Media Stocks Join Market Exuberance Over Effort To Stabilize Banking System

The benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 was up 4.3% today after central banks in the U.S., Europe, and Japan said that they’d help supply cash to avoid a credit crunch if the European debt crisis worsens. That buoyed media stocks: The Dow Jones U.S. Media Index was up nearly 4.4%. CBS shares rose 5.8%, giving it the biggest bump among the elite group of Big Media companies. It was followed by Disney (+5.4%), News Corp (+5.4%), Time Warner (+4.3%), Viacom (+4.3%), Comcast (+4.2%), and Sony (+2.7%). Among other media companies, Westwood One and The NY Times were up more than 10%. Companies up more than 9% include Outdoor Channel, LIN TV, and Entercom. Only a few companies lost ground.The hardest hit wasNetflix, down 4.5% after Wedbush Securities’ Michael Pachter downgraded the video rental firm to “underperform” from “neutral.” His rationale: “We think that the companys pricing structure is wrong, and its business model is broken. At current prices, we expect Netflix to continue to lose more hybrid (DVD and streaming) customers than it adds, and those who remain will not be particularly profitable.”

J.J. Abrams Certifies Benicio Del Toro 'In Talks' for 'Star Trek 2' Role

After much speculation, director J.J. Abrams has confirmed that he's in talks with chameleon actor Benicio Del Toro to appear inside the 'Star Trek' follow-up. According to MTV Movies Blog, the 'Cloverfield' director wants Del Toro to see the villain -- though we're unsure which. "Well, we're just in discussions, we're in discussions," mentioned Abrams. "It is not even discussions -- just being debated. However I must use him. I've desired to utilize him for any very long time, which felt as being a pretty good possibility. It's too early to go over just what the role is, but he's this type of amazing actor. He's so versatile. He could type of do just about anything. Except play Uhura. I wouldn't buy that." Abrams also clarified the villain character might be revealed once the actor is cast -- so fingers joined we view some Del Toro Khan! #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-111921.cke_show_edges #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-111921, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-111921 Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook [Photo: Getty Images]

'G.I. Joe' Follow-up Crew Member Dies On Set

Mike Huber, a in your town hired crew member concentrating on the audience of significant'sG.I. Joe 2: Retaliation,died November. 22 while keeping focused around the rise in New Orleans. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths Vital launched the following statement for the Hollywood Reporter:"Our ideas and finest condolences are utilizing the Huber family at this time around around." PHOTOS: 12 Shocking Hollywood Deaths Vital mentioned the safety of the cast and crew can be a primary concern that is "fully cooperating wonderful considering agencies simply because they examine the circumstances surrounding this unusual accident." TMZ reported Wednesday that Huber died while keeping focused on the greater-powered scissor lift that expected over. Vital will releaseG.I. Joe 2on June 29 it followsG.I. Joe: The Increase of Cobra, popular this past year. Jon M. Chuis pointing theLorenzo di Bonaventura-produced follow-up, which will featureBruce Willis, Channing Tatum,Dwayne Manley,Adrianne Palicki,Ray StevensonandRZA, among others. The project began shooting in New Orleans in August. Email: Daniel.Burns@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller Related Subjects

Bonjour! Watch the Trailer for January's Beauty and the Beast 3D Re-Release

Be Movieline’s guest and revisit everyone’s favorite tale as old as time, the second release in Disney’s quest for total world domination (AKA, The ‘See How Much Money Lion King 3D Made Us??’ business plan) which brings vintage Disney classics back to screens in limited runs in restored 3-D. Next up is 1991’s Beauty and the Beast, a singalong favorite for children of the ’90s that’s sure to make another bazillion or so dollars. Watch the trailer and decide if you’re giddy to see Belle sweep the Beast off his cloven feet with her brainy book smarts or just curious to know what Robby Benson’s up to these days… Producer Don Hahn, who also produced The Lion King and oversaw its recent 3-D conversion and re-release, is back to guide Beauty and the Beast’s 3-D run, although I’m not quite sold on the muted visual presentation in the trailer below; the final polish must look better than this if it’s going to be worth the ticket price. To be fair, Beauty and the Beast’s Blu-ray presentation was fairly gorgeous, and the Disney team managed to make Lion King’s sprawling tundras come even more alive in 3-D. So, sure: Mark your calendars for January 13, 2012! [Yahoo!]

