The fun and exciting blog: July 2011

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Les News, 071911

Proof that Rupert Murdoch has got horns. Jessica Simpson‘s dress is really, really tight. Possible heirs to the Harry Potter throne. Sesame Street + Beastie Boys = THIS Openly gay Archie Comics character Kevin Keller gets his own FULL RUN comic book series :D Rihanna looks to be missing a pair of pants. Britney Spears [...]

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Jonathan Levine On Reality Of '50/50' & Challenging Audiences

Although it's still summertime and we're in the midst of crazy blockbuster madness, there is a special movie coming down the pike that people should start paying attention to now: "50/50," a dramedy inspired by real life events that features the wonderful acting talents of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Anjelica Huston and Bryce [...]

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'Harry Potter' Star Rupert Grint: What's Next?

'I'm not sure I'm going to miss it,' actor tells MTV News of 'Potter.'
By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Rupert Grint
Photo: MTV News

Rupert Grint has always been the comic relief when it comes to the Big Three actors in "Harry Potter," but with the final film opening in theaters Friday (July 15), he is ready to spread his wings and try out some new projects.

"Anything really different, really," Grint replied when MTV News asked him what his plans are next. "Playing the same character for 10 years really does give you this thirst for new things. I'm not sure I'm going to miss it. I am looking forward to this kind of newfound freedom. Just see where it takes me."

He certainly seems to be trying to get away from "Potter" as much as possible. Grint's next project is his anti-war film "Comrade," which began filming March 28 in Norway. Directed by Petter Næss and costarring David Kross, Florian Lukas and Stig Henrik Hoff, the movie tells the story of English and German pilots who are forced to work together to survive the brutal Norwegian winter; it is a very far cry from anything Grint has done in "Potter."

After that, his next project is looking more and more likely to be "Eddie the Eagle," a biopic about British skier Eddie Edwards, the first competitor to represent the U.K. in Olympic ski jumping. Though it still doesn't have a writer or director attached, Grint is optimistic that production will get under way soon.

"It's a story that I really like and it's still in the working yet. I still have faith that it will happen," he told MTV News. "It's been in kind of development for a while, but yeah, hopefully it will come up."

Of all the "Potter" stars, Grint has been the one to have the most big-screen experience. In 2002 he starred in the children's comedy "Thunderpants," then followed it up with 2006's dramedy "Driving Lessons." Somehow he managed to find time over the past few years during his busy "Potter" shooting schedule to squeeze out two 2010 releases as well: "Cherrybomb" and "Wild Target."

And the fans respect him for it. When MTV's Next Movie site ran a recent poll asking readers who they thought would be the most successful "Potter" star, Grint won by a whopping 43 percent. If that doesn't work out, though, he always has a side career as an ice cream man.

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'Harry Potter' Star Emma Watson Will Be Back Onscreen Soon

'My Week With Marilyn' and 'Perks of Being a Wallflower' are the first two post-'Potter' projects Watson lined up.
By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Emma Watson
Photo: Jim Spellman/ WireImage

We hope Emma Watson has already digested her post-"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" brunch. Because now that she's finished the project that virtually defined a decade of her life, the actress has plenty to look forward to.

The 21-year-old starlet did just a few non-"Potter" acting roles during her time with the franchise, only separating herself from Hermione long enough to star in the 2007 BBC film "Ballet Shoes" and lend her voice to 2008's "Tales of Despereaux." Now, she has wrapped her first two post-"Potter" films and is excited for people to see her outside of a "Harry Potter" capacity.

Up first is the Michelle Williams-starring adaptation of "My Week With Marilyn," based on Laurence Olivier's assistant's account of spending time with Marilyn Monroe (Williams) while she was filming "The Prince and the Showgirl." Watson plays a character named Lucy who goes on a few dates with leading man Eddie Redmayne. It's a minor role for a small film (which is slated for release this November), but it's garnering a lot of attention because of Watson's involvement.

"I've seen a trailer for it. It looks pretty amazing," Watson told MTV News at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards. "I mean, Michelle is an incredible actress, and Eddie Redmayne is also in it, so he did a great job."

But her upcoming film that's getting the most buzz is the Summit Entertainment adaptation of Stephen Chbosky's coming-of-age novel, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." Watson plays Sam, the love interest of main character Charlie (played by Logan Lerman). It wrapped shooting several weeks ago, and Watson told us at the Movie Awards that the expectation was to turn it around and get it released quickly.

