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Box Office: “Nice Guys” Finish Last as Crowe-Gosling Are Swamped by “Angry Birds,” “Neighbors 2”

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: “Nice Guys” Finish Last as Crowe-Gosling Are Swamped by “Angry Birds,” “Neighbors 2”

“Nice Guys” finish last. Warner Bros. sorta kinda brought the Russell Crowe- Ryan Gosling 70s buddy movie to Cannes. Then they sorta kinda had nothing to do with it. Now they face the consequences. “Nice Guys” made $3.9 million last night and will go under $12 million for the weekend. (Wait for Tuesday revisions, not Sunday claims.)

The whole time I was in Cannes no one said a word about the movie or how to publicize it. If I hadn’t run into Russell Crowe at the Vanity Fair party, I wouldn’t even have known he was in town. So much for that.

The winners for Friday night and the weekend are “Angry Birds” (number 1 last night with $11 mil) and “Neighbors 2.” Little money was spent on the latter. No one came to Cannes. The total for the weekend is a projected $25 million, or more than twice as “Nice.” It’s also half of the first “Neighbors,” but the Seth Rogen-Zac Efron comedies don’t look too expensive. There will definitely be a third one, and no one will remember any of them.

“Angry Birds” had a pre-Cannes lift off, a splashy promotion that I wrote about on the day before the festival started with Josh Gad and Omar Sy. Sony benefited from the built in audience from the app game.

Waiting for “Money Monster” numbers. They’ve made $20 million through Thursday. So one week, and they’ve got enough to pay George Clooney and maybe Julia Roberts. Jodie Foster didn’t come for free. And then there’s everything else. They may be calling it “Money Pit” by the end of the month.

Exclusive: amFAR Celebrity AIDS Charity $11 Million in the Red from 2014 Fundraising Events

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: amFAR Celebrity AIDS Charity $11 Million in the Red from 2014 Fundraising Events

The Cannes amFAR event is getting a lot of press– for its celebrities like Katy Perry (who performed and may have been paid) and Orlando Bloom, for Leonardo DiCaprio flying on private planes to accept an environmental award, for a socialite planting an unwanted kiss on Uma Thurman.

The event takes place at one of the most expensive resorts in the world– The Hotel duCap in Antibes. The amFAR staff swans around Cannes for two weeks in chauffeur driven cars. The events consultant lunches at the duCap like it’s his second home. The buffet costs around $100.

So what happens to all the money? According to amFAR’s federal tax filing for 2014, they lost over $11 million on their fundraising events. A big chunk of it was lost on the Cannes gala. They paid the duCap $1.3 million in rental fees. Another $1.2 million went to entertainment. Over $3.7 million was shelled out all together. There must a better use for that money– like money for AIDS drugs.

Plus, don’t forget there’s millions in staff salaries. CEO Kevin Frost gets over $550,000 just for starters.

Amfar 2014-133163817-0b89a553-9.pdf_-_2016-05-21_09.30.48

LBJ Actor Bryan Cranston on Donald Trump: “I still want to play him, but as a failed presidential candidate”

Leah Sydney
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LBJ Actor Bryan Cranston on Donald Trump: “I still want to play him, but as a failed presidential candidate”

“All The Way,” the brilliant new HBO telepic about President Lyndon B. Johnson, debuts tonight. Based on the hit off Broadway play (Tony Awards for the play and star Bryan Cranston) had its premiere earlier this month on the Paramount Lot in LA. Directed by Jay Roach, written by Robert Schenkkan, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg (who made a surprise appearance at the premiere) all these pros have numerous awards to their name.

They all better make room for more statues on their shelves because this brilliant, engrossing film, which chronicles LBJ’s first year in office, is a lock come awards season. Cranston’s co-stars include Bradley Whitford, Melissa Leo, Frank Langella, and Anthony Mackie. It’s spot on casting in each case.

Bryan told me, “I loved playing him because he was bigger than life, he’s was the ultimate Shakespearean character. “I reminded him that when I last interviewed him he said he would like to play Donald Trump. Does that wish still hold? “Hell yes,” he answered. “He’s Shakespearean in his own twisted way. I want to still play him, but only as a failed presidential candidate. So lets hope.”

I asked Jay Roach what were the parallels happening then that were resonating now?

He answered, “A lot of what is going on in our political system right now is directly rooted in 1964 because Johnson caused the Dixiecrats, who were the conservative Democrats at the time to go Republican and flush out the liberals. So the Republican Party all went Democrat, it was very mixed up back then. It’s as polarized now in this epic time. That all started in 1964. Instead of hunkering down after the assassination of JFK, LBJ chooses to take on civil rights by changing the entire political landscape; you kind of get a sense of the stake of what this movie is.

