Movie fans were gong-ho for horror flicks on Halloween weekend, propelling “Saw 3D” to the top of the Box Office.  “Saw 3D” debut with a respectable $22.5 million,  acccording to the final figures out today. ”Saw 3D” is now the number one movie in the country.

This is the seventh and  reportedly final chapter in John “Jigsaw” Kramer’s torture series of challenges and tests for his victims. Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, and Betsy Russell star.  Whether this turns out to be the end of Jigsaw, more than likely depends on how much dough this installment of the series manages to scare up at the Box Office.

The psychological horror flick , “Paranormal Activity 2,”  last week’s top film, had to settle for second place with $16.5 million. The action comedy “Red”  earned $10.7 million, good enough for third, followed by the comedy “Jackass 3-D” in fourth with $8.5 million and in fifth, the spiritual drama, “Hereafter” with $6.4 million.

“Paranormal Activity 2″ really cleaned up at the weekend Box Office. The fright sequel debuted with an estimated $41.5 million–a huge opening for a horror flick. “Paranormal Activity 2″ is now the new number one film in the country.

The plot of “Paranormal Activity 2″ is very similar to the first.  Instead of a couple, this time, a sinister force terrorizes a family. The R-rated film reportedly was produced on a meager budget of $3 million. Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat star.

Last week’s top film, “Jackass 3D,” landed in second with around $21.6 million. In third place, the action/comedy “Red”  with about $15 million. The new Clint Eastwood movie, “Hereafter” debuted in fourth with $12 million. Matt Damon and Cecile de France star in the story about life and the afterlife.

Rounding out the top five, “The Social Network,”  with an estimated $7.3 million to bring its four week total to at least $72 million.

"Jackass 3D" movie poster

Two new adult films debuted at the top of the Box Office, outperforming expectations. Leading the way, “Jackass 3D,” a crude comedy, that packed theaters and earned an estimated $50 million, to become the new number one film in the country.

This is the third installment of the “Jackass” series and is based on the TV series (2000-2002). The movie has no real plot, and basically shows a bunch of guys doing stupid pranks, stunts, and other idiotic routines. You either dig this kind of R-rated humor or you don’t. Johnny Knoxville stars.   

In second place, a different kind of adult film, “Red,” which stars Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, Mary-Louise Parker, and Bruce Willis. “Red” debuted with around $22.5 million. It’s about a CIA agent who is forced to come out of retirement and to assembly his old team, after he gets targeted by assassins. The action-comedy is based on a DC comic book series of the same name.

Following in third place, “The Social Network” with an estimated $11 million, “Secretariat” with $9.5 million took fourth, and the comedy/drama, “Life as We know It,” is close behind in fifth with $9.2 million.

Facebook film wins Box Office derby

Despite a big publicity blitz by Disney the new film,”Secretariat,” got dusted by the geeks of  ”The Social Network” at the Box Office this weekend. The final figures are out today and they show “The Social Network” leading the pack with $15.4 million — to hang onto the title of the number one film in the country for the second straight week.

In second place, the new comedy/drama, “Life as we Know It,” earning $14.5 million. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel play single professionals who must make a relationship under one roof work after they become the caregivers to an orphaned little girl they both adore.

“Secretariat,” the story of the spectacular race horse who won the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1973, managed only third, pulling in $12.6 million. The film stars Diane Lane and John Malkovich. A much stronger debut was expected from the movie, which received good reviews along with a ton of  promotion.

The animated family flick, “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” came in fourth with $6.88 million. Close behind in fifth, the new slasher film, “My Soul to Take,” scared up $6.84 million. The 3D movie stars Max Thieriot, John Margaro, and Christopher Place. The plot revolves around the return of a serial killer to his hometown to stalk seven children who were born on the day, 16 years ago, he supposedly died.

Country Singer Garth Brooks lends a helping hand

Photo: PRNewsFoto/Habitat for Humanity International Ezra Millstein -- Garth Brooks helped build homes in Alabama as part of Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project October 8, 2010

Entertainer, Garth Brooks, traded in his microphone for a drill as he  joined 400 volunteers for the 27th Annual Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Birmingham, Alabama last Friday. Oh, Brooks did perform for Habitat supporters the night before. The volunteers are building 10 new homes and rehabbing 18 others, according to a PRNewswire press release.

