Trailer For The Arthur Remake Starring Russell Brand

Warner Bros. Pictures has released the trailer for Arthur, coming to theaters on April 8.

Irresponsible charmer Arthur Bach (Russell Brand) has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of lifelong nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren) to keep him out of trouble. Now he faces his biggest challenge–choosing between an arranged marriage that will ensure his lavish lifestyle or an uncertain future with the one thing money can’t buy, Naomi (Greta Gerwig), the only woman he has ever loved. With Naomi’s inspiration and some unconventional help from Hobson, Arthur will take the most expensive risk of his life and finally learn what it means to become a man, in this re-imagining of the classic romantic comedy “Arthur.”

The N.Y. Times Gives a Rare Look Inside Pixar Studios

The Pixar Animation Studios complex in California looks exactly like what you’d expect. There are giant fluffy couches and pool and ping-pong tables and huge pictures of their most successful movies and a display case with all the studio’s Oscars.

But the public has rarely gotten to actually see behind the scenes of the studio beloved for the creation of the ‘Toy Story’ franchise, ‘Up,’ ‘Wall-E’ and numerous other favorites.

The New York Times’ Melena Ryzik got the chance to go inside Pixar and talk to ‘Toy Story 3′ director Lee Unkrich, Pixar producers and animators, as well as watch them work on some familiar faces.

Jim Lee’s Batman: Hush Unwrapped Deluxe Hardcover Due On February 16th

A new, unprecedented edition of the classic Batman epic featuring the art of comics superstar Jim Lee in pencil form for the first time ever, giving comics connoisseurs the chance to study a true master of the form at his best!

This amazing new 320 page hardcover ($40) presents Jim Lee’s artwork in pencil form, with lettering and in black and white.

Relive the thrilling mystery of the best-selling Batman: Hush as Batman sets out to discover the identity of a mysterious mastermind using The Joker, The Riddler, Ra’s al Ghul and the Dark Knight’s other enemies – and allies – as pawns in a plan to wreak havoc.

The book will be available on February 16th.

Meet The New Pixar Cars 2 Characters: Francesco Bernoulli & Uncle and Mama Topolino

Francesco Bernoulli grew up in the shadow of the famous Monza race course in Italy where he and his friends would sneak onto the track and race the famous Pista di Alta Velocita bank turn. He was an instant winner on the amateur circuit and soon became an international Formula Racer champion. The ladies love Francesco’s open wheels, youngsters look up to his winning spirit and fellow racers envy his speed. But Francesco’s biggest fan is Francesco himself, as evidenced by his racing number. As the most famous race car in Europe, #1 Francesco is a favorite to win the World Grand Prix, which also makes him McQueen’s chief rival.

In the small village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Italy, Luigi’s favorite uncle, Uncle Topolino, resides with his beloved wife, Mama Topolino. Uncle Topolino is the owner of the village’s tire shop, where he taught Luigi and Guido everything they know, though Uncle Topolino is full of sage advice about more than just tires.

To all who know her, Luigi’s aunt, Mama Topolino, is a masterful cook with the best fuel in the village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Italy. Though she has a loving, but fiery relationship with her husband, Uncle Topolino, she shows her love and generosity for both family and friends by feeding everyone her renowned delizioso fuel.

Cars 2 will be in theaters on June 24th.

HP TouchPad

The HP TouchPad ($TBA) seems nearly identical to the ubiquitous iPad.  They both share the same screen (9.7 inches), weight (1.6 pounds) and dimensions.

Setting it apart are a dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor, 1.3 megapixel webcam, HP’s webOS 3.0, “true” multitasking, a HP Synergy-powered communication suite and some unique features such as touch-to-share data transfer and Touchstone technology for sharing info with a webOS phone.

Spider-Man To Join The Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four lost a member following the death of the Human Torch in January’s Fantastic Four #587, and it looks like another wise-cracking, iconic Marvel Comics hero will replace him: Spider-Man.

Marvel Comics announced on Wednesday the first details of the March-debuting FF #1, the series effectively replacing Fantastic Four in the company’s publishing line. “FF” stands for “Future Foundation” (a concept introduced previously in writer Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four run) with Spider-Man joining with Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Thing and “some top secret members” to save the Marvel Universe from the biggest threats. As previously announced, the creative team of Hickman and artist Steve Epting will carry over to FF.