"It's so funny because I never thought I'd make another sort of high school-esque movie, and here I am in this coming-of-age, American teen [movie]," she said. "But it's very witty, and it's very funny and it's very moving, so I'm excited."

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'Captain America' Is For The Ladies Too, Stars Say

'We do a really good job establishing a romance,' Chris Evans offers as a reason female moviegoers should check out 'The First Avenger.'
By Kara Warner

Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell in "Captain America: The First Avenger"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

Generally speaking, a superhero or comic book-based movie can almost guarantee that its fervent fanboy following will show up at the box office come opening day. A more elusive audience to capture with these big, flashy blockbusters are female moviegoers. Not that women don't love superhero movies or read comic books, of course, but they aren't often a studio's target audience.

When MTV News caught up with the stars of "Captain America: The First Avenger" recently, we asked what their film has to offer the lady moviegoers who might not necessarily be as interested in the action and explosions as others.

"I gotta be honest, [compared with] the majority of superhero movies that I've seen, I think we do a really good job establishing a romance," Chris Evans, a.k.a. Cap himself, said. "It's a budding romance, it's early. Steve Rogers hasn't had much experience with women, so the romance they establish is new and fresh, and it doesn't really have a chance to develop," he explained. "I don't want to give too much away, but I will say everything else in the movie aside, the one thing I think they really did right was the romance."

Hayley Atwell, who plays Steve Rogers/ Captain America's love interest Peggy Carter and is one of the only women in the film, agreed with Evans.

"It's got a strong, sincere love story running through it," she said. "Captain America has a sincerity. He's earnest, and there is a vulnerability about him. He's not your typical testosterone-fueled man."

In addition to all the sincere romantic stuff, Sebastian Stan pointed out that there are some superficial reasons for ladies to like the film as well.

"I feel like you can drive a car on Chris' chest, so maybe that?" he said, speaking to Evans' muscle-bound physique, post-superserum. "That might help."

Check out everything we've got on "Captain America: The First Avenger."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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'Captain America'

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Pat and Gina Neely Feed The Big Apple!

Your favorite barbecue-loving southern couple is moving on up, to the East Side! The Food Network?s husband and wife team ? Pat and Gina Neely, who host Down Home With the Neelys, have opened a southern-style restaurant in the Big Apple! Neely?s Barbecue Parlor is located on New York City?s posh Upper East Side neighborhood. But home cooking isn?t all that?s on the menu -- the Neelys hope to have the space as a lovers' hideaway!

Pat explained, ?[This restaurant location] gives us some comfort, which is more of a neighborhood vibe. Like our place in Memphis. It?s also a quiet place that Gina and I can enjoy. So there?s some selfishness there, we want to be able to come eat and cuddle here.?

The forever doting wife, Gina replied, ?Pat and I are really down-home people, we?re like good friends. So, if I?m not with him, it feels like something is truly missing.?

Don?t be surprised if you see the two former high school sweethearts playing kissy face while you?re on your second helping of yummy ribs!

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The Magical Items Of 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows'

by Matt Adler
The saga of Harry Potter has come to a close on the big-screen with the release of "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2." As a wizard, Harry?s primary tool of the trade is magic, and there is magic aplenty in this final film, particularly in the form of items which have [...]

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

?Glee?s Sue Sylvester Wants You To ?Stop Believing?

Last week we got our first look at the video trailer for the upcoming live concert film Glee: The 3D Concert Movie and today we get to check out a very cheeky promo image from the film. As you Glee fans know, the villainous Sue Sylvester will stop at nothing to put an end to [...]

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Surprise! Second Crazy, Stupid, Love Trailer Is Here!

As if we weren't already in love with the original trailer, Warner Bros. has released a last minute, more risque teaser for waiting audiences.
While this one may be lacking in killer Muse songs, it gives us more insight to the characters and storylines.
The film stars Steve Carell, (shirtless) Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma [...]

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?Glee?s Sue Sylvester Wants You To ?Stop Believing?

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Where In The World Is Casey Anthony?

No, it's not San Diego.
According to reports, Casey Anthony could be in Carlsbad, California right now.
The "tot-mom" has been missing since her release from jail, and people want to know where she is!
Reporters decided to track the Pilatus PC-12 that took the 25 year old out of Orlando to "points unknown."
The private plane is [...]

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RIP The Dark Tower? For Now

This is definitely not the kind of news you'd want to hear at any hour, but we have to tell you regardless so you aren't stuck waiting for something that may never happen.
Remember that amazing idea that Ron Howard had for an adaptation of Stephen King's Dark Tower series? The one that had Javier Bardem [...]