Brooks and his wife, singer Trisha Yearwood, have volunteered with Habitat in the Gulf Coast and in Los Angeles as well.  

An update for Harry Potter fans

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1″ is coming out  on schedule, but in 2D, according to a PRNewswire press release.  Apparently, Warner Bros.Pictures has not been able to complete the Potter sequel and get it into the 3D format in time for the target release next month, on November 19.

Also, the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –Part 2″ will hit the big screen on July 15, 2011, in both 2D and 3D format.

 Hot Hollywood Movie Deal

I thought it was a bizarre combination when the novel came out last spring: President Abraham Lincoln and vampires. No matter. Hollywood is hot to take this property to the big screen. Several studios were bidding on the project, but over the weekend, 20th Century Fox came out the victor, according to Nikki Finke & Mike Fleming over at Deadline.com.

Los Angeles Author Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel, “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter” has our 14th President taking out the blood suckers and their slave-owning allies, in revenge for a vampire killing his mother. Oh, it’s going to be made in 3D. Wow! More on the deal at Deadline.com

WGA announces awards for New Media writing

The Writers Guild of America awards ceremony next February will include two new categories: Writing Original New Media and Writing Derivative New Media.  WGA-West President John Wells explained the need for the additions in a news release: ““New media writers play an essential role in entertaining, educating, and engaging audiences in the digital arena. These new awards pay tribute to their talents and to the diversity of work being done under Writers Guild contracts.”

The WGA will be accepting submissions through November 23, 2010. Details on eligibility and the new awards on the WGA -West website.  

More on the Facebook movie

“The Social Network,” the new movie about Facebook, is the number one flick in the nation. Also, now there’s growing Oscar buzz surrounding the movie. Deadline has that as well as a tidbit about how the screenwriter of the film, Aaron Sorkin, collected a cool $3 million for his work. Who says screenwriting doesn’t pay the bills?

Catching up on …

Some good obits and remembrances of some recently departed celebs over on the  Los Angeles Times website – among them, Actor/Artist Tony Curtis and  TV Producer/Author Stephen J. Cannell.  Cannell was not only a great talent, but a generous writer who was willing to share his knowledge and experiences with other scribes.  I heard Cannell speak to writers’ groups a couple of times — and each time he was terrific.

The story of Internet social network juggernaut, Facebook, pulled in the most moviegoers at theaters this weekend. “The Social Network” debuted with an estimated $23 million to become the number one film in the country.

The drama is loosely based on Ben Mezrich’s book, “The Accidental Billionaires”  (2009). The story centers on how Mark Zuckerberg, as a young Harvard University undergraduate, founded Facebook in his dorm room back in 2004. Today the mega-website has become a huge part of the Internet experience for millions. The movie stars Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake.

Far behind In second place, the animated family flick, “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” with around $10.8 million. Last week’s top film, “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” dropped to third with about $10.1 million, followed by the crime drama “The Town” with somewhere around $10 million.

The teen comedy, “Easy A” rounds out the big five with an estimated $7 million. The final numbers on the weekend films will be released tomorrow.

The new drama, “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” rolled right over the competition this weekend to become the number one film in the country. This sequel to the 1987 film, “Wall Street,” collected an estimated $19 million at the domestic Box Office.   

Oliver Stone directed both the original and the sequel. “Wall Street : Money Never Sleeps” picks up 23 years after the original with Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gekko out of prison and reformed. Douglas won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in “Wall Street.” In the sequel, Gekko tries to warn Wall Street right before the 2008 financial meltdown. The cast includes Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, and Carey Mulligan.

In second place, a new 3D animation, “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole,” with around $16.3 million. The film is based on an adventure fantasy book series by Kathryn Lasky.

“The Town”, last week’s number top film, fell to third place earning an estimated $16 million. The teen comedy, “Easy A”  landed in fourth with about $10.7 million.

Rounding out the top five, the new romantic comedy, “You Again” with an estimated $8.3 million. Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristen Bell, Sigourney Weaver, and Betty White star. The film is about a young woman who discovers her older brother is about to marry the girl who bullied her in high school.