Bazaar buzz

'Behind the Lights'From festival standouts to crowdpleasers a choose listing of tests to consider: LAS ACACIASPablo Giorgelli, ArgentinaA road movie and romantic tale. Cannes Camera d'Or champion. Among Latin America's films of the season.Product sales: UDIALICIA, GO YONDERElisa Burns, MexicoShot on the shoestringbudget, film tracks a youthful lady as she explores the icy reaches of Patagonia.Sales: Funny BalloonsAMERICANOMathieu Demy, FranceFirst-time director Demy's semi-autobiographical emotional journey having a show-preventing turn from Salma Hayek. An MPI The United States pick-up: BacBAD INTENTIONSRosario Garcia Montero, PeruA darkly comic rituals of passage dramedy that determines Garcia Montero like a talent to trace.At the rear of THE LIGHTSSandra Sanchez, SpainA team of traveling gypsy fairground employees combat the financial and emotional odds in Sanchez's Galicia-set fly-on-the-wall docu.BLACKTHORNMateo Gil, SpainA Western from Alejandro Amenabar's co-scribe where a grizzled Mike Shepard plays a maturing Butch Cassidy a remarkable territory seller.Sales: 6 SalesBONSAICristian Jimenez, ChileDramedy impressed at Cannes Not Certain Regard. Offered to major areas, including The country, U.K. and U.S. RezoCHINESE TAKEAWAYSebastian Borensztein, ArgentinaA hit in Argentina and The country -- no mean task -- a heartwarming Ricardo Darin mix-culture buddy comedy with sales to Germany, France, Italia. Pic won top prize at Rome.Sales: LatidoCOUNTRY MUSICAlberto Fuguet, ChileShot in six days, Valdivia champion from Fuquet tracks a 30-plus Chilean guitarist who finds kinship with fellow music artists in Nashville. THE Imagine LUCarlos "Hari" Sama, MexicoA grieving mother discovers to maneuver on following the dying of her boy.EXPIRATION DATEKenya Marquez, MexicoA dark comedy/mystery increased by Damian Alcazar's deep talent. Sales: LatinofusionTHE FIFTH COMMANDMENTRafael Lara, MexicoLara ("La Milagrosa") helms a mental serial killer thriller with major territory sales potential.Sales: LatidoGRABASergio Mazza, ArgentinaA couple arrived at grips with losing their kids in Paris. Marly del Plata player. Sales: Primer PlanoJUAN From The DEADAlejandro Brugues, Cuba-SpainHavana zombie comedy sparked key territory deals at Toronto.Sales: LatinofusionIN THE Title From The GIRLTania Hermida, EcuadorA 9-year-old confounds her Catholic familyby teaching her youthful cousins communism.Sales: The Match FactoryTHE Guy WHO Resided Inside A SHOEGabriella Gomez-Mont, MexicoDoc compares the group of "El Guero," an eccentric fixture on Mexico City's performance art scene.MAPA PARA CONVERSARConstanza Fernandez, ChileFeature debut brings up Polanski's "Knife within the waterInch inside a tale of the lesbian couple. Sanfic champion.MEDIANERASGustavo Taretto, ArgentinaA tightly shot debut in regards to a youthful guy and lady looking for love in busy Buenos Aires. A Berlin Panorama standout. Sales: The Match FactoryTHE MISFITSJorge Ramirez-Suarez, Sergio Tovar Velarde, Javier Colinas and Marco Polo Constandse, ArgentinaA four-comedy collage, from senior citizens to take advantage of a bank to some suicidal guy thinking about going porn.Sales: FilmSharksPENUMBRAAdrian and Ramiro Garcia Bogliano, ArgentinaA lady assumes tenants inside a well-crafted suspense. Austin player, acquired by IFC. Sales: Primer PlanoPESCADORSebastian Cordero, EcuadorCordero's tale of lives disrupted after cocaine packets clean ashore inside a fishing village preemed and pleased at San Sebastian.ROMAN'S CIRCUITSebastian Brahm, ChileCraftily edited drama provides an authentic undertake a persons brain's memory circuits. Popular at Toronto, Special Jury awardee, Valdivia. Sales: ShorelineTHE RUMBLE OF STONESAlejandro Bellame, VenezuelaVenezuela's Oscar contender follows just one mother who struggles in order to save her sons from gang violence prevalent in her own barrio.Sales: AmazoniaTHE SQUADJaime Osorio Marquez, ColombiaSam Larger meets "Rec" in Osorio's horror/war parable. Impressive sales along with a U.S. remake deal.Sales: Wild BunchSWIRLClarissa Campolina, Helvecio Marins Junior., BrazilDoc-style depiction of the recent widow's transformed existence in deep South america. Sales: UDISEE YOU, DADLucia Carreras, MexicoCamera observes like a youthful lady by having an all-consuming Electra complex produces a pocket world to handle father's dying.TOGETHER FOREVERPablo Solarz, ArgentinaA comedy in regards to a scriptwriter's lack of his wife and the grip on reality because he seeks to create popular. Sales: Primer PlanoTRIPFran Lepe, GuatemalaBased on real occasions along with a same-entitled hit musical, theatrical maestro Lepe's feature debut has attracted crowds to Guatemalan multiplexes. The Entire Year From The TIGERSebastian Lelio, ChileLelio's third pic tracks a prison escapee who seeks his family after an earthquake. Impressed at Locarno and Valdiviar.Sales: Funny BalloonsXINGUCao Hamburger, BrazilAdventure biopic of Brazilian frontier people Villas Boas Bros. from Emmy-nominated Hamburger. Berlin player.SPOTLIGHT: VENTANA SUR Ventana Sur's sales surge Bazaar buzz Moving firm and reshapers Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Michael Kenneth Williams In Talks For Django Unchained and Snitch

