Monday, December 22, 2025
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Keanu Reeves Movie “Exposed” Bombs (Understatement) Makes $122 in UK, $Zero in US

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Buried in the Lions Gate fiasco of movies bombing all over the place: a January release called “Exposed” starring Keanu Reeves.

In the US, “Exposed” took in no money upon its release. Nada. There’s never been a report for it.

In Great Britain, the number is considerably worse: $122. That’s one hundred twenty two dollars. And no sense. The worldwide total: $140,483.

“Exposed” scored a 6 on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

Lions Gate must be praying for “Allegiant,” which had a stealth premiere on Monday night. So far it has an 18 on Rotten Tomatoes. 27 bad reviews, 6 positive.

 

Nora Ephron HBO Movie: Not A Dry Eye in the House At Swanky MoMA Party

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There really wasn’t a dry eye in the house last night at the Museum of Modern Art as Nora Ephron’s son, Jacob Bernstein, unspooled his memorial documentary, “Everything is Copy.” When Ephron died in 2012 at age 71 from pneumonia and leukemia it was a shock to just about everyone who knew her, from family to her wide circle of close friends. She kept her illness a total secret. Why? The grande dame of gossip and old friend Liz Smith says in the film, with a hearty laugh: “She was a control freak.”

Ephron was also hilariously funny, a gifted writer and essayist, screenwriter and filmmaker. In the house last night: everyone from Meg Ryan (who starred in three Ephron films), to Griffin Dunne (his cousin Annabelle coproduced the film with Vanity Fair’s editor in chief Graydon Carter) to Ephron’s husband, writer Nick Pileggi and famously ex husband Carl Bernstein plus Christine Baranski, Alan Cumming, Carol Kane, Tovah Feldshuh, Mort Zuckerman, Hearst’s Ellen Levine, Gayle King and police commish Bill Bratton with journalist wife Rikki Klieman.

In the film, and outspoken: Meryl Streep (star of Nora’s seminal Mike Nichols film “Heartburn” and “Julie and Julia”), Tom Hanks, Rob Reiner, and Nora’s sisters Delia, Amy, and Hallie.

Carl Bernstein, one half of the “All the President’s Men” team with Bob Woodward, finally is interviewed– by son Jacob, no less– about his famous philandering, his relationship with Nora and their hugely acrimonious divorce that resulted in the hilarious book and movie “Heartburn.” (If you’ve never read this novel, you must immediately.)

“Heartburn” was Ephron’s revenge on Bernstein and anyone who questioned her writing skills. It was an enormous hit, and changed her life. Jacob Bernstein noted that his father, a “player” in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, is now happily remarried. “I’m sure he never thought I’d be digging around in his divorce records.”

But indeed it was part of the Ephron-Bernstein divorce decree that Bernstein only be portrayed as a “conscientious and loving father.” On screen, Carl says to Jacob he did that because he was worried about how Jacob and brother Max would view him in the future. In a revelatory moment, Jacob admits it did affect him negatively, which surprises Carl.

Most of “Everything is Copy” is very funny, particularly the archival clips of Nora on Dick Cavett’s nighttime talk show in the 70s, and use of her audiobook readings. There are a couple of sad, alarming moments– the interviews with Mike Nichols were done right before he died, and he looks frighteningly ill. Also, in Nora’s last interview on “Charlie Rose” she is clearly sick, even though he doesn’t question it and apparently no one did. Something was terribly wrong.

But Ephron left clues– as I wrote when she died– that everyone ignored. They were all over her last book. The last part of the film deals with her friends’ surprise about her death. A theme echoed in the movie is that everyone wanted her to like them. Famed journalist Gay Talese gets a good laugh when he says, “I thought I was a close friend”– close enough to be told she was dying– “but instead it’s that f—-ing Richard Cohen” (a friend who was told).

Ah well. Ephron’s mother, Phoebe, a famed screenwriter with her husband Henry (Desk Set, Carousel) told her daughters: “Everything is copy.” As Streep says, “Nothing is private.” Her grandson Jacob has followed that advice. His movie is must-see. The movie premieres on HBO March 21st.

