Baz Luhrmann Hurt On 'Great Gatsby' Set

It is sometimes complicated being Jay Gatsby nor could it be easy being the guy who runs him, apparently. Climax no action movie by any stretch from the imagination (although it does veer off for the thriller genre at points), production on "Great Gatsby" apparently got a little hairy within the holiday weekend when director Baz Luhrmann was hurt around the film's Australian set carrying out a collision having a camera crane, based on the Sydney Morning Herald (through the Hollywood Reporter). "I was on a significant cramped set and that he was ducking underneath the crane," "Gatsby" co-producer Anton Monstead told the Herald from the incident. "He struck his mind around the weights around the finish from the camera crane. He split open his mind, and that we needed to obtain the physician." Luhrmann apparently needed three stitches in the mind following his injuries. Consequently from the accident, production around the Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire starring drama shut lower eventually early for that Christmas holiday, with shooting planned to resume following the year. Inform us that which you think about this news within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Has 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows' Triggered Arthur Conan Doyle to Rollover in the Grave? (And 24 Other Urgent Questions)

On Friday, you'll have the chance to switch currency for use of a bigger-than-normal-size room which has the brand new A Virtual Detective movie starring Robert Downey Junior. ('The Pick-Up Artist') forecasted onto among the walls. This isn't the A Virtual Detective movie that arrived on the scene last year. Mtss is a completely new A Virtual Detective movie that utilizes the secondary title, 'A Bet on Shadows.' Like a service, we answer every question you could have about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows.' Q: Is the film by which A Virtual Detective solves that whole Blair Witch mystery? A: You are getting 'A Bet on Shadows' wrongly identified as the follow up to 'The Blair Witch Project,' that was entitled 'Book of Shadows.' Q: What type of games perform the shadows play in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'? A: No shadows play any kind of game whatsoever in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows.' Q: Maybe you have performed a game title of shadows? A: If by "performed" you mean, "cast a shadow that resembles a rabbit with my hands," then yes. Q: In 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows,' does any character directly reference a "bet on shadows"? A: At some point A Virtual Detective refers to "a shadowy game." Q: Have you enjoy 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'? A: Not whatsoever. Q: Have you benefit from the first Guy Ritchie-directed A Virtual Detective movie? A: Greatly, really. It had been among my personal favorite movies of 2009. Q: So wrong with 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'? A: It's as though someone required phone first movie and stated, "Are you aware what this movie needs? More guns. I am talking about, seriously, just lots of guns and gun battles. Let us do this this time around." Q: That which was probably the most disappointing factor about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'? A: The smoothness of Professor Moriarty. Q: Performs this imply that you are not keen on Jared Harris? A: The alternative, really. First, I believe he's excellent on 'Mad Males.' Second, for that little bit of screen time he has in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows,' he's good. But that is the issue, his screen time is extremely limited. Rather, we obtain lots of guns. Q: Wasn't 'A Bet on Shadows' the title of the song on Duran Duran's album, 'Seven and also the Ragged Tiger'? A: No, you are considering 'Shadows in your corner.A Q: What is the most impractical scene in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'? A: Watson shoots a building having a tank... Q: Wait, what? Exactly why is Watson in "a fish tank.Inch A: Because Holmes and Watson have damaged into an ammunitions warehouse. Anyway, Watson shoots a building that collapses on Holmes and Moriarty, who're fine. Actually, the entire building just fell on top of them is barely acknowledged. Q: Wait, how come Holmes and Watson within an ammunitions warehouse? A: Since it is possessed by Moriarty. Holmes and also the lately married Watson (whose wife generally is tossed from a train and virtually from the relaxation from the movie) are attempting to stop Moriarty from some kind of absurd plan. Q: What's Moriarty's absurd plan? A: In 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows' Professor Moriarty is essentially an arms dealer who's attempting to begin a war so he is able to earn money blah, blah, blah... Q: Within the book series, was Moriarty an arms dealer? A: Within the book series, by which Moriarty only seems two times, he's much more of a secret organized crime boss. Q: How's Rooney Mara in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows' A: Rooney Mara isn't in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows.' You are considering Noomi Rapace, who performed Lisbeth Salander within the Swedish version of 'The Girl using the Dragon Tattoo.' Q: How's Noomi Rapace in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'? A: I am likely to give Rapace the advantage of the doubt here and never place the whole of blame on her behalf, but she and Downey only have slightly better chemistry than James Franco and Hathaway As Catwoman. Q: What is the best factor about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'? A: The chemistry between Robert Downey Junior. and Jude Law. Individuals two continue to be an enjoyable experience together on the watch's screen. I simply wish that they are inside a wiser movie. Q: The number of references were in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows' that Holmes and Watson might be enthusiasts? A: I counted five. Q: If I am a large fan of Rachel McAdams, must i see 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows' based exclusively on my small desire for Rachel McAdams? A: No. You are likely to be very disappointed. Q: For you personally, is probably the most disappointing movie of the season? A: Yes. Q: Do A Virtual Detective and Professor Moriarty be capable of talk to one another telepathically? A: Quite amazingly, if the movie will be thought, yes, they absolutely will have the energy to talk telepathically to one another. Q: How hard could it be to express the primary character of the movie's name without sounding sarcastic? A: Very. I seem like each time I only say "Sherlock," it's within the same tone as though I am sarcastically saying, "Nice thinking, Sher-lock." Q: If you are likely to be blurbed within this weekend's advertisements for 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows,' what quote would you hope can be used? A: "Exactly what a genius movie you've made here, Sher-lock." Mike Ryan, Moviefone Q: According to 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows,' the number of levels has Mister Arthur Conan Doyle folded in his grave? Just 180 levels, or has he completed his full rotation? A: I'd say his full rotation is finished. You are able to contact Mike Ryan on Twitter Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Dark Knight Rises Viral Blitz: Bane's Gotham Attack Plans Revealed? (PICS)

