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Review: New Michael Jackson Book Misses Great Stuff, Cobbles Together Old News

Roger Friedman
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10
Review: New Michael Jackson Book Misses Great Stuff, Cobbles Together Old News

Part 1: If Randall Sullivan’s 700 page book about Michael Jackson, called “Untouchable,” had footnotes on its pages it would look like a mathematics printout. So Sullivan instead simply wrote his book, then tacked on a couple hundred pages of ‘chapter notes’ and explanations for how he mixed together thousands of pieces of previously published pieces about Jackson to make them look original. And got most of it wrong.

As it is, this part of “Untouchable” is more interesting than the book. It’s where I found  my own name cited at least 87 times in the book--and not always favorably. (He does say some nice things about me, for which I am certainly grateful.) I don’t know Randall Sullivan, I’ve never spoken to him or met him. He’s never tried to contact me. I’m sure I’m not the only person from whom he’s constructed his story. David Jones of the UK’s Daily Mail will find a lot of his work in there.

And 87 times isn’t enough. He’s made it seem like he reported a lot, but it’s just noted at the back, separately. Not credited to me: Michael Jackson’s prosecutors throwing a victory party before the verdict came in. Here’s the original story, which the Drudge Report picked up from me on June 11, 2005 as its top story with a flashing ambulance siren: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,159140,00.html

Indeed so much of “Untouchable” comes out of my old stories, reading the book was like re-encountering long lost friends. Sullivan is very odd about the 2005 molestation trial because he wasn’t there. And strangely, he does quote Fox News’s Wendy Murphy, who was a commentator but didn’t report on the trial. I was in Santa Maria, California for months but never met her. But Fox had Trace Gallagher and lots of good people on the ground whom I saw often.

Because he wasn’t at the trial, Sullivan’s missed two of the funniest moments. At one point Janet Arvizo, the crazy mother who accused Michael Jackson of molesting her son, told defense lawyer Tom Mesereau on the stand that she thought Michael was going to kidnap her kids and take them away “in a hot air balloon.” It was one of Mesereau’s more stunning moments. And it’s too bad Sullivan didn’t get it since he lavishes praise on Mesereau for speaking with him. Mesereau’s dazzling performance in that courtroom still has not been adequately portrayed.

This is from my trial notes, and the printed transcript:

Mesereau to Janet Arvizo: Now, you told the sheriffs at one point you thought your family might disappear in a hot air balloon from Neverland, correct?

Witness:  I made them aware that they had a variety of ways of getting my children out and that was one of  them.

Also, Sullivan, I guess, never actually saw the outtakes that Jackson’s own videographer had of the Martin Bashir interview. Michael, drunk on wine from a Coke can, tells Bashir he wanted to throw a celebrity going away party for Bubbles the Chimp. Lassie wouldn’t be able to attend, Michael said, because he was probably dead. The press saw that video four times in the courtroom, and we even threw our own “Celebrity Animal Party” one night. It was the high point of a long, pointless four months.

More in Part 2, coming up…

 

UPDATE: “Skyfall” Biggest James Bond Movie Opening Ever

Roger Friedman
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19
UPDATE: “Skyfall” Biggest James Bond Movie Opening Ever

UPDATE: “Skyfall” took in $87.8 million from Friday, making it $90 mil total since the IMAX showings on Thursday. I love Daniel Craig saying he’d like to get out of his contract or something to that effect. Very funny. He just wants a bigger cut going forward. He’ll get it. And Sam Mendes? See below that he told us he’s “considering” a return for Bond 24 and/or 25. By the time he’s done he’ll be able to fund all the productions he wants at the Donmar Warehouse.