New Hop Trailer

Universal Pictures has debuted the new trailer for Hop, opening in theaters on April 1st. Blending state of the art animation with live action, Hop is a comedy about E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand), the teenage son of the Easter Bunny. On the eve of taking over the family business, E.B. leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer. He encounters Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals, who accidentally hits E.B. with his car. Feigning injury, E.B. manipulates Fred into providing him shelter, and Fred finds himself with the world’s worst houseguest.

The New Monopoly Live Will Be Controlled By An All Powerful, All Seeing Tower

The new $50 Monopoly Live is the same as the old game, except that it has a prominent 10-inch tower sitting in the middle of the board. This plastic tower rolls non-existent fake dice with fake dice sounds, manages rent calculations, announces player turns and even remembers how much money you have — all done electronically.

The tower bathes the board in infrared light and a camera can see reflectors placed on each game piece allowing dice rolls to be initiated by just covering your game piece.

Leif Askeland, one of Monopoly Live’s designers says that “the tower never makes a mistake” and that disputes are non-existent.

The game will be in stores this Fall.

Taco Bell Announces World’s Largest Taco Giveaway On Facebook

Beginning today, Taco Bell launched the world’s largest free taco offer on Facebook, with the opportunity to thank each of its fans with a free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco. The online offer is only available to Facebook members who “Like” the Taco Bell page, allowing each fan access to print the coupon.

You can also click on this link and print out the coupon.

The Fighter Blu-ray & DVD To Be Released On March 15th

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo releases of The Fighter for March 15th. Extras on the DVD will include a commentary by Director David O. Russell, and aWarriors Code: Filming The Fighter featurette. The Blu-ray/DVD Combo will include those features, plus deleted scenes with optional commentary, a Keeping the Faith featurette, the theatrical trailer, and a digital copy of the film.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Tila Tequila

Zach Galifianakis sits down with Tila Tequila who may become his new best friend and also welcomes another guest on the show who some people may recognize. (NSFW)

Pepsi To Release New Skinny Can

Can a soda can be sassy? Pepsi thinks so. Diet Pepsi will soon be available in a “taller, sassier new Skinny Can” that the company says is a “celebration of beautiful, confident women.

The new can — which stands just more than six inches in height — will make its debut at New York’s Fall 2011 fashion week later this month, but it won’t hit stores until March. “Our slim, attractive new can is the perfect complement to today’s most stylish looks,” said Jill Beraud, chief marketing officer at Pepsi. “We’re excited to throw its coming-out party, during the biggest celebration of innovative design in the world.”

The new look will be rolled out with an assist from Simon Doonan — the fashion commentator famous for his store window displays — who will unveil a “special collaboration” in New York on Feb. 11.

“Diet Pepsi has a long history of celebrating women through iconic fashion imagery seen in our infamous and historical campaigns, and we’re proud to continue that tradition,” Beraud said.

For consumers who prefer their soda cans to be the traditional short and fat product — no need to worry. A Pepsi spokeswoman confirmed the old model will remain on shelves.

Disney Animator, Robb Pratt Debuts Stunning Animated Superman Short

Disney animator Robb Pratt has created a short hand-drawn animated Superman fan film which features a 1950′s-like sci-fi take with Superman battling a huge robot who is destroying Metropolis. Without credits, the short is under one-minute in length, but still a stunning achievement considering Pratt produced, directed and storyboarded the idea himself, and animated the film with two others. The short is based on classical elements from early in the character’s history — Pratt references the architectural work of Hugh Ferriss, and incorporates Mischa Bakaleinikoff’s music from the Superman live-action serial.

Pratt worked on animated features like Tarzan, Hercules, Pocahontas, Fantasia 2000 and television series like Kick Buttowski, Kim Possible, Danny Phantom, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and The Replacements.

Super 8: J.J. Abrams Reveals The Secrets of His New Film

Sitting in his Santa Monica office late last week, J. J. Abrams was the picture of a conflicted filmmaker. For months, he had guarded every detail about his upcoming movie, but now, against all of his instincts, the writer-director knew it was time to reveal the secrets of “Super 8” — or at least some of them.

