haven,’ which gave him an idea of what to expect on theseries. He says he is returning to the character Dwight Henrickson for the upcoming season.

“By ‘Haven,’ through the experience of ‘Bending the Rules,’ I felt much more comfortable,” Edge said.

“Then going back this year for ‘Haven’, I will have much more understanding. Even with just the lingo like turning around. I know what that means now. I know I don’t have to stand there for 45 minutes while they switch everything out, and I can go grab a cup of coffee. Little things like that was all a learning process.

“Now that I can’t wrestle I think it would be cool to play a Viking in ‘Game of Thrones’ or something like that. I think I could sink my teeth into something like that. I also have a bit of a vampire experience or arch-villain or something. That would be fun…I just want to enjoy retirement, and at the same time do some stuff to stay creatively stimulated.”

Since his life on the road and traveling the world wrestling are over, his outlook on life has changed.

“Before it was WWE and that was my main priority,” Edge said. “It always has been and always would have remained that, but you still have to do something so you just aren’t home twiddling your thumbs all day. I think last year with ‘Haven’ it was going to Nova Scotia for the summer and getting to do this new kind of thing that was fun. I’m going up again this summer, and if things happen after that, then great.

“It’s not like I am going to consider myself an actor. I say more power to [The Rock]. I think it was awesome he was able to parlay it and translate it, but I don’t think I would be able to do it at that kind of schedule or want to. I like having my own time and then on the horizon say, ‘OK, I have that in a couple of months. Cool.’ Then I go do it, have some fun with it and be able to go back home.

“I already was lucky enough to do the job that was my passion. Everything I do from here on out is just going to be fun. It’s a good place to be. I’m not going to lie. It’s nice to have the luxury to enjoy everything I’ve done my entire adult life.”

To watch the trailer of “Bending the Rules” or to find a theater near you showing the film or get more information, visit http://www.bendingtherulesmovie.com


Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson And Mark Wahlberg Team Up for Pain and Gain; 2013 Release...

Mark Wahlberg is in top shape, but next to 'The Rock' he looks kind of small. Put six-foot five-inch Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson next to him, and Mark (5' 8") looks sort of average.

Wahlberg and Johnson are currently filming "Pain and Gain" in Miami. The film centers on two bodybuilders who get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong. The film is set for release in 2013.

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

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Hamish Blake was unaware the winner of the Gold Logie had been leaked and advised he was genuinely surprised when his name was read out.

The winner of the 2012 award for Most Popular Personality on TV was released by a media outlet more than hour before the award was announced.

It was posted, and quickly removed, from a website.

But it was too late for the media business...which is about 'The quick and the dead'. As Rupert Murdoch (Foxtel affiliated) famously said years ago "Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow". We suspect its also the funny beating the boring for awards such as 'Most Popular TV Personality'.

Indeed, the word had got around James Packer's most famous land based casino, but its unknown if bets were placed on the outcome - quite likely.

Comedy genius Hamish Blake has bested his competition to snatch his first Gold Logie at the gala awards night at Crown in Melbourne on Sunday.

Blake tipped out hot bookies' favourite, The Project host Carrie Bickmore, and last year's winner, Today Show host Karl Stefanovic, to be crowned Australian television's most popular personality.

Blake's win was his second for the night. He took out the Most Popular Light Entertainment Program with his offsider, Andy Lee, for Hamish and Andy's Gap year.

Accepting the Logie, Blake thanked his comedic partner, whom he said he had been friends with since they were teenagers.

He said the pair had started in television and will remain friends after their time in TV ends.

"We are the luckiest guys in the world," he said in his acceptance speech.

"Andy this is half yours."

Blake also paid tribute to the Australian television industry and said he was humbled by the win.

In goof-ball style, true to his act, Blake then assured teen viewers he'd hurry his speech to make way for eagerly awaited boy band One Direction's Logie performance.

"I was really expecting a slip up," Blake told reporters.

"I have been many to many events night and I was expecting a slip up... ultimately all that information was kept from me so it was a genuine surprise.

"I'm glad too because I am not a great actor."