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Harry Potter's Greatest Hits: The 10 Best Scenes

The end of an era is here with today's release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2." To mark the occasion, MTV News presents our list of the ten best scenes in the entire film franchise, with the exception of scenes from the most recent installment of "Deathly Hallows" -- we're keeping things [...]

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Tom Cruise Has 'One Shot' As Jack Reacher

Tom Cruise's next few years have just turned significantly busier, thanks to his deciding to sign on to the adaptation of Lee Child's novel "One Shot."
Deadline has the news, saying that director Christopher McQuarrie will helm the flick. Cruise is currently filming "Rock of Ages," and will move on to "One Shot" in early fall. [...]

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J. Lo's Post Divorce Payday

The Latino power couple Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony announced their shocking divorce on July 15, but J. Lo is not letting that hold her back! The American Idol judge will perform a private concert for you... for the right price. She is reportedly raking in around $1 million for performing at a wealthy man?s wedding in the Ukraine. Her big performance must make the end of her seven-year marriage slightly bittersweet. Her relationship may have just come to an end, but if you are J.Lo there is always a silver lining. ?Jennifer will be performing in the Ukraine,? Jennifer?s spokesperson reportedly said. ?Terms of the agreement cannot be confirmed.?

The split came as a surprise to many, especially as the two had several joint projects in the works. Latina magazine conducted an interview just a few weeks ago in which J. Lo said they were ?a good combination.? Jennifer and Anthony are the parents of 3-year-old twins, Max and Emme. According to Celebuzz, the couple gave no indication of custody plans for the children.

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Dannii Minogue dropped from Marks & Spencer ad campaigns?

Dannii Minogue, VV Brown and Ana Beatriz have been axed from the upcoming Marks & Spencer ad campaigns, while Twiggy, Lisa Snowdon and Jamie Redknapp have had their contracts extended.�

While a rep for M&S refused to comment on its advertising strategy ? ?For competitive reasons we don't comment on our future advertising plans,? they said ? a spokeswoman for VV Brown has been more vocal:

?VV and M&S enjoyed an extremely successful relationship for many seasons, however, due to VV's other music commitments, it was mutually agreed that this would be her last campaign.?

Likewise a spokesman for Ana Beatriz added:

?Ana was happy to work with them (M&S) on the contract but she is a very busy international fashion model and this was just one of the many contracts she has running worldwide.?

And Dannii? Where?s her statement?

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'Harry Potter' Box Office: How High Will It Go?

Film experts weigh in on how 'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' blockbuster finale is likely to fare in the long run.
By Eric Ditzian

Daniel Radcliffe in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros.

There was little doubt that when the "Harry Potter" franchise finally came to a close after a decade-long presence at the multiplex, it would do so in epically lucrative fashion. But only when "Deathly Hallows, Part 2" actually began lighting up screens last Thursday at midnight did the true extent of its box-office power become clear: The film raked in a record $43.5 million at those early screenings and ended up shattering the three-day opening record of "The Dark Knight."

"While I assumed it would have the best 'Harry Potter' debut of all time, I wasn't quite sold on the fact that it could eclipse the 'Dark Knight' record, as none of the previous films, although highly successful, have ever approached that staggering number, despite having one of the most rabid fanbases filmdom has ever seen," said Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations. "This was monumental, as it seems everyone wanted to be a part of the discussion, everyone wanted to say goodbye to dear friends, and everyone wanted to experience the magic on the big screen one more time."

But not everyone wanted that magical experience in 3-D. While "Deathly Hallows, Part 2" benefited from the largest 3-D launch ever, according to Box Office Mojo, a majority of ticket buyers choose 2-D screenings, with just 43 percent of its total gross coming from 3-D screenings ("Transformers: Dark of the Moon," by comparison, earned 60 percent of its opening gross from 3-D showings). So, although "Deathly Hallows, Part 2" opening marks the second-biggest 3-D opening after "Alice in Wonderland," the last "Potter" film wasn't a 3-D must-see — it was a pop-culture must-see.

But insiders hardly predicted how intense the get-out-to-the-theater urge would be. Phil Contrino, editor of Boxoffice.com, pointed at social-networking sites as the key factor that raised awareness and drove ticket sales in the days leading up to release. The franchise's Facebook page added 870,000 new "likes" last week and Twitter registered more than 225,000 tweets in that time frame. "It clearly showed that even casual fans of the series were excited about the last installment," he said. "You can't break records with just die-hard fans — you have to expand the base. That's exactly what 'Part 2' did."

