The Guide to Wednesday TV: Two New Comedies to Hate, the Whitechapel Finale

The Exes Comedy is very hot this TV season - thank ABC's best-of-class Wednesday comedies (all in repeats tonight), CBS' Monday blockbusters, NBC's cult faves and Fox's giddy New Girl - but two lousy new sitcom arrivals buck the trend, leaving a sour aftertaste. Normally I'd celebrate at any circumstance that shrinks The X Factor to 90 minutes, but in this case, it opens the door for Fox's unpleasant I Hate My Teenage Daughter (9:30/8:30c), which traps two gifted comedians - My Name Is Earl's Emmy-winning spitfire Jaime Pressly and two-time Tony-winning scene-stealer Katie Finneran - in no-win roles as shrill moms who used to be ugly ducklings and are now cowed by their bratty offspring (forgettably rendered by Aisha Dee and Kristi Lauren), who are turning out to be the sort of spoiled mean girls who tormented the moms back when they were in high school. Want more Matt Roush? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now! "Why are they so mean to us?" whines one of the insecure moms, who are mocked for their fashion sense - Pressly's character was raised by strict religious zealots who saw the Gap as the devil's playground - or for their eating habits. "I did not eat my cat!" shrieks the compulsively hysterical Finneran with a mouth full of chocolate. Later, when she's seen neurotically stuffing her face with pie, using her hands - "C'mon, Nikki, use a fork! You're not a bear!" - I found myself hating what Hate was doing to these talented stars. Even worse, the show is ultimately toothless, because as snotty as the daughters are, they actually love their moms, and vice versa. Awwww... phooey. The writing is so trite that when the teens balk in an upcoming episode at the idea of a Family Night (to which the ever-present ex-husbands are invited), we share their despair. "This is how horror movies start," snaps one of the girls. Horror movies are usually funnier. More purposefully retro, TV Land conjures up The Exes (10:30/9:30c), which feels like a stale Frankenstein sitcom cobbled together with spare parts - by which we mean veteran actors - who made their names on better shows. Thus we have 3rd Rock From the Sun's Kristen Johnston as a brash divorce lawyer playing landlord/mama bear to three clients who live in one of her apartments across the hall. Look, there's Scrubs' Donald Faison playing to type as a sports-agent womanizer. And hello, Newman! It's Seinfeld's Wayne Knight as a coach potato who does little but shop online. The third wheel is David Alan Basche, a familiar TV face still waiting for a hit, as the newbie roomie, weepy and needy and described by Faison as being "like my ex-wife but without the expensive breasts." It's The Odd Couple plus one - except it's not. It's all just kind of sad. The guys like to think of their bachelor pad as a "sharing-free zone," but I just wish TV Land hadn't felt compelled to share this one with us. By comparison, the network's cheesy Hot in Cleveland (10/9c) is a modern classic. As it begins its third season, we pick up in the aftermath of Elka's (Betty White) aborted marriage, as she now has to decide whether to go with her fiancé Fred (Buck Henry), her returned-from-the-presumed-dead hubby Bobby (Don Rickles) or her longtime squire Max (Carl Reiner). Why doesn't she just keep all three and form their own version of the Friars Club? That's a heckuva lot of legendary talent in her corner. Meanwhile, Victoria (Wendie Malick) and Joy (Jane Leeves) find there are unexpected consequences to having tied their own knot. Shifting gears to crime drama, BBC America's twisted Whitechapel (10/9c) reaches the end of its macabre six-episode run, with the police under siege from the "federation of crime" led by the creepy twins who appear to be the reincarnation of the infamous Kray brothers of the '60s. But are they? The pressure in getting to the truth behind the Kray legend really gets to beleaguered DI Chandler (Rupert Penry-Jones), who tries to temper his OCD demons with liquor: "I'm self-medicating," he tells a concerned colleague. But is he drunk, or crazy like a fox, when he challenges one of the Krays to a boxing match? Chandler's fussy, fragile integrity makes him one of the more endearing crime-fighters you'll meet this season. He's much better company than Duncan "Hatch" Hatcher, the glum, humorless Savannah detective played by a miscast John Corbett in TNT's insipid mystery movie based on Sandra Brown's Ricochet (9/8c). Trying for hard-boiled, Corbett can only achieve half-baked in this flimsy twist on a femme fatale caper, where the worst crime is the damage perpetrated on the Southern accent. The belle of this deflated ball is Dexter's Julie Benz as Elise, the seductive wife of a possibly corrupt judge (Gary Cole as the improbably named Cato Laird). She falls into Hatch's lap, literally, as he and his sarcastic partner Deedee (the monotonal Kelly Overton) investigate Elise's shooting of an intruder in her house. He can't trust Elise (especially when more dead bodies pile up at her feet), but he also can't resist her. The plot manages to be somehow both complicated and simplistic, yet is rarely credible or compelling. A double treat for the Star Trek fandom tonight: On USA Network's Psych (10/9c), William Shatner guests as Juliet's con-man dad, torn between making things right with his law-abiding daughter and pursuing yet one more dream scam. ... We are all part of Trek Nation, or so the Science channel suggests in a two-hour special (8/7c) marking the landmark space opera's 45th anniversary. Series creator Gene Roddenberry's son Rod leads this tribute, revealing rare home movies from the family archive (including the first Trek fan convention) and interviewing famous fans including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams and Seth MacFarlane as he gets to the roots of this global phenom. Looking for live music? NBC's annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special (8/9c; some NBC affiliates will begin airing the festivities at 7/6c) features the legendary likes of Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Carole King and the Radio City Rockettes gathering for the lighting of the 74-foot Norway Spruce tree. Contemporary acts include The Voice winner Javier Colon and judge Cee Lo Green, upcoming Smash star Katharine McPhee, crooner Michael Bublé and the inevitable Justin Bieber, showing off his music video with Mariah Carey on "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Another all-star gathering on the opposite coast takes place at L.A.'s Nokia Theatre, the staging ground for CBS' The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! - Countdown to Music's Biggest Night (10/9c), during which key nominations for the Feb. 12 awards show are announced in between musical performances from Lady Gaga, Usher, Rihanna, Ludacris, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry and others. A centerpiece of the special is a rap superstar collaboration on Grammy Hall of Fame-honored rap recording "The Message," featuring the show's host LL Cool J, Grandmaster Flash, Lupe Fiasco, Melle Mel, Rick Ross and Scorpio. Take that, The X Factor's Astro. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