Paris Hilton’s guilty plea in Vegas

Photo: Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun -- Paris Hilton and her attorney David Chesnoff in a Las Vegas courtroom today, September 20, 2010

 Hotel Heiress Paris Hilton pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor cocaine charges in a Las Vegas court today.  Hilton got a plea deal: one year probation, $2,000 fine, 200 hours of community service, and she must complete a drug abuse program.  Also, if  Hilton violates her probation she risks going to jail for a year!

The drug charges followed the socialite’s arrest at the Wynn Las Vegas last month. At first, Hilton denied ownership of the cocaine and the purse it was found in. However, today the judge made her admit she’d lied.

More on Hilton’s case and what she had to say in court in this Las Vegas Sun report. Also, on the newspaper website, some nice photos of Hilton looking more like she was attending a fashion show rather than a court sentencing.

Jamie McCourt testifies in court

Some pretty amazing testimony in Frank and Jamie McCourt’s nasty divorce and legal battle over the Los Angeles Dodgers today.  Jamie McCourt took the stand and claimed she didn’t read nor really understand the document she signed in 2004 giving her estranged husband sole ownership of the Dodgers.

 However, Steve Susman, Frank McCourt’s attorney, pointed out in court  – Jamie McCourt practiced law at one time. Hmm, interesting. More on Jamie McCourt’s testimony on the Los Angeles website.

Ben Affleck’s film tops the Box Office

The final numbers came out today and the crime drama,  ”The Town,” easily won the domestic weekend Box Office. Ben Affleck wrote, directed, and starred in “The Town,” which debuted with 23.8 million, to become the new number one film in the country.

The new teen comedy, “Easy A,” racked up $17.7 million, good enough for second place. It was followed by the new horror flick, “Devil,” which managed only $12.2 million, despite being the creation of M. Night Shyamalan. 

Last week’s top film, “Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D” came in fourth with $10 million, and in fifth place, the new animation “Alpha and Omega” with $9 million.

Lady Gaga night at the 2010 VMA ceremony

Photo: Picture Perfect/Rex USA/People Magazine -- Pop Star and Fashion Rebel, Lady Gaga, styles on the white carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Sunday, September 12, 2010

 Lady Gaga wore the most outrageous outfit to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last night. The 24-year-old singer went on to win 8 awards – a record for the VMAs.  However, the appearances by Kanye West and Taylor Swift probably produced the most drama. Last year, West interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video to declare the award should have gone to Beyoncé.

People has the drama, the performances, the fashion, and more from the VMAs here.

Action flicks dominate weekend Box Office

George Clooney got drop kicked to the curb and beyond by a female action hero over the weekend.  “Resident Evil:Afterlife 3D” starring Milla Jovovich annihilated the competition with a debut estimated at $27.7 million — to become the new number one film in the country.

In this fourth installment of the “Resident Evil” franchise, Milla Jovovich plays Alice Clones who hooks up with some survivors in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. The cast includes Ali Larter and Wentworth Miller.

The action drama “Takers” captured second place with around $6 million. Last week’s top film, Clooney’s “The American” managed only third with about $5.8 million, followed by the actioner “Machete” with  $4.2 million and rounding out the top five, the romantic comedy, “Going the Distance” with an estimated $3.8 million.

TV reality show judge wins Larry King’s job

The British Talk Show host-turned- “America’s Got Talent” Judge, Piers Morgan, is Larry King’s replacement. Rumors about the deal have been in the wind for weeks. Today CNN made the official announcement. 

Earlier this summer, King announced he would be retiring from his high-profile interview program, “Larry King Live,” this fall, after 25 years.

Deadline.com has a report on the behind the scenes wheeling and dealing that got Morgan the job.

Hollywood and book readers hot for “The Hunger Games” series 

The final installment of the “Hunger Games” book series is a monster hit. Galleycat reports the publisher, Scholastic, announced “Mockingjay” sold an incredible 450,000 copies in hardcover and ebooks since its release on August 24. That’s around 45,000 books a day! The publisher reportedly is printing a second run of 400,000 hardcover copies.

Suzanne Collins’ YA (Young Adult) fantasy series has made a variety of bestseller lists, including Barnes & Noble, The New York Times, and USA Today. Lionsgate has bought the film rights to the first book in the series, “The Hunger Games.”  The script is written and reportedly several directors are circling the project.