Just don't expect it to do what "Avatar" did. James Cameron's sci-fi flick built slowly and stayed at the top of the box office for weeks. "Deathly Hallows, Part 2," by contrast, experienced a hefty, 53 percent drop from Friday to Saturday, showing the film, like so many blockbusters before it, was a frontloaded theatrical event. While it will safely become the biggest movie of the summer, these wizards won't be able to compete with Cameron's big blue aliens, who drove "Avatar" to $2.8 billion worldwide.

"While the global grosses of 'Avatar' and 'Titanic' will likely be out of reach, expect 'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' to become the third-highest grossing movie ever once it exits theaters, and surpasses 'Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,' which hauled in $1.1 billion worldwide, " Bock said.

"Harry Potter," then, is on the verge of unseating "Star Wars" to become the most lucrative franchise in movie history. While some franchises struggle to maintain early success (see this summer's "Transformers" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" films), "Potter" has had no such problems. The example that Warner Bros. has set with its boy wizard is one that other studios wrapping up franchises would be wise to follow.

" 'Potter' fans grew up and didn't abandon the series, but that could happen with 'Twilight,' " Contrino said. "You have to mature at the same pace as your audience. The 'Potter' series grew darker and more compelling as its audience aged. It worked perfectly."

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'Rango' Exclusive Clip: Somebody's Poisoned The Watering Hole

So, I just saw "Rango" for the first time this week, and I have to say ?�favorite Johnny Depp performance ever? Maybe not quite that far, but pretty darn close. Depp provides the voice (and got physically in character) for the central chameleon in Gore Verbinski's animated debut, and it ruins nothing to say that [...]

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Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony Are Dunzo!

Singer, actress and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez and her hubby of 7 years Marc Anthony have issued a statement announcing that they are ending their marriage. Seemingly out of the blue, J. Lo and Marc issued their statement late today (a Friday) in what looks to be an attempt to minimize attention. No real [...]

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Vanessa Minnillo & Nick Lachey Got Hitched!

Last November we learned the happy news that longtime couple Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey got themselves engaged to be wed. This weekend the couple issued a statement to People magazine announcing that the pair have gotten themselves married in secret … on a tropical island … somewhere. Naturally, because of all the secrecy, there [...]

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A Girl to ?Spice' Up the Life of the Beckham Family

Victoria and David Beckham welcomed their first daughter, Harper Seven, into the world on July 10 at 7:55 a.m. The baby was born at 7 pounds, 10 ounces at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to Popeater.

The Beckhams were definitely surprised when they found out that they would be adding a girl into the family. Nonetheless, the Beckham brothers are thrilled for their baby sis. "Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz are excited to welcome their new baby sister to the family," says Beckham spokesperson Jo Milloy to PopEater.

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Taylor Swift Readies The Release Of A Fragrance Called ?Wonderstruck?

Yesterday we learned that popstar Christina Aguilera is gettin’ ready to release her newest celebrity fragrance and today we learn that fellow popstar Taylor Swift wants in on the action. Apparently, Taylor announced last year that she was working on her first perfume … and today we learn all the deets about her new smell [...]

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Sunday, July 17, 2011

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes & Suri Enjoy A Relaxing Family Vacay Together

The TomKat family — Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Suri — spent part of their weekend in South Beach, FL chillin’ out by the pool together. As you can see from the photos below, daddy Tom spent some time teaching his TomKitten how to swim while mama Katie lounged near the pool. It looks like [...]

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'Rango' Exclusive Clip: Somebody's Poisoned The Watering Hole

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'Harry Potter' Star Matthew Lewis Recalls Embarrassing Fan Run-In

Actor who plays Neville Longbottom describes being caught in 'horrible expression of narcissism.'
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Matthew Lewis at the New York City premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Photo: Getty Images

There is almost an endless list of reasons why the stars of the "Harry Potter" movies are beloved. Having watched them grow up onscreen, portraying our favorite J.K. Rowling-created characters, we here at MTV News, as well as the millions of Potter fans around the world, feel a special connection to the cast that you don't often experience in films and on TV these days. Not only that, but each and every member of the cast has a reputation for being just as delightful offscreen as they are on. There are no big egos or tyrants in the bunch; they are humble, grateful young adults.