The 2012 Logies winners:

Gold Logie, Most Popular Personality on TV: Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy's Gap Year, Nine Network);

Silver Logie, Most Popular Actor: Hugh Sheridan (Ben Rafter, Packed To The Rafters, Seven Network);

Silver Logie, Most Popular Actress: Asher Keddie (Nina Proudman, Offspring, Network Ten / Ita Buttrose, Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, ABC1);

Silver Logie, Most Popular Presenter: Adam Hills (Spicks and Specks / In Gordon St Tonight, ABC1);

Most Popular New Male Talent: Steve Peacocke (Darryl "Brax" Braxton, Home and Away, Seven Network);

Most Popular New Female Talent: Melissa Bergland (Winners & Losers, Seven Network);

Most Popular Drama Series: Packed To The Rafters (Seven Network);

Most Popular Light Entertainment Program: Hamish & Andy's Gap Year (Nine Network);

Most Popular Lifestyle Program: Better Homes & Gardens (Seven Network);

Most Popular Sports Program: 2011 AFL Grand Final (Network Ten);

Most Popular Reality Program: The Block (Nine Network);

Most Popular Factual Program: Bondi Rescue (Network Ten);

Peer-voted category:

Silver Logie, Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie: The Slap (ABC1);

Silver Logie, Outstanding Actor: Rob Carlton (Paper Giants, ABC1);

Silver Logie, Outstanding Actress: Melissa George (The Slap, ABC1);

Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent: Chelsie Preston Crayford (Underbelly: Razor, Nine Network);

Outstanding News Coverage: The Queensland Floods (Nine News, Nine Network);

Outstanding Public Affairs Report: A Bloody Business (Four Corners/Sarah Ferguson, ABC1);

Outstanding Light Entertainment Program: Spicks And Specks (ABC1);

Outstanding Sports Coverage: State Of Origin III (Nine Network);

Outstanding Children's Program: My Place (ABC3);

Outstanding Factual Program: Go Back To Where You Came From (SBS).

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And the Logie goes to ...

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Who will win? Who won't? Who cares? Yes, the Logies are back. And although the ceremony at Crown - and the broadcast on Channel Nine - lends itself to a good amount of cringe-inducing navel gazing (usually bemoaning the state of Australian television), we'll certainly be watching come Sunday night. And let's face it, for all its faults, the night is unique in its dagginess. For better or worse, there is nothing else like the Logies on Australian television. So here it is: Green Guide's formguide to The 2012 Logie Awards.

GOLD LOGIE: Most Popular Personality on TV

The Nominees: Adam Hills, Asher Keddie, Carrie Bickmore, Esther Anderson, Hamish Blake, Karl Stefanovic

Who should win: Not Karl. Or Carrie. Her campaign for victory in the press over the past month has been painful to watch. So our dream winner? Adam Hills. Last year, he stole the show in a brief cameo as a presenter. And having served a long, rewarding tenure as master of ceremonies at the much-loved Spicks and Specks, it should be Hills' time.

Who will win: Karl or Carrie.

SILVER LOGIE: Most Popular Actor

The Nominees: Daniel MacPherson (Wild Boys, Channel Seven), Eddie Perfect (Offspring, Network Ten), Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven), Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven), Ray Meagher (Home And Away, Channel Seven).

Who should win: MacPherson is terrific in the hosting slot of Dancing With the Stars. But as this is an acting category, the fact he has been nominated for Wild Boys means he should be automatically eliminated from calculations. We think Eddie Perfect is the, ahem, perfect choice here. As Mick Holland on the terrific Melbourne-shot drama Offspring, Perfect continues to deliver a winning mix of solid acting and charming pop songs.

Who will win: MacPherson. This is a popularity contest, after all.

SILVER LOGIE: Most Popular Actress

The Nominees: Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten & Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, ABC1), Danielle Cormack (Underbelly: Razor, Nine Network & East West 101, SBS), Esther Anderson (Home And Away, Channel Seven), Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven), Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven).

Who should win: Asher Keddie. As Nina Proudman on Ten's Offspring and Ita Buttrose on the ABC's Paper Giants, Keddie had a stellar year. Yes, Cormack was very solid in Razor, but surely it's Keddie's year.

Who will win: Keddie - if there is any justice.

SILVER LOGIE – Most Popular Presenter

The Nominees: Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks & Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight, ABC1), Carrie Bickmore (The Project, Network Ten), Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten), Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy's Gap Year, Nine Network), Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)

Who should win: Hamish Blake. Sure, his show was not the ratings hit Nine thought, but Blake brandishes a winning mix of sharp comedic skill and charming likeability.

Who will win: Ms Bickmore, we fear.

MOST POPULAR DRAMA SERIES

The Nominees: Home And Away, Offspring, Packed To The Rafters, Underbelly: Razor, Winners And Losers

Who should win: Offspring. Last year the Melbourne drama enjoyed a breakout year. This year, in season three, it will only get bigger as word of mouth spreads. Although underrated by most critics, Underbelly: Razor did a solid job chronicling an intriguing chapter of Australian true-crime history.

Who will win: Packed To The Rafters. Although it appears to be in decline, it still endures as the country's top-rating drama.

