PR-Inside.com Entertainment News

Hollywood producer JERRY WEINTRAUB was caught out by pranksters BRAD PITT and GEORGE CLOONEY on a boozy flight to Los Angeles - the pair filled hi s underpants with M&M’s after he fell asleep.
The trio was flying to back to California after a trip to Italy, where they were promoting their Ocean’s Thirteen film, when the actors challeng ed him to a drinking contest.
But the practical jokers didn’t tell Weintraub that they were secretly filling their glasses with water.
The movie mogul remembers, "We drink one bottle, two bottles - we get o n the third bottle and I started feeling woozy, and I never get like that .. I could drink forever. These guys are drinking with me and I’m woozy an d they’re fine.
"And all of a sudden I pass out. I get on the couch and I sleep all the way to L.A." And the Hollywood heavyweight was in a rage when he woke up, hungover a nd with a wod of melted chocolate down his pants.
He says, "When I got up I felt squishy stuff in my shoes, in my underwe ar, in my clothes, and they put M&M’s in my underwear… I said, ‘You son s of b**ches! What did you guys do to me?’ "I found out from the pilots and the stewardess they were drinking wate r."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

INCEPTION star TOM HARDY was driven to the brink of suicide while he was growing up after turning to drink and drugs to escape his miserable upbri nging.
The British actor fell into a downward spiral of alcohol, illegal subst ance abuse and criminal behaviour in his youth and was plagued by anxiety , stemming from his unhappiness growing up in the suburbs of London.
And Hardy admits he expected to meet an early death when his problems b egan to spin out of control.
He tells Britain’s Now magazine, "Growing up, I was deeply ashamed. I w as like, ‘I’m not street and I’m not rich.’ A classic case of suburban ki d. There are a lot of suicides among suburban kids. There was a spate of them when I was growing up. God, yeah (I had suicidal thoughts)! "I was drinking and drugging and sometimes I was surprised I woke up th e next day. Sometimes I had to calm myself into oblivion, thinking that t omorrow’s not necessarily going to come… (I did) everything from firear ms through to drugs, taking and driving away vehicles, taking stuff from vehicles, drunk and disorderly (behaviour) - all kinds of s**t." Hardy reveals the idea of ending up in prison scared him into turning h is life around and he now wants to help other troubled youngsters in Brit ain.
He adds, "I was so young I didn’t really give a f**k. I was getting arr ested between the ages of 15 and 21, so it really needed to stop because eventually I was going to do a lengthy sentence.
"But anything I’ve done in the past is behind me and I don’t advocate v iolence or the use of anything. I’m actively involved in anti-gun and ant i-knife crime campaigns. All that behaviour, like the drinking, is behind me. Now I want to be useful and help kids in inner cities and guys in pr ison. I have a company that has an outreach project."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

LINDSAY LOHAN has been inundated with support from fans as she serves her time behind bars - she is reportedly receiving around 250 letters a day.
The Mean Girls star is currently incarcerated at the Century Regional D etention Facility in Lynwood, California, where she is serving part of a 90-day jail sentence for violating her probation relating to a 2007 DUI a rrest.
Staff at the facility have been dealing with piles of fan mail for the star, but as she is only allowed 10 deliveries at one time she will have to catch up on her reading after she is released, according to Los Angele s County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore.
He tells the New York Daily News, "You only get 10 letters at any one t ime, and deliveries are only once or twice a day. Most inmates don=E2=80=99 t get anywhere near that kind of mail. It will be given to her or an asso ciate when she leaves.=E2=80=9D Lohan is expected to be released as early as Sunday (01Aug10) and will then complete a court-ordered rehab stint.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

SYLVESTER STALLONE is considering plans to continue the RAMBO franchise b y handing the role over to a younger actor for a prequel.
The movie tough guy resurrected Rambo in 2008 to battle the Burmese arm y in the fourth installment, 26 years after the action hero made his big screen debut in 1982’s First Blood.
Stallone subsequently announced plans for Rambo V, but the project was later abandoned.
The 64 year old has now conceded he is getting too old to play Rambo an d is instead considering directing a prequel with a young actor in the ro le to tell the story of the character’s youth.
He tells Moviehole.net, "I certainly think this is worth pondering beca use it’s intriguing to find the whys and wherefores of how people have co me to become what they are. The traumas, the loss and the tragedy of bein g in Vietnam would certainly be a great challenge for a young actor and i t would be ironic that Rambo directs younger Rambo after having played it for 20 plus years."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