P.S. One of Nora’s best movies, “You’ve Got Mail,” was based on a film called “The Shop Around the Corner,” which was turned into a musical called “She Loves Me.” That show is now being revived on Broadway, and opens Thursday night by coincidence. The revival is quite charming and should be a big hit. You can see the parts of “You’ve Got Mail” that came from it. Nora, as her friends say in the film, had very good taste!

 

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Michael Jackson Debt-Free At Last: Sony Music Buying His Part of Beatles Catalog, Publishing Company for $750 Mil

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The long saga of Michael Jackson, Sony Music Publishing and the Beatles is coming to an end. Sony/ATV is buying Michael’s estate out of his half the company for $750 million. On March 31st, the Estate will receive a lump sum of $733 million.

Michael Jackson, dead since June 2009, in debt since the 90s, is finally debt free. The shadow that hung over him is finally gone. And he’s not here to see it. What a shame.

The music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney is now fully owned by Sony Music Publishing.

The Jackson estate can now presumably pay off its massive debt and whatever loans remained. When Michael died, he was leveraged to the hilt and owed around $320 million. There were on and off liens against Neverland Ranch and Michael’s family home. The ranch was eventually lost, and is now for sale. In desperation, Michael agreed to 50 or more concerts in London. You know the rest.

Of course, Michael could have sold out years ago and avoided a lot of angst and maybe even his own death. But the Beatles catalog became like the ring in Lord of the Rings or Wagner’s music cycle. No one would part with it voluntarily.

The money will go into the Jackson estate and eventually to Michael’s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.

But first, as per Sony’s statement: “The payment also reflects certain contractual and accounting adjustments related to the Sony/ATV joint venture and other commercial opportunities involving Sony and the Estate.”

 

Exclusive: Donald Trump Foundation– Funded by Ticket Scalper’s Donation–Slashed Charitable Giving by a Third in 2014

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EXCLUSIVE
Donald Trump got much less charitable in 2014 than he had been in 2013. His own donations to his self named Foundation in 2014: 0. As in, zero. Nothing.

But the self proclaimed billionaire managed to use other people’s money so he could donate to a selection of charities in 2014.

Still, using their money, Trump slashed his charitable donations in 2014 to only $591,450 — according to the Form 990 for the Donald J Trump Foundation.

That was down from $913,075 in 2013.

The 2014 number included few donations to anything to do with veterans, by the way. Those included $5,000 for K9s for Warriors and $5000 for Special Operations for Warriors.

Most of the money came not from Trump himself, but from his major donor to the Donald Trump Foundation for the last several years: Richie Ebers, of Inside Sports & Entertainment Group. Beers donated $477,400 to the Trump Foundation in 2014. That’s in addition to the almost $2 million he’s given Trump since 2012.

Ebers is a very successful New York ticket scalper. He sold his huge secondary ticket seller business to CAA Sports, the largest part of Creative Artists Agency, in 2014. Can’t get tickets to Springsteen or “Hamilton”? Call Richie Ebers. He’s the Ticket Man. If Trump gets into the White House, it will be Richie Ebers selling tickets to the Inaugural Balls.

Ironically, Ebers has been a die hard donor to Democratic candidates for years. His candidates have included Hillary Clinton, Charles Schumer, Richard Gephardt, Chris Dodd and Evan Bayh, according to the website opensecrets.org.

Ebers’ operation, Inside SEG, is one of the reasons why “regular people”– the people who Trump is counting on for his vote– can’t buy face value tickets to sporting events. Inside SEG caters to corporate titans, execs, and celebrities who will pay top dollar for the best seats in sports arenas and stadiums.

The Trump Foundation’s other donor in 2014 was Prestige Mills, a carpet wholesaler from Long Island City, NY. (If you don’t live here, that’s just over the 59th St. Bridge, in Queens.) They donated $20,000.

 

 

 

Exclusive: “NCIS” Is Getting A New Series Regular, New Member of Team

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EXCLUSIVE: Michael Weatherly is leaving after 13 seasons. Change is in the air on CBS’s most popular show, “NCIS.”

