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“Minions” Makes $115.2 Mil, Second Biggest Opening for Animated Film

Roger Friedman
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“Minions” Makes $115.2 Mil, Second Biggest Opening for Animated Film

UPDATE “Minions” finished with $115.2 million, making it the second biggest opening for an animated  film behind “Shrek the Third.”

Earlier, and wrong: “Minions” pulled in $46.2 million last night. Universal Pictures says it’s headed to a $120 million opening weekend. But just passing $104 million, which “Minions” will do– the number for “Shrek” in 20o4– makes it the biggest opening ever for an animated film.

“Minions” is the prequel to “Despicable Me” and “DM2,” which were monster hits for Universal. “Despicable Me” and “Minions” come from Illuminati Entertainment.

“Minions” cost just $75 million. Universal can really celebrate. They’ve had an extraordinary year so far.

Mission Impossible: To Distance Tom Cruise from Scientology Before Blockbuster Opens

Roger Friedman
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Mission Impossible: To Distance Tom Cruise from Scientology Before Blockbuster Opens

Greetings Mr. Phelps. Your mission, if you choose to accept it: distance Tom Cruise in the public eye from the cult of Scientology before the $200 million “Mission Impossible 5: Rogue Nation” hits theaters on July 31st.

Tom Cruise leaving Scientology? Not on your life. But someone is orchestrating a media campaign to make people think the “Mission Impossible” star is bravely choosing his 9 year old daughter Suri over the group depicted as crazy and creepy in the HBO doc “Going Clear.”

The doc was so damaging in portraying Cruise as a nutty robot who ordered the bugging of Nicole Kidman that again someone– Cruise himself, his reps– is trying to change the conversation.

It started with supermarket tabloid The Star. Strangely, both Esquire and Redbook– Hearst magazine websites– then quoted The Star. The lemming like Hollywood Reporter turned it into a video report. The gist? That Cruise, who hasn’t seen Suri in almost two years, will leave Scientology because the cult won’t let Cruise be involved with her.

Hogwash.

Cruise isn’t leaving. He’s so embedded in Scientology, a minor thing like not seeing a 9 year old girl isn’t going to pry him away. Over the years he’s involved his entire family– sisters, mother, adopted children, nieces etc– in the cult. To leave would mean something akin to removing US forces in their entirety from every foreign outpost. Not happening.

And why isn’t Cruise talking to Suri? Well, Suri and her mother, actress Katie Holmes, have been “disconnected” from Cruise by Scientology. They are enemies. Cruise cut Kidman off the same way, and cut her off from their adopted kids.

Last year, Holmes moved from New York to Los Angeles to try and get closer to Cruise geographically for Suri’s sake. It didn’t work. Now Holmes is living in New York again with Suri as she prepares to direct her first film for Tribeca Productions.

TomCruiseLondon-293x300

The timing of it all couldn’t be better: Holmes is in pre-production to start shooting the first week of August. Cruise is coming to New York the last week of July to promote “Mission Impossible 5.” They are all descending on the same point at the same time. Who will be the first brave person on the red carpet to ask Cruise if he’ll see his daughter while he’s in town? What possible explanation could he have to keep ignoring her?

More importantly, where is all this Tom is leaving Scientology crap coming from? Last fall, Cruise was photographed wearing his Scientology Freedom from Sanity medal at the group’s UK gathering. Sources who monitor Scientology in general say Cruise has never been deeper into the group or more behind his BFF David Miscavige, the group’s leader.

Star, Esquire, Redbook, Hollywood Reporter– who’s next to pick up this phony baton? Wait and see…

Micky’s Monkee Gets It Right: Sixties Pop Icon Micky Dolenz Scores at 54Below

Roger Friedman
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Micky’s Monkee Gets It Right: Sixties Pop Icon Micky Dolenz Scores at 54Below

Tonight (Friday), Tomorrow night, Micky Dolenz at 54 Below is the surprise of the season. I saw him Tuesday night. Wow.

You want good things for your childhood heroes. I knew the Monkees when they were the One Direction of the world, 1966-67, just in that nook between Revolver and Sgt. Pepper, the Monkees came on like a tsunami as the American version of the Beatles.

Now Micky is 70, Davy Jones is dead, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith sometimes tour. But you know Micky sang lead on so many hits. On Tuesday night he sang a lot of them with a hot Broadway combo at 54Below, as well as show tunes and some Broadway songs you wouldn’t expect like “Some Enchanted Everning.”