“This is the first time I’ve talked about the movie with anybody that wasn’t working on it,” a fidgeting Abrams said of the June 10 release – the third feature he’s directed, following the hits “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible III.” Abrams, the co-creator of the ABC series “Lost,” would much prefer to keep quiet right up until opening night, but he and producer Steven Spielberg have seen this summer’s intensely dense release schedule and are too invested in “Super 8″ to let it get lost in the crowd.

The anticipated film from producer Steven Spielberg and director JJ Abrams stars Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka and Kyle Chandler. It Arrives June 10th, 2011. Read more HERE.

Celebrations of Curious Characters By Ricky Jay Due In May 2011

Celebrations of Curious Characters ($25) cracks open the personal vaults of Ricky Jay—raconteur, historian, and legendary sleight-of-hand artist—exposing a wonderful world of amusing and arcane knowledge. Adapted from his popular NPR series “Jay’s Journal,” Celebrations of Curious Characters features one-page anecdotes of mind-bending performers (limbless jugglers, piano-playing parrots, unkempt Londoners) paired with engravings, mezzotints, and broadsheets from the author’s remarkable collection.

This large, 112 page full-color book published by McSweeney’s comes with forty-five essays, each accompanied by artifacts from Mr. Jay’s storied archives. Designed specifically for four-minute perusing bursts, it will mesmerize grizzled magicians and casual onlookers alike.

Acknowledged as one of the world’s great sleight-of-hand artists, Ricky Jay has received accolades as a performer, actor, and author. His heralded one-man shows Ricky Jay & His 52 Assistants; Ricky Jay: On the Stem; and Ricky Jay: A Rogue’s Gallery were all directed by David Mamet. As an actor Mr. Jay has been seen in many films, including House of Games, Things Change, Heist, Red Belt, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Last Days, The Prestige, The Great Buck Howard, and Tomorrow Never Dies. He appeared regularly in the television series Deadwood, The Unit, and Flash Forward and has written and hosted his own specials for CBS, HBO, A&E, and the BBC. His consulting company, Deceptive Practices (with partner Michael Weber), has supplied “Arcane Knowledge on a Need to Know Basis” for theater, television, and more than a score of films, including Forrest Gump, The Illusionist, and Oceans 13. He is the former curator of the Mulholland Library of Conjuring and the Allied Arts and has defined the terms of his profession for the Encyclopedia Britannica and the Cambridge Guide to American Theater. More information is available at rickyjay.com.

Lineup Announced For 2011 Sasquatch Music Festival

The unofficial start of the summer promises to be a fun one in Quincy, Wash. After last year’s sellout offering, the Sasquatch! Music Festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre has announced its 2011 lineup. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Memorial Day weekend festival will feature sets from the Foo Fighters, the Decemberists, Robyn,  Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Local Natives, Matt & Kim, and Sleigh Bells, among others. They’ve also added a fourth day to the festival, which starts May 27 and closes May 30.

Watch All of The 2011 Superbowl Ads Here

The 2011 USA Today Superbowl Ad Meter tracks the second-by-second responses of a panel of viewers to ads during the Super Bowl and ranks them from best to worst.

Two ads tied for the top Super Bowl commercial, both starred dogs acting like people.

Doritos struck marketing gold Sunday night by using its now-familiar formula for creating best-liked Super Bowl spots: let its customers make them. All its ads were consumer-created, and the winner featured a guy who pays big-time for teasing a hungry pug dog with Doritos. It was rated as the co-winner by the Ad Meter panelists.

Anheuser-Busch, the King of Beers and a longtime Ad Meter leader, is back on the throne as co-reigning king of Super Bowl advertising. A Bud Light ad featuring a dog sitter who gets the canines to cater his party tied for the top spot. It aired late in the fourth quarter.

To watch all the ads that aired during last nights game, click on the image below and then click an ad in the results to the right. You can list the ads by Ad Meter results, alphabetically, chronologically and by video views.

