“Jackass” star killed in car accident

"Jackass 3D" movie poster

 Actor Ryan Dunn was reportedly killed in a horrible car accident early this morning. The 34-year-old star of the  R-rated “Jackass”  movie comedy series apparently died when his Porsche crashed and exploded into flames in Pennsylvania. The Wrap has more on the  tragedy.

“Dilbert” creator in hot water over blog post

The  Internet is buzzing over the recent blunder by Scott Adams, the creator of the “Dilbert” comic strip.  In an attempt to explain the rash of  sex scandals by some prominent men, Adams recently published a  post on his Dilbert website  called, “Society Has Evolved To Keep Males in a State of continuous Unfulfilled Urgers.” 

Galleycat reports the post has generated hundreds of negative comments. Also,  a thousand readers have signed an online petition calling for Adams to apologize for the controversial post.  More here

“Green Lantern” shines bright at the box office

The actual box office numbers are out today and  “Green Lantern”  is in the number one spot.  “Green Lantern” beat the competition with a $53 million debut over the weekend.  There  are complaints the picture should have made millions more . Maybe so, but you gotta take into account that the “Green Lantern” isn’t the best known superhero and that could be a factor in its modest opening.  More on Box Office Mojo about the “Green Lantern” numbers and the other top movies.

McCourts’ divorce settlement and TV deal

The battling McCourts announced a divorce settlement today –  but it depends on a TV contract  between the Dodges and the Fox network .So it’s not quite a done deal for Frank and Jamie. Details here on the Los Angeles Times website.

“Green Lantern” burns red hot in theaters

The “Green Lantern”  made a ton of green at theaters today. Nikki Finke over on Deadline.com says the superhero flick’s opening day haul is around  $24 million — with an estimated weekend take of  $60 million.  More about the weekend movies here.

“The Hangover Part II” is off to a fast start at the Memorial Day weekend Box Office. The R-rated comedy opened with a huge $31.6 million yesterday. That’s the highest grossing day ever for a live-action comedy, according to Box Office Mojo.  And the long holiday weekend is just beginning.

The sequel to the 2009 hit, “The Hangover,” is written by Craig Mazin, Scot Armstrong, and Todd Phillips — who also directs.  This time out the guy pals are in Thailand for a wedding when something goes wrong and they lose the bride-to-be’s teenaged brother.

The other big movie opening is “Kung Fu Panda 2,” which was far behind  in second place with around $5.8 million on Thursday.  “Panda 2″ is expected to pick up steam today and the weekend — when more kids are out of school.

Columbia Pictures Vice-President, DeVon Franklin, leads a double life and he’s proud of it. Franklin is a devote Christian and a minister as well as studio executive.  Franklin has incorporated his faith into a business model, which he talks about in his new book “Produced by Faith: Enjoy Real Success without Compromising Your True Self.”

Franklin is the executive who brought the low-budget, but very successful script project, “Jumping the Broom,” to Columbia. Produced for less than $7 million, the romantic comedy has made over $30 million at the box office in about three weeks. Franklin is convinced you don’t have to have great connections or live in Tinseltown to sell your screenplay: “… we need good scripts in Hollywood. So, if you write a good script, even if you’re in Nebraska, Ohio –  you could be in the most remote part of the world — if you write a good script, I promise you, somehow we’ll find it.”

Franklin sees his faith and movie career as a perfect match: “My whole big idea for my life is to inspire and encourage, and God has called me to use film as part of a way to do that.” Franklin’s comments are from a post over on the publishing site, Galleycat.

By the way, his book “Produced by Faith, “ written with Tim Vandehey, was released from Simon & Schuster earlier this month on May 3.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strange Tides” sailed right to the top of the box office on its opening weekend. The fourth installment in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series earned an estimated $90.1 million to easily become the number one flick in the country. This bountiful debut clearly shows movie audiences are willing to throw down some money at theaters to see sequels.

“Pirates 4″ stars Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz,  Ian McShane, and Geoffrey Rush in a plot based on the book, “On Strange Tides” (1987)  by Tim Powers.  In this action adventure, Depp and his crew tangle with the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, during their search for the fountain of youth.

Far behind in second, but still doing boffo box office, the chick flick, “Bridesmaids,” with around $21 million. In two weeks this comedy has earned nearly $60 million. The superhero, “Thor,” landed in third with an estimated $15.5 million, followed by the action film, “Fast Five,” with about $10.6 million, and rounding out the top five the animation, “Rio,” with an estimated $4.6 million.