Micky still has his voice, with a solid range; he’s forgiven for a little wavering. He’s human. He also told me he was scared as hell getting up in that intimate venue and telling stories about his family, about Monkee times, about shows he’s done like “Aida” on Broadway. He looks great– certainly not 70– just an older Micky. He doesn’t play the drums, as “Micky” did on “The Monkees,” but he plays guitar and rocks out admirably.

The main thing is that Micky is so endearing, and he sells the songs with tremendous honesty. He remembers meeting John Lennon, who said, “So you’re the Monkee Man” in a Liverpool accent. (Micky does great accents.) He performs “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” with a sharp sense of updating, and takes Davy’s lead on “Daydream Believer.” He cites all the amazing writers of Monkees songs especially Carole King, and sings her little known “As We Go Along” from the failed Monkees movie “Head.” (Did you know that Jack Nicholson co-wrote the screenplay and curated the soundtrack?)

Micky’s “A Little Bit Broadway, A Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll” is already such a hit, 54Below has asked him back. Try and get in there tonight or tomorrow. Micky is such a perfectionist he’s really rehearsed and the put the time in. It shows. This is no slapdash appearance by a former pop star. He’s a serious, engaging performer. When he was in the Monkees, no one believed that Micky actually sang and played instruments. He surprised everyone. And this weekend, he does it again. Big kudos!

PS Someone tell Harvey Weinstein– Micky would be the perfect replacement or alternate for Kelsey Grammer in “Finding Neverland.” Spot on!

 

photo c2015 Showbiz411

Carrie Fisher Editing Her “Princess Leia Diaries” For Possible Publication Tie In With “Star Wars VII”

Roger Friedman
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Carrie Fisher Editing Her “Princess Leia Diaries” For Possible Publication Tie In With “Star Wars VII”

Princess Leia kept a diary! Or, rather Carrie Fisher did, thank goodness when she made “Star Wars,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi” playing the muffin-eared Princess Leia.  The actress, writer and pundit Tweeted a few days ago that she is editing her “Star Wars” diaries for publication. There’s no word yet on when they’ll see the light of day. But Fisher– who has a few bestsellers to her name– isn’t going to sit around let the new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” come and go without mention. “The Force Awakens” appears on December 18th. So I’d say “The Princess Leia Diaries” (my title) should be coming right around then. All of Fisher’s books have been published by Simon & Schuster, so they’re probably the publisher of this, too. Will there be some juicy details of the making of those movies? And “Shampoo” too? You know the observations– especially from way back then– will be very funny in hindsight.

While we’re waiting, let’s re-read “Surrender the Pink” or “Postcards from the Edge,” still hilarious and wonderful.

Beach Boys Movie “Love and Mercy” Sputters to An Ignominious End

Roger Friedman
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Beach Boys Movie “Love and Mercy” Sputters to An Ignominious End

So much for “Love and Mercy,” Bill Pohlad’s fine film about the life and times of Brian Wilson. After four sleepy weeks, the John Cusack-Paul Dano starrer concludes most of its run with just under $11 million in the bank. What could have been a real hit, with awards potential, now sinks into the horizon just beyond the Sloop John B.

Roadside Attractions, which I like to call “Roadkill,” blew this film just the way they did Robert Redford in “All Is Lost” directed by JC Chandor. They will argue that “Love and Mercy” is their biggest hit so far, but that’s a left-handed compliment. All of their movies would have benefited from actual publicity and marketing.

“Love and Mercy” never really capitalized on Brian Wilson and his music. Where was Brian Wilson Week on Jimmy Fallon, for example? Or the Today show? Where was the big live launch in NY with a concert, even three or four songs?

Strangely enough back in April the movie hosted a private advanced screening with the stars– and no press. Does a tree make a noise when it falls in the forest if no one is around? That whole episode cinched the deal, and was typical of Roadside’s deafness when it comes to press.

None of it made sense. The Beach Boys are still a huge touring presence on the road. Their music is incredibly popular. So much more could have been done for “Love and Mercy.” But that ship has sailed.

Rolling Stones Etc: Keith Richards Has New Album This Fall, Possible Documentary Too

Roger Friedman
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Rolling Stones Etc: Keith Richards Has New Album This Fall, Possible Documentary Too

A rolling stone gathers no moss. And Keith Richards has no moss. He will go from this summer’s Rolling Stones tour right into the release of his first new solo album in 22 years. “Crosseyed Heart” features a lot of guest artists including the amazing Sarah Dash and late horn player Bobby Keys. The single, called, Trouble, comes next week.

“Crosseyed Heart” does sound like a riff on “Crossfire Hurricane,” from “Jumping Jack Flash.” That title was used for a Stones documentary a few years ago on HBO.

