Tom Cruise has some new film coming out where he plays a Nazi, or likes Nazi’s, or just acts like a Nazi. Something about Nazi’s with a crap title that isn’t going to do anything for his career. He’s not worth $20mil for new films, because he really isn’t able to carry a film anymore, so he’s going to turn to what he know will make cash – a sequel to Top Gun

Tom Cruise is preparing for take-off - after he was reportedly approached to star in a sequel to 1986 hit movie Top Gun.

The actor has been asked to reprise his role as cocky fighter-pilot Maverick, 22 years after the first film.

A source tells British newspaper The Sun, “The idea is Maverick is at the Top Gun school as an instructor - and this time it is he who has to deal with a cocky new female pilot.”

Contact Music

Maverick would be around 45 years old now, so I’d really like to see a more dramatic sad tale of mid-life crisis. I’d like to see young Maverick drop Charlie and hook up with some new recruit 16 years his junior who starts dressing like him.

Then Maverick, whose reflexes aren’t what they were in 1986, tries to pull some kind of stunt in a flash looking plane, and winds up crashing to his premature death.

The new wife then snaps out of the strange waking coma she’s been living in and marries some young hot guy…while giggling all the way to the bank.

I can totally see Hollywood stealing this idea. Death = Oscar. Go for it, Tommy!

Note by Celebitchy: I think this article is pure bunk by The Sun and that there’s little chance of a Top Gun sequel. Maybe now that they’ve put the idea out there someone will pitch it - with a more bankable lead than Cruise.

The Dark Knight had ticket sales of $155.34 million in its opening weekend, which is the highest grossing weekend for a film in history. Spiderman 3 was the previous record holder with $151 million its opening weekend in 2007. Dark Knight set several other records at the box office including highest midnight opening at $18.5 million compared to Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’s $16.9 million. It also made $67.85 million in one day to bring it to the top of the single day box office vs. Spiderman 3 at $59.8 million.

It was the best three day weekend in history at the box office thanks to The Dark Knight and second place Mama Mia, which earned a respectable $27.6 million to make it the top musical opening ever.

Advance buzz for the film coupled with Heath Ledger’s untimely death may have helped increase sales, but given the subject matter and what a great film it is it was likely to do incredibly well without the added tragedy. Critics have lauded the film’s dark plot, depth, and fast-paced action. Some reviewers say that it’s too frenetic and overlong, but they’re in the minority. The film has a 94% aggregate critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

[Details from The Huffington Post and Wikipedia]

Pictures from AllMoviePhoto

Tom Cruise constantly amazes me in his inability to realize just exactly what the rest of the world thinks of him. He redefines utterly clueless. It’s not just the wacky Scientology, the barley juice, the robot wife, the jumping on couches or randomly accusing people of being glib. It’s a combination of all those factors. The guy has utterly lost any charisma he ever had. Which is funny, because I always somehow thought charisma was a fairly permanent character trait.

Tom backed out of a movie deal because he couldn’t get his required $20 million salary. Apparently he hasn’t realized just how seriously he’s been downgraded.

It looks like there’s a snag in Tom Cruise’s big career comeback film. According to sources, Cruise is probably not going to be playing the role of Edwin A. Salt, a fictional CIA officer who is outed as a spy.

“Edwin A. Salt,” which is set at Columbia Pictures, has had a rocky road. First Terry George was set to direct. He left and was replaced by Philip Noyce.

But now Cruise is out, and I’m told it’s because of money. Apparently, Tom is unaware of the change in his status in the Hollywood community. Where once he was the top-paid star, Cruise now is in a position where a $20 million salary is not possible. I’m told an internal memo went around among the film’s producers and top creators in which the Cruise situation was discussed and names were gathered for a replacement.

The reasons for Cruise’s departure are not just his diminished popularity, negative public opinion and Scientology — although those would be good enough. It’s also just generational. Cruise is 45. His heyday as a box office star — if he ever had one — is over.

Meantime, Cruise remains at the center of the mystery concerning his kids Isabella and Connor’s continued absence from their mother, Nicole Kidman. The kids, I’m told, still have not visited Kidman in Tennessee nor met their new half-sister, Sunday Rose. This kind of thing, Cruise doesn’t seem to comprehend, only adds to his career predicament.

[From FOX News]

Ouch. I love the implication that Cruise never had a heyday as a box office star. Burn. I think he did have one, but anything to knock the little guy’s ego down a few pegs is fine with me. I keep wondering what it’ll take to make him realize how badly he’s messed everything up. I know a lot of people would say a guy like Tom never will get that. But man, if he ever does, I predict a major psychotic episode will occur. Which will suck for him, since all he could take for it would be some vitamins.

Here are Tom, Katie and Suri in London’s Hyde Park this past December. Images thanks to WENN.