UPDATE: Affiliates on Django Unchained mentioned the talks with Michael Kenneth Williams just won’t exercise because of his schedule on Boardwalk Empire. They are scrapping that role completely. EXCLUSIVE: Michael Kenneth Williams, most broadly noted for his behave as drug dealer/crook Omar inside the Wire and bootlegger Chalky White-colored in Boardwalk Empire, may have a supporting role in Snitch which is searching at another shot at joining Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Inside the Ric Roman Waugh-directed Snitch, he’ll play a drugs kingpin getting a brief temper who becomes connected having a guy (Dwayne Manley) who's turning DEA snitch to acquire his boy a lesser prison stretch. The film shoots the following month. Django Unchained may also be inside the works. Williams is at mind by Tarantino to see the title role, but Jamie Foxx got that job. Now, Williams’ reps within the Collective are exercising dates while using third season of Cinemax’s Boardwalk Empire to make sure that Williams can also enjoy another role inside the film that Tarantino is working out creatively. I’m told it’s likely he’ll play muscle for ranch owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Zooey Deschanel, Emmy Rossum Share Acting Secrets

By Lesley Goldberg, Marisa Guthrie, and Philiana Ng November 15, 2011 CLAIRE DANES Barbara Mathison,"Homeland" (Showtime)This is not employment I really could intuit. Someone said a good deal round the CIA and bpd and met getting a reasonably high-ranking lady who works well with the CIA. She needed me to Langley, Virginia, which i prodded her co-employees with questions. They were incredibly responsive and generous with understanding in addition to their anecdotes. I furthermore met getting a girl named Julie Fast, who's bipolar and contains written numerous books round the condition. I labored with my friend who's a mental health specialist, who aided me identify Barbara and offered us a lesson on medications familiar with address it. The heavy research I did so for Temple Grandin prepared me with this particular role. There's nothing casual about playing Barbara Mathison.My First SAG Job: Like many NYers, it absolutely was on "Law & Order." I used to be 12 and carried out a teenage killer. When the episode broadcast, I obtained around the subway thinking, "Do people recognize me?" I discovered, Not really a chance, it doesn't work such as this.LAURA DERN Amy Jellicoe, "Enlightened" (Cinemax)Mike White-colored [the show creator] which i created Amy. It came from from my feeling -- together with a sense that numerous have probably felt -- that you will find real cultural apathy in this country but plenty of rage. I desired to educate yourself regarding this rage and what continues if this might be your finest flaw but furthermore the main one factor that drives you to definitely certainly healing and effecting change in the world. What do i mean? Because the only people taking it for the streets are individuals who can't go any more, and that we are merely since with Occupy Wall Street. I didn't may need to look far outdoors myself to consider Amy, even though I'm different than her, because of there as being a seed in many us that individuals share that Amy has. I am a meditator from the different variety, and i'm certainly considering health on all levels. I have attended spiritual courses but possibly avoid similar kind of desperation installed on it -- nothing beats, "I've fallen apart, which factor better attempt to put me back together again.InchMy First SAG Job: I used to be a teen in Adrian Lyne's 1980 film "Foxes." My grandmother's favorite memory was when my SAG card showed up the mail, which i mentioned, "It is time will be able to get my own, personal checking account.In . I Quickly received my salary for $9.75.ZOOEY DESCHANEL Jess Day, "New Girl" (Fox)Used in TV means less free time to arrange, but that's good -- meaning more hours on set to experiment and very understand the figures. Jess is very crazy, silly and excitable and finds pleasure in lots of things. I'm very excitable and emotional too, to be able to interact with that. My approach has somewhat more intellectual, which i like doing television because I am in a position to explore things every week that we wouldn't have observed the runway space to accomplish before, and studying the physical comedy part remains really fun. I've always