Earlier: Yes, yes. “Skyfall” did open to $30.8 million on Friday making it the biggest opening night ever for a James Bond movie. It now has $33 million in the bank counting Thursday IMAX sales. By Sunday night, “Skyfall” could have $70 million in total or more, assuring it of its place as the number 1 Bond film of all time. Director Sam Mendes told our Leah Sydney he’s “thinking about” directing Bond 24 and 25, but after this — “Skyfall” will have more than $400 mil worldwide on Monday– I’m sure the producers will want him back for at least one of the next ones. And how about Adele? Anyway, maybe Judi Dench can be persuaded to come back, too, now that she’s a “Bond girl.”

http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/11/09/james-bond-skyfall-adeles-hit-song-driving-big-numbers-to-theaters

http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/11/08/skyfall-director-sam-mendes-considering-directing-new-two-james-bond-films

http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/11/06/skyfall-screenwriter-judi-dench-is-the-bond-girl-in-this-film

http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/10/02/adele-skyfall-clip-leaked-lyrics-as-scooped-here-first

James Bond “Skyfall”: Adele’s Hit Song Driving Big Numbers to Theaters

Roger Friedman
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3
James Bond “Skyfall”: Adele’s Hit Song Driving Big Numbers to Theaters

So: “Skyfall” is poised to set some records this weekend. Fandango is reporting that 65% of all ticket sales right now are for the 23rd James Bond film. Only 1% is being attributed to Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” which is opening in limited release. Hopefully Disney will take good care of “Lincoln” and steer it slowly into an Oscar campaign. If you can see it, see it immediately because it’s a terrific film.

“Skyfall” comes to the US with over $300 million in the bank. It has a pretty clear path this weekend and next. There’s nothing else like it, and it’s an event. Plus it has the Adele song. There shouldn’t be too much cross over between “Skyfall” and “Twilight: Breaking Wind,” which opens next week to throngs of eager tweens who want to see the final episode of this insipid amusement.

As for that Adele song, it’s turned out to be the best idea Barbara Broccoli ever had. (I’m glad I broke the stories about it, too.) According to Fandango, “a survey of 1,000 moviegoers on Fandango revealed that 54% of respondents said Adele’s new Skyfall theme song increased their awareness of the movie and 78% said the grittier action sequences in this Bond film increased their interest in seeing the new movie.”

“Skyfall” comes into the Friday box office with $2.2 million from IMAX screenings yesterday at 463 theaters.

 

 

WATCH Bruce Springsteen, whole “Stand up for Heroes” in Our Home Page Video Player

Roger Friedman
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0

Ricky Gervais Will NOT Return to “The Office” Before it Ends

Roger Friedman
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0
Ricky Gervais Will NOT Return to “The Office” Before it Ends

Ricky Gervais created “The Office” with partner Stephen Merchant. He also made a couple of cameos during Steve Carell’s final season two years ago. But Ricky told me last night that he won’t be making any more appearances– even though “The Office” will end its run this winter after nine seasons. Ricky told me: “I did it, there’s no need for more.” Ricky also won’t be hosting the Golden Globes this year. “I did it three times, which was two times too many,” he said. Ricky will be succeeded by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who come from NBC shows–the same network that hosts the Globes. Hopefully that won’t curtail their natural irreverence. Meantime, Gervais made a lasting impression last night at “Stand up for Heroes,” doing a bit on How Not to Get AIDS. You can see it on YouTube and on www.standupforheroes.com

http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/11/09/bruce-springsteen-auctions-guitar-concert-tix-for-110000-at-annual-show-for-soldiers

Carrie Fisher Has a Yoda Recast in Mind (See Video)

Roger Friedman
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0
Carrie Fisher Has a Yoda Recast in Mind (See Video)

The once and always Princess Leia has posted a typically funny video to her Facebook page hot on the heels of news that she, Mark Hamill, and Harrison Ford may be re-activated for the “Star Wars” sequels. Carrie spoofs Princess Leia in her traveling show, “Wishful Drinking.” But everyone in the cosmos wants to see her and the original gang.