The New York City premiere of The Dark Knight was held at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square theatre last night. The film has gotten tremendously good reviews (with the exception of New York Magazine) and many theaters have already sold out tickets for the July 18th opening.

Heath Ledger has gotten such amazing reviews for his performance. Although his untimely death obviously created a lot of press for the film – his last full role – I think he would have gotten nearly as much had that tragic accident not occurred. From the looks of it, he gives an out-of-this-world performance. And I think that’s a great legacy to leave behind – Heath isn’t getting all this attention just for something heartbreaking, but because of his amazing talent.

“Working with Heath was fantastic,” said Christian Bale, 34, who reprises his role as the Caped Crusader. “He steals the movie and I’m quite happy to say that. He’s a hell of a talent and created a joker that’s very iconic and one that will become a classic portrayal of the ages.”

Michael Caine, 75, who plays butler Alfred Pennyworth in the film, which opens July 18, noted the “intensity and ferocity of the performance.”

“But when we were sitting down between takes, he was completely ordinary,” Caine added. “He wasn’t preparing himself or saying ‘Please leave me alone, I’ve gotta do this.’ Instead he was talking to me.

“We would sit and chat and have a cup of coffee, then suddenly they’d say, ‘We’re ready, Heath,’ and he’d go straight into The Joker,” Caine continued. “His energy was astonishing, especially when it came from this kind of calm. He’s certainly the best villain I’ve ever seen.”

[From People]

I’ve noticed that Christian Bale always speaks about Heath Ledger in the present tense. He did the same thing in an interview on The Today Show yesterday morning.

Heath’s family attended the premiere, but very quietly. Heath’s father, mother, stepmother, and older sister all avoided the red carpet (which was actually black) and sneaked into the theater quietly to watch the film. Upon exiting, Heath’s father Kim gave a thumbs-up to the press, and said the movie was “very good.” By pretty much everyone’s account, The Dark Knight is great – and a true example of Heath Ledger’s immense talent and dedication.

Here are Christian Bale and Sibi Blazic; Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard; Michael Caine and Shakira Caine, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Conrad, Ed Westwick, Gary Oldman, Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, Nestor Carbonell, Robert Buckley, Edie Falco, Ethan Hawke, Aaron Eckhart, Karina Smirnoff, Chin Han, and Blake Lively at the premiere last night in New York City. Images thanks to WENN.

New York magazine film critic David Edelstein is public enemy number one after publishing the first negative review of the much-anticipated and lauded The Dark Knight. Batman fans and fellow critics are firing back, saying he just didn’t “get” the film. Edelstein gave the film a negative review due to violence and “morbid” factors that seem related to Ledger’s untimely death:

The momentum doesn’t carry through, though. The Dark Knight is all fits and starts—fitfully suspenseful, fitfully scary, one jerky episode after another with jolts of brutality to keep you revved up. When Burton’s Batman came out, some prominent critics griped that the film was too violent for kids. Wait’ll they get a load of this.

[NY Magazine]

Many of the latest superhero movies are not for kids. The films are a darker take on the masked hero genre and are aimed at an adult audience.

It is unfair of me to judge the sole negative review of the film based on the trailers I’ve seen. Of course it seems “dark” and “morbid,” but I think that’s the point.

Those who have seen The Dark Knight and feel differently about their beloved Batman 2.0 have answered the call with their support. Even fellow critics have called the review “complete bulls##t.”

The so-called critic chimes on the morbid elements of the film, calling it “noisy, jumbled, and sadistic.” This isn’t just a matter of complaining about a critic who didn’t like a film that I loved, this guy really doesn’t get the movie. It seems like he’s just attacking its more brilliant aspects just to spite its otherwise perfect rating.

[First Showing]

Time and Rolling Stone are just a few of the major outlets that heap praises on the film. It had a 100% aggregate rating on Rotten Tomatoes until Edelstein’s negative review pushed it down to a 94%.

Edelstein seems to think that the role was a negative outlet for Heath Ledger as the Joker and lef to the unstable mental state which contributed to his death. As Slash Film points out, that may have been what ruined the movie for Edelstein and should not be something you’re thinking about while watching it:

David found Heath Ledger’s performance “painful to watch”, calling it “rave and rage and purge acting”.

“Scarier than what the Joker does to anyone onscreen is what Ledger must have been doing to himself”.

Oh C’mon… Yes, Heath Ledger’s death was tragic, but if you are thinking about his tragic personal life while watching this performance - Trust me, you aren’t watching the movie right.

[Slash Film]

The film is sure to be a huge hit at the box office. It opens in the US on Friday and advance ticket sales have been massive. Given all the other rave reviews there probably won’t be many more contrarians like Edelstein.

Photos are stills from The Dark Knight, thanks to AllMoviePhoto.