Heads up, Dark Knight Rises watchers: A cool bit of viral marketing just arrived on my doorstep detailing what appear to be the dastardly plans of Tom Hardy’s S&M baddie Bane. If you’re remaining spoiler-free, I’d advise you not to hit the jump for more… not that I can really make heads or tails of the elaborate map of Gotham City he’s marked up with his dastardly plans. Fire’s about to rise, y’all! Okay, so we’re agreed — anything beyond this point could very well be spoilers. (Having pored over the contains of said package, I can at least say that I’m still fuzzy on exactly what I’m looking at.) Also: HOW COOL IS THIS MAP OF GOTHAM CITY?? But I understand if you want to remain as virgin-pure on any details whatsoever for the Dark Knight sequel. In which case, why did you even click this far? Anyways. The package consists of a mysterious mailing tube wrapped in what appears to be a map detailing an attack on Gotham City orchestrated, ostensibly, by Tom Hardy’s S&M villain Bane. Inside, a t-shirt declaring “Fire Rises” emblazoned with Bane’s silk-screened mug. I’m sure you’ll be able to find it at a Hot Topic near you soon enough. But back to that map: Scrawled all over it in red Sharpie are plans for a 5-front attack on Gotham City noting “GPD response time,” “Rally points,” and “Check point: Bridge/tunnels.” I know maps of the fictional Gotham City are nothing new, but still. So. Cool. Take a closer look at the five “strike zones” below. If you can make sense of this, be my guest! And please share your notes with the rest of the class in the comments below. Meanwhile, tremble in fear for the wrath of… The Dark Kitty Rises! Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Inside the Drama at Relativity

NY - Cablevision Systems said Thursday that COO Tom Rutledge has told the company that he will resign later this month.our editor recommendsCablevision Third-Quarter Video Subs, Profit DeclineCablevision Reports Loss of 23,000 Video Subs in Second Quarter Cablevision First-Quarter Financials Rise, Video Subs DropCablevision CEO James Dolan Sees 2010 Compensation Decline Cablevision said it has an experienced senior management team in place, but has commenced a search for an executive to oversee the cable operations. A former Time Warner Cable top executive, Rutledge joined Cablevision, controlled by the Dolan family, in 2002 as president of cable and communications. He became COO in 2004, assuming additional responsibilities for Cablevision's Rainbow Media, which is now a separate public company called AMC Networks, Newsday and other businesses. "Everything I hoped for when I came to Cablevision has come true," Rutledge said. "I have spent my entire working life -- 34 years -- in the cable industry, but my decade at Cablevision will always stand out because of the things we were able to achieve and the value we were able to deliver to customers in the most competitive market in the nation." CEO James Dolan said: "Tom Rutledge has played a key role in driving and shaping Cablevision's success over the last decade, applying a rare combination of technological vision and operational excellence that has delivered results." Related Topics Hirings-firings