VIDEO: Ann Coulter Frequently Bleeped On Morning Joe

Ann Coulter Ann Coulter gave the Morning Joe censor button exercising Tuesday when she frequently referred to as Sen. John McCain a "douche bag."Coulter, a Mitt Romney supporter, started talking about consistency in politics when appear was stop for a lot of seconds. The audio cut inside and out three occasions for just about any total of 13 seconds. Ann Coulter: Princess Diana was an "anorexic, bulimic" narcissistWhen she ended along with her spiel, Coulter recognized something had happened and asked for the panel, "What did I believe that? Oh, 'douche bag.'""Just blur everything out," host Joe Scarborough mentioned."OK, well, these were because of the overall drift of the,In . Coulter mentioned.Uncover the shocking truth: Taken they were slow in punching the button on Morning Joe, and MSNBC wound up suspending Mark Halperin for calling Leader Obama "a d---" on live TV.

FX Announces Return Dates for Justified and Archer

Justified, Archer Justified and Archer will return for their third seasons this January, FX announced Monday. Coming off its Emmy-winning second season, the drama will premiere its new season on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 10/9c. This season will see the entrance of Carla Gugino as an assistant director of the U.S. Marshals Service who has a history with Raylan (Timothy Olyphant). It's Always Sunny producers and FX team up for animated comedy After airing the first three episodes from Season 3 in September, Archer will return on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 10/9c. Upcoming guests include Burt Reynolds, who will voice an animated version of himself. FX will premiere its new animated series Unsupervised, from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia writer/producers David Hornsby, Scott Marder and Rob Rosell, right after Archer at 10:30/9:30c. The comedy follows two best friends navigating their teenage years with no parental guidance. Unsupervised's voice cast includes Kristen Bell, Justin Long, Fred Armisen, Romany Malco, It's Always Sunny star Kaitlin Olson and Alexa Vega. Are you excited for more Justified and Archer? Will you watch Unsupervised?