Anne Hathaway is stunning. Could she look any more statuesque? I would have been worried that she would have been washed out in white - here at the premiere of Get Smart in Rome, but she looks simply amazing. I’d almost say Hepburn-esque! LOVE the broached waistline, adore the layer skirt and admire the simple hair that lets us focus on the gown.

Get Smart starring >Steve Carell, Dwayne Johnson, and Anne Hathaway as Agent 99 opened here in the U.S. on June 20th with $39.2 million making it the Number One movie that weekend.

Red carpet photos thanks to WENN

Just when I thought Eddie Murphy’s head couldn’t get any bigger, there’s a giant traveling Eddie Murphy head to publicize a movie about little people living inside Eddie Murphy’s (comparatively giant) head.

Across the nation, visitors to the traveling head, which weighs in at almost three tons and has been crossing the nation since June 13th, will have the opportunity to take photos inside of Dave’s ear (mirroring the image in the film’s current poster), then upload them onto the movie’s website. Using selected photos from the website, Twentieth Century Fox will create a mosaic version of the Meet Dave poster, which it will place in theaters across the country – where moviegoers can learn if they’ve made it into Dave’s Head.

[20th Century Fox via Comingsoon.net]

Now if only Hancock thought about this kind of promotional vehicle then I would be there!

According to ET Online and the movie’s co-star Gabrielle Union, “We play two-inch-tall people who have arrived to Earth in a vessel shaped as our captain, played by Eddie Murphy. So, there’s us little people inside a big Eddie.”

Amazingly enough Gabriel didn’t misspeak. According to the movie description that’s exactly what the film is about:

In the film, opening in theaters everywhere on July 11, Dave Ming Chang (Eddie Murphy), newly arrived in New York City, may be the ultimate fish out of water. There’s something about him that’s not quite right – for starters, he seems remarkably out of place and uncomfortable in his own body. And for good reason: “Dave” is not a man at all, but a ship made in the image of its miniature-sized captain. It’s Eddie Murphy in Eddie Murphy in Meet Dave. .

[From 20th Century Fox via Comingsoon.net]

A: “Something not quite right about?” You mean besides the concept of this movie? and “He seems remarkably out of place and uncomfortable?” You mean more than I am reading about this movie description or watching the trailer?

B: …so Gabrielle DID answer the question correctly? Ouch. Sorry, Gab. It just didn’t seem like it was an actual plot they would develop since Murphy’s last space adventure: The Adventures of Pluto Nash was as successful as The Golden Girls spin off: The Golden Palace.

I don’t think I’m ever gonna “meet Dave”, but if you’re considering it, let this trailer forewarn you:

Rumors have abounded since Friends ended its successful ten year run in 2004 that the cast would make a movie. Every so often one of the cast members would admit they’ve been talking about it, but there was always one holdout, who no one would ever name. Sometimes they’d claim it was one of the guys, though it was often rumored to be Jennifer Aniston.

Supposedly they’re really going to make the film now, inspired by the success (and I’m guessing the money) of the recent Sex & the City film.

The highly anticipated film production of TV series Friends has finally been given the go-ahead, MailOnline has learned. The actors have been inspired by the recent success of Sex And The City, which recently hit cinemas worldwide. A source said: ‘Jennifer, Courteney and the rest of the cast are keen to reprise their roles, under the right circumstances.

‘The box office success of Sex And The City has really got their wheels spinning about how a Friends film could be just as big, if done right. Timing and the script are really important, but now that Courteney and Jen both have production companies, they can potentially get very involved in those decisions.’

While Cox, 44, LeBlanc, 40, Perry, 39, Kudrow, 45 and Schwimmer, 41, were believed to be keen on the reunion, Aniston, 39, is believed to have dragged her heels. Now, however, she is keen to move ahead with the project, which will be produced by Warner Bros. ‘She says she and Courteney have already talked this summer about what they want out of a Friends movie, and if deals can be made with them, everything else can fall into place rather quickly.

[From the Daily Mail]

It sounds like things are as close to happening as they’ve ever been. But when the same rumor has been floating around for four years, it’s hard to tell when/if it’s actually become legitimate. Even though Jennifer Aniston is probably the biggest star from the show, I think all of them could benefit from a successful film. The Daily Mail pointed out that Aniston has had a few okay movies, but she’s still much better known for her personal life than her great movie career. And I’m pretty sure that at this point, Matt LeBlanc should take whatever he can get.

It seemed like there was a bit of a Friends backlash right after the series finale. Suddenly everyone was claiming they never found it funny. Television comedies have really moved in a different direction since then. There are very few traditional sitcoms left on the air – and almost none of them are filmed in front of a live audience anymore. It’ll be interesting to see if people still find the show’s brand of humor funny. Something tells me that no matter what, it won’t compare to the financial success of the Sex & the City film.

