Q and A: Week of Jan. 30

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 30

Q: I was watching an old episode of “Dexter” from season one and was thrilled to see Tony Goldwyn as a guest star that episode. What has he been doing lately? I know he’s done a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but I’d love to see his handsome face on screen soon. — Ginger F., Madison, Wisc.

A: Well, you won’t have to wait too long, Ginger, because Tony is one of the stars of the new ABC drama “Scandal.” The show centers on Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington), a former communications director to the president of the United States (Tony Goldwyn), who left the White House to open her own prominent crisis-management firm. She’s hoping to start a new chapter in her life — both professionally and personally — but she can’t seem to completely cut ties with her past.

“Scandal” premieres Thursday, April 5, at 10 p.m. ET. With the show’s creator and executive producer being Shonda Rhimes, who also is behind the powerhouse series “Grey’s Anatomy,” you can bet there will be plenty of edge-of-your-seat drama to keep you coming back each week.

Q: I know you’ve mentioned this before, and every now and then I hear teases about it, but are they ever going to make a “24” movie? — Gerry D., via e-mail

A: Jack Bauer himself, Kiefer Sutherland, told reporters at a Television Critics Association press event about the planned movie: “Hopefully we’ll begin shooting at the end of April, beginning of May.” So, while that’s about all the details anyone can offer at this point, at least it’s something, and if we cross our fingers, maybe this movie will see the light of day by fall 2012 or early 2013.

Q: Are the rumors of a Van Halen reunion true? If so, is it with David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar as the frontman? — Steve V., Akron, Ohio

A: Those rumors are not rumors, Steve. They are cold, hard facts: Van Halen, with David Lee Roth, is back with a new album and upcoming tour. The album is called “A Different Kind of Truth” and will be released Feb. 7, with the debut single, “Tattoo” already getting airplay. The band starts touring Feb. 18, so check online to see when they are coming to your town. Hopefully they’ll stay friendly with each other long enough to complete the tour this time.

Q: Will “Top Shot” be back for another season? — Jeremy W., via e-mail

A: The History Channel recently announced that its top-rated competition series hosted by Colby Donaldson will be back for a fourth season starting Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 10 p.m. ET. The show promises more twists and history-inspired challenges than ever before. Unless your lady is into the show, I’d suggest taking her out to dinner for Valentine’s Day and DVRing the show to watch once she’s gone to sleep

Interview: Luke Perry Gets Back in the Saddle

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Interview: Luke Perry Gets Back in the Saddle

When “Goodnight for Justice” premiered on the Hallmark Movie Channel in January 2011, it became the network’s highest-rated film ever. “Goodnight” star, series creator and executive producer Luke Perry returns as Circuit Court Justice John Goodnight for the second part of the intended trilogy, which premieres on the Hallmark Channel Saturday, Jan. 28 at 8/7c. “Goodnight for Justice: The Measure of a Man” follows Justice Goodnight as he travels alone through the Wild West dispensing justice to towns that would otherwise stumble into chaos. On this particular journey, John finds himself facing a woman from his past, Callie Bluepoint (played by Stefanie von Pfetten), who lives in a town threatened by a murderous outlaw, Deke Spradling (Teach Grant).

Celebrity Extra: When you learned that the original “Goodnight for Justice” broke records for the Hallmark Movie Channel, what were your hopes for the future of the “Goodnight” franchise?

Luke Perry: I was hoping maybe to get the chance to do another one. That’s what I was hoping. I just don’t go into it with any expectation other than I just try to make the best movie every time. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes there’s a baseball game or basketball game or something on that draws all the television audience away. There are just too many variables to worry about and that kind of stuff, so you just make the movies that you can.

CE: Because of the success of the previous film, did you feel the pressure to really deliver with “Measure of a Man”?

LP: I felt pressure to deliver a really good movie. I feel the pressure to do all I can to promote the film, but I’ve been doing this long enough to know that audiences are fickle and different things happen. You just try to make the best movie you can and control what you can, which is your part of the process.

CE: Last we saw John Goodnight, he had a lady friend, Kate Ramsey, who isn’t in this movie. I assume the traveling required of him for his job makes maintaining relationships pretty difficult.

LP: Yeah, it’s just the nature of the position — you have to travel. She wasn’t in a position to go with him, and he’s got to keep traveling. But it would be great for him to get back to her eventually.