Except when it comes to causing scenes in Times Square, that is. When MTV News caught up with rising star Matthew Lewis (a.k.a. Neville Longbottom) at the New York premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" earlier this week, he told us about an embarrassing moment he endured during a recent run-in with a fan.

"I had a terribly embarrassing moment in New York City," Lewis said. "I was in Times Square with my friend Nick, and there was a big 'Harry Potter' poster in Times Square," he explained. "I was pointing out where I was on the poster. I said, 'I'm just there next to Emma [Watson],' and as I started pointing at the poster somebody tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Excuse me, are you Matthew Lewis?'

"And it was just this horrible expression of narcissism in the world," Lewis continued with renewed embarrassment. "I'm there in Times Square pointing at myself going, 'Hey, that's me.' It was awful. But she was lovely. We have the best fans in the world."

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Christina Aguilera Is Readying The Release Of A Fragrance Called ?Secret Potion?

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SIGHTing

Britney Spear's two biggest fans were in the audience on Friday night at her Femme Fatale tour stop in New Orleans:
Her sister Jamie Lynn and her niece Maddie! Cuteness!
The pair were joined by Poppa Spears and Jamie's brother Bryan, each of which took turns holding little Maddie, who was spotted wearing big headphones to dull [...]

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Listen: Blink 182, ?Up All Night?

Late yesterday, the pop/punk band Blink-182 unveiled for the first time a new single titled Up All Night which will appear on their forthcoming as-yet-untitled new album. After breaking up a few years ago, it would seem, the guys decided to get back together to make some new music. Up All Night is the band’s [...]

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Kirstie Alley?s Casting Couch?

Seems Dancing With the Stars not only gave Kirstie Alley a better figure, but also a seemingly newfound confidence to pursue younger men! And now an insider is saying she is trying to lure her potential hook-ups by promising to make them stars.

Kirstie, 60, has been hitting lots of hotspots in New York and scoping out the crowd for hotties in their twenties. According to the insider, once she manages to get a guy?s number, she starts texting. ?She says, `Wanna hang out? Wanna have dinner? I?ll pay for it,? and `I can get you a movie role,? in order for guys to respond to her. She?s a total cougar!?

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'Game Of Thrones' And Peter Dinklage Earn Emmy Nominations

In the end, Tyrion Lannister might win gold. Emmy gold, that is.
If you've caught any of our "Game of Thrones" coverage by now, then you know we're a bit hopelessly obsessed reasonably enamored with HBO's new fantasy series. In fact, working this week with "A Dance With Dragons," the latest installment in George R.R. [...]

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

EXCLUSIVE: Angels & Airwaves Present 3-For-1 Live Music And Film Experience

This one is for both the filmgoers and music lovers. On Wednesday Aug. 10, the band Angels & Airwaves will take the stage to present "Angels & Airwaves Present LOVE Live," a unique one-night multimedia extravaganza to be broadcast to more than 450 theaters nationwide.

Part one of this thee-part event kicks off at [...]

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'Harry Potter' Stars Offer Advice To Younger Selves

'Just enjoy every day of it,' Rupert Grint tells his 12-year-old self.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Rupert Grint
Photo: MTV News

After eight films, 10 years, millions of fans won over and billions of dollars made, we could talk about the "Harry Potter" films and their famous castmembers forever. Their incredible evolution from kids to young adults, the number of esteemed adult British actors who made appearances in the films over the years, the undying love from a dedicated and loyal fanbase and so on.

When MTV News sat down with Rupert Grint and Tom Felton recently, we asked them if, when looking back at the incredible journey they've been on for so long, they have any advice they would offer their young selves when they first joined the cast in 2000.

"I should have a witty answer prepared, but I don't," Felton admitted. "I guess I'd just say, 'Enjoy it and try to take in as much as you can.' There's nothing I'd change, to be honest with you.

"I've had a good time over the years," Felton added. "I wouldn't change a day of it. [I'd] just take a bit more in. When you're 12 or 13, you don't care about anything. You just want to go home and play PlayStation, so there are definitely some memories I wished I'd taken in."

Grint echoed Felton's sentiments: "Yeah, [I'd tell myself to] enjoy it," he said. "I would never imagine 10 years from then we would be talking about the eighth film. I didn't even see past two, really. It's just been this gradual thing. Yeah, just enjoy every day of it."

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2'

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'Harry Potter' Expected To Smash Box-Office Records

'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' could break $158.4 million opening-weekend record of 'The Dark Knight.'
By Gil Kaufman

Daniel Radcliffe and Ralph Fiennes in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros.