George Clooney hangs onto the Box Office lead

Apparently “The American” is getting some good recommendations from moviegoers. The George Clooney thriller won the Labor Day Holiday weekend domestic Box Office and continues to out run the competition this week.

 The thriller is about an American assassin who finds himself marked for death. Three of my friends saw “The American” over the weekend. They say Clooney was great eye-candy, but didn’t think the film was worth the price of admission — especially at $11.50 each.

“The American” raked up a weak $16.6 million over the three-day-holiday, followed by the new action flick “Machete” in second with $14 million. The “Machete” plot revolves around a Mexican immigrant/renegade who gets caught up in a political conspiracy. It stars Danny Trejo, Steven Seagal, and Jessica Alba.

The crime drama “Takers” took third with $13.5 million. “The Last Exorcism” scared up $8.7 million for fourth and rounding out the top five the new romantic comedy, “Going the Distance” with $8.5 million. In “Going the Distance” a couple tries to make it work even though he lives in New York and she in San Francisco. Drew Barrymore leads a cast that includes Justin Long and Christina Applegate.

Discovery Channel real life hostage drama

The Discovery Channel is dealing with a real crime scene at its headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Earlier today suspected gunman, Radical Environmentalist, James J. Lee, reportedly took three hostages at the network’s building. The standoff ended when Lee was apparently shot and killed by SWAT snipers and the hostages freed.

Previously, Lee reportedly shopped a reality TV project to Discovery, according to The Wrap.  Also, the site has quite a bit of background on Lee and his bizarre brand of social activism.

This evening, the Discovery Channel corporate office released the following statement about the hostage drama:

David Leavy, Discovery Communications Executive Vice President Global Communications and Corporate Affairs stated:

“First and foremost, Discovery Communications wants to express how relieved and grateful we are that all employees and the children from the Discovery Kids Place daycare center are safe. Employees in Silver Spring demonstrated courage, compassion and cooperation throughout the situation, which aided law enforcement efforts — for which we are thankful and proud.

In coordination with Montgomery County, Md., Police, an evacuation procedure was executed for all persons in the building. The evacuation procedures were handled with professionalism and with safety as Discovery’s primary concern. Discovery thanks the Montgomery County Police and Fire & Rescue and other state and federal safety personnel whose quick thinking and fast action ensured the safety of the employees and children in the building as well as the Silver Spring, Md., community.

The events of today showed the strong heart of the Discovery family.”

The statement was released through PR Newswire.

“Takers” beat the competition at the Box Office

The bank robbery thriller “Takers” has surprised many with its take at the domestic Box Office. “Takers” debuted as the number one film in the country last weekend with a haul of $20.5 million, beating close rival “The Last Exorcism” by a couple of hundred thousand dollars or so.

“Takers” proved its weekend victory was not fluke by holding onto the lead on Monday and Tuesday. “Takers” is about a group of skilled bank robbers who bump up against a tough detective and his partner during a final heist. Matt Dillion, Hayden Christensen, Pop Singer Rihanna’s ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, and Rapper, T.I., are  in the ensemble cast.

Despite a number of bad reviews, “The Last Exorcism,” managed to find an audience. The new horror mockumentary, scared up $20.3 million, to finish in second place. The movie is about a disillusioned minister who agrees to the exorcism of a farmer’s daughter and a documentary crew goes along to film it all. Patrick Fabian, Iris Bahr and Louis Herthum star.

The action flick, “The Expendables” came in third with $9.5 million, bringing its three week total to around $82 million. Rounding out the top five,  romance drama, “Eat Pray Love” with $6.8 million and the buddy-cop comedy, “The Other Guys” with $6.2 million.

Actress Lindsay Lohan gets another break

Today a Beverly Hills judge ordered Actress Lindsay Lohan to do 67-days of supervised probation at home. Lohan was released from in-patient treatment at UCLA yesterday afternoon. This is the newest twist in Lohan latest troubles with the law, which include a 90-day jail sentence and 90-day rehab stint for a probation violation. Lohan served only a fraction of that time in both places. Details on The Wrap.  