The big summer movies are rolling into theaters. Tomorrow, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strange Tides,” opens in the U.S.  The fantasy adventure is the fourth installment in the “Pirates of the Caribbean”  film series. The movie is based on the book from 1987, “On Strange Tides,” by Tim Powers.

Today over on the publishing site Galleycat, Powers talks about his fantasy  book, how it got optioned by Disney, and more here.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m. — Reaction from Maria Shriver here.

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s revival of his movie career is on a roll, but his personal life is in shambles. Last Friday, Annapurna Films won the bidding for the rights to the “Terminator” franchise with Schwarzenegger attached, according to Deadline.com . This is just one of many projects Schwarzenegger has solidified, including a children’s book deal, since leaving office in January 2011.

On the home front, Schwarzenegger has not been as successful. The Los Angeles Times was the first to report that the actor and his wife of 25 years, former journalist and Kennedy clan member, Maria Shriver, had separated.  Also, the newspaper disclosed  Shriver had moved out of the family Brentwood mansion earlier this year. Well, the other shoe dropped today. The Times is reporting now that Shriver packed up and left after Schwarzenegger revealed he has a child with a housekeeper or household staffer, who retired this past January. A shocker, indeed.

Sandra Bullock is probably no longer the most betrayed woman in Hollywood. That position may now belong to Maria Shriver.

Chick flicks are packing them in at movie theaters. Two in the last couple of weeks have beaten projections and grabbed a lot of attention away from the front runner, “Thor”.

While the superhero actioner held onto first place over the weekend, the debut of the raunchy female comedy, “Bridesmaid” is the talk of Tinseltown. The comedy about a down-on-her luck woman whose experiences as a maid of honor are hilarious, painful, and finally life changing.

“Saturday Night Live” cast member Kristen Wiig, co-wrote the screenplay with Annie Mumolo, and stars in the film along with Maya Rudolph, and Rose Byrne. In the actual box office numbers released today, “Bridesmaids’ scored an impressive $26.2 million — good enough for second place.

On the previous weekend, the low-budget but audience pleasing wedding comedy, “Jumping the Broom,” out paced expectations as well. This film cost around $7 million and in two weeks it has made around $26 million. Clearly, there is plenty of life left in the wedding comedy genre.

Box Office final numbers for May 13-15, 2011

1.”Thor” —–  $34.7 million

2. “Bridesmaids” —– $26.2 million

3. “Fast Five” —– $20.4 million

4. ”Priest” —– $14.9 million

5. “Rio” —– $8.2 million

6. “Jumping the Broom” —– $7 million

Another spec script sale to report, the 34th this year, according to Scott Myers over on the Go Into The Story blog. Twentieth Century Fox picked up, “From Mia With Love,” a comedy about three dudes who are eager to part with their virginity. So they send-off for a Russian mail order bride, but as you can probably imagine, things do not work out the way the guys plan.

The screenwriters are Seth Grahame-Smith, Bryan Shukoff, Kevin Chesley, and David Katzenberg who will direct. Katzenberg’s father is DreamWorks big shot, Jeffrey Katzenberg.

Myers is tracking the script sales over on his screenwriting site. He says the spec script market is doing a whole lot better than in 2010. It wasn’t until August 17 that the 34th spec script sold last year. More on this script sale here.

Another bestselling book is headed to the big screen. Sony Pictures has bought screen rights to “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of his His Trip to Heaven and Back,” according to deadline.com

This book claims to be the true adventures of a four-year -old boy who leaves his body during emergency surgery and takes a trip to heaven. Colton Burpo comments on the doctors in the operating room, his parents in the waiting area, and heaven; where he meets biblical characters and some relatives for the first time.

The book is written by the boy’s father, a small town minister, Todd Burpo with scribe Lynn Vincent. “Heaven is for Real” was published last November and  has been on the New York Times Bestsellers List for months.  Also today, “Heaven is for Real” is ranked in the top 10 on both Amazon.com and the Barnes & Noble website.

One of the producers of the movie version, Bishop T. D. Jakes. The bishop is very busy in the movie industry these days. Jakes is one of the producers on “Jumping the Broom,” which debuted very strongly this past weekend. For more on the deal go here.

The final numbers for the weekend box office are out today and again the small budget romantic comedy, “Jumping the Broom,” stole a little of the thunder from the blockbuster, “Thor.”