Exclusively, I can tell you that “Crosseyed Heart” may not be just a CD. A full documentary about Keith has been shot and may very well be part of the package. Decisions are being made about that, and about touring to promote the album. I’m told a tour is likely. At the very least, Keith will be promoting the album strongly with lots of appearances around the September 18th release date.

Keith fans, among whom I count myself, are psyched! In the meantime, check out one of his best solo tracks:

Today’s Round Up: Marisa Tomei as Spidey’s Aunt May; Michelle Collins on the sinking ‘View,’ Jared in a Pickle

Roger Friedman
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Today’s Round Up: Marisa Tomei as Spidey’s Aunt May; Michelle Collins on the sinking ‘View,’ Jared in a Pickle

Here’s a little round up of today’s crazy news…

MARISA TOMEI, who’s 50 and looks 40, will play Aunt May in the next Spider Man movie. Sally Field, 68, was the last Aunt May. Rosemary Harris preceded Sally, and was considerably older. That Marisa has to take this role says a lot. Aunt May is supposed to be, uh, matronly. Marisa, still the object of George Costanza’s lust, is most definitely not that.

Also, I will not see another Spider Man movie that rehashes the same story again of how Peter became the super hero. This story is now told more often than “Hamlet.” There have been FIVE movies plus the Broadway musical. Enough! The second one with Tobey Maguire was the best. I’m satisfied.

MICHELLE COLLINS is a comedian whom I do not know. Today she joined “The View” as a host while Rosie Perez announced she’s leaving after one season. This show is OVER. I don’t care who is on it. Whoopi Goldberg is an Oscar and Tony winning superstar who has better things to do than oversee this continuing debacle. The original spirit of “The View” is dead. Kill it.

Poor JARED FOGLE. Is he a pedophile? A child pornographer? The public has been convinced over the last 24 hours that he must be. If he’s not, Subway and a lot of other people will have a lot of apologizing to do. If he is, then Subway really did not know their best known pitchman. What a mess!

Ringo Starr on His 75th Birthday: “I Will Never Write a Book”

Leah Sydney
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Ringo Starr on His 75th Birthday: “I Will Never Write a Book”

The place to be today in Hollywood was at the famed Capitol Records building where Ringo Starr was feted for his 75th birthday and where he spread his mission of peace and love. Ringo, the Beatles and Capitol are inextricably linked forever, so it was an appropriate setting.

Ringo’s longtime pals who joined him were his wife Barbara Bach, her sister Marjorie and her husband Joe Walsh of the Eagles, producer Glen Ballard, Edgar Winter, Ed Begley Jr, David Lynch, Bach’s filmmaker daughter Francesca Gregorini, and Richard Lewis.  Strange actor Vincent Gallo was hanging with the fans.

On Twitter, both Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono sent birthday wishes. So did Olivia Harrison through George’s Twitter account. There were also Tweets from JohnLennon.com.

In the hub-bub, I asked Ringo if he was planning ever to write a book.  The Beatles have been memorialized in dozens of tomes, but except for George Harrison’s memoirs, there is no official autobiography. Ringo answered,  “No, I do it on record.  There’s a track on the last album [Postcards from Paradise[ that deals with my life in Liverpool, in Rory and The Hurricanes [his first group] and with the Beatles. That’s how I’m doing it. So I’m not going to be sitting down writing a book. Other people are writing books but they don’t really relate to me, I don’t feel. “

The show started with comedian and actor Richard Lewis: “Ringo is one of the greatest drummers that ever lived.  He had a small garage band that did quite well. Ringo’s message is peace and love every day.  Starting with the high officials that should get the fucking word.”

Joe Walsh toasted Ringo: “In high school when I was a freshman, a Beatles album came out, and I sat in my bedroom for hours and played it.  I would read the cover, back then they had covers and the album was round and big for you younger people, over and over, and I would listen to the drum part. I just wanted to meet one of the Beatles one day so bad.  Careful what you pray for.  Here we are today, it’s Ringo’s 75th birthday, and he’s about 35!”   Ringo called out, “Hey –I’m 34!

Joe continued, “It’s peace and love day.  The world is a mess, violence doesn’t work, peace and love, compassion and understanding is the only thing that’s going to get us out of this mess. For what Ringo has been through, he’s so down to earth straight across, he’s funny, a really good person and he’s been talking about peace and love for a long time he’s the minister of peace and love.”

ringo waving

Ringo is the spriest 75 year old could hope to find. He bounded on stage and told a tale:  “There’s a great African expression. When a guy is coming to you from miles and miles away, and they guy who is in the hut says I see you, the other guy says ‘I am here.’  How beautiful is that? Not ‘How are you doing? I’m fine how are you?’  It’s  ‘I am here.’  We’re all here today and we’re all here for a good cause-what a segue!”