Liza Minnelli Is A Living, Ebullient New York Landmark

Roger Friedman
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2
Liza Minnelli Is A Living, Ebullient New York Landmark

Liza Minnelli is now a Living Landmark thanks to the Landmarks Conservancy. At last night’s ritzy black tie dinner in the Plaza Hotel ballroom, Liza was an enthusiastic honoree, taking the stage with gusto if not exactly balance. She may have been wetter than a granite landmark during the hurricane or simply “overtired” from listening to many excellent speeches and the wittiest emceeing of the year by our pal and favorite gal, Liz Smith.

I don’t know how Liz does it. She took over the Living Landmarks in 1996, and continues to guide this incredibly important event with such humor and grace, and a twinkle in her eye. She’s perched on a stool on stage with Peter Duchin and his famed band behind her, slyly talking these well heeled types into more and more donations that protect New York’s iconic buildings from being ripped down. (The inspiration for landmarks–the demolition in the early 60s of the real Penn Station, and in the late 70s of the Bonwit Teller building that become Trump Tower.)

Besides Liza, the other landmarks included both Jimmy Nederlander Sr. and Jr., who keep Broadway going and are the first ever father and son to receive the honor; financiers and philanthropists Peter Malkin and E. John Rosenwald, Jr., famed chef Daniel Boulud, and the great author (“The Power Broker”) Robert Caro. Each gave fun, personal thank yous. Boulud even popped open a bottle of vintage Champagne on stage to toast the evening.

What a gang Liz has rounded up for this affair, just as she does with Literacy Partners. It’s every banker and billionaire who loves New York and wants to prevent it from being further ripped down or detonated into a glass box. The audiene ranged from Pete Petersen of Blackstone Partners to legendary archeologist and connoisseur Iris Love, who kept me amused through dinner. (Did you know Iris has Brooke Astor’s dachshunds at her country house? Brooke’s famously awful son and daughter in law wanted to put them to sleep!)

And Liza? She’s still here. She has a lot of energy, and she’s a dear. But maybe put her on at the beginning of the night next time. She did say, “I came to New York when I was 14, and I wanted to be on Broadway immediately.” It took her a while she said, “But I did it all myself.”  And then broke into song. She still puts on quite a show, kids. Damon Runyon, whose name was invoked at least once last night, woulda loved her.

Denmark’s “Royal Affair” Amps Up Foreign Film Category

Roger Friedman
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2
Denmark’s “Royal Affair” Amps Up Foreign Film Category

Review by LEAH SYDNEY:

“A Royal Affair” — Denmark’s period drama for the upcoming foreign film category– won the AFI Audience Award last night in L.A.  This grand epic is romantic, heartbreaking and beyond absorbing.  Suffice to say it’s catching Hollywood by powerful surprise.  This gripping film, expertly directed by Nikolaj Arcel, adroitly blends actual historical events in 18th century Denmark, which include the real life affair between Princess Caroline Matilda who was married off at age 15 to eccentric King Christian VII of Denmark.

Caroline–the sister of mad King George lll of Great Britain–played with heartfelt yearning by Alicia Vikander. King Christian is portrayed with maddening madness by Mikkel Folsgaard).

In history, Caroline began an affair with her husband’s full time physician turned chief minister, the stoic at first then love-struck Johann Struensee (Mads Mikkelson.)  Caroline and Struensee share an overwhelming passion for each other. She is also captivated by his forward thinking, and intellectual investment in the Enlightment.  Struensee’s rise to power and the implementation of these very ideas ultimately sealed their sad fate.

Superb acting, smart directing, perfectly polished dialogue, combined with luscious sets and lavish photography, this film is truly sublime, intoxicating and fascinating on every level.  Add this to a group of foreign films including “The Intouchables,” “Amour,” and “Kon Tiki” that will make this category hotter than it’s been in years this Oscar season.

A Royal Affair opens today in New York and Los Angeles, and rolls out to the art theater market shortly.