CE: When we first see John, there is definite evidence being on the road is wearing on him: His hair is shaggier; his clothes are a bit shabby …

LP: I’m glad you liked that and noticed that, because those are the kind of things — believe it or not — that you have to fight for. People were like: “No, clean up. Look good in the clothes.” I said: “Wait a minute, guys. He’s out there weeks at a time; it’s just not going to happen. You gotta look rough.” And I do look rough.

CE: Since there are few ties to the original film aside from some explained back story, “Measure of a Man” really can be viewed as a stand-alone movie as well as part of a series. Was that your intention?

LP: I hadn’t thought about that. That’s a very interesting point that you make. One of the things that I had discussed was that with each movie and the nature of the franchise is that each one is going to be a different story. He’s going to be in a different place, always traveling, so within the telling of the actual story, you don’t have to cover [what he’s been doing between movies]. The next movie that you will see is the one where it all comes full circle. I feel like we really hit our stride completely. “Measure of a Man” is the perfect segue between the two. It all ramps up, and by the third one we just all go in gangbusters.

CE: I also have to tell you that from the opening frames of the movie, the musical score really caught my attention — it’s just beautiful.

LP: I’m glad you mentioned that, and I would really like to take the time to talk about Graeme Coleman, our composer. He’s just such a talented guy. I told him: “Graeme, go for it. Give me that big Western stuff.” I want the music to be as much a character in this movie as anything else, because in all my favorite ones it is. And he doesn’t shy away from it. He steps right up to it. People who love traditional Westerners are looking for a good score. I’m very proud of Graeme’s work.

CE: You have a lot of scenes with Cameron Bright (of “The Twilight Saga”), who plays Will. Did you spend a lot of time together off set to build up camaraderie and chemistry?

LP: Oh, yeah. We had dinner together almost every night. I spent a lot of time with Cameron, and he was cool because he came in and put some time in — as much as he could — before the movie, getting to learn stuff he didn’t know how to do. If you don’t know how to ride a horse, don’t say you do. He didn’t do that. He was really honest about what he could do, but he was also really honest about being willing to learn, and he had a good capacity for it, so it was cool.

As we were shooting, I’d think, “Let’s just see how much of this we can get shot today, and Cameron was really great. He stayed in that saddle a lot longer than a lot of other people would. He hung in there, and we climbed him up there in those mountains, and he was great.

CE: Cameron plays Alec in the phenomenally successful “Twilight Saga,” which has a screaming-fan contingent wherever the stars seem to go. You’ve had to deal with your share of screaming teens; did you give him any advice?

LP: (Laughs) I wouldn’t know anything about that sort of thing.

CE: This time around, John has really found his niche and is in his element. What does he enjoy about his job and his life?

LP: Anytime you have to kill someone, even in the name of the law, it is no small feat. It’s not something this character does lightly. I think it’s really rewarding for him because you can see how the law can really be the great leveler in protecting the weakest among us, and that’s what it’s supposed to do. What I think is interesting about him also is he’s an active participant in this world by traveling through for his job.

CE: You mentioned a third “Goodnight” film. Can you give me any details?

LP: Well, we shot the third one. We started shooting it the day after we finished the second one. The third one is, it’s not as heavy a story. I said they can’t all live in a super highly dramatic state. Sometimes this guy is just out there, and there is still some justice that needs to be weeded out, but it doesn’t always come down to a life-or-death thing, and it doesn’t always come down to something intensely personal for him. Some of my favorite Westerns were a little bit lighter in tone, and there’s some good run and jump in the next one.

CE: Is the third film the end of the John Goodnight saga, or can we expect a new chapter?

LP: We are actively negotiating the future for this character, because so far it’s something that has worked out well for everybody. I like making them, and they do very well for the channel, so if that continues, then we will continue.

CE: You could be like Tom Selleck with his “Jesse Stone” movies …

LP: Aw, man — compare me to Tom Selleck. Yeah, I wish. He’s so great. I’d love to do a Western with him.