Mickey Mouse Animation Cel, World’s Most Valuable, To Be Auctioned Later This Month

The most valuable animation cel in the world, and one of the most important Mickey Mouse collectibles in existence – The Band Concert Production Cel Animation Art, Walt Disney, 1935 – will be part of Heritage Auctions Feb. 24-25 Signature Comics and Comic Art Auction. It is estimated at $100,000+. It is thought to be the only production setup in existence from the first Mickey cartoon that features Mickey and the entire band.

“This cel is, in many ways, the ultimate Mickey Mouse item a collector could ever hope to acquire,” said Barry Sandoval, Director of Operations of the Comics category at Heritage. “The Band Concert was the very first theatrical Mickey Mouse cartoon in color, and has long been cherished by Disney fans worldwide.”

The cel comes to Heritage via the Kerby Confer Collection, one of the finest groupings of key Disney related art ever assembled. Confer, a well-known Maryland radio executive, has long been known as one of the most serious collectors of original Disney material. Confer acquired the cel in 2001.

The Band Concert itself is an intensely funny short cartoon, crammed with colorful gags involving Mickey’s ragtag orchestra – who never stop playing, no matter what is happening around them – and the efforts of soft drink salesman Donald Duck to subvert the program by playing “Turkey in the Straw” on his piccolo. The film culminates with an intense windstorm, just as the band plays “The William Tell Overture”.

“This is a charming and beautiful cel,” said Sandoval. “It shows Mickey and company at the beginning of the cartoon, greeting their audience.” We’re extremely proud to be offering what is widely considered to be the most important piece of animation history in existence, with no reserve.”

FOX’s X Factor Announces $5 Million Sony Music Record Deal For Winner

Simon Cowell, Sony Music, FremantleMedia North America and FOX announced today that the highly anticipated singing competition series The X Factor will award the show’s winner with a record-breaking $5 million record deal – the largest guaranteed prize in television history – with Syco, a joint venture between Sony Music and Cowell.

The X Factor is looking for talent young and old alike – with no upper age limit – to audition for a shot at becoming the next global music sensation. Auditions for the inaugural season of The X Factor begin on Sunday, March 27 in Los Angeles at the L.A. Sports Arena. Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York/New Jersey and Seattle will also host auditions. Specific dates and venues to be announced.

 

“I like the idea that a 12-year-old on this show can compete with an older singer and a singing group,” said Cowell. “I’ve never believed there should be a cut-off age for talent, and we are going to put our money where our mouths are with the $5 million recording contract. I’m doing this show in America because I genuinely believe we can find a superstar.”

“Since its U.K. debut in 2004, The X Factor has proven itself a global success story in numerous territories worldwide,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America. “Now, as we bring this widely popular format to U.S. audiences, I look forward to building a new franchise for a new decade with the return of the inimitable Simon Cowell.”

The X Factor judges will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for the judges, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

In the coming weeks, The X Factor host and judges panel will be unveiled and announcements will be made about audition opportunities that will give everyone 12 or over in America – no matter where they live – the chance to show that they’ve got it. There also will be reveals of unprecedented initiatives that will make The X Factor unlike anything else on television.

Solo singers and vocal groups who believe they have what it takes to compete on The X Factor should sign up now for audition information at www.fox.com/theXfactor. Additional details, including eligibility requirements, are also available on the site. Hopefuls should check back regularly for updated information and complete audition rules and registration forms.

First Official Trailer For Captain America: The First Avenger

Here is the first official trailer for Captain America: The First Avenger, which just aired during the second quarter of the Super Bowl. A release date has been set for July 22. A closer look at Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull is above.

Thor Superbowl TV Spot

Hot Wheels Video Racers

Mattel’s Hot Wheel Video Racer has a VGA video camera mounted at the front of the vehicle to record the thrills and spills of spinning round the track. There’s even a small LCD on the undercarriage that lets you play back the clips.

There’s no external memory storage option, but the Video Racer is able to capture up to 12 minutes of footage. There’s also an optional case that allows you to clip the racing recorder to a skateboard or bicycle.

Mattel is supplying a simple-to-use video editor with the Video Racer that allows users to edit clips and add sound and effects.

According to the representative in the video, the Video Racer will be available in fall and will retail for $59.99.