Five Reasons You Have To See 'The Muppets'

You're ready to take part in the music! You're ready to light the lights! You're ready to satisfy the Muppets at uh "The Muppets," striking theaters today! Watch the "Muppets" trailer! Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and also the relaxation of the wonderfully bizarre pals are in action finally with this particular week's discharge of "The Muppets," directed by James Bobin and starring Jason Segel, Can Be, Chris Cooper as well as an easy variety of celebrity cameos. Sporting one hundredPercent licensed fresh rating on Rotten Tomato plants, "Muppets" absolutely warrants all the credit it has been getting previously couple of days and days. For those who have any fondness whatsoever inside your hearts of these wonderful figures, there is no excuse that you should skip on that one for longtime fans and brand new ones alike, "The Muppets" is really as near to an ideal family film because it will get. Take a look at five good reasons to begin to see the movie following the jump. Failing to remember "Sarah Marshall" Segel and co-author Nicholas Stoller's love and affection for those things "Muppets" is extremely clearly displayed within this movie. The charming, witty writing they are most widely known for is over "The Muppets," but gone may be the raunchy attitude, the crude dialogue and, most significantly, Segel's practically obligatory nude moments. Actually, I had been amazed at simply how much Segel remained from the Muppets' way, not only like a author, but additionally being an actor. Stoller and Segel walk out their method to highlight who the actual stars of "The Muppets" are meant to be. Talking about the heavens... Meet Walter The latest addition to "The Muppets" gang is Walter, the earth's greatest Muppets fan and also the point of view character from the film. Walter's journey would be to decide whether he's guy or Muppet more about that inside a second and each minute we devote to him on his adventure is worth the cost of admission. He's wonderfully created, loaded by having an infectious enthusiasm about investing time with Kermit, Gonzo, Fozzy and every one of his other favorite heroes the folks in your own home can't help but share. Nick Stoller describes the roots of Walter! Muppets, Males And Music The background music in "The Muppets" is fantastic, out of the box always the situation when Kermit and pals sophistication the large or small screens. Credit on that one goes largely to Flight from the Conchords' Bret McKenzie, who offered as music supervisor around the film and introduced us memorable tunes like "Life's A Contented Song," "Pictures during my Mind" and also the sure-to-be Oscar-nominated "Guy or Muppet." The chances individuals departing the theater without a variety of these memorable amounts stuck inside your mind are extremely, very slim. Chris Cooper Raps You heard me. They are Back! Really, also can there be to express? "The Muppets" happen to be gone for a lot too lengthy, which perfect little movie a lot more than stresses just how much they have been skipped. We want these men within our lives I actually do, a minimum of. Therefore if you are keen on awesome things and you won't want to break my heart, you'll put your hard-gained easy-being eco-friendly at risk and pay "The Muppets" a trip this holiday weekend. It's my personal favorite movie of the season it may be yours too! Watch Stoller explain that which was withdrawn from the "Muppets"! Are you currently looking at "The Muppets" a few days ago? Tell us within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Sarkozy to set up national music org

President Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed that he will set up the Centre National de la Musique to support the French music industry in the same way that the CNC backs the local film biz. Sarkozy said his government aims to launch the org by next spring with an annual budget of E145 million ($195 million), which will be financed in large part by taxes collected from Internet service providers, and to a lesser extent by taxes on ticket sales for live events. The music org would centralize, regulate and distribute existing resources and subsidies provided by various institutions such as the Authors Rights' Collective Management, and Civil Society of Phonographic Producers, as well as the French Ministry of Culture. "We are going to set up a system for music that is similar to the system used by the CNC to support cinema," said Sarkozy at a forum on digital creation in Avignon. "I would like the Internet service providers, which are extremely prosperous and that's good for them, to contribute to music creation just as many industry players contribute to film creation. The day there are no longer any musicians, filmmakers and writers, what will your generation look for on the Internet?" The plan has been warmly received by the music biz. "Considering the difficulties faced by the music sector, which has been weakened by a 60% fall on recorded music, and the lack of substantial contributions, we are favorable, in principle, to the creation of the CNM," said Bernard Miyet, CEO and chairman of France's Society of Authors, Composers and Editors of Music. "We are, however, expecting to see details regarding the board's management and financing before we give our full approval." Sarkozy also said the anti-piracy law, Hadopi, will be extended to apply to users of illegal streaming websites. Sarkozy claimed that Hadopi has caused peer-to-peer piracy to drop by 35% since its inception in June 2009, although the figure has been disputed by numerous French journos. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Nia Vardalos, Peri Gilpin to Play Sisters on Grey's Anatomy