He continued: “One of the things I also think is relevant about this film is that it shows what happens when people actually believe in government and believe that government can be a part of the solution. People running today believe that government is the problem, not the solution. You can also run on the campaign that you don’t have any experience in government, you don’t like government and when you get there you are going to dismantle it. Trump talks like that. Trump is not faithful in the power of what government can do. Shouldn’t wisdom be a basic minimum requirement for presidential candidacy? Is Trump a really wise man? Hard to tell, maybe there is more to him than meets the eye, maybe not.” “All the Way” premieres May 21 on HBO at 8 p.m.

TV: Watch Deidre Hall (Days of Our Lives) Get Her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Roger Friedman
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TV: Watch Deidre Hall (Days of Our Lives) Get Her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Deidre Hall got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. It’s a pretty big deal since I think the only other stars of daytime drama who have one are Susan Lucci and Eric Braeden. Hall has been on “Days of our Lives” on and off for 40 years. I was in high school when she first appeared as Dr. Marlena Evans. For some reason, I’ve aged but she hasn’t. Susan Seaforth Hayes, who was on the cover of Time Magazine for playing Julie on “Days of Our Lives” gave Hall’s toast, and it was very moving and heartfelt. Hard work and talent really do pay off.

Michael Jackson’s Ailing Father, Joseph Jackson, Made 5 Hour Trip to LA Hospital Rather Than Be Treated in Vegas

Roger Friedman
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Michael Jackson’s Ailing Father, Joseph Jackson, Made 5 Hour Trip to LA Hospital Rather Than Be Treated in Vegas

EXCLUSIVE Is there sympathy for the devil? The patriarch of the Jackson family, Joe Jackson, is still in the hospital but doing okay, I am told.

He did not have a heart attack or stroke this past week. But the father of the many Jacksons including Michael and Janet “was having trouble making sense.” He was also severely dehydrated.

Nearly 88 years old, the elder Jackson demanded to be driven from Las Vegas, where he lives, to suburban Los Angeles, for his medical care. That’s right– five hours in a car, during which time apparently his nurse panicked about his condition.

What’s wrong with him? Besides cantankerousness? Probably a urinary tract infection. “He can’t be alone anymore a  at all,” says an insider.

You may recall that last summer, Joe went to Brazil on a birthday junket and had a heart attack and stroke after taking sexy time pep pills. He wanted to be starting something, but had to stop before he got enough.

Alas, no one is anticipating his imminent death except the supermarket tabloids. In a few days, Jackson will go to Katherine Jackson’s home in Calabasas, California. That’s the plan, as I hear it. But the problem is his nephew, Trent, with whom he does not get along. Nor does anyone else. Trent Jackson is said to the new Public Enemy Number 1 in the family.

Oh yes: despite the elder Jacksons not actually living together, Katherine visits Joe every day he spends in the hospital. Old habits die hard.

 

 

Movie Reviews: “Neighbors 2” are Not as Nice as “The Nice Guys”

Leah Sydney
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Movie Reviews: “Neighbors 2” are Not as Nice as “The Nice Guys”

Want to see something other than a Marvel Superhero Movie this weekend? Thankfully there are two worthwhile options. “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, which has a 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and “Nice Guys,” which garnered a respectable 90%.

“Neighbors 2,” the sequel directed again by Nicholas Stoller, and co-written by star Seth Rogen, knows exactly what it wants to be and hits the mark. The script is smart considering its characters are pretty dumb much of the time. Rogen,  Zac Efron, and the always terrific Rose Byrne –along with a kick ass Chloe Grace Moretz — give it their comic all.

The plot is simple: Rose and Seth live next door to a Mc-Mansion house, which in the first film around served as a frat house. This time a bunch of feminist girls moved in who are fed up with the traditional sexist sorority nonsense and start their own sorority in the palatial house. Rose and Seth are planning to move but realize they can’t sell their house with these bunch of estrogen fun loving teens next door. Zac Efron, who led the frat house in the first film, comes back in to help the girls. While a bit more mean spirited than the first, the laughs are there so it doesn’t feel like a retread.

“Nice Guys,” is a pleasant diversion, albeit violent and peppered with tough language, but also numerous laughs. Starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, directed by Shane Black and written by him and Anthony Bagarozzi, the story takes place in sleazy LA, in 1977, where the wise cracking Private Investigator March, (Gosling) grudgingly teams up with the barreling brute enforce Healy, (Crowe,) to find a missing woman, (Margaret Qualley.) Kim Basinger also has a cool turn as the tough Mom of the missing girl.

What ensues is the intriguing question of who is this woman really? Is she a recently murdered porn star names Misty Mountains? And why is the hit man, John Boy, (played wonderfully by Matt Bomer) always around? Weave in over the top violence, government cover ups and twists, along with the clever quippy dialogue, humor, fabulous soundtrack and the ultimate ‘bro’ chemistry between the two leads, “Nice Guys” is more than a worthwhile movie going experience.