Actress wins guest appearance on daytime TV soap

Photo: PRNewsFoto/ Procter and Gamble/ George Desota -- Aspiring Actress Jennifer Jean wins guest appearance on "As The World Turns"

 Jennifer Jean’s star is rising. The actress is the new “Brighten Bay Idol,” after winning an online talent search sponsored by Cheer/Procter & Gamble.  The contest kicked off last January with a call for audition tapes from talented thespians  on the Brighten Bay website.

Jean, a California native and former school teacher, has appeared in TV commercials, an independent film, numerous improv and sketch shows, according to a PR Newswire press release. 

Jean appears as Nurse Greta in the August 30th episode of the long running soap. It’s her first big break: “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that my favorite detergent brand, Cheer, would help catapult my acting career,” said Jean in the press release. “But starring in one of the final episodes of ‘As the World Turns’ is definitely going to be a turning point for me. I’m so grateful to all of the voters who chose my audition tape and can’t thank Cheer and ‘Brighten Bay Idol’ enough!”

 ”We were all blown away by Jennifer’s performance and are excited to help develop her acting career,” said Tara Murphy, Cheer brand manager.

Last December, CBS canceled “As The World Turns.”  So after 54 years and 13, 858 episodes,  the final installment of the daytime soap opera airs on September 17, 2010.

 ”The Expendables” still beating the competition at the Box Office

“The Expendables,” still packing them in at movie theaters this week. . The Sylvester Stallone project won the box office shoot-out for the second week in a row with a take of  $17 million.  The action flick continued to out pace the competition on Monday and and Tuesday picking up  an additional $4 million or so, to bring it’s 11-day domestic total to $69.3 million.

In second the new vampire movies spoof, “Vampires Suck,” with $12.2 million. Jenn Proske and Matt Lanter star in the horror comedy about a teenaged girl who falls for a mysterious guy at school who happens to be a vampire.

Julia Robert’s “Eat, Pray, Love”  landed in third with $12 million,. Fourth went to the new urban comedy, “Lottery Ticket,” which picked up $10.6 million  weekend. Bow Wow and Ice Cube star in this film about a young man living in the projects who wins a lottery and has to safe guard  his winning ticket from predators over a holiday weekend.

Rounding out the top five, the comedy action film, “The Other Guys” with $10 million.

President Obama raises $1 million & snarls traffic in Southland  

It happens almost every time a U.S. President visits the Southland. The bad traffic situation gets worse. That’s what occurred today, when President Barack Obama dropped in for one of those high-ticket priced Hollywood -type fundraisers.

Obama reportedly raised $1 million dollars for the Democrats and the ire of some Southlanders over the traffic problems caused by his visit. Nice report and photo on the Los Angeles Times website.

“The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”

Photo: PR NewsFoto/Columbia Pictures/Merrick Morton -- Actress Rooney Mara

 Actress Rooney Mara has won one of the most sought after roles in Hollywood. Columbia Pictures announced today that Mara has been selected to star in the film version of  Stieg Larsson’s mystery blockbuster, “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and the other two adaptations in The Millennium Trilogy. David Fincher will direct.

Since being published in the U.S., “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” has sold over 5 million copies. The Millennium Trilogy has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide, according to a PR Newswire press release.

 All three books, including “The Girl Who Played With Fire” and “THe Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest” currently are at the top of the New York Times Best Sellers List.  The  Millennium Triology is considered a literary phenomenon.

Photo: PR NewFoto/Columbia Pictures/Merrick Morton -- Actor Daniel Craig

Also, Actor Daniel Craig is set to star in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.” Deadline.com has more on the casting and the upcoming productions.

Sylvester Stallone king of the Box Office

Actor and Filmmaker, Sylvester Stallone, is hot again. Stallone co-wrote, directed, and starred in the number one film in country right now, “The Expendables.” The action flick about a group of mercenaries out to take down a South American dictator, debuted over the weekend with a winning $34.8 million.  The cast includes Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, and Jet Li as well.

“Eat Pray Love,” the move version of Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling memoir about her adventures traveling the world, opened in second place with $23 million. Julia Roberts stars, but that was not enough for this chick flick to win the race to number one.

The action-comedy, “The Other Guys” grabbed third with  $17.4 million, the sci-fi thriller, “Inception” earned $11.4 million for fourth and rounding out the top five, the new action-comedy, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ” with $10.6 million. Based on a graphic novel, “Scott Pilgrim”  is about a 20-something musician who’s life chances dramatically when he falls for a mysterious woman. Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead star.