Peri Gilpin, Nia Vardalos Nia Vardalos and Peri Gilpin will guest-star as bickering sisters on an upcoming episode of Grey's Anatomy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Vardalos, who wrote and starred in the hit comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding, has recently appeared on Cougar Town and Drop Dead Diva. Gilpin, who played Kelsey Grammer's sidekick on Frasier, currently co-stars on the ABC Family series Make It or Break It. The pair's episode is schedule to air mid-January.

Ex-Penn Condition Coach Jerry Sandusky Breaks Silence on Sex Scandal to NBC's Bob Costas: 'I Should not Have Bathed With Individuals Kids' (Video)

Former Penn Condition football coach Jerry Sandusky, that has been billed with 40 counts of sexual abuse against children, has damaged his silence concerning the sex scandal that led to the ouster of mind football coach Joe Paterno and three other college authorities.our editor recommendsPenn Condition Game: ESPN Takes High Road in Coverage (Opinion)Joe Paterno's Weekly Penn St. Press Conference Canceled Among Jerry Sandusky Sex ScandalPenn State's Assistant Coach Placed on Administrative LeaveJoe Paterno Firing Draws Mixed Reaction Around InternetAshton Kutcher Known as 'Idiot,' 'Ignorant' After Tweeting Joe Paterno's Firing Was 'in Poor Taste' Sandusky -- that has been billed through the condition of Pennsylvania using the sexual assaults or advances on eight boys from 1994-2009, throughout which period he offered as Penn Condition defensive coordinator and mind from the Second Mile charitable organisation, helping at-risk youth -- gave a unique interview to NBC's Bob Costas that's set to air at 10 p.m. Monday on Rock Center With John Williams. Throughout the job interview, Sandusky demands that he's "innocent of individuals charges." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Greatest Fantasy Football Fans When pressed by Costas if he was "completely innocent and wrongly accused in each and every aspect," Sandusky responded: "Well I possibly could state that, you realize, I've done a number of individuals things. I've horsed around with kids. I've bathed after workout routines. I've hugged them and that i have touched their leg. Without intent of sexual contact." Sandusky was adamant that he's not really a child molester but accepted that you will find some actions he regrets. "I shouldn't have bathed with individuals kids," he stated. VIDEO: How Penn Condition Protesters Specific the Media This news has rocked the Penn Condition community. Beloved coach Paterno, that has were built with a effective 46-year training career, was fired a week ago because of not confirming an incident he observed nine years back including Sandusky towards the government bodies. College leader Graham Spanier also was ousted. Two other Penn Condition employees, sports director Timothy Curley and Gary Schultz, a senior vice president who oversaw the college police department, were arraigned a week ago on charges they understood concerning the alleged crimes but didn't report them. Schultz has since walked lower, while Curley was positioned on administrative leave to pay attention to his defense. VIDEO: Even Satan Upset by Penn Condition Scandal on 'SNL' Meanwhile, Second Mile Boss Jack Raykovitz has been ousted from his position. Sandusky, 67, is free of charge on the $100,000 bond. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news concerning the economy Related Subjects John Williams NBC Rock Center