'American Horror Story' Scares Up Golden Globe Nominations

It definitely is great to find out genre game game titles achieve the honours shows, which explains why we're excited that Ryan Murphy and Kaira Falchuk's "American Horror Story" remains nominated for just about any Golden Globe inside the Drama Series category. The Harmon family in addition to their supernatural roommates are facing other beginners like the much-loved "Wager on Thrones." Champion also visit the sharp-tongued Jessica Lange's Constance Langdon, who's nominated inside the Best Supporting Actress category. Does the horror series stand an chance this season? Ponder that, and become knowledgeable round the relaxation from the week's horror news past the break. New "[REC] 3: Genesis" Trailer Hits Unhealthy dreams continue a completely new trailer for "[REC] 3: Genesis" the next installment inside the terrifying found footage series. [REC] and [REC] 2 co-director Paco Plaza notifies the story that occurs a couple of several hours just before the very first film's carnage begins inside a wedding, even. Stars Leticia Dolera and Diego Martin see their large day become an utter bloodbath (enjoy it!). Wedding sensors ring within the the spanish language language theaters on March 30, which hopefully means we'll be going to a release date inside the U.S. sometime soon. 'Saw' Authors 'Rise' At Warner Bros. Deadline hasn't shared much of a new action/sci-fi pitch circulating at Warner Brothers and sisters, but we observed two familiar names within the genre world. "Saw" authors Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan have joined with "The Ring" producer together with a fledgling film author for just about any project they're calling "Rise." The horror duo recently done the "Piranha 3DD" script and there's some ambiguous info floating around on IMDb of a "Collector" follow-up, therefore we are curious to find out how that certain pans out for your team. 'Paradise' Hopefully Found Soon For Legendary Pictures Alex Proyas' good versus. evil action epic, "Paradise Lost" using the classic John Milton poem has hit an economic roadblock. Legendary Pictures exceeded their $120 million mark, meaning it's to go in board to produce some cuts. Hopefully that doesn't mean any changes for your cast including Bradley Cooper, Casey Affleck, and Dominic Purcell. We'll uphold with persistence for the moment to find out where things go, because we really wish to know very well what Bradley Cooper seems like as Lucifer. Stop Motion Animated Hellfire Not Remote There's a brand new stop motion animation feature that sends anybody to hell to get rid of for individuals eternity. Two close buddies make an effort to save their buddy, but all people annoying demons make an effort to stop them because the dark ones might be pretty greedy if the involves meeting their monthly quota. Nick Swardson ("Reno 911") and TJ Burns ("Cloverfield," "Lead him to the Greek") will probably be turning up inside the R-rated animation that starts shooting within the month of the month of january. Will you brave the awful have a look? Universal Conjures 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' Universal just scooped within the rights to Laini Taylor's youthful adult novel, "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" a lately launched story that Vital tried to snag a few days ago. A 17-year-old art student is shipped around the world to collect teeth by her father. She's unsure why (guess this family doesn't talk much ), but an encounter by getting an angel unveils everything her family people happen to be hiding. Otherworldly adventures ensue. Possibly you've see the book yet, and can you see that certain creating a fascinating translation for the silver screen? " target="_blank">Watch the Unnerving New Trailer for IFC's 'Kill List' In the event you were not needing to give consideration, IFC's "Kill List" arrives on VOD around the month of the month of january 4 together with a creepy new trailer has turned up for Ben Wheatley's movie. The film finds an ex-soldier just like a contract killer who's grappling while using devastating aftermath undertaking a botched job in Kiev. He presses track of a unique, new assignment, but soon recognizes that his world is beginning to resolve. Reveal everything you consider this week's Horror Bites inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Jason Reitman on 'Young Adult'