84th Annual Academy Awards Nominees

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84th Annual Academy Awards Nominees

Oscar host, Billy Crystal

The 84th Annual Academy Awards nominations are out (with the ceremony taking place Sunday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) and here they are:

Actor in a Leading Role

• Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
• George Clooney in "The Descendants"
• Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
• Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
• Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
• Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
• Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
• Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
• Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Actress in a Leading Role

• Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
• Viola Davis in "The Help"
• Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
• Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
• Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
• Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
• Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
• Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
• Octavia Spencer in "The Help"

Animated Feature Film

• "A Cat in Paris" Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli
• "Chico & Rita" Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal
• "Kung Fu Panda 2" Jennifer Yuh Nelson
• "Puss in Boots" Chris Miller
• "Rango" Gore Verbinski

Art Direction

• "The Artist"
  Production Design: Laurence Bennett; Set Decoration: Robert Gould
• "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
  Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
• "Hugo"
  Production Design: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
• "Midnight in Paris"
  Production Design: Anne Seibel; Set Decoration: Hélène Dubreuil
• "War Horse"
  Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
  

Cinematography

• "The Artist" Guillaume Schiffman
• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Jeff Cronenweth
• "Hugo" Robert Richardson
• "The Tree of Life" Emmanuel Lubezki
• "War Horse" Janusz Kaminski

Costume Design

• "Anonymous" Lisy Christl
• "The Artist" Mark Bridges
• "Hugo" Sandy Powell
• "Jane Eyre" Michael O'Connor
• "W.E." Arianne Phillips

Directing

• "The Artist" Michel Hazanavicius
• "The Descendants" Alexander Payne
• "Hugo" Martin Scorsese
• "Midnight in Paris" Woody Allen
• "The Tree of Life" Terrence Malick

Documentary (Feature)

• "Hell and Back Again"
  Danfung Dennis and Mike Lerner
• "If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front"
  Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman
• "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory"
  Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky
• "Pina"
  Wim Wenders and Gian-Piero Ringel
• "Undefeated"
  TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Richard Middlemas

Documentary (Short Subject)

• "The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement"
  Robin Fryday and Gail Dolgin
• "God Is the Bigger Elvis"
  Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson
• "Incident in New Baghdad"
  James Spione
• "Saving Face"
  Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
• "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom"
  Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen

Film Editing

• "The Artist" Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
• "The Descendants" Kevin Tent
• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
• "Hugo" Thelma Schoonmaker
• "Moneyball" Christopher Tellefsen

Foreign Language Film

• "Bullhead" Belgium
• "Footnote" Israel
• "In Darkness" Poland
• "Monsieur Lazhar" Canada
• "A Separation" Iran

Makeup

• "Albert Nobbs"
  Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle
• "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
  Nick Dudman, Amanda Knight and Lisa Tomblin
• "The Iron Lady"
  Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland

Music (Original Score)

• "The Adventures of Tintin" John Williams
• "The Artist" Ludovic Bource
• "Hugo" Howard Shore
• "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Alberto Iglesias
• "War Horse" John Williams

Music (Original Song)

• "Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets" Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
• "Real in Rio" from "Rio" Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown Lyric by Siedah Garrett

Best Picture

• "The Artist" Thomas Langmann, Producer
• "The Descendants" Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Producers
• "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" Scott Rudin, Producer
• "The Help" Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers
• "Hugo" Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers
• "Midnight in Paris" Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers
• "Moneyball" Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers
• "The Tree of Life" Nominees to be determined
• "War Horse" Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers

Short Film (Animated)

• "Dimanche/Sunday" Patrick Doyon
• "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
• "La Luna" Enrico Casarosa
• "A Morning Stroll" Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
• "Wild Life" Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Short Film (Live Action)

• "Pentecost" Peter McDonald and Eimear O'Kane
• "Raju" Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren
• "The Shore" Terry George and Oorlagh George
• "Time Freak" Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey
• "Tuba Atlantic" Hallvar Witzø

Sound Editing

• "Drive" Lon Bender and Victor Ray Ennis
• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Ren Klyce
• "Hugo" Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty
• "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
• "War Horse" Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom

Sound Mixing

• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
  David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson
• "Hugo"
  Tom Fleischman and John Midgley
• "Moneyball"
  Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, Dave Giammarco and Ed Novick
• "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
  Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Peter J. Devlin
• "War Horse"
  Gary Rydstrom, Andy Nelson, Tom Johnson and Stuart Wilson

Visual Effects

• "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
  Tim Burke, David Vickery, Greg Butler and John Richardson
• "Hugo"
  Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossman and Alex Henning
• "Real Steel"
  Erik Nash, John Rosengrant, Dan Taylor and Swen Gillberg
• "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
  Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, R. Christopher White and Daniel Barrett
• "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
  Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Matthew Butler and John Frazier

