The 18th Annual BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards took place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City, California on Nov. 5, 2009.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts celebrates the best of TV and film, and is often known as the British Oscars. The BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards honors individuals and companies who’ve dedicated their careers to advancing the entertainment arts. Got all that?
Here are photos of three gorgeous and classy ladies who attended the event this week – Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Minnie Driver. They just keep getting better and better, don’t they? It’s like they’re aging …read more

Right before “Bruno” was released in theaters, the scene with LaToya Jackson was deleted out of respect for the death of Michael Jackson.
But, of course, it’s included in the special features on the DVD and Blu-ray, hitting shelves Nov. 17, 2009 from Universal Home Entertainment.
The movie stars Sacha Baron Cohen as an Austrian TV host searching for fame and fortune in America. During the process, he pranks any and everyone who crosses his path.
Really, though, you’ve gotta believe that celebrities can see him coming a mile away. It’s not like Cohen hasn’t been on TV and …read more

It may have been a disaster on the screen, but the stars shone brightly at the premiere of “2012.” 
Roland Emmerich’s tragi-film centers on a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world as we know it — seriously, check out the trailer. I also have a great 5-minute clip with John Cusack front and center.
Until the Nov. 13 release date, here are a few premiere pictures of Cusack, Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson, Danny Glover, Gilmore Girls’ Lauren Graham, and Chin Han (read my “Dark Knight” interview with him).
Also present was Adam Lambert, who sang one of the …read more

The delightful family movie “Up” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 10, 2009. I thought it was a really well done movie; a little sad in spots (ok, downright weepy!), but a great movie with lots to say. Read my review of “Up” here.
I caught up with Jordan Nagai, who voices the part of Russell the Wilderness Explorer in the film. He’s enthusiastic and energetic – not unlike his on-screen counterpart – and they even look alike, don’t they?
Read on for Jordan’s thoughts on making “Up” and running an obstacle course before his recording sessions.
Tell us …read more

Here’s a new featurette for The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” in theaters Nov. 20, 2009 (check out our Twilight Groupie blog!). For those who haven’t read the books by Stephenie Meyer, it tells a little more about the mysterious Volturi.
They’re the oldest coven in the “Twilight” universe, and they’re the closest thing the vampires have to royalty. They also enforce the law and keep things in order. A few more bites:

Aro (Michael Sheen) is the most dangerous and deadly vampire.
Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl) can sniff out treason.
Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower) is perpetually angry.
Aro, Marcus and Caius are in charge, with Jane …read more

I just received a review copy of “Bruno,” and since I didn’t see it in theaters, will post a review soon. It hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 17, 2009. 
Until then, here’s a clip from the bonus material, a never-before-seen interview where baseball legend Pete Rose sits with Austrian TV host Bruno, played by Sacha Baron Cohen. It’s an alternate scene not included in the film.
Whether you like Cohen’s characters or not, it always floors me how deeply embedded he is in them. Really, it’s hard to believe he’s anything other than the character you’re seeing on screen. …read more

Some friends of mine were hoping to get to this, and it looks like it was loads of fun. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Say Anything,” people in trench coats holding boom boxes were seen around New York City earlier today.

The film starred John Cusack as mediocre student Lloyd Dobler, attempting to capture the heart of a beautiful valedictorian. Even if you’ve never seen the movie (you need to fix that right now), you’ve likely seen the picture of Cusack holding that iconic boom box over his head.
Buy the 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray and DVD of “Say …read more

Here’s some fun news for today: Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will co-host the Oscars on March 7, 2010 on ABC. The 82nd Academy Awards will be held at the Kodak Theater at Hollywood and Highland Centre.
Producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic had this canned response in the press release that landed in my inbox: “We think the team of Steve and Alec are the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars. Steve will bring the experience of having hosted the show in the past and Alec will be a completely fresh personality for this event.”
The co-hosts had less …read more

Movie: Amelia * Official Site
In Theaters: Oct. 23, 2009

Runtime: 111 minutes
Directed by: Mira Nair

MPAA Rating: PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking
Gecko Rating:

I’m sort of hot and cold on Hilary Swank. There’s no doubt that she’s a great actress – she’s won two Oscars, after all (for “Million Dollar Baby” and “Boys Don’t Cry”). But there’s something about her that’s just a little annoying. I almost hesitate to say it, but she seemed to be over-acting in her portrayal of Amelia Earhart. I just wanted her to snap out of it and be a real …read more

Lots of buzz surrounding “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” in theaters Nov. 6, 2009. The movie is based on true events as described in Jon Ronson’s 2004 book by the same name.
Ewan McGregor plays a down-on-his-luck reporter who meets a special forces agent (George Clooney), who says that yes, it’s true. There’s actually a secret military unit whose sole purpose is to use paranormal powers for the greater good.
Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Terry Serpico, and Rebecca Mader also star. No word on whether any goats were harmed in the making of this film (but I’m sure …read more