Jason Reitman on 'Young Adult'Enthusing concerning the uncompromising ending to his black comedy "Youthful Adult," director Jason Reitman lately told an audience in the New Beverly Cinema it labored because "assholes don't change like they normally do within the third functions of movies."Reflecting upon that sentiment later, Reitman grows the concept to incorporate all humanity, not only the jerks and jackasses around the globe.InchEverybody has individuals eureka moments once they learn something about themselves or even the world or they realize they ought to develop and alter and they don't," Reitman states. "Or they are doing, however it lasts merely a week. Or it's 5%. However the 180-degree turns people make constantly in the finish of movies just don't take place in existence."In "Youthful Adult," it's Char-lize Theron's desperate author who involves question her existence when she returns by to pursue her high-school boyfriend. As compiled by Diablo Cody, who worked with with Reitman on "Juno," Theron's character is frequently unlikable and could actually be completely nuts."I truly wanted to ascertain if I possibly could make a crowd feel uncomfortable," Reitman states. "How much of an interesting exercise like a director to try and contain the audience inside the story, entertain them, make sure they are laugh, do everything that the movie normally does, but additionally try to ensure they are progressively uncomfortable to some extent where they really need to try looking in the mirror and request, 'Am I love this individual?AInchYou accustomed to observe that in a number of movies in the '70s," he adds. "It had been pretty gutsy of Diablo to try it again because, at face value, this script appeared so unmakable. Which was area of the fun from it.InchAttention Around The Academy awards: THE DIRECTOR Helmers hot to globe trotWoody Allen Stephen Daldry David Fincher Michel Hazanavicius Terrence Malick Bennett Burns Alexander Payne Jason Reitman Martin Scorsese Steven SpielbergIn this mixture Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Dubai International Film Festival Chairman Reflects on the the Event's Growth and Progress (Q&A)