My sources say Mark Harmon and whoever’s left are getting a new teammate story almost right away. His name is supposed to be Clayton, and he will be the first second black regular on “NCIS.” Rocky Carroll has been playing Leon since 2008, although I think Clayton is going to be a bigger character on the canvas.

Clayton– good name– is in his late 20s to early 30s. He’s described as physically fit and the guy you want to have on your side. He’s also single. But he does have a young son. Sounds like he’s a bit of a player.

“NCIS” is casting now, but I’d suggest they check out Derek Luke. They could do a lot worse. He’s a top notch actor and looks early 30s. But hey, no one from “NCIS” asked my opinion. I’m told Clayton is British, of African descent. But how about American? (Also I don’t think David Oyelowo is available.)

Will Clayton replace DiNozzo (Weatherly)? Time will tell. But something tells me “NCIS” will just chug along now like “Law & Order SVU,” occasionally replacing actors as Mark Harmon heads for 15 or more seasons.

Donald Trump Slashed His Charitable Contributions in 2014

read here

Madonna’s Latest PR Stunt: A Mid Life Crisis in Public Including Acting Drunk Gets a Lot of Attention

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Madonna is very very clever. Her new see me-feel me attention grabber: A public meltdown, a mid life crisis, an effort to convey that she’s drunk and lonely on stage, while a custody battle rages in London and Los Angeles over her 15 year old son Rocco.

Will it work? Is it a good idea? Doesn’t seem like it, but she didn’t ask me. Madonna does not perform drunk on stage, that’s ridiculous. Whatever she’s doing, it’s planned. She is the most calculating performer in history. But why is she putting up photos of Rocco on stage when he clearly doesn’t want the attention? Why is she wearing the clown outfit? Why doesn’t she stop it?

I still don’t understand what she hopes to achieve with these new headlines. She’s on a world tour. The kid wants to be at home. Finish the tour properly, then go home and deal with it.

this is the latest:

“Greek Wedding 2” Star John Corbett Still Dating Bo Derek After 12 Years, Says No Plans for Marriage or Kids

EXCLUSIVE It’s taken 14 years but Nia Vardalos has finally made the follow up to her hit rom-com. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” opens March 25, the same date as another small movie (the behemoth “Batman v. Superman”).

The whole cast returns, including John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Joey Fatone, Andrea Martin and Michael Constantine. New to the production is Elena Kampouris, who plays the teenage daughter of Toulu (Vardalos) and Ian (Corbett) and British director Kirk Jones (“Nanny McPhee”).

The film’s stars, with the exception of Kazan and Constantine sadly, promoted “MBFGW2” Saturday afternoon at the luxe Mandarin Oriental hotel against the backdrop of a jaw-dropping view of Columbus Circle.

Vardalos and Corbett don’t look like they’ve aged a day since the first film. Self-deprecating and warm, Vardalos is slender and petite and looked great in a short, greenish cocktail dress.

Entering the room, she told journalists, “I decided to go with the color of moldy feta,” she said of her dress. She completed the ensemble with a pair of comfy house slippers.

I asked Vardalos if she ever considered making a trilogy?

“I’m never going to say no again because I said no for so long, so I’m going instead to say this, ‘I’m open!”

Do you think it will take 14 more years?

“No, because I want to use that cast,” she said.

I asked her about the lack of good scripts and parts for women older than Jennifer Lawrence. “I think there’s a value to Jennifer Lawrence because she speaks to a generation and there’s a value to every age of woman on screen and I just can’t whine about it that there aren’t roles for women,” Vardalos told me.

As for the frustrating lack of good roles and stories of older women, she told me, “It’s maddening. It’s maddening. If Sandra Bullock is trying to find a job imagine how hard it is for me? And Lainie Kazan and Andrea Martin, so I say I’m pro-woman without being anti-man. The men are well taken care of in this script as are the women. It’s easy to do isn’t it?”

Up next she said was the Epix series, “Graves,” co-starring Nick Nolte and Sela Ward and written by Josh Stern.