The eternal Beatle then spotted a motorist taking his picture.  “There’s a guy in big truck taking my picture-yeah I see you taking my picture-you should be driving! “

He continued,  “ All this support for peace and love how great is that!  Ten years ago in Chicago, out of the blue I was asked what would you like for your birthday?  I thought if everyone would say peace and love at noon, wherever they are.  The support is rising for peace and love-that’s why I’m here.”

Ringo thanked director David Lynch, whose Foundation supports Transcendental Meditation.  Ringo said: “His Foundation brings mediation to inner city schools, and the violence has gone down.  He helps the veterans, a lot of them are shattered and with his mediation a lot of them are coming back. We have to thank Edgar Winter for “Frankenstein,” my lovely wife Barbara, Glen Ballard and Joe’s wife Marjorie who looks like Barbara cause they are sisters.”

A singalong to Happy Birthday ensued. He flashed his peace sign and Ringo was off.

All photos for this story c2015 Showbiz411 by Leah Sydney

Scooped 1st Here: Late Kirk Kerkorian Producing Terry George Film with Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac

Roger Friedman
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Scooped 1st Here: Late Kirk Kerkorian Producing Terry George Film with Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac

I told you first that Kirk Kerkorian was producing an epic about the Armenian genocide. Kerkorian died last month at age 98. But the movie goes on. Terry George is directing with Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac.

Now “The Promise” is officially being made by Survival Pictures, managed by Eric Esrailian and Anthony Mandekic for the late Kerkorian. Tracinda Corporation, Kerkorian’s company, is funding Survival and “The Promise” as well as other films.

Longtime Kerkorian attorney and spokesperson Patricia Glaser said in a statement, “Survival Pictures was born out of Kirk Kerkorian’s unwavering dedication to telling inspiring human stories for audiences around the world. THE PROMISE will be a wonderful love story and will open the door to the championing of human rights. This film fulfills a longstanding dream for Mr. Kerkorian who was thrilled to participate in the development and casting process.”

Who Should Play Young Han Solo? Origins Star Wars Story Coming from Disney

Roger Friedman
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Who Should Play Young Han Solo? Origins Star Wars Story Coming from Disney

Hollywood is going crazy this afternoon. Disney will release a Star Wars Origins story that tells the saga of young Han Solo. The movie, from “Lego Movie” directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, will open in 2018. Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon. Who should play young Han? Chris Pratt can’t play every part! Take the poll on our home page.

Here’s the release:

The next adventure in the Anthology series of Star Wars films will be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, whose credits include the critically acclaimed The LEGO Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street. Among the most sought-after filmmakers working today, the two have proven a formidable duo in film and television and are looking forward to applying their unique sensibilities to the Star Wars Universe.

“This is the first film we’ve worked on that seems like a good idea to begin with. We promise to take risks, to give the audience a fresh experience, and we pledge ourselves to be faithful stewards of these characters who mean so much to us. This is a dream come true for us. And not the kind of dream where you’re late for work and all your clothes are made of pudding, but the kind of dream where you get to make a film with some of the greatest characters ever, in a film franchise you’ve loved since before you can remember having dreams at all” said Miller and Lord.

The screenplay is written by Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan. The story focuses on how young Han Solo became the smuggler, thief, and scoundrel whom Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi first encountered in the cantina at Mos Eisley.

Lawrence Kasdan, the writer and director known for Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill and Grand Canyon, is familiar to Star Wars fans for having co-written the screenplays for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Force Awakens. His son Jon Kasdan wrote and directed The First Time, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and In the Land of Women, as well as writing for the television series Freaks and Geeks and Dawson’s Creek.

“We’re so excited to be working with Chris and Phil, who will bring a fresh new dimension to the Star Wars Universe,” said the Kasdans. “They’re two of the smartest, funniest and most original filmmakers around, and the ideal choice to tell the story of Han Solo, one of the coolest characters in the galaxy.”

Kathleen Kennedy, who will be producing, says she can’t wait to discover what’s in store from these two extraordinary teams of directors and writers.

“It’s not just any filmmaker who can tell the story of such a beloved icon like Han Solo, and I’m excited to say we’ve found the perfect team to handle the task. Larry and Jon know all there is to know about the character, and Chris and Phil will bring their wit, style, energy and heart to tell Han’s story.”

Slated for a 5/25/18 release, the film will be executive produced by Lawrence Kasdan and Jason McGatlin and co-produced by Will Allegra.

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