It takes a powerful wizard to defeat "The Dark Knight," but based on early media reports, all indications are that the final episode in the onscreen Harry Potter saga, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," is on track to beat the $158.4 million opening-weekend record set by "The Dark Knight" in 2008.

Thanks to a combination of breathless, nostalgic anticipation for the last installment in the series, a raft of sold-out midnight screenings on Thursday and higher ticket prices for the first 3-D installment in the $6 billion franchise, experts are predicting that a series of records could fall by Sunday.

According to Deadline.com, the estimated two-day worldwide gross for "Deathly Hallows, Part 2" is at $142.7 million, with $82.5 million earned internationally from 43 countries, and roughly $60.2 million brought in domestically. The movie had already rolled up an estimated $45 million at the box office by Thursday before the doors had opened for a single showing.

To put that in perspective, it has already beat the $53 million that "Green Lantern" made over the course of its entire opening weekend last month.

"Potter" is opening in 4,575 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, and Deadline Hollywood predicted that based on the early tracking, it could smash the "Dark Knight" high-water mark and possibly reach $180 million in opening-weekend grosses. Another record almost sure to crumble is the biggest single day ever, which was set by "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which pulled in $72 million, a figure that could be eclipsed (pun intended) by an estimated $80 million that "Hallows" is projected to collect between the $40 million in midnight screenings and an additional $40 million on Friday.

Look for "Hallows" to also take the biggest foreign opening-weekend crown, a record recently set by "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," which boosted $260 million earlier this summer. "Potter" studio Warner Bros. expects the film to smash that figure, though it's unclear if it will be able to beat the worldwide seven-day opening-gross mark set by "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," which raked in $402 million in its first week in June.

A good sign, though, is that "Hallows" has already broken records Down Under. The Hollywood Reporter noted that following its midnight opening on Wednesday, it took in more than $7.4 million in its first 24 hours in Australia, smashing the previous mark of nearly $1.8 million in the first 24 hours for "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King."

Send us your video review of "Deathly Hallows, Part 2" and we just might use it on MTV News!

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Chris Evans Reveals He Said 'No Thanks' To 'Captain America'

Actor was pursued for role, he tells Josh Horowitz on 'MTV First: Captain America.'
By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Chris Evans
Photo: MTV News

Captain America was the role that seemingly every actor in Hollywood but Chris Evans wanted to play.

The actor opens up to MTV's Josh Horowitz Thursday night (July 14) during "MTV First: Captain America," saying that the decision to join up as a Marvel Avenger was not an easy one. Still, director Joe Johnston and producer Kevin Feige were persistent, and knew they wanted Evans so badly that they never even made him audition for the role.

"I got a call and they said they want me to audition, and I said, 'Great!' And then I thought about it and I said, 'No thanks.' And then they called back and they said, 'Well, they want you to test,' and testing is basically they'll draw up a contract, and if you're testing then you're only testing with a couple other guys and the odds of walking away with it drastically increase. And again I just said, 'I think I'm good. This isn't really what I'm looking for,' " Evans explained.

But even after he turned the contract down twice, it was clear that the studio still wanted him. Marvel was willing to negotiate with Evans and bring the intended nine-picture deal down to only six, and after meeting with Johnston and Feige, Evans said he was willing to give the character a shot.

"It just seemed like the more I walked away the more they pursued," he admitted.

This is not the first time Evans has told MTV News that he felt uncomfortable taking on the commitment and fame that would come with "Captain America: The First Avenger." During MTV News' live stream at San Diego Comic-Con last year, Evans said that taking the role "wasn't an easy yes."

"[Playing] Captain America just changes things, and there's really no off switch once you walk down that road," Evans said. "There's no turning back now. I'm just trying to make all the negatives positives and just enjoy the ride."

Check out everything we've got on "Captain America: The First Avenger."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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'Captain America' Clip: Chris Evans Is Skinny But Heroic

Evans himself presents exclusive sneak peek on MTV and MTV.com.
By Kara Warner

Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in "Captain America: The First Avenger"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

On Thursday (July 14), Captain America himself, Chris Evans, presented an exclusive new clip from his highly anticipated caped crusade "Captain America: The First Avenger" on MTV and MTV.com.

The clip opens with fan-favorite actors Tommy Lee Jones and Stanley Tucci, in the roles of Colonel Chester Phillips and Dr. Abraham Erskine, walking through an Army base, watching a group of recruits in their basic-training exercises. Phillips is talking to Erskine about their new unimpressive recruit Steve Rogers (a skinny Evans, pre-super serum and superhero status), who looks to be having trouble with his jumping jacks.