carried out figures that are type of removed and ones you don't really achieve explore psychologically New Girl has given me an chance to actually pay a personality. It's been great."My First SAG Job: An instalment of "Veronica's Closet." I used to be in secondary school. My parents wouldn't let me do auditions until I really could drive myself.MONICA POTTER Kristina Braverman, "MotherhoodInch (NBC)Kristina is certainly crying because of what's happening in their existence. Therefore I don't overthink it -- I aim to merely whether it's. However always stay within the frame of what's right. We've amazing authors. I sometimes get taken up round the words and acquire really nervous about saying them precisely the means by that they are written because my first show was "Boston Legal" with David E. Kelley. With him, you can't ad-lib anything. Sometimes I add my own, personal little Monica-isms sometimes they stick, sometimes they don't. After they do, my family members spots them. Personally, it comes down lower to being relaxed and not trying so desperately -- rather, breathing and in the moment. I learned acting in route -- I didn't study it at school -- therefore i don't discuss acting techniques any more. I don't appear like I realize things i am doing fully.My First SAG Job: A [the 19 nineties] Peruvian kids' game show referred to as "Nubeluz." I desired to spice up as being a cloud and fly using the air.EMMY ROSSUM Fiona Gallagher, "Shameless" (Showtime)I've got a whitened board throughout my office that charts how Fiona's feelings develop from episode to episode. That enables me visualize, in the large-picture way, how her emotional existence tracks with every character. To see her, I started in the host to appear: how she spoke rhythmically, how she walked. I never tried to experience her with techniques that's sexy, which is strange in my opinion that males uncover the smoothness of Fiona sexy. She doesn't fashion herself up. There's no vanity about her the higher dark circles under my eyes, the higher it's for your show. I'm a sense of connectivity to her that it's less nearly impossible to find that devote my figure. My own, personal father left once i reaches utero, which is been a very painful factor personally that Fiona also provides a boy-of-a-bitch father but nevertheless wants his approval and love. There's this horrible feeling of digging around a thing that was completely offer bed mattress, yet there's a continuing storm brewing underneath. This has truly assisted me pry up.My First SAG Job: On "Since the World Turns." I carried out Holden and Molly's daughter Abigail. I anxiously wanted the part. I used to be 11 combined with been studying X and Y chromosomes, dominant genes and recessive genes. I seen the show yesterday my audition and recognized the two stars who carried out the oldsters both had blue eyes. I'd just learned at school that two blue-eyed parents can't have a very brown-eyed child. Therefore I went to the audition and mentioned once they wanted me, I'd go get contact contacts to own blue eyes. They cast me and mentioned, "Ensure she brings her contacts."KATEY SAGAL Gemma Teller Morrow, "Sons of Anarchy" (Foreign exchange)Wardrobe, hair and makeup -- it's all regulated controlled necessary to Gemma because I don't look anything like her throughout my regular existence. I positioned on the tats and people high biker boots, and there's another energy. Sometimes we'll execute a take, as well as the camera guy will say: "We're not able to visit your foot. You don't need to you should get some shoes." Nonetheless they bring an essential energy. TV is actually fast you must do your quest. It is not just like film, where you stand getting 25 takes. I still make use of an acting coach I've always labored getting a coach. It allows me get through to the set getting attempted something more important because once i make it, I realize I'm not getting plenty of shots advertising online.My First SAG Job: "The Failing of Raymond," a 1971 TV movie with Dean Stockwell and Jane Wyman. It absolutely was of a teacher who discovers the student she flunked would be to kill her. I used to be 17, but I'd one line. My father [Boris Sagal] was the director, which he wanted me to experience a union card. I really just seriously considered a music artist, but my dad actually was smart which he understood I preferred a union card. The Hollywood Reporter