Kim Kardashian Hires Marty Singer to Shut Down Former PR Rep

Kim Kardashian is taking legal action against claims that her televised wedding to Kris Humphries (and their 72 days of marriage) were fake.our editor recommendsKim Kardashian's Hairy Lawsuit, Kat Von D on Jesse James' 19 Women, Kendall Jenner's $90,000 CarKim Kardashian Has Not Received Death Threats on Set of 'The Marriage Counselor,' Reps SayKim Kardashian's Husband Kris Humphries Hires Divorce LawyerKim Kardashian's Ex-Publicist Believes She Staged Her Wedding (Audio) PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Shortest Marriages The Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Kourtney & Kim Take NY star has hired prominent lawyer Marty Singer to silence the man claiming to be her former PR rep Jonathan Jaxson. Jaxsonsaid"she knew weeks before getting married she didn't want to do it." And claims she has never gotten over ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush. PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Inc. He also maintains that he "staged several of the moments the world has seen of her," including the speculation of her engagement to Bush in 2007. STORY: Kim Kardashian Divorce: 10 Signs the Marriage Was One Big Hoax All Along However, Singer tells The Hollywood Reporter that Jaxson was never Kardashian's publicist alleging that in March of 2007, "Jaxson apologized in writing to Kim for referring to himself as her publicist." "As a result of Jonathan Jaxson communicating outrageous false statements last week, Kim Kardashian commenced legal proceedings on Friday [Nov. 11] afternoon against Jaxson," Singer said in a statement to THR. TMZ reports that Jaxson, who worked with Kardashian very briefly two years ago, signed a confidentiality agreement which she believes he is now in violation of. She is seeking $200,000 in damages, alleging he made defamatory statements. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Top Earners However, Jaxson says the contract was never signed. "I have never signed an agreement dealing with confidentiality with Kim Kardashian," he told TMZ. "I have an agreement in my possession that does not have either parties signature on it." COVER STORY: How the Kardashians Made $65 Million Last Year Singer is known for representing high-profile cases, including Charlie Sheen's fight against CBS earlier this year. He's also worked with Britney Spears, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Related Topics Kim Kardashian Marty Singer Keeping Up With the Kardashians Kris Humphries Kourtney & Kim Take NY

Confirmed: Billy Very To Host The Academy awards!

First Released: November 10, 2011 7:00 PM EST Credit: FilmMagic Caption Billy Very involves The Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences tribute to Sophia Loren on May 4, 2011 in Beverly HillsLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Billy Very is coming back to host the 2012 Academy awards, Access Hollywood has confirmed. A representative for that Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that Very will part of for Eddie Murphy, who drawn from the hosting gig after Brett Ratner walked lower as producer from the show. Ratner walked lower on Tuesday, just days following the director used a homophobic slur throughout a Q&A session carrying out a screening of his latest film, Tower Heist, which stars Murphy. On Thursday Very Tweeted, Am doing the Academy awards therefore the youthful lady within the pharmacy stop asking my title after i get my medications. Searching toward the show. Very also launched an argument on Thursday, with the Academy. The best moments of my career have happened around the Oscar stage. I'm thrilled to become back there, his statement read. The 2012 ceremony will mark Deposits ninth stint as host from the annual ceremony. He last located in 2004. Previously Thursday, Access Hollywood correspondent Tim Vincent spoke to new Oscar producer John Grazer, who stated he was searching for a number hungry for that gig. It is the best job on the planet, its a tough job, Grazer stated on Thursday in La. You want someone whos almost searching in internet marketing like a kind of civil servant, where theyre feeling like, Were thrilled to become here, dying to get it done, getting out of bed early, Im considering it through the night. On Thursday evening, Grazer, with the Academy, launched an argument about his new host. Like a lot of others, Ive been wanting to see Billy host again, Grazers statement read. Its very satisfying he agreed to get it done with Don and me in the helm. In Feb in the Governors Ball following a Oscars, Access Rob Robinson requested Very if he desired to host again after receiving this type of warm welcome in the crowd throughout a tribute to Bob Hope throughout this year's ceremony. I truly loved doing my minute-and-a-half and that i concerned about it exactly as I actually do after i get it done for 3 hrs, he stated at that time. It had been very emotional to have the love in the audience after i walked available again on that stage. It required my breath away. Adding at that time, I have no idea [if Id host again.] Thats annually away or even more. POLL: Is Billy Very the ideal choice to host the 2012 Academy awards? Click The Link to election! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Daniel Loeb alerts Yahoo, Yang