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

• "The Descendants" Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
• "Hugo" Screenplay by John Logan
• "The Ides of March" Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
• "Moneyball" Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin  Story by Stan Chervin
• "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan

Writing (Original Screenplay)

• "The Artist" Written by Michel Hazanavicius
• "Bridesmaids" Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
• "Margin Call" Written by J.C. Chandor
• "Midnight in Paris" Written by Woody Allen
• "A Separation" Written by Asghar Farhadi

Q and A: Week of Jan. 23

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 23

Q: I really liked “That ’70s Show,” especially Danny Masterson. I haven’t really seen him in anything lately and was wondering what shows/movies he has lined up. — Leonard G., via e-mail

A: TBS just announced that it is producing a new series called “Men at Work,” which will star Danny along with James Lesure, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch. The story follows the misadventures of four friends who work together at a magazine, with Danny’s character, Milo, being recently dumped and his friends helping him get back in the game. Slated to premiere this summer, the show was created by Breckin Meyer (of “Franklin and Bash” and “Clueless” fame), who is co-executive-producing the show and also wrote the pilot. There’s no word yet on whether Breckin plans to make a cameo in the series.

Q: My husband is a huge fan of the History Channel, especially its series “Battlefield Detectives.” Any chance it will come out on DVD? I’d love to surprise him with it! — Kaitlin M., in Minnesota

A: Surprise your husband this Valentine’s Day with a three-volume boxed set of the entire first season of the series. “Battlefield Detectives,” which ran from 2003 to 2006, explored history’s famous battles, focusing on the battlefield itself and conducting re-enactments and forensic research to better understand what really happened. The DVDs also come with a 16-page viewer’s guide and biographies of major military leaders, plus other extras. Go to acornonline.com for more info on the series.

Q: You mentioned that Madonna will be performing the halftime show at the Super Bowl this year, and it got me to wondering if Animal Planet will be continuing its tradition of showcasing its “Puppy Bowl” competition. Please say yes! — Cara O., Halifax, Nova Scotia

A: YES! Animal Planet’s annual canine competition, “Puppy Bowl VIII,” will air on Sunday, Feb. 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET/PT. Animal Planet has searched shelters and rescue groups across the nation for the toughest pups ever to carry a chew toy across the goal line and into an end zone. And if you want to skip (or DVR) Madonna’s halftime show, the cute and cuddly kittens are returning to “Puppy Bowl” with an all-new edition of the Bissell Kitty Halftime Show.

All of the animals featured in “Puppy Bowl” come from rescues and shelters across the United States. This year’s starting lineup includes puppies from spcaLA, All Star Pet Rescue, Go Boxer Rescue, Pet Matchmaker Rescue, Furever Dachshund Rescue and Huts for Mutts Dog Rescue. Those interested in adopting a pet in your area can visit petfinder.com.

Q: Aside from her Twitter ramblings, what else has Ellen Barkin been up to? — Ingrid F., via e-mail

A: Ellen just finished filming a guest-starring role on “Modern Family,” which will air this spring. Her movie “Another Happy Day,” which also stars Ellen Burstyn, Demi Moore, Kate Bosworth and Thomas Hayden Church, will be out on DVD in late January.

Q and A: Week of Jan. 16

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 16

Q: I have such a crush on Karen Gillan of “Doctor Who.” Can you tell me what else I can see her in? — Jonathan F., Bangor, Maine

A: The ravishing redhead, who plays Amy Pond in the hit sci-fi series, can be seen next month on Ovation television in the network’s first original movie, “We’ll Take Manhattan.” The movie — which airs Saturday, March 3, at 8 p.m. ET — is set in the 1960s world of fashion photography and is based on a true story. It follows upstart photographer David Bailey as he persuades British Vogue to hire his unknown model and girlfriend, Jean Shrimpton (played by Karen), for a major fashion photography layout in Manhattan. Over the course of the shoot, they shatter every established rule of fashion photography, outraging Vogue fashion editor Lady Clare Rendlesham (played by Helen McCrory of “Harry Potter” fame).