Fox hits U.K. roads with virtual vidstores

Fox and HMV have teamed to produce outside virtual vidstores. Inside a test to determine whether or not this sell more Dvd disks and Blu-sun rays to customers on the run, twentieth century Fox Home Theatre has teamed with British store HMV to produce a virtual store on city roads. Bus stop along with other advertisements will feature QR codes that customers can scan utilizing their mobile phones to buy marketed films which will then be shipped for their doorways inside the first a few days. The codes instantly launch hmv.com and also the selected product page to accomplish the orders. Fox's "Rise from the Planet from the Apes," "X-Males Top Class,Inch "Rio," "Mr. Popper's Penguins," "The Exorcist The Entire Saga," the "Home Alone Collection," the "Alien Anthology," "Glee Season Two," "Family Guy Season 11" and "24: The Entire Series" will participate the mobile effort. Venture may be the first such deal Fox has played around with with utilizing a mobile application. Should it prove effective, the studio will probably expand it over the relaxation around the globe along with other merchants. "We are entering the most popular gifting season of the season when customers are extended for some time and on the run using their cell phone in hands," stated Robert Cost, controlling director, twentieth century Fox Home Theatre. "With this virtual store, we have produced new distribution points that formerly did not exist, permitting customers to right away look for everybody on the holiday list just using mobile." Outside media featuring Fox's virtual store code can look working in london, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Edinburgh. To produce the QR code and shop, customers will require a QR readers on the cell phone or download the free application from getbeetagg.com. HMV works 250 stores through the U.K. and Ireland. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Michael Fassbender 'Open' To 'RoboCop'

When Brazilian director José Padilha was asked who he wanted to play Officer Alex J. Murphy in his upcoming reboot of the "RoboCop" franchise, he spoke openly that he hoped to cast one of Hollywood's most-wanted actors, Michael Fassbender. At the time of the interview, no one had approached Fassbender about the role, and news soon spread across the internet about the director of "Elite Squad: The Enemy Within," which just hit theaters, and his intentions for the reboot. Collider got the chance to sit down with Fassbender and discuss his two upcoming films, "A Dangerous Method" and "Shame," and during the interview they touched on Padilha's choice for RoboCop and how Fassbender would feel about the role. Fassbender still had not spoken with Padilha or seen a script but said he would be interested nonetheless. "You know, I'm always open. I'll take a look at the script and sit down with the director and have a conversation," he said. "It's not definitely like, 'Oh, Ive got to play RoboCop before I retire.'" He told Collider that that isn't how he chooses his roles, preferring to take them more on a case-by-case basis. "I dont have that about anything. I dont go, 'I have to play the Dane one day, or Hamlet.' I dont really think like that," Fassbender said. "I just wait and see what comes up, and Im always open to it. If I react to the script, then Im up for anything." He's even up for wearing a huge metal helmet for the majority of a film, which is presumably what RoboCop would entail. "It could be kind of fun," he said. "It could be kind of good to have a helmet that I could hide behind, for most of the film, too. That sounds kind of appealing." Would you like to see Michael Fassbender take on "RoboCop"? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

Ask Matt: Big Bang, Grey's, Glee, Terra Nova and More!