Bloomberg/Getty Images On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee plans to mark up and vote on the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), an important piece of legislation that's been fostering fervent debate in recent weeks. In advance of the markup, Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the committee, has made some tweaks in a so-called manager's amendment, aimed at building support by attempting to clarify the bill's main targets as foreign "rogue" websites, narrowing definitions of bad actors, limiting the private right of action that allow copyright and trademark owners to sue, and addressing concerns that anti-piracy measures could eventually denigrate the security and integrity of the Internet. The changes are in direct reaction to criticism that has transcended political parties, and the modifications were welcomed by the entertainment industry lobby and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. But the new version of SOPA still has not gone nearly far enough in narrowing its definitions and curtailing its service provider obligations to appease leading technology companies and other groups rallying against the bill. One of the main criticisms against SOPA is that it's de facto "censorship," requiring ISPs at times to prevent access to infringing sites by making efforts under order to block web browser requests for flagged domain names. The prospect of domain name system (DNS) blocking and filtering has alarmed some who believe it would be intrusive and undercut the secure structure of the Internet. Among the many changes in Rep. Smith's managers amendment is a "savings clause," which not only explicitly clarifies that SOPA is not meant to be a prior restraint on free speech, but also would remove a duty to monitor activity on a network and restrictcourts from making any order that would "impair the security or integrity" of DNS. On the other hand, service providers will still face obligations to cut off access to pirate sites. Under the new version, it will be measures determined to be "least burdensome, technically feasible, and reasonable means designed to prevent access by its subscribers located within the United States to the foreign infringing site that is subject to the order." The italics illustrate new language in the modified bill, clearly designed to convince the tech community that a weight is being lifted from their shoulders. The provision also removes a five day deadline from implementing such action upon a court order, but since the language is deemed vague by many, and application has yet to be seen, many critics believe that is still adds up to anxiety and liability for leading U.S.-based tech companies. Public Knowledge, one of the groups leading the charge against the bill, doesn't believe there has been much progress in the new SOPA. "The amendment continues to encourage DNS blocking and filtering,which should be concerning for internet security experts and human rights activists alike," saidSherwin Siy, deputy legal director of Public Knowledge. Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt also echoed that sentiment. The bill would "criminalize linking and the fundamental structure of the Internet itself," he said yesterday. That reaction brought strong rebuke from the MPAA, which has been attempting to steer legislation through the home stretch. "Schmidt's comment that the legislation 'criminalizes the intermediaries' is a new weapon in their arsenal of hyperbole," said Michael O'Leary, senior executive vp for global policy at the MPAA. "There is broad recognition that all companies in the Internet ecosystem have a serious responsibility to target criminal activity. This type of rhetoric only serves as a distraction and I hope it is not a delaying tactic." Insiders believe that the bill will inevitably pass the House Judiciary Committee before gathering some resistance among the broader Congressional caucus. In recent weeks, opposition to the bill has unified groups as diverse as the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, albeit it for different reasons. Some think it is government intrusion. Others see it as an inevitable impingement on free speech. Leading tech acolytes such as Twitter general counselAlex Macgillivray andWikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales are delivering a blow-by-blow account of the mounting concerns orproposing proteststo continue to raise awareness. Other critics see the inevitability of new anti-piracy legislation and have been rallying behind an alternative bill entitled the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN),sponsored by SOPA critics Sen. Ron Wyden and Republican Rep. Darrell Issa. That alternative bill would take a more modest copyright infringement approach by allowing rights-holders to file petitions against "rogue" foreign sites with the International Trade Commission, which would then be allowed to attack the financial backbone of these sites by drying up funds from credit card processing companies. Supporters of SOPAdoubt the remedy goes far enough to properly address piracy by enhancing obligations from service providers. The debate is likely to only get louder in the next week or so as Congress makes its moves before winter break. In advance, both sides are attempting to position themselves as being the sensible ones in the room by adopting the other side's language. The critics of SOPA say they want to address piracy -- but in a measured way. The supporters of SOPA love free speech -- but need to protect the vibrancy of art. At a speech this morning at the Center of American Progress, MPAA chairman Chris Dodd continued his call for Congress to act now. "I want to make it clear right at the outset that our fight against content theft is not a fight against technology," he said. "Attacking international content theft is not about restricting speech. Quite the opposite. Just as the Constitution defends an artist's right to create, copyright protections defend the artist's ability to do so." E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner MPAA Chris Dodd

Star Treks Spock Was Originally A Woman?

First Published: December 8, 2011 4:14 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium Caption Leonard Nimoy (as Mr. Spock) speaks to actress Nichelle Nichols (as Uhura) on the bridge of the USS Enterprise in a scene from The Man Trap, the premiere episode of Star Trek, which aired on September 8, 1966 LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- In a twist that would have significantly changed the Star Trek universe, Spock was originally to be played by a woman according to Lieutenant Uhura actress Nichelle Nichols. In an interview from 2002 for Trek Nation Directors Log, which recently aired on the Science Channel special Trek Nation, the actress claimed that creator Gene Roddenberry wanted the famous Vulcan to be played by a woman. They gave me a three-page script to read from that had three characters named, she said in the interview. There was Bones, Kirk and someone called Spock and they asked me to read for the role of Spock. When I looked at this great text, I said to myself, Ill take any one of these roles, but I found the Spock character to be very interesting, and I asked them to tell me what she [Spock] was like. But not all are convinced of Nichelles take on the early casting concept. According to geek/tech blog io9, in early versions of the script, there was a Spock-like character, named Number One, which was to be played by a woman. The role was reportedly cut after the studio took issue with such a large female role. After nixing Number One, Roddenberry promoted the role of Spock to first office. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

All about 'Eve'

Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer Toby Emmerich, Sue Kroll and Jeff Robinov preem "New Year's Eve." Katherine Heigl and Sofia Vergara celebrate with Garry Marshall.Lea Michele and Ashton Kutcher join the party at the Chinese. Nostalgia pervaded Monday's preem of Warner/New Line's "New Year's Eve" at the Chinese as the key players recalled the good, bad and ugly. "My best New Year's Eve was when I stopped looking for the perfect New Year's Eve," said Hilary Swank at the after-preem bash at Hollywood & Highland. "My worst was when I was trying to drive to the perfect party and didn't get there on time." Screenwriter Katherine Fugate admitted that her worst New Year's Eve came when she was nearly arrested for speeding -- even though she managed to talk her way out of the ticket. "I think my best will be this one now that I'm in love," she added. Garry Marshall opined that this past New Year's Eve was his favorite because his son, Scott Marshall, was shooting footage as a second unit director at Times Square. "I was there in 1956 and 1959 because I grew up in the Bronx, but this was the best since all I had to do was sit in a room and watch 14 cameras and say, 'Well, that one looks really great,' " quipped the helmer. Marshall is planning to take his family to Hawaii for New Year's Eve, followed by a knee replacement operation. "I've been holding off on it since I really couldn't direct this movie on crutches," he added. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Animated pics boost property values

With beloved characters such as Puss in Boots, studios think long-term when bringing such potential franchises to the bigscreen.'The Adventures of Tintin''Cars 2'While Pixar director John Lasseter was promoting "Cars" around the world in 2006, he began envisioning a sequel with sports-car star Lightning McQueen and tow truck Mater on the international Grand Prix circuit. Five years later, those familiar characters finally arrived on the world stage, and got snared in a spy caper to boot.But "Cars 2" is just one of several 2011 toon releases that owe their existence to popular predecessors. DreamWorks delivered "Kung Fu Panda 2" and the "Shrek" spin-off "Puss in Boots," while Walt Disney Animation released a new "Winnie the Pooh" in the classic handdrawn style. Beloved comicbook characters also got star turns this year, with Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson transforming Belgian cartoonist Herge's globe-trotting reporter into "The Adventures of Tintin," while another Belgian comics property -- Peyo's blue-skinned, ankle-high Schtroumpfs -- was animated by Sony in the CG/live-action hybrid "The Smurfs," which was so successful that it's already spawning a sequel. Clearly, franchise property values are staying high in this corner of Hollywood.Despite the varied pedigrees of these pics, the challenge of taking an existing "brand" into a new movie remains the same: How do you do it without losing the spark that made those characters popular to begin with? "Cars 2" producer Denise Ream calls that aspect "the biggest challenge when you have beloved characters," adding, "We had a spy movie, and it was a challenge to have an innocent character like Mater caught up in a conspiracy."To up the ante for "Cars 2," Pixar did what many studios do with sequels: They "opened up" the picture by taking the characters to many European and Asian locales. Ream, who previously worked on big vfx films at ILM, says, "It's one of the more complicated movies I've worked on. And it's got the biggest scope of any Pixar film to date."DreamWorks also upped the action for "Kung Fu Panda 2," adding a devilish foe for Po, the franchise's pudgy action hero. Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, story chief on the original, led a team of "Panda" writers and animators who moved directly onto the sequel. "It was almost a relief to keep going," Yuh Nelson says. "Most of our crew was there when Po was conceived, so there was a sense of continuity. The nice thing about having established characters is that you can go for more subtlety and detail, and push everything further." But Yuh Nelson cautions, "You can't assert an unnatural story onto your characters. We would often say, 'That's not Po,' and we'd make sure that wouldn't happen."It's typical for animated sequels to take characters forward, which is what happens to the dancing penguin star in Warners' "Happy Feet Two." Director George Miller advanced his story to present a "day in the life" of the original film's penguin, who has become a father himself. By contrast, DreamWorks actually flashed backward to unveil the story of "Puss in Boots," revealing how the sword-wielding kitty came to be the character auds met in the "Shrek" movies. "I always felt like he was a larger-than-life sidekick who could support a feature film," says director Chris Miller, who helmed "Shrek the Third." "Puss" is connected to the fairy-tale universe of "Shrek," but in a style that Miller calls, "a mash-up." As he says, "It was important that our fairy-tale characters (which include Humpty Dumpty and Jack & Jill) felt different compared to Shrek's world. We created a mythology around them and had fun with them that way."Miller acknowledges, however, "It was pivotal to be surrounded by people who had worked on the 'Shrek' films and were aware of what they felt like. We always strived to make sure that this film felt different."A different task awaited the writer-director team of Don Hall and Stephen Anderson on "Winnie the Pooh." They wanted to honor both A.A. Milne's original books and Disney's featurettes from decades ago. "They were the high-water mark of the franchise," Hall says. Fortunately, the crew had animator Burny Mattinson on board, a veteran of those earlier short adventures. "He became our Pooh guru, and he encouraged us to really push it."One thing that definitely didn't change in this "Pooh" was the British nature of the voice cast, which Hall felt tied the movie to its literary roots. "Winnie's voice was untouchable. If we'd tried to 'update' him with George Clooney's voice, people would be up in arms!"Adapting characters from books to the screen can be a lengthy process. Spielberg has said he's wanted to make "Tintin" since the 1980s, around the same time that producer Jordan Kerner first read "The Smurfs" books by Pierre "Peyo" Culliford. Since 1997, Kerner has worked to persuade the late author's children that a big live-action/CG hybrid could do justice to Peyo's stories. "They worked on levels for kids, but also dealt with more sophisticated behavior," says Kerner, who also produced the hybrid "Charlotte's Web." "We felt that to create a world that the Smurfs can credibly live in, everything around them had to be real. If the human actors were too broad, the less real the Smurfs became."The "Smurfs" sequel, due in summer 2013, will take the characters from Gotham to Paris. "You toe a fine line when making movies for the world market today," says Kerner, who admits that making toons come alive in movies remains a huge challenge. "It's always a huge bar to get over." EYE ON THE OSCARS: ANIMATION Animated pics boost property valuesWhether working on a shoestring hand-drawn project or pushing the limits of computer-generated technology, this year's offerings overcame major challenges in bringing their animated visions to screen. Here's how:'Arthur Christmas' | 'Chico and Rita' | 'Gnomeo and Juliet' | 'Rango' | 'Wrinkles' | 'Rio' Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Beyond the Black Rainbow