Q: When I lived in Canada, there was a show on CTV called “Flashpoint.” Now that I am back in the States, I’ve been told I can catch it on TV here, but I haven’t found it. Can you help? — Judy T., via e-mail

A: All four seasons of “Flashpoint” have aired in the U.S. on Ion Television (check your local listings for channel info). The network recently announced that it has renewed “Flashpoint” for a 13-episode fifth season, which will begin shooting in February. CBS also aired the show here and there — as a midseason replacement or to fill an empty slot when needed — but the series has no set schedule on that network. “Flashpoint” centers on a highly skilled tactical team, trained in negotiating and getting inside the subject’s head to understand the emotional breaking point (the “flashpoint”) that triggered the crisis. The series stars Hugh Dillon, Enrico Colantoni and Amy Jo Johnson.

Q: A while back I remember reading on your website about a movie with Will Ferrell spoken entirely in Spanish. Is this still happening? — Dave R., via e-mail

A: The movie you are referring to is called “Casa de mi Padre,” which also stars Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna and Efren Ramirez (see my interview with Efren here). It is indeed in the style of the “telenovela” and is entirely in Spanish (with English subtitles for us gringos). The movie hits theaters March 16, and you can see the first trailer on the movie’s Facebook page and on YouTube (search “Casa de mi Padre”).

Q: I loved “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Are there plans to film the second book in the series? I hope so! — Stephanie S., Hollywood, Fla.

A: Although the box-office returns for “Dragon Tattoo” aren’t blockbuster material, you can bet 10,000 kronor that “The Girl Who Played with Fire” is indeed in the works, with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara set to return, Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal confirmed. “Fire” is set for a 2013 release. Fingers crossed for “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.”

Interview: Kali Hawk — Taking Over Hollywood, One Blockbuster at a Time

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Interview: Kali Hawk — Taking Over Hollywood, One Blockbuster at a Time

Hollywood's next up-and-comer has a little bit of everything. As a model, she is gorgeous; as a comedian, she is hilarious; as a scholar, she was accepted at the prestigious New York arts university SUNY Purchase at the age of 15; and as an actress, she is definitely keeping up and holding her own with the big boys. She has had feature roles in "Couples Retreat," "Get Him to the Greek," "Bridesmaids" and the upcoming "We the Peeples." As if that weren't enough, she is set to guest-star in a multi-episode story arc in the hit Fox comedy "New Girl."

Twenty-five-year-old Kali Hawk is definitely one to watch — and if you're like me, you already like what you see. I had the chance to chat with this down-to-earth, humble and super-sweet gal recently, and was thrilled to learn of all of the new projects she has on the horizon. I'll tell ya, this kid's going places!

Celebrity Extra: "Couples Retreat" — with Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell and Jon Favreau — was your first major motion-picture role. Tell me how that all came about for you.

Kali Hawk: It came about in a very normal way — I simply auditioned for this role. I wanted to work with Vince Vaughn and I wanted to be in a movie with all the other people who were attached to it, so I just went for it. When I looked at the character description (of Trudy) and the scene that they had given me for the audition, I just tried to imagine how I could do it in the most interesting way that would help me stand out, because I really hadn’t done very much before then. I just tried to be as fearless as I could with the choices that I made in the room while I was auditioning, and luckily it was just weird enough to stand out and help push me forward. (Watch a clip here.)

CE: What was it like working with all of those high-caliber actors for your first major role? Were you intimidated or excited? A little of both?

KH: It was really exciting to me. You know how people say you should bring your A game? I feel like, for me, I didn’t really know what that meant until I was surrounded by a bunch of A-list people. The heat was definitely on to try to measure up to the opportunity that I had been given. I didn’t want to take anything for granted, and I didn’t want anyone to reconsider, thinking: “Hey! Really? Is this the best person?”


Everyone was so encouraging and just so kind, which sometimes you don’t know what to expect, especially if you haven’t really done any big movies like that. It was intimidating at first, but once I saw how nice everyone was and how encouraging they were, it just became sheer excitement the whole way through.

CE: It also didn't hurt things that you got to film it in paradise!

KH: Yeah! I know a lot of people who go to Bora Bora and they just keep going back. I definitely want to go back again and again. Just experience all that wonder — I mean, everything is just sparkly there. The sand is sparkly, the water is sparkly, the fish are sparkly, everything is sparkly, the waiters are sparkly. Everything is just glistening with yummy goodness. It was very much like a vacation being there. (Watch clip here.)