Yesterday, “Jumping the Broom” surprised a lot of folks by beating expectation with an estimated debut of $13.7 million.  Today that debut got even better.  Actual numbers show “Jumping the Broom,” earned $15.2 million over the weekend.  

Weekend Final Box Office Numbers

• 1. “Thor”  $65.7 million
• 2. “Fast Five”  $32.4 million
• 3. “Jumping the Broom”  $15.2 million
• 4.   “Something borrowed”  $13.9 million
• 5.    “Rio”  $8.5 million

“Thor” hammered the competition into submission at the box office this weekend. The superhero action flick debuted with an estimated $66 million to become the number one film in the country.

“Thor” is based on the Marvel comic book hero who is punished for his arrogance by being banished from his mythical homeland of Asgard and sent to Earth. The cast includes Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins.

Last week’s top movie, “Fast Five,” put the pedal to the metal, but managed only second place this time. “Fast Five” generated around $32.5 million for a two week total of $139.5 million.

Two new romantic comedies battled it out for third place, and it appears “Jumping the Broom” has won that skirmish. The film, about two families from different socioeconomic backgrounds who clash during a wedding weekend on Martha’s Vineyard, beat expectations and earned about$13.7 million.

“Jumping the Broom,” the title comes from the African American tradition of a couple jumping over a broom as part of the marriage ceremony, is a small film. The budget reportedly around $7 million. Nevertheless, it looks like this little movie is going to beat the odds and make a nice profit. Laz Alonso, Paula Patton, Angela Bassett, and Loretta Devine star.

The other new rom com, “Something Borrowed,”  had to settle for fourth with around $13.1 million. The movie is about  a woman who falls for her best friend’s fiancé. It’s based on the best selling novel of the same name by Emily Giffin. The film stars Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Colin Egglesfield.

Rounding out the top five, the animation “Rio” with an estimated $8.2 million.

A high octane debut at the box office for the fifth sequel to “The Fast and the Furious”  (2001).  ”Fast Five” burned rubber on the competition, left them in its smoke, with a huge opening estimated at $83.6 million. “Fast Five” is now the number one film in the country.

“Fast Five,” stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock, and Tyrese Gibson. The plot revolves around fast cars and a big money heist — $100 million.  

Far, far behind in second place, the animation “Rio” with around $14.4 million. Next in third, the comedy “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family” with about $10 million. The drama based on the book of the same name, “Water for Elephants,” took in about $9 million good enough for fourth.

Rounding out the top another new flick, ”Prom.”  This teen comedy about a high school prom stars Aimee Teegarden, DeVaughn Nixon, and Danielle Campbell.

Well-known comedian/radio personality Steve Harvey’s book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, And Commitment,” was a huge bestseller. The self-help guide debuted at number one on the New York Times hardcover advice list the week of February 9, 2009.

The relationship book, from a male perspective, was aimed at black women, but it struck a cord with women of various ethnic backgrounds. Following in the steps of its best selling predecessor, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” — “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” is being turned into a movie — that’s what has sparked this latest controversy.

Actor Kevin Hart has signed on for the lead role in, “Think Like A Man,” with production due to start in July, according to deadline.com  Screen Gems’ is producing this comedy about a self-help advisor who’s great at his job — but struggling with problems in his own marriage.

Now that the book has been out a while, some are seeing it as not so positive. Harvey’s recent drama with his ex-wife has many questioning the caliber of his relationship  advice. Some of the commenters on the deadline post speak out about different aspects of the controversy.

Locally, Harvey’s popular radio program, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” has been on a couple of Southland stations. Since August of 2009, the show has held a slot on the R&B and gospel station, KJLH, 102.3 FM, owned by music superstar Stevie Wonder.

Photo: Warner Bros./Los Angeles Times -- Al Pacino and Penny Allen starred in "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975) directed by Sidney Lumet

One of the most respected and prolific film directors, Sidney Lumet, died today at the age of 86. Lumet lost a battle with lymphoma. He passed away in New York where he made many of his 40 films.

Lumet’s credits include the classic ”12 Angry Men” (1957), “The Pawnbroker” (1964), “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), “Network” (1976), and “Verdict” (1986). The Los Angeles Times website has more on Lumet’s career and films here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Promotional poster for the book "Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie A History of Television."