A Magnet Releasing (in U.S.)/Mongrel Media (in Canada) release of a Chromewood Prods. presentation. Produced by Oliver Linsley, Christya Nordstokke. Directed, written by Panos Cosmatos.With: Michael Rogers, Eva Allen, Scott Hylands.Ultimately making even less sense than its title, writer-director Panos Cosmatos' "Beyond the Black Rainbow" is set in a quasi-scientific facility that marks the remnants of a once-benign New Age project that, like "Lost's" Dharma Initiative, has gone evil; it also seems to have been designed after many tripped-out viewings of "2001: A Space Odyssey." Fascinating first impressions soon give way to repetitive, sluggish sequences, suggesting distrib Magnet will struggle to build cultish word of mouth. Barry (Michael Rogers) is the increasingly unhinged and megalomaniacal director of a "transformational" center (whose '70s-era promotional video opens the film with remarkable verisimilitude) founded by his father, Mercurio Arboria (Scott Hylands). Only Elena (Eva Allan), who's blessed/cursed with extrasensory powers as a result of the center's bizarre therapies, seems to be under Barry's so-called "care," but she's actually his prisoner. Although lenser Norm Li's mesmerizing widescreen images and Bob Bottieri's pop-mod designs offer real pleasures, "Rainbow" grinds to a near-halt even as Barry goes thoroughly bonkers.Camera (color, Panavision widescreen), Norm Li; editor, Nicholas Shepard; music, Sinoia Caves; production designer, Bob Bottieri; costume designer, Kathi Moore. Reviewed at AFI Film Festival, Nov. 4, 2011. (Also in Stockholm, Fantasia, Tribeca film festivals.) MPAA Rating: R. Running time: 109 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Charges Against Lars Von Trier Over Cannes Statements Dropped (Exclusive)