I actually remember having a moment with Jason Bateman where I had seen the movie "Hancock" about six months before I had gone out for "Couple’s Retreat," and I remember when he came on the screen I just thought: “Man, I love Jason Bateman. I just love everything he does. When he’s on the screen, he just has this warmth that just comes through. I hope one day I get to be in a movie with Jason Bateman.” And then we’re sitting in our little chairs with our names on them on the beach in Bora Bora, and I’m telling him this story and he goes, “Wow! And that’s how it happens. It’s cool that I get to sit here and have you tell me this story.” He’s such a nice guy.

CE: Next up, you got to star with even more superstars in "Get Him to the Greek." Tell me about that set experience. That looked like it had to have been a lot of fun.


KH: We definitely had a lot of fun, and of course Jonah Hill is a master improviser. He’s always making everybody crack up. He’s kind of like his own brand of intelligence and wit combined. He puts those two things together in a way that no one else is really doing. It’s just fun to be around him. And Russell (Brand) started out as a stand-up comic. So he knows how to bring the funny, definitely, but he also knew how to bring the drama for this movie. When I finally got to see the whole thing put together, I was really impressed with his dramatic acting. It will be interesting to see what he does next. (Watch a clip here.)

CE: And you worked very closely with P. Diddy — what was he like?

KH: Oh my God, he’s so focused. It definitely set an example for us to just really appreciate what we were doing because, as you know, he’s a music mogul, but he’s stepping into acting. He’s branching out, so it’s really one of those cases where someone is in the throes of new opportunities. I got to see just how much he appreciates it, how much care and attention he gives to it. It really inspired me to give that much more focus to my work.

CE: And now, of course, I have to ask you about your experience working on "Bridemaids," which was by far my favorite motion-picture comedy of 2011.

KH: It was the best! Every time you choose to work on something, you’re choosing to give your time to strangers, essentially, because even though you’ve seen some of the people on screen, you don’t know what it’s going to be like to spend three months with them, 12 to 16 hours a day, five days a week. When this movie came up, I knew that I loved Kristen Wiig, and when I read the script, it was just so good. It was one of those things where you knew it was going to be something special. I knew it even in my limited time of reading scripts and getting to partake in these movies.

Kristen is very hands-on — she actually co-wrote the script with Annie Mumolo — and so it just really felt like a labor of love, like everyone was really invested and really committed to making it the very best, and making it an opportunity for these women to shine. Even though it was a starring vehicle for Kristen, great attention was paid to giving everyone their chance at the funny. Everyone’s character needed to make an impression, and everyone needed to be memorable and lovable. You have to walk away from this story feeling like you never wanted it to end, and that is how it felt when we were making it.

I’ve actually had people come up to me at a red-carpet event or after an event, hoards of kids will be like: “Oh my God! Kahlua! Can I take a picture?” And I’m like, “How do ... I’m not even in that movie for all of it.” I just love everything about that movie.

CE: Tell me about your new movie, Tyler Perry's "We the Peeples," which is scheduled to be released March 29.

KH: It’s about a family — our last name is Peeples — and we are kind of uptight. Our father rules the roost with a bit of an iron fist. He has very tough standards for us all, and as children of his, we’re always trying to reach and to pass those standards to try to gain his favor. Kerry Washington, who plays my sister, she’s Grace Peeples. She is in love with Craig Robinson's character, and he’s not necessarily on the same level financially or professionally as we are in the Peeples family, so she is reluctant to introduce him into the family. But once the introductions finally happen, it’s an understatement to say that hilarity ensues, but a lot of crazy stuff happens.

I play Gloria Peoples, and I’ve definitely got a few secrets, like everyone else in the family. I don’t want to give anything away, but this movie is all about learning to make peace with yourself so you can relax and enjoy life without having to keep holding onto that veneer and holding it in place all the time.

CE: And now I've recently learned you have a guest-starring role on my favorite TV comedy, "New Girl"!

KH: Oh yes, yes! It was one of those things where everything lined up. I’m good friends with one of the series regulars, Jake Johnson, who plays Nick. When the chance came up for something that I could do on the show, my name got tossed around. I jumped at the chance, because there were so many people attached to it either that I knew or that I have loved from afar and have wanted to work with.

Of course, Zooey Deschanel is awesome. She’s super funny and super cool, and she’s really unique. I definitely applaud that; I want to work with people who are innovators. To me, that’s what it’s about: People who are not afraid to take chances, who are consumed with the pursuit of excellence just for excellence's sake — not for anything glorious.

CE: Can you give me any hint about your character and what you'll be doing on the show?