The Miramax Films studio founded by movie magnates HARVEY and BOB WEINSTE IN has been sold off in a massive $660 million (=C2=A3440 million) deal after a six-month bidding war.
The company was set up by the famous brothers and sold to The Walt Disn ey Company in 1993 after they left to establish The Weinstein Company.
Miramax Films fell into financial difficulty and closed its offices in January (10) and the Weinsteins, who were responsible for hit films such as Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and The English Patient, tried to buy the company back.
Their negotiations fell though and officials at Disney have now announc ed the firm has been sold off to a private investment group.
Hollywood actor Rob Lowe was also be said to have been involved in the Miramax bidding war after reportedly joining a massive multimedia investm ent venture, but he is not thought to be involved with the Filmyard Holdi ng investment group which confirmed its purchase of Miramax on Friday (30 Jul10), according to the Associated Press.
The Miramax library of films boasts a string of Oscar-winners including 1994’s Pulp Fiction and Good Will Hunting from 1997.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

A rep for SANDRA BULLOCK has asked for the actress’ part in a public serv ice announcement (PSA) relating to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill to be rem oved until she can confirm the clip has not been influenced by a coalitio n of oil companies.
The Hollywood actress is among a group of stars, including Blake Lively , Lenny Kravitz and Dave Matthews, who appear in the ‘Be The One’ video f or the Restore the Gulf campaign.
Bullock signed up to appear in the clip to promote a petition asking U.
S. politicians to put together a fully funded restoration plan to help th e beleaguered Gulf Coast, which has been drenched in oil following the co llapse of a BP rig in April (10).
But new reports suggest the Louisiana-based group which produced the vi deo, Women of the Storm, has been sponsored by America’s Wetland Foundati on, an organisation allegedly connected to oil companies including BP, Sh ell and American Petroleum.
Bullock is reportedly fuming about the discovery and her spokesperson h as demanded the video clips featuring the actress be removed until the tr uth becomes known, according to NOLA.com.
Bullock’s spokeswoman Cheryl Maisel says in a statement, "Ms. Bullock w as originally contacted through her attorney to be a part of the PSA in o rder to promote awareness of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. At no t ime was she made aware that any organization, oil company or otherwise ha d influence over Women of the Storm or its message.
"We have immediately asked for her participation in the PSA be removed until the facts can be determined. (Bullock will continue to) pursue oppo rtunities that will bring awareness and support to the plight of the Gulf region."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

MARK WAHLBERG has reached out to jailed actress LINDSAY LOHAN - the actor is "praying" for the troubled star and hopes she will eventually be able to turn her "life around".
The Mean Girls actress is currently serving part of a 90-day prison sen tence at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California, after violating her probation relating to a 2007 DUI arrest.
Lohan’s father Michael recently made a public plea to reformed stars in cluding Wahlberg and Robert Downey, Jr, who have both spent time behind b ars, urging them to help his daughter.
He said, "My people are reaching out to Robert Downey, Jr. and to Mark Wahlberg. I know both of them, and Mark is a tremendous human being. Hope fully, they’ll see her before she gets out." Wahlberg, who battled drug addiction in his youth and spent 45 days in prison on an assault charge, has now responded - insisting he’s keeping t he actress in his thoughts and prayers.
He tells Access Hollywood, "I met him (Michael Lohan) once or twice=E2=80 =A6 But she=E2=80=99s certainly in my prayers. Anybody that=E2=80=99s hav ing any kind of trouble and needs saving I try to pray for. I just wish t he best for her and her family, anyone who=E2=80=99s incarcerated - that they turn their life around and start doing the right thing.=E2=80=9D (LR

