Entertainment Weekly Lists 2009's Potential Blockbusters_ "Entertainment Weekly" is giving a sneak peek at 12 potential box office breaking flicks for 2009. Johnny Depp's "Public Enemies," leads the list of "EW's" top 12 picks. This cat and mouse thriller hits the big screen July 1st. It tells the story of the early days of the FBI and one agent's pursuit of a bank robber. Next on the list is "Terminator Salvation," due out May 22nd, followed by the edgy romance flick "The Ugly Truth" which arrives in theaters April 3rd. October 16th will see the release of "Where the Wild Things Are." This Australia set film is based on the classic children's tale of monsters and adventure. Following in line with the recent release of "The Spirit," another comic book flick, "Watchmen" hits the big screen on March 6th. Also among EW's list of the 12 big movies of 2009 is the April 24th release of "Obsessed" starring Beyonce Knowles and the long awaited "Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince" due out July 17th.
Here's a complete list of "Entertainment Weekly's" 12 Big Movies Coming In 2009:
1) "Public Enemies" -- July 1st
2) "Terminator Salvation" -- May 22nd
3) "The Ugly Truth" -- April 3rd
4) "Where the Wild Things Are" -- October 16th
5) "Watchmen" -- March 6th
6) "Taking of Pelham 1-2-3" -- June 12th
7) "Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince" -- July 17th
8) "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" -- February 27th
9) "Julie & Julia" -- August 7th
10) "UP" -- May 29th
11) "Obsessed" -- April 24th
12) "Year One" -- June 19th
John Travolta Issues Statement on Son's Death_ John Travolta says he and wife Kelly Preston are "heartbroken" over the death of their 16-year-old son. In their first statement since news of Jett Preston's death was made public Friday, the Hollywood couple posted a message on their website saying, quote, "Jett was the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for and lit up the lives of everyone he encountered. We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time that we had with him for the rest of our lives." The message, posted on www.travolta.com, also offered thanks for the "many messages of condolence from around the world."
Although Travolta's publicists have declined to comment on autopsy or funeral plans, CNN reports that an autopsy is scheduled for Monday. Jett, who had a history of seizures, was found unconscious in a bathroom at his family's vacation home at the Old Bahama Bay hotel in the Bahamas on Friday morning. He was pronounced dead after he was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Travolta and Preston also have an eight-year-old daughter, Ella Blue.
"Marley & Me" Leads the Pack for a Second Week_ The canine family comedy "Marley & Me" is top dog at the movie box office for a second weekend in a row. The film, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson took in more than 24-million-dollars over the three-day box office weekend to bring its eleven-day haul to 106-point-five-million. That makes "Marley & Me" the first Christmas holiday picture to hit the 100-million-dollar mark. The Adam Sandler comedy "Bedtime Stories" took second place this weekend with just over 20-million-dollars in box office receipts. The Brad Pitt drama "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" was third with 18-point-four-million, followed by the Tom Cruise World War II suspense thriller "Valkyrie" at number four with 14-million. Rounding out the top five was the Jim Carrey comedy "Yes Man" with 13-point-nine-million in box office receipts.
Actor Sam Shepard Arrested_ Veteran actor Sam Shepard is facing speeding and DUI charges stemming from an arrest in Normal, Illinois early Saturday Morning. The 65-year-old actor told police he was just passing through town and stopped at a tavern before heading to his hotel. According to the "Pantagraph" newspaper, Shepard's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit and he was doing 46 miles an hour in a 30 mile an hour zone. Shepard and his long-time partner Jessica Lange have two children. Among his film credits are "The Right Stuff" for which he received an Oscar nod for his portrayal of test pilot Chuck Yeager, and "Blackhawk Down." An award-winning playwright, Shepard also won the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for his play "Buried Child."
Report: 2008 Movie Box Office Thrived During Recession_ Despite the struggling economy, the movie box office managed to hold its own throughout 2008. Tracking firm Media By Numbers reports that box office revenues in the United States and Canada fell less than one percent to nine-point-six-Billion dollars last year, compared to nine-point-68 billion in 2007. Industry experts are pointing to quality movies and higher ticket prices as reasons why the movie box office kept afloat in 2008. Blockbusters like the Batman sequel "The Dark Knight" and "Iron Man" helped to boost sales. With 531-million-dollars in box office receipts, "The Dark Knight" emerged as the top grossing film of the year, and the second highest grossing film of all time after 1997's "Titanic." The film will be re-released to theaters on January 23rd. Industry watchers are keeping a close eye on several big movies that are expected post big numbers in 2009. Among the potential blockbusters to be released this year are "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," "Terminator: Salvation," "Star Trek" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
Jamey Johnson Honored By Fans' Reaction To His Songs_ Jamey Johnson says he's honored with how his fans have embraced his music. The singer-songwriter says that the people who come to see him live really know his songs, and sing along with all the tunes – not just the ones they've heard on the radio. He explains that he's really moved by how the fans not only enjoy his material, but they, quote, “stake their ownership in it.” Johnson has also earned a great deal of critical praise for his efforts, and could soon win a GRAMMY for his work. His CD "That Lonesome Song" is in the running for Best Country Album, while the song "In Color" is a contender for Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance. The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards air Sunday, February 8th at 8pm on CBS TV.
Jessica Simpson Nursing Tony Romo Back To Health_ Jessica Simpson is nursing her American football star boyfriend Tony Romo back to health after he collapsed following an intense game over the weekend. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback fell in the shower following a defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, reports Espn.com. Team sources tell the website medical staff brought a stretcher to the scene, but Romo walked on his own and had to be helped to the podium for a news conference shortly after the game - where he refused to answer questions about his health. Reports suggest Romo may have suffered a rib injury in the second half of the game - the Cowboys' biggest loss ever to the Eagles at 44 to 6.
