matt.mitovich

Biggest Loser Premiere Event Gains an Hour

And worse, it's in the thighs. On September 4, a week before NBC's reality competition weighs back in with a two-hour premiere, The Biggest Loser will present a "Where Are They Now?" special catching up with viewers' favorite losers. As for the actual Season 4, new host Alison Sweeney (Days of our Lives) is in place, a set of twins and a 62-year-old are among the contestants, and a "surprising new twist" brings back trainer Jillian Michaels. Hey, as long as it isn't a twist pastry.

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

At the Movies: Drew Barrymore Is a Dog

Per the Hollywood Reporter, Drew Barrymore will voice Chloe, a pampered Beverly Hills chihuahua who gets lost in Mexico in the live-action, talking-animal Disney comedy South of the Border. Also on board are Andy Garcia (as a German shepherd), George Lopez (as a macho pooch with eyes for Chloe) and Salma Hayek.... The red-hot Frank Langella will star with Elliott Gould in On the Hook, a thriller about a corporate whistleblower and the PI who protects him from killers.... Flags of Our Fathers' Jesse Bradford will star in The Echo, a remake of the Filipino thriller Sigaw.

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Love Notes: Naomi and Liev Mess with the Press

Expectant parents Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts are now denying a rumor they started themselves at Sunday night's Tony Awards, saying that they ran off and got hitched.... Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding) has filed for divorce from Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich), his wife of 17 years.... Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell and husband Keith Zubechevich welcomed their first child together, a baby girl named Ashby Grace, on Monday, says People.

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Short Cuts: Showtime Peddles Pot, Rome and More

Showtime premieres In Pot We Trust, a documentary exploring the controversy surrounding medical marijuana, on July 9 at 4:20 8:30 pm/ET.... Rome: The Complete Second Season hits DVD on Aug. 14.... USA Today has inked a deal to collaborate with ABC News on the 2008 election coverage. According to a colorful pie chart, USA Today and ABC each will contribute 48 percent of the content, while four percent of us prefer lemonade over ice tea.

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Lohan DUI Threatens International Ad Campaign

Will Lindsay Lohan's DUI and subsequent rehab stint cost her a plum modeling gig? The New York Daily News hears that a massive ad campaign for Jill Stuart featuring LiLo as the fall(en?) face of the brand, is in jeopardy, now that influential Japanese licensees have taken umbrage at the starlet's sordid escapades. "The day Lindsay appeared on the front page of the newspaper crashed out in the front seat of the SUV, the Japanese informed [Jill Stuart CEO] Ron Curtis they no longer wanted to be involved," a source tells the News. "And they are the ones who financed the campaign." Curtis himself maintains, "The ads are running as planned" in "all of the major lifestyle fashion magazines... in Asia and the U.S.," adding, "We have the utmost support for Lindsay and her rehabilitation. She is doing great."But just in case, does Grey Goose need a pitchperson?

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Lohan DUI Threatens International Ad Campaign

Dan Rather Says CBS News Is Tarted Up; CBS CEO Calls Remark "Sexist"

During a Monday call to MSNBC's Morning Joe program, Dan Rather shared his qualified take on why CBS Evening News has yet to emerge from the ratings basement (where he left it upon his March 2005 exit from the anchor chair). "The mistake was trying to bring the Today show ethos to the Evening News and dumb it down/tart it up, in hopes of attracting a younger audience," the veteran newsman said.Rather called current anchor Katie Couric "a nice person," but said that trying to change networks and jobs in one fell swoop, as she famously and publicly did, "is always difficult."UPDATE: Per TV Week, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves said at a Tuesday breakfast conference that he is "surprised at the vitriol directed at [Couric]," and accused Rather of taking a "cheap shot" with his "sexist" remarks. "Give [Katie] a break," Moonves urged the crowd.