Sandra Oh Send questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter!Question: Why do successful shows tinker with what is already working? Rules of Engagement has become "The Timmy Show," and The Big Bang Theory has become a show about Penny, Bernadette and Amy. What gives? - KellyMatt Roush: The easiest way to answer this question is to state a pretty obvious fact of TV life: If you don't tinker, you risk growing stale. In this case, tinkering means adding new characters along the way and expanding the world of a show, which is essential for most series, including sitcoms, especially when it's clear they're in it for the long run. You may be exaggerating where Rules is concerned - it's not a show I watch regularly - but it's not unusual for a breakout character to get more prominence as time goes on. Call it scene stealer-itis. But I do think you're misrepresenting the role of the girls' club within Big Bang. Penny has always been an essential element of the show, but adding Amy as a female foil for Sheldon and Bernadette as a love interest for Howard - and then having the three gals bond in a way that surprises themselves as well as the geek squad across the hall - has given the show many more comic avenues to explore. For me, this new blood enhances rather than diminishes the show. I find Amy hilarious, and the scenes where Bernadette channels Howard's mother, belying her meek demeanor, brings back fond memories for me of Georgia Engel on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The fact that the females might even get an "A" story once in a while only shows how much they've grown on the audience and on the writers. If Big Bang was only going to deal with the four science nerds, it would risk burning itself out a lot more quickly. Thankfully, that's not going to happen.Question: How amazing were Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidd in that scrub room scene on Grey's Anatomy's fall finale? I'd be surprised if there's not an Emmy nomination for one or the other. - Maya (via Twitter)Matt Roush: That was a very effective and moving scene. Watching her meltdown from the other side of the window just added to the emotion of the moment. I thought McKidd was equally strong conveying the pain as he talked Teddy through her surgery while she babbled on about her husband, not knowing he'd just died. Moments like these are welcome reminders that Grey's Anatomy, despite its flaws and excesses, hasn't run out of gas (unlike Desperate Housewives, which is limping to the finish line this year). But expecting Emmy nods is only going to set you up for disappointment, I fear. While it's possible Oh in particular could get nominated again - she has five nominations already, but not since 2009 (and she won a Golden Globe in 2006) - the show has pretty much fallen off the Emmy radar over the last few seasons. But then, Loretta Devine won a guest-acting Emmy last year, so you never know. Cable shows have tended to upstage network dramas in the awards races lately, with only CBS' The Good Wife being a major contender from the broadcast side. And once a show falls out of favor, the real surprise is for it to be welcomed back to the party. Which is a roundabout way of saying that if Oh or her co-stars were to be nominated again, I'd be surprised, but not unpleasantly.Want more Matt Roush? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!Question: Of course the Parents Television Council has gotten upset over the sex-centric Glee episode that aired last week. I'm not so concerned about that. What I do want to talk about is another area of the episode. I long ago realized that I should not expect Glee to adhere to any sort of realistic standard, and that's fine. But I do take issue with Artie's director's note to Rachel and Blaine, essentially saying that they can't play characters who have a sexual awakening because they haven't had one.I wrote to you two years ago this month when Glee aired its "Wheels" episode, focused on Artie's challenges relative to using a wheelchair and praised the show for its sensitive depiction of the issue. "Disability advocates" were making news talking about how an actor who is not actually disabled should not play a character with a disability because (I'm paraphrasing here) the role should be offered to a chair user who has that firsthand experience. As both a wheelchair user and a theater student, I believe saying that actors have to have the same experiences as their characters cheapens the whole concept of acting. Of course actors should find some way to connect emotionally to the journey of the character, but that doesn't have to be because they've lived the same thing. Glee has never been a realistic show, but it stunned me to watch Glee use Artie to make the very argument that Kevin McHale's impressive performance on the show defeats. Do the writers really not understand that it is the same argument?I know that the show had them go through with the West Side Story performance in spite of not having sex first, which proves they could do it, but still, this was a shockingly disappointing turn for a series I have always supported for its belief in the value of telling stories about anyone and by any means available. For the record, I have weathered the storm of Glee from the beginning and it's not always easy to come back to the show, but every time I think about giving it up, they have a lovely moment like the intercutting of "One Hand, One Heart" with the sexual material at the end of the episode or "Somewhere" reconceived as a mother-daughter duet a few episodes back. I just hate times like this when they destroy their own credibility because it makes it harder for me to trust that the show is going somewhere. - JakeMatt Roush: Even in the better episodes of Glee, which I felt last week's very much was, there's bound to be something to aggravate you, and you make an excellent point that Artie of all characters was the wrong person to send that misguided and ultimately meaningless direction. (For me, one of the biggest question marks this season is why they put the school musical in the hands of non-musical supervisors in the first place, when Idina