KH: I can tell you that I play a love interest for Winston, who is played by Lamorne Morris. I’m someone from his past who resurfaces. It’s very interesting to see how that goes because, as we all know, sometimes when you reach back and try to recapture the past, it’s not exactly the same as it was. It’s just not the same as you remember it.

CE: When will your shows air?

KH: My first episodes will air between Jan. 17 and Feb. 14. You'll just have to tune in!

CE: Oh, I definitely will!

KH: It's so wild, because as you're asking me about each project I've done so far in my career, I feel really lucky to have gotten to work on so many good projects in a row and with so many good people. I just feel really lucky. I know everybody says that. But you’re really taking a chance with any project you take on. Anytime you say yes to something that you think is great, it's just your opinion. You don’t really know what’s going to happen. You don’t know how it’s going to be received by the people.


In the case of "New Girl," it’s a hit show already, so it’s not that much of a chance I’m taking, but in general, every time you step out and try something, each opportunity is a new chance to try your luck. So when it works out well, you have to thank the movie gods and thank the acting gods for giving you that success and for allowing you to continue. At least that’s how I look at it.

Q and A: Week of Jan. 9

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 9

Q: I know how much you love Fox’s “New Girl,” so do you have any scoop on what will happen in the new year? Jennifer S., in California

A: I recently spoke with Kali Hawk who’s co-starred in such movies as “Couples Retreat,” “Get Him to the Greek” and “Bridesmaids” and she will be appearing in a multi-episode arc in January and February. Kali told me: “It was one of those things where everything lined up. I’m good friends with one of the series regulars, Jake Johnson, who plays Nick on that show. For my episodes, I play a love interest for Winston, played by Lamorne Morris. I’m someone from his past who resurfaces. It’s very interesting to see how that goes because as we all know, sometimes when you reach back, it’s not exactly the same as it once was.”


You can read the rest of the interview here later this week to learn about her experiences on all of her different movies, including the upcoming Tyler Perry movie “We the Peeples.”

Q: I read in your column that Ricky Gervais is hosting the Golden Globes this year, which I am excited for. Is he currently in a TV series or movie that I can catch him in? Delilah F., via e-mail

A: Ricky’s hit BBC Two show, “Life’s Too Short,” will debut Sunday, Feb. 19, on HBO. It also stars Stephen Merchant and Warwick Davis, and centers on Warwick, who plays a fictionalized version of himself, and his day-to-day life. The series boasts A-list guest stars such as Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Steve Carell, Sting and many more.

Q: Will Luke Perry be making a sequel to last year’s “Goodnight for Justice” for the Hallmark Channel? I really enjoyed it. Jonathan P., via e-mail

A: It just so happens that Luke will indeed star in another “Goodnight” movie, this one called “Goodnight for Justice: The Measure of a Man,” which premieres Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8/7c. Luke returns as traveling circuit-court judge John Goodnight.


I asked Luke how he felt when he learned the original movie became the highest-rated film in the history of the Hallmark Movie Channel. He told me: “I was just hoping to get the chance to do another one. I don’t go into it with any expectation other than I try to make the best movie every time. I feel the pressure to do all I can to promote the film, but I’ve been doing this long enough to know that audiences are fickle and different things happen, so you make the film and control what you can, which is your part of the process.” Check back next week to read our entire interview.

Q: I love Laura Dern’s new show, “Enlightened,” on HBO. Will it return for another season? Sally T., Jacksonville, Fla.

A: HBO just announced that “Enlightened” will be back for a second season. However, it has decided to cancel “Hung” and “Bored to Death,” both of which completed their third seasons.

Puppy Bowl Is Back!

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Puppy Bowl Is Back!

(PRESS RELEASE)

(New York, NY) – Ready for more tail wagging wildness, canine cuteness and animal athleticism than ever witnessed before? On Super Bowl™ Sunday, February 5, from 3-5 PM (ET/PT), Animal Planet’s annual canine competition returns to the grand gridiron with PUPPY BOWL VIII. For the eighth year in a row, with the help of Petfinder.com, Animal Planet has searched shelters and rescue groups across the nation for the toughest pups ever to carry a chew toy into an end zone and across the goal line. Now, the teams have been selected, paws polished and fur combed for the biggest event in animal sports history.