Prolific television producer, Chuck Fries, was in the spotlight recently at the Burbank public library sponsored “An Evening with Hollywood Movers & Shaker.” The event on March 22, drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The spotlight on television producer Chuck Fries drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Fries was introduced by popular radio personality and disc jockey, Rick Dees, who has the #1 rated internationally syndicated radio show, “Rick Dees Weekly Top 40.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Radio personality Rick Dees gives the thumbs-up after introducing TV producer Chuck Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck Fries has produced over 100 movies for television. His credits include a wide variety of films like, “She Waits” (1972), “The Secret Night Caller” (1975),”Cat People” (1982), ”Sins of the Father” (1985), ”Flowers in the Attic” (1987),”The Case of the Hillside Stranglers” (1989), “Troop Beverly Hills”  (1989),  “Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean” (1990), and “The Initiation of Sarah” (2006).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- (l-r) Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, actor Dorian Harewood at the Buena Vista Library Burbank March 22, 2011

Actor Dorian Harewood talked about working in the Fries fact-based TV film, “The Ambush Murders”(1982).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, Ava Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck’s wife, Ava, joined him on the platform to discuss her experience as a producer of the film, “Troop Beverly Hills” (1989).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Spider-Man made a brief appearance at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The web slinger, Spider-Man, dropped in to remind folks that Fries produced the TV series “The Amazing Spider-Man” (1977-1979) and the TV movie ”Spider-Man Strikes Back” (1979).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries signed copies of his book at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The book, “Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie  A History of Television,” was released last fall.

Three new films grabbed the top spots at the box office this weekend. Out front and the new number one film in the country, “Hop,” with an estimated $38.1 million. The animated flick is a fantasy about a series of mishaps that almost derail Easter. The cast includes James Marsden, Russell Brand, and Hank Azaria.

In second place, “Source Code,” debuted with $15 million. The action thriller revolves around a soldier who wakes up in the body of another man — part of the Source Code program — his mission, to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. This very clever sci-fi thriller has received some pretty good reviews, but the debut was disappointing. The reason for the film’s weak opening — most likely, Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays the lead character. Gyllenhaal has not developed into the kind of leading man that draws movie fans.

Another new film, “Insidious,” claimed third with an estimated $13.3 million. This very low budget film focuses on several paranormal events that terrorize a young family. Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, and Ty Simpkins star.

Last week’s top film, the family-friendly “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” landed in fourth with around $10.4 million and fifth place went to the thriller, ”Limitless,” with about $9.4 million.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” raced to the top of the box office this weekend with an estimated debut of $24.4 million. The family film is based on the second  book in the popular  ”Diary of a Wimpy Kid ” series by cartoonist Jeff Kinney.

The movie focuses on two brothers and their humorous escapades in middle school. Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, and Rachael Harris star. The first film, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” was a big hit with movie fans last year. Another sequel is in the works.

While “Wimpy Kid 2″ apparently exceeded expectations another new film, “Sucker Punch,” stumbled. The fantasy action flick is about a young woman who breaks out of an asylum with some female inmates and they set off on an adventure. “Sucker Punch” earned around $19 million. The cast includes Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, and Vanessa Hudgens.

In third place, action thriller “Limitless” with an estimated $15.2 million, crime drama, “The Lincoln lawyer” landed in fourth with about $11 million, and rounding out the top five, the animated western “Rango” with around $9.8 million.

Photo: tula/Flickr -- Fans adorned the Hollywood star of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor with pictures, cards, flowers, and mementos March 2011

 Elizabeth Taylor, the Hollywood superstar with the incredible violet eyes, died of congestive heart failure in a Los Angeles hospital, last Wednesday, March 23, 2011. The two time Academy Award winner for best actress was 79. The next day in a small private funeral, Taylor was buried at Forest Lawn Glendale.

The screen legend was laid to rest in the Memorial Terrace of the Great Mausoleum, nearby her good friend Michael Jackson in the Holly Terrace section. Many of the Hollywood famous are in this cemetery including Clark Gable, Walt Disney, and Nat King Cole.

(Photo: tula on Flickr)

Photo: Warner Bros./Los Angeles Times -- Elizabeth Taylor played rancher wife Leslie Benedict in the film "Giant" (1956)

Actress Elizabeth Taylor reportedly died this morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center here in the Southland. The Hollywood superstar passed away at the age of 79. The cause of death, congestive heart failure, according to the Los Angeles Times website.

The Times has photos and more on a complex woman who became a film legend.