Menzel's character had just come on staff to oversee that absurd rival glee club and must have had time on her hands. Oh well.) I'm with you, though, on how the special moments of Glee tend to get me past all the inconsistencies and foolishness. There's still no other show quite like it, and for that I forgive it a lot. But as you're about to read, not everyone is so generous.Question: I've finally gone and removed Glee from my DVR. The kicker was the Nov. 8 episode. When will audiences sit up and realize this show is an empty suit? It's barely progressive - when it isn't ramming stereotypes down our throats - and it gave up on any pretense to subversion with the second season. It's preachy and shrill. Characters are nonsensical, contradicting themselves from one episode to the next, and behave at the whim of the theme assigned to the episode. The development of story on this show is recycled at best, a joke at worst. On the sex episode, Mike Chang's plot was reduced to two scenes; one overwrought, one treacly, both painfully obvious. His story would be better served not featured at all until there's adequate time to address it. As produced, those scenes were shoehorned in and lacked any impact. This is typical of any story that does not directly involve Kurt or Rachel - and even those give me whiplash. About the only thing last week's episode got right was the insulated, dimly lit and sadness-tinged qualities common to so many of the small-town gay bars I've had occasion to visit over the years. I'm disappointed, as the show had heart and a ton of promise when it first debuted. But the smattering of great moments is not enough to keep me hanging on. Where are you on this, Matt? Am I out there on this limb by myself? - ChrisMatt Roush: As I noted earlier, I'm not ready to give up on Glee yet, though I am thinking twice about watching this week's Sue-centric episode, because ... well, Sue. But you're hardly alone. And we do agree on one thing, since I used the term "whiplash" in last Tuesday's review/overview to describe the experience of watching Glee this year. The ratings have cooled considerably, indicating last season's glaring flaws tested many fans' patience. And you're right that if those few moments in last week's episode were meant to be a payoff to Mike Chang's story, which began so memorably in the "Asian F" episode (the best of the season, along with "First Time"), it's too maudlin and not enough. (Though I imagine there will be more to come.) But when you complain that the show isn't "progressive" or "subversive" enough, I can't help thinking how far TV has come in the years I've been covering the beat. Back when I was writing about a cultural milestone like thirtysomething, and the industry went into convulsions over two men being shown in bed, if you'd told me someday two gay teens were going to have their first moment of (very discreet) intimacy played out against a "West Side Story" romantic classic, I'd have scoffed. Glee has pushed plenty of boundaries to do honor to its misfits and outcasts. It's far from a perfect show, but even if it never regains its initial mojo, it's still a significant one.Question: I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the new show Person of Interest. If I recall correctly, this is a show you enjoyed because it was a different kind of CBS crime procedural. As a big fan of Lost, I checked out the show because I couldn't wait to see Michael Emerson again. However, I was disappointed after the first episode and haven't watched an episode since. Now, I am not (and probably never will be) a big fan of CBS-like procedural dramas; I'm much more into serialized dramas like Lost, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, etc. My question for you is this: Would it be worth my time to go back and catch up on Person of Interest? For me to truly enjoy a show, I need some sort of overarching storyline going on, even if it is sometimes overshadowed by case-of-the-week plotlines. I do enjoy shows like Chuck and Glee, that although there may be a new "mission" or "lesson" for each episode, there are certain things that must be caught up on in order to fully know what's going. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. - BrandonMatt Roush: If you're expecting Person of Interest to be the next Lost, or more to the point the next Alias (given its pedigree), you're bound to be disappointed. There are some arc-like threads to the show, including the detective's pursuit of Reese and the murky back stories of Finch and Reese. I get a sense that some characters, like Paige Turco's "fixer" from a few weeks ago, could recur and become part of the show's fabric. But by and large, it is a self-contained procedural, though what sets it apart for me is the sense of urgency and mystery in each week's episode that goes beyond a standard crime drama. And I really enjoy watching Emerson and Jim Caviezel. To give you some perspective on why I would single a show like this out of the fall roster, I need to be able to appreciate the good, bad and in-between in all genres, and being this dismissive of the better procedurals wouldn't make sense. So my specific advice to you is to check out the listings and promos and wait for an episode that sounds particularly intriguing and give it another chance. It's very likely it still won't satisfy you, because of the preferences you've so clearly defined. But you could do far worse.Question: Like so many readers, I really enjoy your perspective on the ever-wacky world of television. I have a question - maybe more of a comment - about Terra Nova. I don't know that I had particularly high expectations for the show, but I did rather hope that it would make internal sense on some level. I can suspend disbelief as well as the next person, but I don't know how many more of those moments where I smack my head in frustration at the sheer stupidity I can endure. As an example: In last week's episode, Jim Shannon takes little Zoey to a super-secret private room containing all the knowledge of the universe (more or less). Okay, if these people had such an astonishing resource available to them, how come it's super secret? Wouldn't it be