Former child star Corey Haim, seen above in his heyday, was found dead in his North Hollywood apartment this morning of an apparent overdose. His short life was riddled with drug addiction, rehab stints and other PR nightmares. Haim’s big break, and first starring role, came with the release of the 1986 film, Lucas, about a 14-year-old whiz kid who falls in love with the new girl at school (played by Kerri Green). In his original review, critic Roger Ebert wrote the following about Haim: …Read More

In the last few years, comedian Ricky Gervais has been productive; writing, producing, acting and hosting awards shows like the Golden Globes. Last year, he also recorded a series of audio podcasts with broad topics ranging from art to the human body. On his blog, he recently posted a letter he received through his agent, written by a man from Chile, who says the shows gave him comfort in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that left hundreds and dead and more than 1.5 million Chileans without a home. The letter reads: …Read More

Unintentionally hilarious red carpet coverage, awkward banter between celebrity presenters, annoying speeches and groan inducing musical numbers; all of the usual elements were in place for the 82nd Academy Awards, and still, it was one of the most indulgent, badly produced versions in recent memory. The director of this year’s Oscar ceremony, Adam Shankman, revealed in an interview with Terri Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air last week that the Academy vetoed his original idea to have comedian Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) for the more baby boomer friendly alternatives, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. Cohen may have …Read More

Alice in Wonderland had the highest winter opening ever, taking in $116M, beating the previous record set by The Passion of the Christ, which earned $83.8M in 2004. The live action version of the Lewis Carrol classic squeezed Avatar out of most of the nation’s 3D theater screens and replaced the record setting James Cameron epic in all Imax screens. Besides its phenomenal domestic gross, the Disney pic earned another $94M worldwide. Disney averted …Read More

According to producers, Bill Mechanic and Adam Schenkman, the motto for this year’s Academy Awards telecast is, “expect the unexpected.” That may be wishful thinking, seeing as Hollyood’s annual excuse to pat itself on the back is if anything, predictable. Unless they mean the kind of surprise created by an awkward host, a celebrity disgruntled about a political issue, or a jaw dropping opening number featuring Rob Lowe and Snow White. Those are all examples from Oscar history. If any of the above happens at this year’s ceremony (although I highly doubt Sandra Bullock is going to talk about health care reform if she wins for Best Actress) you can’t say you didn’t see it coming. …Read More

After a year of advance buzz, including several teaser trailers and poster art, Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland is opening in theaters across the country, both in 2-D and 3-D. Its arrival may mean that Avatar, which has thus far enjoyed a fruitful run at all Imax locations, will experience a drastic drop in sales — not that anybody will feel sorry for the highest grossing film of all time. Avatar could just shut down today and still be profitable. Disney has put a ton of marketing muscle into the Alice campaign …Read More

On The Oprah Winfrey Show this week, film critic Roger Ebert, despite losing his ability to talk and eat, was able to give his Oscar predictions in his own voice using a special computer software (link here). “I can’t remember a year when it seems easier to predict the Oscars, ” he began. “Of course, those might be famous last words.” I found that, in the major categories, I agree with Ebert completely. However, like he said, it is …Read More

In addition to the usual clip montage honoring show business veterans that have died in the last year, the Academy Awards ceremony airing on Sunday will feature a tribute to the late filmmaker John Hughes. The director of such 80s classics as Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club is being singled out as much for his work as his connection to those involved with the telecast. The show’s producer, Bill Mechanic worked with Hughes, as did co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin; …Read More