“Show Me the Polyester”

If you look great in polyester and dig rock singer/songwriter, Jackson Browne, here’s a contest for you. Browne is touring the U.S. right now with musician David Lindley. Apparently, Browne and Lindley are sporting flashy polyester shirts on stage during their performances this summer.

The duo is encouraging fans to show-off their best eye-catching polyester shirts in a photo contest going on at the “Show Me the Polyester” website, according to a PR Newswire press release. Fans have until August 25 to upload photos of themselves wearing  polyester shirts to the site. One winner will get a travel package to New York City and two-front row seats for the duo’s Beacon Theatre concert on September 14, 2010.

The latest release from  Browne and Lindley is “Love is Strange,” a 2-CD set of a tour they did in Spain back in 2006.

Profits soar for Disney, the other big studios, and the networks

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G — Disney Studios in Burbank

The money is rolling in for Disney, which this afternoon reported third quarter profits leaped 40%. Disney is not the only entertainment giant enjoying a good year. Despite the bad economy, other studios and the networks are doing well, too. Nikki Finke over at Deadline.com asks why so many folks in the entertain biz are out of work with this kind of upbeat financial picture in Hollywood? Check out Finke’s post here.

“The Other Guys” shoot to the top of the Box Office 

The action-comedy, “The Other Guys,” won the weekend domestic Box Office and is continuing to rake in the dough at theaters.  “The Other Guys” debuted with $35.5 million to become the number one film in the country. On Monday, the teaming of Will  Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as wantabe- hero  New York City detectives earned nearly $5 million more at theaters. 

After three weeks at in the top spot, the dreamscape sci-fi flick, “Inception,” dropped to second collecting $18.5 million– bringing its four-week domestic total to around $227 million. The new dance movie, “Step Up 3D” boogied into third place with $15.8 million. Adam Sevani and Alyson Stoner star in this third installment of the Step Up trilogy, where the battle of the dance moves to the college arena. 

Rounding out the top five, the spy thriller “Salt” with $10.9 million and the comedy, “Dinner for Schmucks” with $10.3 million.

Another Hollywood celebrity faced a judge in court, today.  Actor Charlie Sheen pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault in a deal that resulted in more serious charges being dropped. Sheen got a break from the Aspen, Colorado judge who suspended a 30-day jail sentence as well.

The assault charge came out of a nasty Christmas Day altercation Sheen had with his wife, Brook Mueller. Also, Sheen was sentenced to 30-days in rehab, but he may not have to do that time either. The Wrap has more on Sheen’s day in court.

Meanwhile, Actress Lindsay Lohan began a 90-day rehab at UCLA Medical Center today. Lohan finished 13 days of a 90 day jail sentence and was immediately carted off to the medical center. Lohan was sentenced to jail and rehab for violating probation in a DUI  case. People magazine has more on the troubled actress’ latest ordeal.

SoCal congresswoman’s husband buys Newsweek Magazine

It’s a done deal. Wealthy Businessman and Philanthropist, Sidney Harman, is the new owner of Newsweek magazine. Harman, a 91-year-old stereo equipment magnate, is the spouse of California Congresswoman, Jane Harman, who represents the 36th District out in the South Bay.

Sidney Harman met with the staff of the struggling news magazine today. The full story on the Newsweek website.  

Summer movies still hot

Despite rising theater ticket prices, folks are continuing to go to the movies. Over the weekend, the dreamscape thriller “Inception” held onto the number one spot at the  Box Office with a take of  $27.4 million — bringing its three-week domestic total to $193.3 million.

The new screwball comedy, “Dinner for Schmucks,” debuted in second with $23.5 million. This is a remake of a French film, “The Dinner Game” (1998),  about an executive who finds just the right guy to take to his boss’ dinner for dummies. The movie stars Steve Carell and Paul Rudd.

The Angelina Jolie spy thriller, “Salt” raked in $19.4 million good enough for third.  The animated flick, “Despicable Me” took fourth with $15.5 million. And rounding out the top five, the new romantic-fantasy starring Zac Efron called “Charlie St. Cloud” with $12.3 million.