"When you brought a 90-pound asthmatic onto my Army base, I let it slide. I thought, 'What the hell? Maybe he'd be useful to you like a gerbil,' " Phillips says to Erskine about Rogers, before stopping to watch him. "Look at that — he's making me cry."

Phillips points out another stronger recruit jumping alongside Evans, who boasts impressive scores in every military test they've given him. Erskine calls him a bully, but Phillips doesn't care.

"You don't win wars with niceness, Doctor; you win wars with guts," he says before tossing a grenade into the group to see how they react. All the recruits scramble away to safety, except for Rogers, who jumps on the grenade himself to protect everyone else. The grenade turns out to be a dummy.

"Is this a test?" Rogers asks his senior officers, after showcasing an early glimpse of the hero he is to become.

"He's still skinny," Phillips says, seemingly unimpressed, to a smiling Erskine.

Check out everything we've got on "Captain America: The First Avenger."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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'Avengers' Director Joss Whedon Is 'So Clever,' Chris Evans Says

'He's a great guy to be quarterbacking this thing,' the 'Captain America' star tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Chris Evans
Photo: MTV News

Although most of our Marvel Comics-related movie excitement these days is pegged to the impending release of "Captain America: The First Avenger," we can't help but already get excited for next year's highly anticipated, superhero-filled "The Avengers."

When MTV News caught up with Cap himself, Chris Evans, during our "MTV First: Captain America" interview Thursday, we asked for his thoughts on working with fan-favorite "Avengers" director Joss Whedon.

"He's unbelievable," Evans said. "He's so clever. He lives in the world of comic books, so he has in his head an amazing story already mapped out. When it comes to directing actors and understanding dialogue, he's an incredibly talented writer. If something isn't working for you as an actor within the words, he can walk away for 10 minutes and come back with seven options that are all fantastic and clever and witty and it's got a pace and a banter," he explained. "He's a great guy to be quarterbacking this thing."

With regard to Captain America's story line in "The Avengers," the details of which Evans couldn't fully divulge but are briefly teased at the end of "Captain America," he said his character is basically a fish out of water trying to understand the modern world around him.

"It's really multifaceted. The guy has to accept the fact that everyone he knew and loved is gone," Evans said of his character's new arc. "Not only is he alone, [but] the world has changed so much, and I think a big part of what makes Cap Cap was his connection to the way things used to be, this kind of pro-American morality and good-ol'-boy sense of life and the way of doing things," he added. "In the modern era, there's a bit of a disconnect. There's not as much human interaction. I think there's more cynicism than there was back then, so it's him trying to come to terms with the way things are."

Check out everything we've got on "Captain America: The First Avenger."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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Chris Evans Says Iron Man Would Beat Captain America In A Fight

'Captain America' star opened up in rapid-fire Twitter session with MTV News' Josh Horowitz.
By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Chris Evans
Photo: MTV News

Though the world's attention is focused on Chris Evans in anticipation of his turns as Captain America in "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "The Avengers," at heart Evans is just an average Joe who likes singing show tunes in the shower.

MTV News' Josh Horowitz set out to find the softer side of America's superhero during a rapid-fire Twitter session with him on "MTV First: Captain America." Evans revealed that he prefers his eggs scrambled, has a celebrity crush on Salma Hayek and still gets starstruck around Michael Jordan.

But fans who submitted their Twitter questions wanted to know the real Chris Evans, the man that they would bring home to meet their parents. When asked whether he's a good date, Evans admitted that he has some pretty good moves for the ladies.

"Oh yeah, I'm a great date," he said with confidence. "Chivalry was a big thing in my household. If you didn't hold the door for a woman, my mother's going to knock your head in."

Considering his superhero background, questions quickly became comic book-based. Apparently Evans' favorite masked hero growing up was neither Captain America nor Johnny Storm, both of whom he's played on the big screen, but Spider-Man. At least he kept the answer within the Marvel family.

Evans again voted against his onscreen alter ego when asked whether Iron Man or Captain America would win in a fight.

"Unfortunately, probably Iron Man," he confessed. "I've got to be honest. I'm being real." Hopefully fans will get a chance to see that showdown once "The Avengers" hits the big screen. The most important question of the bunch, though, ended up being the one with the most surprising answer. One Twitter follower asked Evans what song he likes to sing in the shower, but Evans was too embarrassed to give a direct answer.