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

50 CENT and CHACE CRAWFORD turned up late for the premiere of their new m ovie after the route to the venue was blocked by President BARACK OBAMA’s motorcade.
The rapper/actor and the Gossip Girl star were both due to walk the red carpet in New York City for the launch of their film, Twelve, but fans w ere left waiting after the cast got stuck in traffic as police shut off t he surrounding streets to make way for the U.S. president.
When he finally made it to the cinema, 50 Cent explained his tardiness to reporters, saying, "It’s interesting - the streets are blocked off for a few avenues. We had to go all the way around to get here, but he’s the president." While Crawford joked, "We shut down the street for the premiere and for me. I didn’t want any traffic on Houston (Street) and then Obama just sw ooped in - figures! I mean, I called and invited him and texted him and h e didn’t want to come. It’s just a mess!" Lenny Kravitz’s actress daughter Zoe admits she became so frustrated wi th the delays, she almost got out of her limousine and took the subway to the premiere.
She says, "We were in traffic for the longest time and I was like, ‘Wha t’s going on?’ I almost got out and took the subway, and the only reason I didn’t was because it was so hot…"

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

A representative for GIRLS ALOUD has dismissed rumours the band is planni ng to reunite without NADINE COYLE.
The U.K.’s biggest girl group has taken a 12-month break to concentrate on individual projects and the five-piece has been dogged by split rumou rs during that time.
New gossip emerged this month (Jul10) suggesting Northern Irish singer Coyle, who now lives in Los Angeles, is set to quit her role and leave th e group to continue as a four-piece.
But a spokesperson for the band has told Britain’s Daily Mail the repor ts are not true, insisting Girls Aloud has signed a record deal to return with a sixth album next year (11).

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

VANESSA-MAE is going for the gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics - the class ical violinist is set to compete as a downhill skier.
The 31-year-old musician is strapping on her skis to represent Thailand in the downhill alpine event at the upcoming games, which will be held i n Sochi, Russia.
The star, full name Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson, is a British citize n but holds a Thai passport because her father, Vorapong Vanakorn, is a n ational of the Asian country.
She explains, "I started skiing at the same age as the violin." (PAW/WN

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

TONY BENNETT stunned fans at the Jazz in July Festival in New York City o n Tuesday night (27Jul10) by taking the stage for a surprise performance.
The legendary singer attended the event’s musical tribute evening dedic ated to iconic composer Jerome Kern and he gave the crowd a treat by step ping up to sing with the festival=E2=80=99s artistic director, Bill Charl ap, who accompanied the star on piano.
The pair launched into a rendition of Kern’s classic song The Way You L ook Tonight, which earned them a standing ovation from the crowd, accordi ng to the New York Daily News.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Nebraska music acts including BRIGHT EYES and CURSIVE are teaming up for a fundraising concert to help fight a new state law which will crack down on illegal immigrants.
The legislation will require employers to use a federal computer system to check whether prospective employees are permitted to work in the U.S.
and force property renters to apply for a permit to prove their immigrat ion status before they are able to find a home.
The Concert for Equality will take place in Omaha on Saturday (31Jul10) and will feature two simultaneous shows on the inside and outside of the Waiting Room venue.
Proceeds will be handed to the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebras ka, a civil rights group which has sued officials in the city of Fremont over the new policies, according to the Associated Press.
The news comes after a number of high profile acts including Rage Again st The Machine, Kanye West and Maroon 5 announced a boycott of Arizona ov er the state’s new immigration laws, which give police the power to arres t anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Singer/songwriter KARA DIOGUARDI has been fired from AMERICAN IDOL - and is set to be replaced by AEROSMITH rocker STEVEN TYLER, according to a ne w U.S. report.
The revolving door of judges on the TV talent show is spinning once aga in - Dioguardi is said to have been booted from the judging panel as part of producers’ ongoing cast shake-up.
TMZ.com reports TV bosses have finalised deals to recruit both Tyler an d Jennifer Lopez, who will join Randy Jackson for a three-judge format on the upcoming 10th season, due to premiere in the U.S. in January (11).
The news follows Ellen DeGeneres’ shock announcement on Thursday (29Jul 10) that she is stepping down from her judging role after just one series on the show, replacing Paula Abdul.
Simon Cowell, who has been with the show since its 2002 inception, quit to concentrate on launching a new series, The X Factor.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