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Dan Rather Says CBS News Is Tarted Up; CBS CEO Calls Remark "Sexist"

Paris' Pop Plans Boffo Emancipation Celebration

With (perhaps) weeks still remaining in his delinquent daughter's jail stay, Rick Hilton is shopping around a "Get Out of Jail" soiree, inviting the biggest and best clubs to bid on hosting the event. Originally, sources tell the New York Post's Page Six, Papa Hilton was seeking a $50,000 cash fee, but that starting price is said to have increased as the drama behind Paris' ordeal has.Other Paris updates, per the folks at TMZ: While the "typical" (i.e., non-"hot") female inmate's jail stint costs L.A. taxpayers just south of $100 a day, it takes $1,109.78 to keep Paris behind bars, when medical treatment and additional staff are included. Paris reportedly suffers from claustrophobia and ADD, conditions that may have fueled the sheriff's ill-advised call last week to downgrade her to mansion arrest. Claustrophobia plus ADD equals, "Argh, I hate being in this elevat-... ooh, look at the pretty blinking lights!"

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Paris' Pop Plans Boffo Emancipation Celebration

Sopranos Boss Has "No Interest" in Defending Finale; Ratings Are In!

Shrugging off the uproar over Sunday night's nationwide "blackout"  aka The Sopranos' series finale  show creator David Chase says, "I have no interest in explaining, defending, reinterpreting or adding to what is there." In a debriefing by the Newark Star-Ledger, Chase continues, "No one was trying to be audacious" by ending the series in mid-scene, leaving Tony's fate entirely up in the air. "We did what we thought we had to do. No one was trying to blow people's minds or thinking, 'Wow, this'll [tick] them off.'"As for speculation that the vague finale is the setup for a big-screen continuance, Chase says, "I never say never. An idea could pop into my head. But I doubt it."On a related and musical note, Journey was "jumping up and down" upon learning their "Don't Stop Believin'" would score the final scenes. As keyboardist Jonathan Cain tells the AP, "It was better than anything I would have ever--." Oops, I cut him off mid-sentence. Happens.UPDATE: Sunday's finale dr...

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Sopranos Boss Has "No Interest" in Defending Finale; Ratings Are In!

Darling Paris: ABC's Dirty Sexy Savvy Publicity Stunt

Last Friday, as Paris Hilton took another spin through the detention facility turnstile and TV-news crews swarmed, a lone plane flitted across the sky above, toting a banner:"We Love Paris  the Darling Family"Meaningless and/or misinterpreted to many, it was a joke appreciated by the (growing) few familiar with Dirty Sexy Money, ABC's new family sudser starring Peter Krause as the de facto consigliore for the Darlings, an ironically named brood populated by the headline-making likes of Paris herself. Donald Sutherland is the Trump-like patriarch, Jill Clayburgh his well-preserved wife, there is a flighty actress daughter, a hard-partying son.... It's storytelling by way of Access Hollywood.And that's precisely why the plane banner (and the similar full-page ads appearing in a handful of major dailies) was a perfect fit. Paris, not despite but because of her flaws, would feel terrifically at home bearing the Darling name.Would ABC risk the association, the whiff of capitalizing...

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Miss Universe to Enter Heroes Universe?

In recounting the assorted opportunities that have come her way since being named Miss Universe last month, the Japan-born Riyo Mori says one "super" job lead might find her on no less than NBC's Heroes, playing Yaeko, a new character whom she describes as a love interest for one of the main characters. "I went to the casting audition and read a script in English and Japanese, and they said it was really good," the 20-year-old dancer tells the Associated Press. "So I hope I can be in the show."While "conventional wisdom" may point to this beauty being pegged for poor, stuck-in-17th-century-Japan Hiro, Ausiello did tell us there is also a casting call out for a gay female cheerleader. Maybe Claire is the hero(ine) Yaeko will take a shine to? Hmmm....