Activist investor Daniel Loeb, whose Third Point LLC has about 5% of Yahoo, has put the fighting Netco's board and management on realize that traders be ready to bring advantages of an eventual purchase, which he's asked for co-founder Jerry Yang to go away the board. Loeb, in the biting letter to company company directors released Friday, railed at reviews the organization could consider skirting an outright purchase through getting numerous private equity finance traders use Yang to obtain a chunk of money in Yahoo, departing the dwelling and management unchanged. "Really the only purpose should be to put substantial equity stakes into friendly hands to entrench management and transfer effective control without payment from the premium in addition to, it appears, a investor election," Loeb written. "We will not tolerate any transaction which appropriates for affiliates options that duly participate in current Yahoo traders." He threatened a proxy contest when the organization chases a deal that doesn't give traders an acceptable shake. "We could assure all Yahoo traders that no matter the outcomes from the proper review process may be, it'll serve the most effective interests of all the company's traders," Yahoo countered in the statement. "News reviews based on rumor and speculation are merely that. The board's comprehensive proper review process remains showed up, together with options underactive consideration." Yahoo hired investment bankers inside the summer season and contains mentioned anything freely than it's exploring all proper options. The fate in the giant company with stellar worldwide brands but facing brutal competition has converted into a couple of nearly every single day speculation -- with unpredictability increased because Yahoo hasn't named a completely new Boss to switch Carol Bartz, who was simply ousted taken. Jack Ma's Alibaba Quantity of China, major private equity finance traders Texas Off-shoreline Group, Providence Equity, Silver Lake, KKR and Blackstone, along with Microsoft and Google are mentioned being hoping to get a deal. "We do not blame our pals within the private equity finance traders rumored being involved for trying for that finest deal achievable for his or her traders," Loeb written. "However, we at Third Point may also be inside the value-taking advantage of business. We'd welcome the options of those firms' presence around the reconstituted Yahoo board of company company directors and concentrate on the extended-term way of the business if it's required for us to pursue a proxy contest next season.In . Loeb, who is renowned for making public harsh letters to boards and professionals he desires to pressure, will have a extended-standing grudge in this particular situation. He claims inside the letter that Yahoo's failure to clinch an order to Microsoft in 1998 was due to Yang's "ineptitude." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'The Muppets': Jason Segel, Could Be Search for Kermit, Miss Piggy Features a Showdown in New Clips (Video)

Disney released three new clips in the approaching The Muppets movie on Wednesday.our editor recommends'The Muppets' at D23: Jason Segel Talks about Their Comedy Influence (Video)'The Muppets' Miss Piggy Disses Lady Gaga's 'Faux Frog' Kermit Coat The Muppets Parody R-Rated 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' in New Trailer (Video) The film, which stars Jason Segel and may Be, features Jim Henson's beloved figures and introduces a completely new Muppet named Walter. Chris Cooper and Rashida Manley co-star. VIDEO: 'The Muppets' Trailer Showcases Hollywood Cameos The film concentrates on the efforts of Gary (Segel), his girlfriend Mary (Adams) and brother Walter to be able to save the Muppet Theater from being razed having a dubious oilman (Cooper) who want to take advantage from the property to drill oil recently discovered there. To get this done, they need to reunite the Muppets, who've all gone their separate ways. In one clip, Gary, Mary and Walter are searching for Kermit in La -- where they've created an unscheduled pit visit famous waitress or eatery Pink's. STORY: Kermit as Mogul, Farting Fozzie Bear: How Disney's Muppets Movie Has Purists Rattled and shook and shook Another provides a bit of nostalgia for Muppets when Miss Piggy takes lower another pig along with her signature "hey-ya!" karate chop. Segel also co-written the film with Nicholas Stoller and may serve as executive producer. The film, which marks the initial Muppets feature film since 1999's Muppets From Space, opens November. 23. Related Subjects Could Be Chris Cooper Jason Segel Rashida Manley The Muppets

AFM 2011: Jason Statham and IM Global Team on 'Hummingbird'

Stuart Ford's IM Global and Jason Statham are re-teaming on action-drama Hummingbird, which Oscar nominated screenwriter Steven Knight will direct in his feature directorial debut.our editor recommendsJason Statham Buys Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor's 10-Bedroom Estate IM Global will fully finance the $20 milion project, which Ford will shop to foreign buyers at the American Film Market, which gets underway Wednesday in Santa Monica. Knight will shoot on location in London in early 2012. Oscar nominated producers Paul Webster (Atonement, Salmon Fishing in Yemen) and Tracey Seaward (The Queen, War Horse) are producing Hummingbird with IM Global. "We had a great experience making Safe with Jason and we're excited to team him with a director/producer team as sophisticated as Steven, Paul and Tracey," Ford said. In Hummingbird, Statham will star as a damaged ex-special forces soldier trapped in London's criminal underworld who is transformed into an avenging angel when an unexpected opportunity allows him to assume another identity. Once believing he was beyond redemption, he now seeks out his own version of justice. "This is a perfect project for Shoebox Films. Thank you to Stuart Ford and the IM Global team for their tremendous support for Steve and Jason. I can't wait for this brilliant script to make the leap from page to screen," Webster said. The picture was pre-emptively acquired by several major international distributors prior to its AFM launch this week, including Lionsgate in the U.K; Universum in Germany; Impuls in Switzerland; Scanbox in Scandinavia; and Hoyts in Australia. Related Topics AFM AFM 2011 IM Global

