It shouldn’t be news when a celebrity leaves a particular religion, but Scientology is always fascinating to me, as is the fact that writer-director Paul Haggis (pictured, with wife Deborah Rennard) has left the Church of Scientology.
According to Showbiz411, Haggis wrote a letter explaining his decision to Tommy Davis, the celebrity wrangler for Scientology and the son of Scientologist actress Anne Archer.
Two things played into Haggis’ decision to leave the church: Scientology’s backing of Proposition 8 in California banning gay marriage (quite the move, considering they’re always looking for celebs to join the church); and Haggis’ wife, actress …read more

While in Pennsylvania shooting the film “The Next Three Days,” Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks were involved in a car accident.
According to ETonline, the two actors were in a parked van when a firetruck hit them. The truck was reportedly pulling out of the Deutschtown Fire Station earlier this afternoon when it hit the front end of the van.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, and both Crowe and Banks emerged from the vehicle just fine. A worker at a local bar said everyone was cheery about it, and that Crowe waved back at her when she waved at him.
I don’t know …read more

I can see how a celebrity might get a big head, being the center of attention all the time. Hopefully, that won’t happen to Taylor Lautner, werewolf star of the upcoming “Twilight” sequel, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” 
The movie arrives in theaters Nov. 20, 2009, and Lautner’s character Jacob Black takes center stage with Kristen Stewart’s Bella. Until then, here’s a few yummy pictures of a Taylor Lautner photo shoot to tie you over…
 
More Taylor goodness after the jump…

Two adorable stars – Corbin Bleu and Madison Pettis – were just two of the actors to grace the New York premiere of “Free Style” on Sept. 24, 2009.
Bleu stars as Cale Bryant, a young man who’s determined to win a coveted spot on the Grand National racing team without compromising his beliefs.
With the support of his loving mother (Penelope Ann Miller), precocious little sister (Madison Pettis), and new girlfriend (Sandra Echeverria), Cale proves against all odds that he has the heart, the willpower and the courage to never give up on his dream. Yeah, predictable, but sweet.
“Free …read more

In the 1980 movie “Fame,” Debbie Allen played dance teacher Lydia, and in the new version, she’s the principal of the school. ReelzChannel sat down with the iconic choreographer, who talks about her new job (in the film), her classic line (“You want fame…”), and the modern version, in theaters tomorrow. It actually seems more like a sequel than a remake. Watch the trailer here, and listen to Debbie’s take…

Actress Toni Collette was looking beautiful at the 2009 Emmy Awards this past week. She was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress for her Showtime series “The United States of Tara,” in which she plays a woman with dissociative identity disorder. I need to check out the series, but I’m a big fan of her movies, which include “Little Miss Sunshine,” “In Her Shoes,” and “Evening.”
I love this dress, but I’m not sure about the middle part. Maybe less “band-ish” and more fluid … any thoughts?

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Gorgeous Mila Kunis has come a long way since her days on “That 70s Show.” She’s currently in theaters in Mike Judge’s “Extract” with Jason Bateman, and has several film projects coming up.
Three movies scheduled for a 2010 release include “Black Swan,” a thriller co-starring Natalie Portman and directed by Darren Aronofsky; “The Book of Eli,” a post-apocalyptic tale co-starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, and Jennifer Beals; and “Date Night,” a comedy co-starring Leighton Meester, Mark Wahlberg, Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo and Tina Fey.
Here’s Mila at the 2009 Emmy Awards on Sunday night. I LOVE this dress and …read more

I just saw “Adam” last night, and it’s a sweet, thoughtful movie about two New Yorkers who fall in love. But it’s not your typical love story. Adam, played by Hugh Dancy, has Asberger’s Syndrome, while Beth, played by Rose Byrne, is coming off a bad relationship. Somehow, it works, and the two help each other through some rough spots in their lives. Peter Gallagher and Amy Irving shine as her parents. Check it out, if you have a chance. It’s better than most movies these days.
I love Rose Byrne in FX’s “Damages,” with Glenn Close. She’s really a …read more

Actress Drew Barrymore – who can also add director to her credits now – was just lovely at the 61st Annual Emmy Awards last night. Her new movie, “Whip It,” arrives in theaters Oct. 9, 2009, and also stars Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Ellen Page, and Juliette Lewis.
The story follows rebellious teen Bliss Cavendar (Page), who finds her tribe in a group of roller derby girls. But her straight-laced Mom (Harden) is none too happy about it.
More pics after the jump. Drew’s adorable!

It’s easy to see why Sophie Monk has been on the “hottest stars” lists across the planet. Here she is on Sept. 18, 2009, at the “Family Guy” event in Hollywood to celebrate their Emmy nomination for Best Comedy. Sophie spent time signing autographs on the red carpet, which is always cool. 
Once engaged to Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden (he recently shunned her in a restaurant – what? That’s crazy?!), the star has several movies coming up, including “Hard Breakers” and “National Lampoon’s The Legend of Awesomest Maximus.” Oh, to have that body …
 
Image: Pacific Coast News