A great movie poster, solid reviews, and a debut estimated at $36.5 million were not enough for the new Angelina Jolie film, “Salt,” to win the weekend domestic Box Office derby. The Leonardo DiCaprio sci-fi action flick, “Inception,” held onto the number one spot for the second week in a row with around $43 million.

“Salt” opened in second place. The spy thriller is about a CIA agent who gets fingered as a sleeper KGB operative and must go on the run to clear herself. The project was originally set up with Tom Cruise in the lead role.

The animated film, “Despicable Me” raked in somewhere in the range of $24 million to take third, followed by “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” with just under $10 million, and rounding out the top five, “Toy Story 3″ with an estimated $9 million.

Another big story, Comic-Con, that huge comic book convention-turned-media-event in San Diego. The Wrap and Deadline.com have several posts on the stars, events,  movies, panels, and the deals.

A hot topic in Hollywood and politics — President Barack Obama’s planned appearance on “The View.” Obama is scheduled to visit the program this Thursday. He will become the first sitting U.S. president to appear on a daytime talk show. Details on The Hollywood Reporter.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is blowing up huge on the big screen. DiCaprio is two-for-two — with his second film this year, “Inception,” debuting at the top of the domestic Box Office this weekend.  

Last February, DiCaprio starred in the psychological drama, ”Shutter Island,” which opened in first place with $41 million.  Now, the sci-fi thriller “Inception” cleans-up with an estimated $60.4 million to become the number one movie in the country. “Inception” also stars Ken Watanabe, Ellen Page, and Michael Caine.

Directed and written by the talented Chris Nolan, “Inception” is the highly anticipated original thriller about a thief’s ability to steal from his victim’s mind during the dream state and how he has to bump that skill up to an even higher level  in one last operation. Nolan, who’s successes include “Batman Begins, “The Dark Knight,” “Memento,” and “Insomnia,” reportedly started working on ”Inception” 10 years ago.

The computer-animated film, “Despicable Me,” slipped from first to second with around $32.7 million. The new fantasy adventure, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” landed in third with an estimate $17.3 million. Based on a number of sources, the film is about a sorcerer who finds his apprentice in modern day New York and must give this college student a crash course in magic and sorcery to help save the world from destruction. Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel star.

In fourth, the vampire fantasy ”The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” with about $13.5 million and rounding out the top five, the 3D animated  ”Toy Story 3″ with an estimated  $11.7 million.

Family 3D movies are rampaging at the Box Office these days,  The latest, “Despicable Me,” ran all over its rivals to debut with an estimate $60.1 at the domestic Box Office to become the number one film in the country.

The computer animated feature is about a strange neighborhood criminal who’s planning to steal the moon until he meets up with three orphan girls.  “Despicable Me” stars Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, and Julie Andrews.

Last week’s top film, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” is still going strong with a second week estimate of $33.4 million, good enough for second place. As I predicted, “Eclipse” leaped the $200 million mark on Thursday, before the weekend. Its domestic tally is around $237 million.  The worldwide total for the third movie in this vampire love story series stands at $456 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

In third, the  new sci-fi horror flick, “Predators,” with an estimated $25.3 million. This a sequel to the 1987  “Predator,” and it has Adrien Brody leading a group of humans in a battle against the alien predators.

Another popular family animation, “Toy Story 3,” landed in fourth with around $22 million. Rounding out the top five, the fantasy adventure, “The Last Airbender” with an estimated $17.1 million.

 Conan O’Brien gets four Emmy nominations

Late night talk show host, Conan O’Brien, has plenty to joke about after receiving four Emmy nominations today, for his short-lived version of “The Tonight Show,” including nods for outstanding variety music or comedy series, for writing, directing, and art direction. How many nominations did his rivals Jay Leno and David Letterman get? Nada! Zilch!  

That recent odd-ball Emmy ad campaign by the TBS Network for the comedian just might have paid off. Or maybe O’Brien got a lot of sympathy votes because of the shabby way NBC treated him in “The Tonight Show” debacle last winter, which led to Leno returning to the legendary late night talker as host. O’Brien is now prepping his new late night show for this fall on TBS.