Bruce Springsteen Auctions Guitar, Concert Tix for $110,000 at Annual Show for Soldiers

Roger Friedman
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0
Bruce Springsteen Auctions Guitar, Concert Tix for $110,000 at Annual Show for Soldiers

Bruce Springsteen auctioned off a signed guitar, plus six tickets to one of his shows and a backstage tour for $110,000 last night. It does seem that Springsteen may have run out of motorcycles–that’s what he’s sold off at previous annual “Stand Up for Heroes” shows put on ABC News’ Bob Woodruff and his wife Lee in conjunction with Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox of Caroline’s Comedy Club.

Even in the freezing cold the Beacon Theater was sold out last night to see Bruce and wife Patti Scialfa, plus Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, John Mayer and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. The night is for returned soldiers who’ve survived terrifying impairments. “Stand Up for Heroes” is about laughing and music and showing these guys a good time. The people you meet on the red carpet are real celebrities–missing limbs, whole bodie reconstructed or confined to a wheelchair, disfiguring accidents.

And even with stars aplenty, it’s the most mellow red carpet of the year, run by Frank PR like a class reunion.

Every year Springsteen comes, and plays, and tells a couple of dirty jokes. This year was no exception. And after he got off two such jokes, he and Patti sang “Land of Hope and Dreams” and “Working on A Highway.”

You may be able to see some of the performances at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIAMfh8TfqU

John Mayer, recovering from throat surgery, jumped from his chauffeur driven SUV to the carpet to the theater. He’s not allowed to speak. On stage he played guitar, an instrumental version of “The Long and Winding Road.” He didn’t look happy, but he’s having a tough time.

Roger Waters of Pink Floyd is featuring his segment on www.pinkfloyd.com. It’s Roger playing with a band of vets from Walter Reed Army Hospital. It’s a fearless, moving segment.

The comedy bits came from Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, Ricky Gervais, and finally, Patton Oswalt. Much of it was off color, too hard to reprint. you had to be there. All of it was outrageous fun.

The Woodruffs, Hirsch, and Fox have turned “Stand Up For Heroes” into an annual event, coming from Bob’s near-fatal accident in Iraq in 2006. It’s turned their life into a mission. Hirsch and Fox literally go to the mats to put on a five star spectacle for the soldiers–it’s the most patriotic night in New York.

photo copyright c2012 Showbiz411

 

Daniel Day Lewis Spoofs Clint Eastwood and His Chair

Roger Friedman
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0
Daniel Day Lewis Spoofs Clint Eastwood and His Chair

Two time Oscar winner Daniel Day Lewis, star of “Lincoln,”  had a lot of fun with Clint Eastwood and with Rupert Murdoch last night at BAFTA/LA’s  Britannia Awards. Here’s how LEAH SYDNEY took it down for us. Video Link at the bottom:

Daniel-“Please excuse me if I’m a little bit groggy.  I was up till probably 2 am in the morning last night watching CNN.  I have to say that I’m so extremely grateful and glad that taking time out of his very busy schedule, the recently re-elected President of the country has made it here. “

He then pointed to the empty chair on the stage.

“I know as an Englishman it’s absolutely none of my business, but I’m just so very grateful it was you. I love Clint Eastwood.  This is no satirical comment on his politics or anything else.  But I have to say, when I saw him talking to a chair in front of a room rull of strangers, I thought I’ve got to try that.  That’s a challenge.  I didn’t pull it off quite as well as him, but anyhow, I’ve got some way to go.”

Daniel then added, “I might be the only who’s phone hasn’t been hacked. I don’t know where Rupert’s boys where when I staggered out of the S and M bar on Kent street with a military explosive on my back dressed in a Mussolini costume. “

“I feel if I go down in flames having desecrated the beloved memory of Lincoln, I’ll probably never rise again. I’ve been blessed by immeasurable good fortune. I’ve never publicly acknowledged the debt I owe my mother.  Without any evidence to base it on she had faith in me, even when I didn’t’.  All I ever wanted to do was just to work as an actor, I’m quietly amazed by this whole thing.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vo2EeipXCo&feature=player_embedded

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