Carson Kressley, Carrie Fisher and Emmanuelle Vaugier have been tapped to star in Hallmark Channel's Caroling, a modern-day take on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.our editor recommendsCarrie Fisher Shows Off 50-Pound Weight Loss on 'Today' (Video)Carrie Fisher Remembers One-Time Stepmother Elizabeth Taylor Carson Kressley: 'Used to Being an Outsider' Before 'Dancing With the Stars' Carson Kressley: 'Dancing With the Stars' 'Was the Best Experience Ever'Emmanuelle Vaugier cast in 'Covert Affairs' The movie, set to premiere during the 2012 holiday season, centers on Carol Huffman (Vaugier, Two and a Half Men), one of Chicago's most successful book publishers and a ruthless businesswoman who has made no room in her life for personal relationships and whose staff hates her. PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years Kressley plays a colleague who is secretly organizing a revolt against Carol, and Fisher plays the late founder of publishing company, who takes Carol through an eye-opening journey of her past, present and future. Olivia Cheng (Eureka) and Tygh Runyan (SGU Stargate Universe) co-star in the movie, which has begun production in Vancouver. Caroling, from Carol Street Productions, is executive produced by Michael Goldstein and Michael Larkin and produced by Harvey Kahn is producer. PHOTOS: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13 Cast Official Photos, Including Carson Kressley Michael M. Scott is directing from a script by William Penick and Chris Sey. Kressley competed on the most recent season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars, coming in eighth place. Fisher recently appeared in her one-woman show Wishful Drinking, which was taped for an HBO special that aired last year. Vaugier also has appeared in USA Network's Covert Affairs. PHOTOS: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals Hallmark Channel has been on a roll with its holiday programming this year, which has included such titles as Mistletoe Over Manhattan, Love's Christmas Journey and Cancel Christmas. The network has had the No. 1 movie of the week for the past three weeks, delivering nine of the 10 highest-rated ad-supported cable movies of November. Overall, more than 40 million unduplicated viewers have tuned in to the movie premieres. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals Related Topics Carson Kressley TV Casting Carrie Fisher

National Board Of Review Names Hugo Best Film, Martin Scorsese Best Director

Paramount’s Martin Scorsese film Hugo received a major shot in the arm for its Oscar hopes when the National Board of Review named it the 2011 Best Film of The Year and tapped Scorsese as Best Director. Today’s vote comes two days after the NY critics voted the Weinstein Co’s black-and-white silent pic The Artist as its top film and shut out Hugo altogether. Hugo is such a personal film by Martin Scorsese, said National Board president Annie Schulhof in a release announcing the winners. It is a tribute to the early years of cinema that uses today’s cutting-edge technology to bring the audience into a completely unique and magical world. It is visually stunning and emotionally engaging. The National Board also went with George Clooney (The Descendants) as Best Actor and Tilda Swinton (We Need To Talk About Kevin) as Best Actress, also different from the NYFCC, which went with Brad Pitt and Meryl Streep. Here’s the National Board’s full list: Best Film: Hugo Best Director: Martin Scorsese, Hugo Best Actor: George Clooney, The Descendants Best Actress: Tilda Swinton, We Need to Talk About Kevin Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, Beginners Best Supporting Actress: Shailene Woodley, The Descendants Best Original Screenplay: Will Reiser, 50/50 Best Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash, The Descendants Best Animated Feature: Rango Breakthrough Performance: Felicity Jones, Like Crazy Breakthrough Performance: Rooney Mara, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Debut Director: J.C. Chandor, Margin Call Best Ensemble: The Help Spotlight Award: Michael Fassbender (A Dangerous Method, Jane Eyre, Shame, X-Men: First Class) NBR Freedom of Expression: Crime After Crime NBR Freedom of Expression: Pariah Best Foreign Language Film: A Separation Best Documentary: Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory Special Achievement in Filmmaking: The Harry Potter Franchise – A Distinguished Translation from Book to Film Top Films (in alphabetical order) The Artist The Descendants Drive The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 The Ides of March J. Edgar Tree of Life War Horse Top 5 Foreign Language Films (in Alphabetical Order) 13 Assassins Elite Squad: The Enemy Within Footnote Le Havre Point Blank Top 5 Documentaries (in Alphabetical Order) Born to be Wild Buck George Harrison: Living in the Material World Project Nim Senna Top 10 Independent Films (in Alphabetical Order) 50/50 Another Earth Beginners A Better Life Cedar Rapids Margin Call Shame Take Shelter We Need To Talk About Kevin Win Win