Tue, Jun 12, 2007

Ratings: NBA Finals Fouled

This Sunday's highlights: CBS' coverage of the Tony Awards drew 6.24 million total viewers, a 20 percent drop from last year (which itself enjoyed a 20 percent increase versus '05). The Fast Nationals indicate that ABC's broadcast of Game 2 of the NBA Finals (7.69 mil) was down 32 percent from a year ago. Friday Night Lights (3.66 mil) was up 1.5 mil week-to-week. Fox's The Loop quietly returned with two episodes to audiences of 3.35 and 3.54 mil, pretty much matching the numbers it delivered in April of 2006.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Double Dealing: Who'll Help Howie Mandel Host?

With a spin-off of Deal or No Deal slated to go into syndication next fall, sources tell the Hollywood Reporter that in addition to performing some double duty, Howie Mandel (remember when he and I rode the Ferris wheel?) may get an assist in hosting. Among the names being bandied about are Arsenio Hall (whoop-whoop!) and Mark Curry [Crickets]. Hey, what about that available up-and-comer named... Barker, is it? Bobby Barker?

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Casting About: Dreamgirls Star Joins Fox Drama

Keith Robinson (aka songwriter C.C. White in Dreamgirls) has joined the cast of Fox's Canterbury's Law, replacing Jocko Sims in the role of Julianna Margulies' coworker, Chester.... Also per the Reporter, James Badge Dale (24), Joseph Mazzello (Radio Flyer) and Val Lauren (The Salton Sea) will lead the ensemble cast of The Pacific, HBO's 10-hour WWII mini from Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Reality Bites: Big Brother, Mandy Moore and More

As a companion piece to the new season of CBS' Big Brother (launching July 5), the cable net ShoToo will air Big Brother: After Dark, three hours' worth of live, unedited feed running midnight to 3 am/ET.... On Aug. 14 Oxygen will premiere I Am Mandy Moore, a one-hour special offering a private look at the singer-actress' life.... On Aug. 21, Fox will premiere Anchorwoman, in which WWE diva Lauren Jones will seek to shed her bombshell image to become a reporter for CBS' KYTX-TV in Dallas.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

At the Movies: Fantastic Director Tackles Losers

Per the Reporter, Fantastic Four sequel helmer Tim Story has inked a deal to adapt for the big screen The Losers, a DC Comics series about a special-ops team left for dead.... Bill Murray is the mayor of the City of Ember, a family flick about a mysterious town's existence.... Elizabeth Banks is a cruel stepmother in A Tale of Two Sisters, based on a Korean horror film of the same name.... Harald Zwart (Agent Cody Banks) will direct Steve Martin in The Pink Panther 2.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Love Notes: Betty Star Does the Bride Thing

Ana Ortiz tied the knot with musician Noah Lebenzon on Saturday in Puerto Rico, with Ugly Betty cast mates America Ferrera, Ashley Jensen and Mark Indelicato in attendance.... Also per People, Desperate Housewives' Dougray Scott wed Claire Forlani on Friday in Italy.... Former New Kid Joey McIntyre and wife Barrett are expecting their first newborn in November.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Short Cuts: 'Til Death, Soapy Days and More

An Aug. 21 DVD release date has been set for 'Til Death: The Complete First Season. The catch: You have to watch an American Idol DVD beforehand.... Pat O'Brien has inked a new deal to continue on at The Insider  at a marked pay cut (hello, bargain moustache wax!) and with the show relocating to New York City, sources tell the New York Daily News.... Days of our Lives hits iTunes Tuesday. John Black raises his eyebrow to that!