MOST POPULAR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM

The Nominees: Australia's Got Talent, Hamish & Andy's Gap Year, Spicks And Specks, Sunrise, The Project.

Who should win: Not Sunrise, because it is more advertorial than light entertainment. By pure definition, the old-fashioned AGT because it was the most popular show on-air in 2011 by a country mile. But we think The Project deserves the slot for its mix of news and laughs. Credit to Ten for sticking to the format.

Who will win: AGT. Two million-plus viewers can('t) be wrong.

MOST POPULAR REALITY PROGRAM

The Nominees: Beauty And The Geek Australia, MasterChef Australia, My Kitchen Rules, The Block, The X Factor Australia

Who should win: Certainly not Beauty and the Geek Australia. The Block deserves a nod for reviving what was seemingly a dormant franchise.

Who will win: All of these shows were ratings winners, but My Kitchen Rules stands above the pack because it has become a genuine game-changing ratings juggernaut.

SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie

The Nominees: Cloudstreet, Offspring, Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, The Slap, Underbelly: Razor.

Who should win: No contest: The Slap. The best Australian production of 2011.

Who will win: As this is a peer-voted award, The Slap should romp it in.

SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Actor

The Nominees: Alex Dimitriades (The Slap, ABC1), David Wenham (Killing Time, TV1, FOXTEL), Don Hany (East West 101, SBS), Geoff Morrell (Cloudstreet, Showcase, FOXTEL), Rob Carlton (Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, ABC1)

Who should win: A very strong field, but Rob Carlton's portrayal of Kerry Packer was so realistic it terrified Nine's current boss David Gyngell. Astonishingly, Carlton has been overlooked to play Packer in the upcoming sequel of the series. David Wenham was also excellent as disgraced lawyer Andrew Fraser.

Who will win: Alex Dimitriades - widely lauded for his astonishing turn as the explosive Harry.

SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Actress

The Nominees: Asher Keddie (Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, ABC1), Diana Glenn (Killing Time, TV1, FOXTEL), Essie Davis (The Slap, ABC1), Kat Stewart (Offspring, Network Ten), Melissa George (The Slap, ABC1)

Who should win: Another strong field, but Asher Keddie was so convincing as Ita Buttrose it's difficult to look at her the same way again.

Who will win: Keddie. Comfortably.

GRAHAM KENNEDY AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING NEW TALENT

The Nominees: Anna McGahan (Underbelly: Razor, Nine Network), Chelsie Preston Crayford (Underbelly: Razor, Nine Network), Hamish Macdonald (Senior Foreign Correspondent, Network Ten), Hamish Michael (Crownies, ABC1), Melissa Bergland (Winners & Losers, Channel Seven)

Who should win: Anna McGahan was astonishing in Underbelly: Razor. It should be the breakout role for her.

Who will win: McGahan. Surely.

MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM

The nominees: Australia's Got Talent, Gruen Planet, Spicks And Specks, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, The Project

Who should win: Gruen Planet, a show that achieves a neat trifecta in this category: it educates, amuses and informs.

Who will win: Most likely Australia's Got Talent. Sticking to its brief like few other shows, it did, after all, provide crucial help in taking Seven to the top last year. (Credit: Fairfax Media)

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'Ocean's Eleven' voted greatest ever remake; Hollywood Celebrity News, by Greg Tingle

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Readers, we're hear to tell you that the 'Rock N Roll Wrestling Connection' is back, with a bit of casino fun and games thrown into the mix, both in Australia and in the USA.

'Ocean's Eleven' has been chosen as the best movie remake of all time in a recent poll.

Australia casino king James Packer, is probably going to be pleased to hear that land based casino themed movies are in vogue, since he's looking to open or take over his own Sydney, Australia casino soon. Obviously, JP won't be hoping for a casino robbery - to state the obvious. Vegas casino and hotel tycoon Steve Wynn would have caught the 'Ocean's Eleven' news no doubt. Not sure if Kevin Nash (once upon a time known as Vinnie Vegas) did. Nash, also a former leading member of the nWo is currently off the WWE wrestling roster, following a feud with Triple H.

The movie, which is based on an original 1960 film, hit screens in 2001 and went on to gross over 450 million dollars worldwide.

It sees Clooney lead an all-star cast of Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts in an attempted casino robbery in Las Vegas.

Danny Ocean and his eleven accomplices plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously.

Clooney has been dating former WWE wrestler - diva Stacey Keibler for over 6 months and they attended the Oscars together.

Leading man Clooney was up for a Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards.
And despite losing out on the Best Actor accolade, Clooney's girlfriend Stacy Keibler made sure he went home with an Oscar of his own as her dress appeared to have been inspired by the statuette.