Update by Celebitchy: A representative for Warner Brothers has denied that there’s a Friends movie in the works, saying “(There’s) no truth in the story.” Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry’s spokespeople have also denied that there’s a Friends movie being planned. [Details From SFGate]

I love me some Will Smith. I also love me some Will Smith movies. (Well, except for Hitch. Okay, Hitch and The Legend of Bagger Vance. Okay, Hitch, The Legend of Bagger Vance and Wild Wild West. My point is, I still watch Fresh Prince, okay?!) Anyhoo I’m sort of gagging over his new film Hancock. I mean have you seen the trailers? Now THOSE are some special effects! But what isn’t having a special effect on me is the suit he wore to the Los Angeles premiere of the film. I mean did he keep that from the costume department of Bagger Vance? Where’s his caddy then? I don’t care what they say plaid is not rad. Especially full body plaid. Which leads me to Thomas Jane.

Really, Thomas Jane? Really? Were your overalls dirty so you decided to come to a Hollywood premiere dressed like a trucker? I get that it’s not your movie and I get that you don’t even have a cameo in it, but seriously is it too hard to tuck in a shirt and perhaps shave? I hope this lackadaisical attitude doesn’t rear it’s ugly head in his upcoming film Mutant Chronicles. (Which by the way BETTER be minimally enjoyable… unlike The Mist.) Speaking of mist, thank you Charlize Theron for finally laying off the spray tanning. You look lovely. I don’t get what black nail polish has to do with anything, but I’m gonna look beyond that because your make up looks fresh and appropriate and that necklace is perfect. I’m borderline on that gown, but I love the color and I get what you’re going for…unlike Valerie Bertinelli. This worries me. Valerie Bertinelli looks like Barbra Streisand’s Mini-Me. Why is she wearing a drape? I mean seriously! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “Clothing should be draped, not drapes.” This tells me she does not believe in her Jenny Craig’d fabulous body which really breaks my heart, because she looks amazing. I’m just sayin’ I would think if she just lost 40 pounds and is a spokesperson for a weight loss program AND she’s back on red carpets that she would be showin’ it all off to get some new fabulous jobs… aw, well. Maybe she’s just taking it one day at a time…And that’s just what Lisa Raye should be doing. I love the new hair (I actually have that same hair in a box in my closet), but what is up with that hot tranny mess of an ensemble? (Minus the sandals of course: LOVING THEM!) It’s part bridesmaid, part summer teen and part tablecloth all in one!

As I look at it now it looks like this entire red carpet is a mess. Does Justine Bateman think she’s still on the set of Satisfaction? Has Kevin James gone Gangsta Rapper on us? Is Minnie Driver about to break into a routine from Flashdance? Did Queen Latifah just happen to be doing her cardio down Hollywood Boulevard and made a wrong turn and ended up on the red carpet? Does Amanda Peet not realize her makeup is that of a cracked out rocker on a 10 day binge? Has Virginia Madsen FINALLY proved to us once and for all what really IS black and white and red all over?

(Sigh, I am exhausted)`

Special thanks go out to Jason Bateman for being the real hero of the red carpet of a superhero movie. He looks like a true star at an actual premiere for one of the summer’s hottest films. Thank you Jason…and I miss Arrested Development more than you will ever know. (Is it true there’s rumored to be an A.D. movie in ‘09? Please say yes, PLEASE!)

The world premiere of Mamma Mia! held at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, England was a huge success with hundreds of fans all the way from Waterloo to the celebs spending tons of Money, Money, Money on their wardrobe, hair and jewelery. Meryl Streep can do no wrong in her acting career. On the red carpet however, she’s made bigger mistakes than Barbara Walters letting Rosie O’Donnell leave The View.

My first thought is: “Didn’t her stylist see Madonna’s Nothing Really Matters Video? WTF? It’s been done!” My second thought is: “Damn, those Christian Louboutin shoes are kickin’! ‘Atta Girl!”

Amanda Seyfried looks like a barmaid who had to work late on St. Patrick’s Day.

Judging by Colin Firth’s wife Livia Giuggioli’s dress, she really isn’t that happy to be there or that busy of a bee. I mean if she were, she wouldn’t have to advertise it.

Christine Baranski looks lovely, dignified and uber classy. LOVE the color, LOVE the couture trojan feel (yes, I just said Couture Trojan), and any amateur would have paired this sheath with silver shoes, but Ms. Baranksi took the high road with the Midas touch.

Pierce Brosnan looks completely dashing. I’m not digging the busy floral print on wife Keely Shaye-Smith’s dress. She runs the risk of having Colin Firth’s wife trying to pollinate her at the after party.

Mamma Mia opens nationwide in the US on July 18th and Knowing Me, Knowing You, we’ll both be there.

Here’s the trailer:

Thanks to WENN for these pics.