"I grew up doing theater, so unfortunately it's probably going to be in the world of show tunes," Evans said with a laugh. When Horowitz prompted him to give up just one song he loves, the "Captain America" star refused. "It's bad. I can't even go any more than that," he said, but then let slip that he's a sucker for "Rent." Well, today for you, tomorrow for us, Chris!

Check out everything we've got on "Captain America: The First Avenger."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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'Harry Potter' Star Daniel Radcliffe Describes Final Film As 'Heartbreaking'

'It wasn't a sense of nostalgia and emotion caused by my own personal relationship with the films, I was a wreck because of the film itself,' actor says at NYC premiere.
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Daniel Radcliffe at the U.S. premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
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NEW YORK — The "Harry Potter" film series celebrated its last U.S. premiere Monday night after a decade on the big screen, but leading man Daniel Radcliffe said that not all the tears he shed that night would be sad.

"It's a celebration," the "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" star explained. "It's 10 years of wonderful stories and storytelling, and it's a celebration of 10 years work for us, so yeah we're celebrating tonight, not mourning."

Radcliffe, who was "sweating like a pig in labor" on the hot July evening in NYC, will spend the next couple of weeks saying goodbye to the franchise that made him a star as he promotes the final installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," which hits theaters Friday. It will be an emotional journey for the stars and crew, as well as the fans who have been watching the movies since "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" opened in 2001, and who now have to accept that the "Potter" series has finally reached its end.

Despite the fact that he has spent literally half his life in front of the camera filming the "Harry Potter" flicks, Radcliffe told MTV News on the red carpet that he still found himself emotionally affected by watching "Deathly Hallows: Part 2." However, he seemed a bit surprised by the parts of the movie that left him in tears.

"What I was impressed by was that it wasn't a sense of nostalgia and emotion caused by my own personal relationship with the films, I was a wreck because of the film itself," Radcliffe said. "You've got to have a heart of stone to not find part of it — especially Alan Rickman's performance — heartbreaking, so yeah, I've done my fair share of crying already."

With "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" doing well on Broadway and his next flick, "The Woman in Black," already wrapped, Radcliffe seems like he is trying to branch out as much as possible in his post-"Potter" life. Still, the 21-year-old actor said that he's not willing to rule out returning to a film franchise just yet.

"I think that we proved in doing 'Potter' that you can bring integrity and perpetual growth to a franchise. It doesn't have to be a law of diminishing returns after the first film comes out," Radcliffe explained. "Providing a script is good enough. I would absolutely do another, but it's not something I'm looking for in the next couple of years, certainly."

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For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Chris Evans' 'Captain America' Suit Was 'Not Comfortable'

'First Avenger' star will talk iconic costumes and more tonight on 'MTV First' at 7:56 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

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Photo: Paramount Pictures

Hey Captain America fans! If you have plans tonight, cancel them! MTV News is proud to present another exclusive "MTV First," with none other than the Cap himself, Chris Evans, as our special guest. At 7:56 p.m. ET, tune into MTV and MTV.com, where Evans will be on hand to present a new clip from the movie, and then stick around for a 20-minute Q&A on MTV.com, streaming immediately afterward. We'll be discussing all things Cap and answering the questions you submitted.

Among a wide range of topics, we'll talk to Evans about what it was like to put on those iconic Captain America costumes. And just to give you a little preview of what's in store, we've got a snippet here, so read on (and click the embedded video).

"I did not get to keep any of the costumes, unfortunately," Evans told us. "Because a lot of times on films you have to go back to do re-shoots, and if they don't have the suit available, we're in trouble. And no, they were not comfortable," he added.

Regarding the evolution of Cap's famous red-white-and-blue ensemble, Evans revealed that the next time we see him post-"Captain America: The First Avenger" — alongside a slew of fellow Marvel superheroes in "The Avengers" — he'll be rocking a more modern suit.

"In 'The Avengers,' the suit is much more slick, it's modern. There is a lot of range of motion and it makes those fight sequences a lot easier," Evans explained. "It looks fantastic."

For more from Evans, tune in tonight to MTV and MTV.com at 7:56 p.m. ET.

Got questions for Chris Evans? Tweet them @MTVNews.com with the hashtag #AskChris or upload them to Your.MTV.com. Then tune in to MTV and MTV.com next tonight at 7:56 p.m. ET for "MTV First: Captain America."

Check out everything we've got on "Captain America: The First Avenger."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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