This year’s PEDIGREE® Starting Lineup is growling with rowdy rat terriers, defensive dachshunds and charging Chihuahuas, all competing for the title of the BISSELL® MVP (Most Valuable Puppy). But the pups will have to warm up to a new face as PUPPY BOWL VIII marks the debut of Dan Schachner, who takes over as “The Ref” – calling all the plays and penalties on the field.

 

“When Animal Planet first called and told me that I would be working with 58 puppies, 20 cats, five pigs and one bird, I thought this would be the easiest gig of my career,” says Dan. “But after calling my first “terrier touchdown,” I can see why this is the toughest competition in sports today.”

 

In a game-day first, a piggy pep squad will “ham” it up on the sidelines and squeal with delight for its favorite players while “Meep the Bird” tweets all the fast-paced action. Follow @MeepTheBird on game day for the latest updates, puppy drama and behind-the-scenes moments from inside Animal Planet Stadium. Award-winning animal advocate and television correspondent Jill Rappaport will provide up-to-the-minute sideline analysis and commentary on the game, and fans will be treated to PUPPY BOWL favorites such as the puppy cam, water bowl cam, kiss cam and an aerial view of the field provided by the Ice Breakers® Mints blimp and its hamster pilots.

If you’re not the biggest Madonna fan, the cute and cuddly kittens have returned with an all-new edition of the BISSELL® KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW. These adorable felines will treat fans to kitty gymnastics, precious poses and overall kitten craziness leading up to the confetti shower, sending viewers into cuteness overload.

 

All of the animals featured in PUPPY BOWL VIII come from rescues and shelters across the United States. This year’s starting lineup includes puppies from spcaLA (California), All Star Pet Rescue (New Jersey), Go Boxer Rescue (Ohio), Pet Matchmaker Rescue (Pennsylvania), Furever Dachshund Rescue (Rhode Island) and Huts for Mutts Dog Rescue (Texas). Viewers who are interested in adopting a pet in their area can visit Petfinder.

 

To learn more about PUPPY BOWL VIII, fans can visit AnimalPlanet.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from seasons’ pasts and, later this month, a chance to vote for this year’s MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) and an eight-part web series highlighting the history of PUPPY BOWL’s greatest moments.

Q and A: Week of Jan. 2

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 2

Q: I have been following the career of Sam Neill ever since “Jurassic Park.” I loved him in “The Tudors,” “Happy Town,” “The Horse Whisperer,” “Wimbledon,” “Daybreakers,” “Crusoe,” etc. What does he have coming up next? — Will O., via e-mail

A: Sam is rumored to be returning as Dr. Alan Grant for “Jurassic Park IV,” which doesn’t have any production or release-date details as the movie was too recently announced. He co-stars in the big-screen adaption of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge,” to be released later this year. But you can catch him even sooner. Sam (above, fourth from the right) comes back to the small screen on Monday, Jan. 16, on Fox when he stars in the new series “Alcatraz.” This show looks creepy, scary and super exciting, and I plan to tune in to see exactly what all the hubbub is about.

Q: I really miss Christopher Meloni on “Law and Order: SVU.” Please tell me I can see him on another series or in a movie soon. — Randi E., via e-mail

A: You’ll be able to see Christopher as soon as this summer on the small screen when he makes his debut on the sixth season of HBO’s “True Blood.” Details are hush-hush, as it always is with “True Blood,” but according to executive producer Alan Ball, Chris will play “an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.”


For the big screen, you can see him sometime this year (a release date has not yet been announced) in the comedy “Awful Nice.” And in June 2013, he co-stars as Colonel Hardy in the new “Superman” film, “Man of Steel,” which also stars Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, and slew of other top-notch stars.

Q: With Piers Morgan gone, will they be getting another judge for “America’s Got Talent,” or just stick with Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne? — Callie H., Portland, Ore.

A: In a move that is causing some controversy (when hasn’t controversy followed this man?), shock-jock Howard Stern has been tapped to be the third “Talent” judge. Said NBC exec Paul Telegdy: “Howard Stern’s larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to ‘America’s Got Talent’ starting this summer. He’s a proven innovator, and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”

Q: It seems like it’s that time of year again … when will the next season of “American Idol” be on? I am kind of disappointed by “The X-Factor,” and I could really use my Steven, Jennifer and Randy fix right about now. — Tina R., Wheeling, W.Va.

A: You don’t have to wait much longer: America’s most popular talent competition will be back Wednesday, Jan. 18, on Fox, with the show airing Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c.