Andre Braugher Battles the Team on SVU: "He May Be the Enemy, But He's Not a Villain"

Andre Braugher It's a different character, a different city, and a different department, but when Andre Braugher returns to NBC for his first appearance on Law & Order: SVU Wednesday (airing at 10/9c on NBC), there will be one very familiar face in his midst. "It's kind of funny because Munch has been in both of these worlds, and here I am basically in Munch's world appearing as someone else, so there's a cute little meet and greet," Braugher tells TVGuide.com of his reunion with Homicide: Life on the Street co-star Richard Belzer. "I say, 'Have we met?' There's a glimmer before we get down to brass tax in the show basically to acknowledge we know each other and that we spent a significant amount of time together." Law & Order: SVU's new boss on Meloni's exit, new detectives and rejuvenating the show It's been almost 12 years since Braugher retired his badge in the 2000 Homicide TV movie, and although his co-star is still portraying the same wise-cracking cop, Braugher's Det. Frank Pembleton is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the two-time Emmy winner will guest-star in three episodes as Bayard Ellis, a well-known defense attorney who made his money defending drug kingpins and now works pro-bono. "Bayard Ellis is a lawyer with the resources and a real desire to represent defendants to make sure they get the kind of trial and the kind of defense that they deserve," Braugher says. "Quite often the criticism of the state is that they choose defendants that don't have resources and consequently bargain down the charges or prosecute those people who have no chance of really presenting a sturdy defense." Although Bayard's presence will cause big problems for the SV unit, he'll serve as a sympathetic ear (and maybe more) for Olivia (Mariska Hargitay). "It's been pretty well established over the years that it's very hard for Olivia to create balance in her life. He is suggesting that he knows where she's coming from and that the pursuit of justice and the defense of your clients in the pursuit of justice is all-consuming. As important as that work is, it's also taxing and also drains all the participants of all their strength or energy," Braugher says. "Right now, Bayard and Olivia are fellow travelers. Where it develops, I don't know. But right now, he may be the enemy, but he's not a villain." Watch full episodes of Law & Order: SVU Go behind the scenes of Braugher's first SVU episode: But make no mistake. Bayard may reach out to Olivia on a personal level, but in the courtroom, he means business. "I think that makes the storytelling is better when you have credible opposition rather than guys who are pushovers. It allows those stories to take on a little more depth," Braugher says. "[The episode] reveals that the justice system is broken in its own way so that's different storytelling than you normally see on SVU or any of the Law & Order shows." It's this focus on storytelling that had driven Braugher away from procedurals and towards edgier, more serialized cable fare in recent years. In 2006, he played a recently widowed robber posing as a classic car salesman on FX's Thief before the drama was axed after one season. He then stepped into the shoes of Owen Thoreau, a car salesman (for real this time) facing his 50s on TNT's Men of a Certain Age. Like Thief, Men of a Certain Age was critically adored, but failed to resonate with viewers. The series was canceled this past summer after two seasons and a passionate save-the-show campaign from creators and executive producers Mike Royce and Ray Romano. "I wasn't very optimistic. Mike was very optimistic as was Ray because it's their baby. Having been in television for a long time, I've seen a lot of good shows get canceled and the writing was on the wall for me," Braugher says. "We needed more eyeballs and we couldn't find them to save our lives." TNT cancels Men of a Certain Age Despite these recent professional disappointments at the hand of the Nielsen box, Braugher knows TV is still where he wants to be. "I consider myself good at what I do and it really becomes a question of what the storytelling is like. This is an art form that I love: being on television and the storytelling is superb. Sometimes it's on cable and sometimes it's on networks, but it doesn't really matter to me at all," he says. "I don't know what that project is or when it will come along, but I'm really looking forward to it when it happens." That next project could even be a return to SVU beyond his original three-episode arc. Braugher says he hasn't heard anything, yet, but he'd love to come back as long it makes sense for the character. "I don't want to push it. I want it to be organic and I want it to feel right so these three episodes are really my chance to see what it's like to be in the SVU world and SVU to see what it's like to have me there," Braugher says. "It's a necessary step for all of us to really find out where we stand before making anything permanent."