Attending her first Academy Awards on Clooney's arm, Keibler looked stunning in a gold Grecian-style Marchesa creation.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writers: George Clayton Johnson (1960 story), Jack Golden Russell (1960 story)
Stars: George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts

Top 10 Best Remakes...

1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
2. The Mummy (1999)
3. King Kong (2005)
4. The Italian Job (2003)
5. Cape Fear (1991)
6. The Parent Trap (1998)
7. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
8. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
9. Scarface (1983)
10. Alfie (2004)

Top 10 Worst Remakes

1. Arthur (2011)
2. The Wicker Man (2006)
3. Fame (2009)
4. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
5. Clash of the Titans (2010)
6. Planet of the Apes (2001)
7. Piranha 3-D (2010)
8. House of Wax (2005)
9. Freaky Friday (2003)
10. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)


Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis arm wrestle...

Hollywood tough guys and action heroes Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis challenged each other to an arm wrestle during a recent night out.

The actors were enjoying a meal with their respective wives when they started arguing about who was in better shape.

Stallone, 65, challenged 56-year-old Willis to an arm wrestling match and the pair then swept aside glasses, cutlery and plates to lock arms and start their fight.

Diners at nearby tables were initially stunned but as as they recognised the wrestler like actors they started cheering and Willis and Stallone grunted, groaned and wheezed for several minutes.

However, the men's wives were not impressed and asked them to "break it up", which they duly listened to.

It's understood that soon after their meal, Stallone went into hospital to have an operation on his shoulder, although it is not thought to have any link to his night out with Willis.

A Media Man agency spokesperson said "We suspect this may be another elaborate publicity stunt by Team Stallone, although we can't prove it. Stallone fans will recall that only a week ago Stallone was photographed in a hospital bed alongside long time mate Arnold Schwarzenegger, both nursing the same injury, and Arnold took a photo for the world to see. Well, as least the cast of Expendables 2 is doing well, and it seems that they sure as heck know how to promote a movie".

Action movie fans take note however that in the filming of the original Expendables WWE wrestling legend "Stone Cold" Steve Austin did break the neck of Stallone for real, or so the story goes.


Wrestling Legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper In Fancypants Movie...

Fancypants is a 2011 film directed by Joshua Russell and starring Patrick Gleason, Roddy Piper, and Robert Carradine. Featuring Nick Turturro, Richard Kind, and introducing Jackson Dunn.

It is a comedy/drama about a professional wrestler who is afraid of conflict in real life. He is nearing the end of his career and finds out he has one fan left in an 8-year old boy, who hides a secret that will change Leo's life forever. The film was shot entirely on location in Chicago.

The film won Best Feature at the 2011 Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida, and was an official selection at the 2011 Seattle True Independent Film Festival.

Roddy Piper is also confirmed to be one of the house-mates in upcoming WWE reality TV show, 'Legends House'.


Four Canadians indicted on US gambling charges; Online Casino Royale or Ocean's Eleven...

US authorities seized the gambling website Bodog last month and announced the indictment of four Canadians on charges of illegal sports betting and money laundering, including founder Calvin Ayre.

The federal grand jury indictment of Ayre, James Philip, David Ferguson, Derrick Maloney and the Bodog Entertainment Group was unsealed in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the latest blow by US prosecutors against online gambling.

"Sports betting is illegal in Maryland, and federal law prohibits bookmakers from flouting that law simply because they are located outside the country," US Attorney Rod Rosenstein said in a statement.

"Many of the harms that underlie gambling prohibitions are exacerbated when the enterprises operate over the Internet without regulation," Rosenstein said.

US law prohibits US financial institutions from knowingly accepting payments for online gambling made through credit cards, electronic transfers and checks, but bills have been introduced in the US Congress to ease the restrictions.

In April, 11 people were charged with bank fraud, money laundering and other offenses in a crackdown on the three largest online poker companies -- Absolute Poker, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.

A spokeswoman for the US Attorney's Office told the press that none of the four accused Canadians is in custody but warrants have been issued for their arrests and the United States would seek their extradition.

The indictment accuses Bodog and the defendants of conducting an illegal online sports gambling business and conspiring to commit money laundering between June 2005 and January 2012.

"The defendants and their conspirators allegedly moved funds from Bodog's accounts located in Switzerland, England, Malta, Canada and elsewhere to pay winnings to gamblers, and to pay media brokers and advertisers located in the United States," the US Attorney's Office said.

"The conspirators directed payment processors to send at least $100 million by wire and by check to gamblers located in Maryland and elsewhere," it said.