FOXY BROWN allegedly became embroiled in a brawl in New York City on Thur sday (29Jul10) - after a fight erupted in the lobby of a luxury apartment building.
The hip-hop star, real name Inga Marchand, is said to have been visitin g a building on 43rd Street in Manhattan when trouble flared on the groun d floor.
According to TMZ.com, Marchand was one of "several people" pushing and shoving in the melee and another 10 people intervened in a bid to break u p the fight.
The website claims Marchand’s manager was also involved, although it is unclear what prompted the alleged incident.
Authorities were eventually called to the scene but the star is believe d to have left by the time police arrived. No arrests were made.
The Candy hitmaker was arrested in the Big Apple last week (21Jul10) af ter allegedly baring her buttocks at a neighbour in a heated argument. Sh e was charged with public lewdness and harassment following the reported incident.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

TARA REID’s relationship with ex-fiance MICHAEL AXTMANN appears to be bac k on after the couple was spotted partying together in St. Tropez, France ..
The American Pie star became engaged to the businessman in January (10) but she called off their nuptials in April (10).
But the pair has seemingly reunited - and they made their reignited rom ance public for all to see as they walked hand-in-hand at a yacht party i n the south of France on Wednesday (28Jul10).
They then attended another event on Thursday (29Jul10), where Reid was spotted sitting on the internet entrepreneur’s lap as they enjoyed drinks on another yacht in the French Riviera.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

MERYL STREEP joined in the celebrations at EMILY BLUNT’s recent wedding b y teaming up with the bride and groom’s mums to sing ABBA songs.
Blunt tied the knot with actor John Krasinski in a lavish ceremony earl ier this month (Jul10) in the grounds of George Clooney’s Lake Como villa in Italy.
Clooney, who directed Krasinski in Leatherheads, hosted the reception, which the happy couple shared with stars including Matt Damon, Bill Nighy and Blunt’s The Devil Wears Prada co-star Streep.
And Streep wasn’t afraid to let loose at the party on a cruise around L ake Como, bonding with both Blunt and Krasinski’s mums.
A source tells Britain’s Daily Express, "On board they were playing ABB A songs and Meryl volunteered to sing along with Joanna, Emily’s mum, and John’s mother Mary Clare to the song Mamma Mia! She had her arms around them belting out the songs."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

ZAC EFRON endured an "awkward" telephone call with his girlfriend VANESSA HUDGENS this weekend (24-25Jul10) - when the actor asked her permission to go to a strip club.
The clean-cut Disney star hit headlines this week (beg26Jul10) when it was revealed he spent Sunday night (25Jul10) surrounded by semi-naked wom en at a raunchy bar in New York City.
Efron admits he was nervous about calling his longtime partner and High School Musical co-star Hudgens to tell her about his planned outing, and he was relieved when the actress gave him permission to go.
He tells U.S. talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, "The hardest thing was calli ng your girlfriend before. That’s the awkward part. How do you even start that conversation without feeling like a total a**hole? (But) she was fi ne with it." And Efron reveals the Manhattan club didn’t quite live up to his expect ations. He adds, "I had this image of what it would be like… I’ve heard a lot about these places, mostly from rap music. They’re supposed to be pretty reputable, right? I envisioned myself on a nice couch, stunna (sic ) shades, like T-Pain and Usher, you know, making it rain money. And it j ust wasn’t like that that."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

LAURENCE FISHBURNE’s teenage daughter has reportedly filmed a part in an explicit adult film in a bid to break into Hollywood.
The Matrix star’s 19-year-old daughter Montana Fishburne is said to be hoping to make a name for herself with her sex tape, citing socialite Kim Kardashian as her inspiration.
Kardashian is widely known for an intimate home movie she and her ex-bo yfriend, singer Ray J, filmed together.
Celebrity website TMZ.com quotes Fishburne as saying, "I’ve watched how successful Kim Kardashian became and I think a lot of it was due to the release of her sex tape." Fishburne’s adult movie is reportedly set to be released by Vivid Enter tainment in August (10).

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)