Hot Trailer: American Reunion

Universal Pictures has launched a trailer for American Reunion, that is going to be out April 6, 2012. It appears that Jason Biggs, Allyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Chris Klein, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas and Eugene Levy are as much as their old methods. Now you ask ,, is the fact that a positive thing?

Kris Jenner to go over Kim Kardashian's Divorce on 'Today' Show

The Kardashians publicize their partnerships and births on television -- and today they're booking looks for his or her divorces.our editor recommendsKim Kardashian Divorce: 10 Signs the wedding Was One Large Hoax All Along Kim Kardashian Divorce: E! Caught unexpectedly, Holding Emergency Conferences PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Least Partnerships Kris Jenner can look on NBC's Today show Wednesday to go over her daughter's divorce from Kris Humphries after 72 times of marriage. STORY: Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries' Divorce: Through the Amounts An insider also told The Hollywood Reporter that Jenner -- who can serve as the household's business manager -- ensured that Kardashian and Humphries' divorce was introduced on Monday over time for coverage within the weekly magazines, which are to deadline on that day. PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Corporation. The Kardashians unleashed multiple claims towards the media Monday (ensuring to first provide them with to E! News, which airs their reality show, and therefore pays their bills), prior to the ink was dry around the divorce filing. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Top Earners "After consideration, I've made the decision to finish my marriage," Kardashian stated via her repetition. "I really hope everybody knows it was no easy decision. I'd wished this marriage was forever but sometimes things don't appear. We remain buddies and desire one another the very best.Inch STORY: Kim Kardashian Divorce: 10 Signs the wedding Was One Large Hoax All Along Added her sister Khloe via Twitter: "Reading through some these comments r so hurtful. Im grateful 4our fans who understand &r being sincere. Hate is disgusting. Love is everything." and "Thankfully to see relatives. We're strong and we'll only become closer! I really like YOU." And sister Kourtney: "Our sister is certainly going through a hard time but we're a detailed family and therefore are adhering together like always. We appreciate everybody's kindness and support. @KimKardashian, we like you." STORY: Kim Kardashian Divorcing Kris Humphries After 72 Times of Marriage Humphries also spoke out, telling E! News: "I really like my spouse and am devastated to understand she declared divorce. I am devoted to this marriage and everything this covenant signifies. I am prepared to do whatever needs doing to really make it work." Related Subjects Kim Kardashian Kris Jenner Today

'War Horse' Star Jeremy Irvine to Play Young Colin Firth

Jeremy Irvine, star of Steven Spielberg's upcoming drama "War Horse," has been cast in "The Railway Man," a drama to be directed by Jonathan Teplitzky. The project is based on a memoir by Eric Lomax that chronicles his experience working on Japan's Death Railway during World War II and the woman he loved. Japan forced prisoners of war to work on the railway, which connectsBangkok to what is now Yangon, Myanmar. Lomax was a British officer during the war, and was tortured by the Japanese for being a spy. Later in life, Lomax sought to track down one of his torturers. He will also be portrayed byColin Firth in the film.The script was co-written byFrank Cottrell Boyce and Andy Paterson, who is also producing via his Archer Street Productions with Chris Brown of Pictures in Paradise and Bill Curbishley. Lionsgate has the U.K. rights and is handling international sales. Liongate U.K.'s Zygi Kamasa will executive produce.Irvine is currently in production on director Mike Newell's"Great Expectations," in which he will star as Pip opposite Ralph Fiennes and Helen Bonham Carter. He has completed "Now is Good," oppositeDakota Fanning, Paddy Considine and Olivia Williams.In Dreamworks'"War Horse," which will be released in December, Irvine plays Albert, whose beloved horse is sold to the cavalry during World War I. Though too young to enlist, Albert heads to the battlefields to save his equine friend. The film is based on the Tony Award-winning play.Irvine is represented by CAA,Hatton McEwan in the U.K. and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams & Hurwitz. The Hollywood Reporter