Internal Revenue Service special agent Eric Hylton said "laundering money from illegal activity such as illegal Internet gambling is a crime.

"Regardless of how the money changes hands -- via cash, check, wire transfers or credit cards -- and regardless of where the money is stored -- in a United States financial institution or an offshore bank -- we will trace the funds," Hylton said.

In an affidavit supporting a seizure warrant for the Bodog.com website domain name, a former employee of Bodog was quoted as saying the gambling operation has hundreds of employees in Canada and Costa Rica.

A visitor to Bodog.com is met with a message reading "This domain name has been seized" and pictures of the official seals of the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.

In a statement on his website, Ayre, who is described by Forbes magazine as a "former billionaire," said the Bodog.com domain name has been dormant for some time.

"Not sure what to say," Ayre said. "The brand left the market last year and the domain in question has been dormant globally for longer than that."

Ayre, 50, who launched Bodog.com in 1994 and operates several other gaming websites, also said he was a victim of "abuse of the US criminal justice system for the commercial gain of large US corporations.

"It is clear that the online gaming industry is legal under international law," he said. "It is also clear that the rule of law was not allowed to slow down a rush to try to win the war of public opinion."

The gambling charges are punishable by up to five years in prison while a conviction for money laundering conspiracy can bring 20 years behind bars.


Keep checking Street Corner and the Media Man blog network for more on these developing news stories and more.

One last thing... kids, don't try this at home or anywhere else. Leave it to the professionals.

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BATTLESHIP stars berth at Sydney; Luna Park; Taylor Kitsch, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, director Peter Berg - 10th April 2012

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Ahoy. The battle for earth begins at sea in epic action-adventure BATTLESHIP - but tonight the all-star cast was warmly welcomed to iconic and circus like Luna Park Sydney, for the Australian Premiere of their highly anticipated new film.

In an exciting and profitable partnership, Universal Pictures and 2Day FM co-presented the Australian Premiere under the Luna Park Big Top, where leading man Taylor Kitsch (John Carter) walked the red carpet with his co-stars - pop sensation Rihanna in her big screen debut, supermodel Brooklyn Decker (Just Go With It) and acclaimed director Peter Berg (Hancock).

From the studio that brought us Transformers, BATTLESHIP is an epic-scaled action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force. Inspired by Hasbro’s classic naval combat game, BATTLESHIP stars Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Liam Neeson, Alexander Skarsgård and Rihanna.

Rihanna arrived (by BattleShip) - thanks to the Australian Navy and top brass Heath Robertson at approx 7pm and wore a black jumpsuit - much more conservative than what she normally wears on stage... perhaps to help protect herself from the cool breeze bouncing off Sydney Harbour.

Pitch...

A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.

Director: Peter Berg
Writers: Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber
Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Brooklyn Decker and Liam Neeson

Calm Before The Storm; Rihanna Meeting With Film Director - Fun and Games...

Music superstar Rihanna and her Battleship co-star Brooklyn Decker had a bit of fun earlier today ahead of tonight's red carpet premiere at circus themed Luna Park.

The talented and gorgeous ladies wore their own T-shirts featuring old photos of the film's director Peter Berg while talking to Australian news media.

"This journalist came into an interview of ours - I think in London - and he had a Rihanna T-shirt and Brooklyn said 'I'm getting a Rihanna T-shirt' and I said 'no we should get Pete Berg T-shirts'," Rihanna said.

"So it was her idea and we ended up getting them printed and the whole cast has them.

"I cannot wait to see his face."

Rihanna wore the shirt with black leather Alexander Wang shorts and chunky gold jewellery, while Decker wore hers with dark jeans and nude heels.

It's a bit different from the Barbados native's first meeting with Berg, who directed flicks such as Friday Night Lights, The Kingdom and Hancock.

"I had no idea who he was. I knew his face but I didn't know he was a director. I didn't even know it was a movie meeting I was in," she said.

"So he had little replicas of the aliens on this desk and I'm cracking up because he's calling them thugs. I thought 'this guy is so weird, why does he have all these toys in his room?'

"By the end of the whole meeting I had obviously figured out we were talking about a film but only at the end of the meeting I knew that he was the director, and it made me say 'oh (expletive)'. Let me backtrack everything I did in this meeting for the last hour. I hope I've got this part."

The big-budget action movie is Rihanna's first acting role and sees her starring opposite John Carter star Taylor Kitsch, True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard and Liam Neeson.

Early reports are that BattleShip is a quality film and most people will be very entertained. Think 4 out of 5 stars, which is much better than the average film these days. Well done to Universal and the powers that be. Fair winds.

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