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Mars Missin': Bell Just Now Feeling the Loss

"Other than everything?" That was Kristen Bell's response when asked by the Associated Press what she will miss most about playing Veronica Mars. "It feels sort of like graduating high school. You really only recognize how special it was once it's gone away," she continues. "I don't know I'll ever find as special a show ever again. I think I'm only truly realizing that now."Technically, of course, the CW has until Friday to render its final final verdict on 'Ron's fate. Meanwhile, as first teased by Ausiello, talk of a feature film follow-up lingers. "I'm game," says Bell of that big-screen dream. "I would work for [series creator] Rob Thomas again in a heartbeat"  and hearing that makes our hearts beat.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Mars Missin': Bell Just Now Feeling the Loss

Paris Hilton Gives Barbara Walters Her View from the "Crazy Ward"

Paris Hilton on Sunday used her scant phone privileges to ring up Barbara Walters, who will detail their conversation on Monday's edition of The View. One excerpt from their chat finds Paris saying, "I used to act dumb," but behind bars, "That act is no longer cute. Now, I would like to make a difference. God has given me this new chance."Hilton on the Seventh Day also welcomed her first visitors at her latest digs, the Twin Towers Correctional Facility (or what inmates deem "the crazy ward"): sis Nicky and on-and-off beau Stavros Niarchos. "She's being strong," Nicky told reporters after her less-than-an-hour drop-by. Paris, indeed, is said to be coping better during this new bid at incarceration, seemingly resigned to seeing it through (per the verbose and lucid statement she issued over the weekend) and back on the unspecified medication she was made to do without during last week's Round 1.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

Paris Hilton Gives Barbara Walters Her View from the "Crazy Ward"

Ocean's Crew Steals Box-office Title from Pirates

Ocean's Thirteen debuted to slightly lower numbers than parts Eleven and Twelve, yet still topped the weekend box office with a $37.1 million haul, unseating POTC 3 ($21.3 mil) from the No. 1 spot.Rounding out the top five were Knocked Up ($20 million), Happy Feet: The Funny Version Surf's Up (opening with $18 mil) and Shrek the Third ($15.75 mil). The week's other newbie, Hostel Part II (or as I like to call it, "Poor, Poor Heather Matarazzo") came in at No. 6 with $8.75 mil, less than half of the original's first-weekend take. Overall, the box office was down nine percent from a year ago, when Cars opened with $60 mil.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

And Just Like That, The Sopranos... Fades to Black

Spoiler frickin' alert. It was perhaps the one way no one guessed HBO's The Sopranos would wrap up its (largely) esteemed run. Having taken care of business with regards to Phil, yet with a serious legal threat pending and assorted nefarious (or are they?) figures loitering near their booth, Tony, Carm, A.J. and (perhaps?) Meadow rendezvoused for the best onion rings anywhere (at Holsten's, down the road in Bloomfield, New Jersey), when... well, we may never know what came next. I had to rewind the DVR a few times, then check some message boards to confirm that the episode in fact ended the way it did, with the screen abruptly going black, just as Meadow (she of the parallel-parking ineptitude) jogged into the parlor. All the while, as the tension seemingly mounted, "Don't Stop Believin'" played on the table jukebox. Should the Soprano family not stop believing that somehow everything will work itself out? Will Carm get her dream beach house? Was Adriana reincarnated as a cat? Do X...

Mon, Jun 11, 2007

And Just Like That, The Sopranos... Fades to Black

Jailed Paris Drops Appeal, Urges Us All to Focus on "More Important Things"

UPDATE: Paris on Sunday received her first visitors at her new "digs"; click here for the details.In a statement obtained by TMZ, Paris Hilton  now back behind bars and reportedly neither sleeping nor eating  says:"Today I told my attorneys not to appeal the judge's decision. While I greatly appreciate the sheriff's concern for my health and welfare, after meeting with doctors I intend to serve my time as ordered by the judge. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done. During the past several days, I have had a lot of time to reflect and have already learned a bitter but important lesson from this experience. As I have said before, I hope others will learn from my mistake. I have also had time to read the mail from my fans. I very much appreciate all of their good wishes and hope they will keep their letters coming. I must also say that I was shocked to see all of the attention devoted to the amount of time I would spend in jail for what I had done by the media, ...

Sun, Jun 10, 2007