The 62nd Primetime Emmy nominations were announced this morning.  HBO got the most nominations, followed by ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and PBS. Several posts about the Emmy nominations on deadline.com/Hollywood

Disney plans to appeal $200 million-plus court decision

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Disney Studios in Burbank

Investors are watching the Mouse Kingdom’s stock for signs of erosion after a federal jury in Riverside yesterday awarded the creator of the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”  television game show nearly $269.2 million in damages.

U.K.-based Celador International sued Disney in 2004 claiming it did not receive a fair share of profits from the show.  More on the legal battle here.

 ”Eclipse” still making serious money

“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” continued its winning ways this week. Over the Fourth of July weekend, the vampire/fantasy/love story easily won the Box Office race with a haul of $83.6 million.

In its first six days of release, the third installment of the “Twilight” film series made a huge $176.3 million at the domestic Box Office. As of yesterday,  the film had earned nearly $20 million more — meaning it will probably leap the $200 million mark before the weekend.  At the center of the plot is a love triangle involving main characters Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black played by Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner.

In second place, another new fantasy flick, “The Last Airbender” with $52 million.  Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the movie is about a young adventurer,  portrayed by Noah Ringer, who has the power to manipulate the four main elements of nature : water, fire, Earth, and air.

“Toy Story 3″ came in third with $43 million, and rounding out the top five, the comedies “Grown Ups” $26 million and “Knight and Day” $14 million.

“Twilight” stars to view “Eclipse” movie with fans

Photo: “Twilight” stars from Deadline.com/Hollywood

Early numbers indicate “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” is going to rack up a huge money haul this July 4th holiday weekend.  The third installment of the vampire/fantasy/love story film series debuted on Wednesday, June 30, with a gigantic $68.5 million domestic Box Office tally.  On Thursday, the movie earned $24.2 million, and $28.6 million yesterday, for a total so far of $121.3 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

The promotion machine for “Eclipse” has done a bang-up job — and is still working. Over the next few day, some of the “Twilight” stars will be watching ”Eclipse” on the big screen with fans. Nikki Finke over at Deadline.com/Hollywood says about 20 members of the cast will be popping in at movie theaters all across the country. The surprise visits began yesterday and will continue through the holiday weekend.

For details on the cities where the “Twilight” stars will be appearing check out the “Eclipse”website  Los Angeles is on the list, but, ah, not Burbank.  Don’t know how Media City got missed. 

Wonder Woman #600 one hot comic book

Photo: Wonder Woman DC Comics website

Yeah, Wonder Woman is a bona fide hot babe. She can dust the floor with the bad guys and never have a wardrobe malfunction, despite that skimpy outfit she has worn for more than fifty years. I’m not hating on her — just giving WW her dues.  However, finally in the reimagining of Wonder Woman issue #600, Diana Prince gets a new outfit — one more suitable for crime fighting than walking the runway in a beauty pagaent.  Wonder Woman in pants, how very 21st Century.

Photo: New Wonder Woman DC Comics/ New York Times

The DC Comics’ superheroine is hot for another reason right now – the reboot of Wonder Woman #600, officially on sale last Wednesday, has sold out!  Also, Nikki Finke is reporting DC Comics is already printing up a second edition.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — The House of Secrets at 1930 West Olive Avenue in Burbank

While I was out and about in Burbank today, I dropped by the House of Secrets comic book store and asked about Wonder Woman issue #600. Sure enough, it was sold out. The counter clerk estimated they got 100 issues on Wednesday and those flew off the shelves. They received a few more issues on Thursday and by last night those were gone, too. A new shipment is expected next week.

If you’d like to check out a preview of that hot comic click here. The New York Times has an excellent article on the makeover of Wonder Woman as well.

Dodger Manny Ramirez donates some rare wheels

 Photo: Jon SooHoo/L.A. Dodgers — Dodger Slugger Manny Ramirez ‘s 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 964

Looking for a flashy ride with some power and celebrity history? Dodger outfielder Manny Ramirez has donated a rare Porsche to a charity auction. The 1994 red Porsche 911 Turbo 964 has less than 35,000 miles. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Dodgers’ official charity, ThinkCure! and Maryvale, a local residential placement home for girls.

Bids for Ramirez’s wheels, reportedly appraised at more than $58,000, are now being taken online at  eBay until Monday, July 12, 2010 at 11 a.m.