Pop Charts: Beyonce Tops Actual Sales, But Drake Trounces Her with Streaming Numbers

Roger Friedman
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Pop Charts: Beyonce Tops Actual Sales, But Drake Trounces Her with Streaming Numbers

A wild week on the pop charts:

Beyonce’s “Lemonade” is number 1 with 95,000 copies in physical CDs and paid digital downloads. Her total number was 131, 047 if you add in streaming.

But Drake’s “Views”  total came to 240,621 with streaming. Without streaming, Drake was number 2 with 85,250.

Who was number 1? Beyonce– her “Lemonade” is pricey at $17.99 and you need it physically to get the videos.

Drake– that audience seems not to need the music in their hands. They don’t mind just listening over and over on streaming services. Trust me, Drake would rather they bought it.

Where are real music fans? Cyndi Lauper’s country album produced by great Seymour Stein had no streams and second week sales of 4,900. This is a real shame. But this is the problem with Rhino, a great catalog company that can’t do new releases. They’re not equipped for it.

Taylor Swift’s “1989” album had a sales spike this week thanks to deep discounting to $7.99.

Kanye West’s “Life of Pablo,” the most botched record in modern history, is still not available for much of anything. No charting for digital downloads at all this week. Streaming came to 20,000. “Pablo” didn’t generate enough cash for Kanye to buy baby food this week. Maybe he doesn’t care.

 

Sean Penn Film Ripped at Cannes, amFAR Gets Leo and D List

Roger Friedman
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Sean Penn Film Ripped at Cannes, amFAR Gets Leo and D List

Sean Penn’s self directed The Last Face is getting ripped by the press this morning in Cannes. Almost every tweet says “it’s his worst film.” That’s too bad but not unexpected considering its last place at the end of Cannes. Charlize Theron can’t be happy. The relationship was a bust, too.

Meanwhile amFAR pulled Leonardo DiCaprio but otherwise their guests were models and whatever was left in town.  Sharon Stone dodged a bullet. Even Naomi Campbell stayed away. Plus Katy Perry didn’t sing until 1am. We won’t know for a while how much it costs amfar to put her show on.

More this afternoon….

Exclusive: Usher Has New Album in July, “Empire” CD Sales Bust

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Usher Has New Album in July, “Empire” CD Sales Bust

Good news and bad news in the music world:

Usher tells me he has a new album coming in July. He executive produced it. I don’t have the song titles yet. There will be a big launch in New York reminiscent of when Usher performed with the off Broadway “De La Guarda” troupe.

This time he’ll be doing something very innovative with the people behind “Sleep No More.” The album is timed to the release of the new movie “Hands of Stone,” coming out August 26th. Usher is sensational as Sugar Ray Leonard– so impressive there’s going to be a lot of awards talk.

I realized at the “Hands of Stone” event in Cannes I’ve known Usher since he’s 18 years old. He’s just gotten better and better, and his future is unlimited. I can’t wait to hear his new music.

But bad news: “Empire” had decent ratings for its season finale and won the night. But the current “Empire” CD is a bust. It sold around 3,500 copies this week. It’s number 81 on iTunes. Yikes. Something went wrong with how “Empire” is being marketed.

By the way, Jussie Smollett stars in “Empire.” But his knockout sister, Jurnee, was already a movie star years ago. I met her when she was in “The Great Debaters” with Nate Parker, who’s so hot this year with “The Birth of a Nation.” Jurnee plays Usher’s wife in “Hands of Stone,” and she is good.

Cannes: Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Get Police Escort for Dinner Date

Roger Friedman
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Cannes: Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Get Police Escort for Dinner Date

Cannes is still rocking even its last few days.

Last night. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, on a dinner date in Antibes at the famed Michelangelo restaurant, got a local police escort as they left the restaurant. I saw it myself and it was quite a production. Not one but two large dark SUVs pulled into the restaurant’s walkway and scooped up the couple and their entourage of about ten people.

Inside Michelangelo, Perry and Bloom dined at one table privately, and their posse of publicists etc. at another.

Outside a local police car pulled up behind their convoy to protect them from extremely benign photographers. There was no wiggle room anyway between the cars and the restaurant entrance, but it was just for good measure. Then off they all sped toward the Hotel du Cap, where Katy will sing Thursday night at a charity event.

“Just five songs and that’s enough,” she joked.

At the amFAR event, Kevin Spacey will take the place of the ousted Sharon Stone as emcee of the annual auction. Spacey will perform his comedy-singing act in which he impersonates Bill Clinton, Christopher Walken, Johnny Carson and Bobby Darin.

Meantime, at another table in the restaurant, one of the Kardashian family in laws sat with 10 guests but there was no interaction with Bloom and Perry.

Michelangelo restaurant has gotten so hot that they’ve already opened an outpost in New York’s Soho under the name Mamo, and will open in Paris this fall. Regulars include Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Jay Z.

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