AeroGarden Extra Elite Review

Last year we visited Epcot and toured the Living With The Land exhibit. We took an in depth look at how hydroponics works while on the Behind The Seeds Tour.  Hydroponics is a technique used for growing plants (without soil) in water containing dissolved nutrients.  Since that tour, I have dreamed of having my very own herb garden. Recently I discovered the AeroGarden Extra Elite ($199.95), and I am currently growing my very first batch of basil.  In the past, I have tried to grow the traditional window herb garden, and have not had great success.  Perhaps not enough sun, too much water, I have no idea what went wrong.  Now, fortunately with the AeroGarden, a natural green thumb is not required to produce beautiful flowers, fresh vegetables, and tasty herbs.  The guesswork has been eliminated with this nifty system.  Simply, add water and the nutrient packets, pop in the bio-grow pods and watch as the seeds germinate and grow in just a few short days. The unit is automatically programmed to adjust the lighting, water and nutrients and will alert you when you need to add water or additional nutrient packets.  The system consists of a water reservoir and base that is attached to a height adjustable lamp hood. Setup was incredibly easy and took approximately 10 minutes to assemble the unit and plant my garden. There are many different AeroGarden models available that vary both in size and price.  I chose this model because it offers the greatest versatility to grow outdoor vegetables inside.  Given the height adjustment that reaches up to 24”, this machine has the ability grow large vine ripened tomatoes using the trellis attachment, sold separately. The Extra Elite also has some additional features that make it stand out from the other models.  Namely 2x more light (This model has 3 Deluxe Grow Lights), and an adjustable 24-hour light cycle. Best of all, the unit is attractive and has a sleek futuristic looking design.  The black base is further enhanced by its brushed stainless steel accents. The unit measures: 34″H x 18.5″W x 10.5″D.  The AeroGarden Extra Elite comes with everything that you need to plant your first garden, including: 3 Deluxe Grow Lights, an instruction manual, and a seed kit.  AeroGarden also offers a variety of seed kits including: Salad Seed Kits (Romaine and Mixed Salad Greens), Vegetable Seed Kits (Cherry Tomato, Chili Pepper, and Salsa Garden), as well as Grow Sponges and Universal Baskets to plant your own seed varieties.  It was fun for our kids to help plant the seeds and watch each day as the seeds began to germinate and sprout. It is great knowing that although there is snow on the ground, we will continue to enjoy our  vegetables and herbs year-round. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Kids

Toddlers deserve a Valentine’s Day gift too. I recommend these 3 colorful, whimsical fun interactive creations made by B. Toys.

Their new Valentine’s product is called  Hugs Links ($14.99). These cute, colorful links make a 3-foot long chain of hearts that will keep little ones engaged for hours!

Another gift idea is the Sugar Chute ($19.99), a pretend gumball machine with eye catching balls inside. Every time your child presses the lever and turns the key of this fun toy, a beautiful ball rolls and rattles down. Little hands can lift the hinged door to get the prize, then toss it back in the top and it’s ready to roll again and again and again.

Lastly consider the Hellophone ($7.99), the play cell phone that calls you back. The sturdy phone has 3 pre-recorded messages and lots of sounds and songs. It even allows you to record a message for your kids to discover. Imagine your child’s delight when they hear a recorded Valentine’s Day message from mommy or daddy.

These wonderful playthings are available at Target.com and Target stores nationwide.

The Terminator Poster By Tom Whalen

When Tom Whalen heard that a local theater would be screening “The Terminator” in April as part of their First Friday Fright Night series , he knew that he had to get to the drawing board and do a worthy rendition of one of his favorite films.

The graphic artist writes, “I’ll never forget watching “The Terminator” for the first time at a sleepover sometime around 1984-1985. I was at Matt Sobolewski’s house and I distinctly remember my 4th grade mind being blown by the time travel aspect of the film and my 4th grade heart pumping a mile a minute as i witnessed the relentless nature of Arnold’s path of destruction through LA. Top all of that off with Stan Winston’s endoskeleton (which, along with his “predator” design will go down as some of my favorite movie monsters ever), and you have a movie that left an indelible mark on me as a kid and would inspire me for the rest of my life.

Kudos Tom on this great poster! Hopefully the artist will be coaxed into selling some reproductions of the image.