She’s also got a writing project in the works. She told me exclusively:

“I’m developing a play Off Broadway,” she said. “I adapted a book. I’m sorry I can’t tell you the title yet.”

When reminded her 11 year-old daughter would soon be a teenager, Vardalos whine, “God I know!”

Vardalos graciously posed for the inevitable endless selfies – the New York junket corps are as bad as the Hollywood Foreign Press when it comes to fawning over celebrities – and finally announced, “I’m going to shuffle off now in my slippers.”

As for Corbett, before exiting he said he was returning for the second season of the F/X comedy, “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.” “We’re shooting right now.”

Corbett, who’s dated Bo Derek for more than a decade, was asked if there was any chance he’d change his mind about marriage and fatherhood. After all, he was told, Hugh Grant, once a confirmed bachelor, became until a father at age 49 and now he has three kids.

“No,” Corbett said, “But I have stronger will power than Hugh Grant.”

Ariana Grande Can Sing! Watch Her Imitate Whitney, Rihanna, Britney on “SNL”

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Ariana Grande can sing, and she’s funny. Imagine if she actually sang real songs instead of the stuff she’s got on the charts.

Here she is from “SNL” last night. First: imitating Whitney Houston, Shakira, Rihanna, etc. And she does say “Shit.” Oooh…

And here’s her monologue bit. If she made albums that sounded like this, she’d have a long career.

Box Office: “Brothers Grimsby” DOA on One of Grimmest Weekends at the Movies

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There is no audience for Sacha Baron Cohen’s “The Brothers Grimsby,” a vulgar overcalculation by Sacha Baron Cohen and Sony/Columbia Pictures.

Indeed, the way, way, way over the top coarse production made just $1.2 million on Friday night, and will be lucky to eke out $3 million for the weekend. It’s a loss of some unknown amount– at least $50 million– for Sony and the filmmakers.

They knew it upfront and dumped the unfunny comedy. There was an L.A. premiere so to speak, and NY media screenings at the odd hour of 4pm the other day.

The clips from the film were so unwatchable that when Cohen appeared on Jimmy Kimmel, they could only show audience reaction. Then, as if it might help, the Kardashians were enlisted — don’t ask. I hope they weren’t paid because it was a waste of money.

“Grimsby” is just one of many grim box office players this weekend, too. Only “Zootopia” and “10 Cloverfield Lane” are proving to be entertaining. “London Has Fallen” made $3.3 million last night attracting pedestrians. “Gods of Egypt” took in $654,000 but that could have been LionsGate stockholders buy tickets in group sales.

So much about “Grimsby” was just a mess, starting with the AIDS jokes about Daniel Radcliffe (why?) and Donald Trump (no laughs now as his presence in our lives isn’t funny anymore). “Borat” had its moment, and it was spectacular. But when “Bruno” and “The Dictator” failed miserably that should have been a sign to Cohen, who is capable of so much more, that an era was over.

There’s one irony here: Mark Strong debased himself to be in this movie but hey, it’s a paycheck. The irony is that he may win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for “A View From the Bridge” this June. I hope this movie doesn’t harm his chances.

“American Pie” Singer Don McLean’s Reaction to Wife’s Divorce Announcement Lacks Sense or Sensitivity

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“American Pie” singer Don McLean has just posted this to Twitter as a response to his wife filing for divorce:

“My wife has chosen divorce. She has chosen to characterize our 30 year relationship in a completely distorted and untrue manner. We raised two gentle highly educated children in an environment of laughter, music and literature. I suggest anyone interested view the movie “Don McLean: American Troubadour” to get an idea of our life.”

Not much of a response after McLean promised some grand answer to this terrible situation. His wife Patrisha obviously has had a tough journey to get to this point.

It’s very hard to separate our celebrity heroes from the reality of our lives. I always tell people, if we’d been alive when Picasso was making everyone in his life miserable, and there was social media, we would have hated him. And still he’s the greatest artist of the 20th century.

It’s also quite strange that McLean has chosen Twitter as his place to deal with what has become a public subject. Don, get your act together, man. You need an image brush up ASAP.