housed in some "museum of humanity" or "library of mankind" or something? Like little Zoey isn't going to go tell all her friends about the awesome day she spent with her dad in the secret room containing all knowledge? Also, if the super secret massive brain machine has its own separate power source such that the blackout of everything electronic in the compound wouldn't affect it, doesn't it make sense that the, I don't know, perimeter gate protecting the entire community might have a separate power source too so that everyone doesn't die from some random attack?And why would settlers in a hostile, primitive environment rely so extensively on technology in the first place, especially given that technology was the original reason for the ruination of the modern world? It seems like they might keep a few old-fashioned guns of some kind lying around in case of emergency. Anyway, I'm sure you see what I'm getting at. I don't seek perfection in a program like this, but neither am I dull-witted enough that throwing a few semi-cool special effects at me will make me forget the sheer illogic of everything taking place on screen. I'm getting really close to giving up on this show, frankly; I had expected something more from the creative minds behind this program. What say you, Matt? - AndrewMatt Roush: I say you're being a bit nitpicky, which is not the way to be watching Terra Nova, a show that pretty much demands you relax the critical part of the brain to sit back and enjoy a harmless hour of fantasy adventure. Although you make an excellent point about the colony being so tech-dependent, which is exactly the sort of observation someone should be making in this prehistoric world. (Which is why I think the Sixers may not entirely be the bad guys here.) Yes, I do wish Terra Nova were more sophisticated, less cartoonishly written and acted and way less pandering to the supposed adorability of the Shannon kids. But if I let myself dwell on things like the puzzle of that underground library for too long - and I may be wrong, but I didn't pick up on it being super-secret, just that Jim was introducing little Zoey to it for the first time - I probably would start to hate the show. Which I don't. It's fair to say that Terra Nova isn't yet living up to expectations, but it's far from a disaster, and I hope Fox gives it a second season in hopes of sharpening its act if not its brain.Question: I'm anxiously awaiting the start of The Firm since I love Josh Lucas and lawyer shows. Do you have any idea when it will begin airing? Also, is it true that 22 episodes have already been ordered for the first season? That doesn't sound right for a midseason replacement. - MaryMatt Roush: NBC originally announced The Firm would be part of the Sunday lineup (10/9c) after football season is over. But given how rocky NBC's fall has been, there's a chance (just speculating here) that we could see it airing on another night, such as Thursday, if/when they pull Prime Suspect. In any case, wherever it turns up, it won't be until January, and we won't have a specific airdate until NBC confirms its midseason plans. About the 22-episode order: That appears to be true, but wasn't really NBC's choice. From what I gather, the show was already pre-sold with a 22-episode commitment and foreign financing, designed by Sony to air on the company's international AXN service. So this brings down the cost of NBC's license fee, making it more attractive to the network regardless of how it performs. And it's hard to imagine The Firm doing any worse than what we've seen on the network so far this fall.Question: I was wondering if you have any insight into the programmers at The CW. I thought for sure they would cancel H8R early on and was hoping they might move a better show into that timeslot. But instead they have been re-airing Ringer. Would a fresh Nikita or Supernatural not be a better option in a prime-time midweek timeslot? Ringer repeats could easily fill the Friday slots. I am hoping that the ratings will improve if they move Nikita and Supernatural to a new night. I'd hate for either of those shows to be canceled because they are on a terrible night against so much similar sci-fi/action competition. - GeraldMatt Roush: This falls under the be-careful-what-you-wish-for heading. As we've often discussed in this column, expectations are mercifully low on Fridays, not that anyone expects much of anything on any night of the CW schedule. But moving Nikita to a midweek slot could prove even more damaging to the show if it were forced to face even stiffer competition on the big networks and be paired with something as incompatible as America's Next Top Model. Where Supernatural is concerned, it's one of those shows that just keeps chugging on, and at this point, I believe it will be up to the show's powers-that-be to decide when that ride is over. For The CW, the priority this fall is to get exposure for a new show like Ringer, which is why it was the most likely candidate to get a double-run in the H8R slot. I would like to see the network do more on behalf of Nikita, but I've always seen that show as meaning more to the parent company (Warner Bros.) than the network, and keeping it going so it can be sold to the international marketplace and eventually syndication/cable may be the reason it exists at all.Question: I read your latest Ask Matt column, when someone wrote in to talk about AMC and The Killing. I remember the big uproar over how Fringe and The Killing ended their seasons. Two of my favorite shows, and the latter was such a refreshing new take on a police drama. I thought The Killing ended perfectly. I guess I missed where the producers promised us at one time that the story would be resolved at the end of the season. My response: "So what?" Has the TV audience forgot what a cliffhanger is? I mean seriously. The creators of the show do this on purpose to build the buzz between seasons and to make the viewer excited for the show to start back up. Like with Fringe, when Peter suddenly did not exist anymore, people went crazy assuming that Joshua Jackson would no longer be on the show and other bizarre rationales. It is a cliffhanger, people! Let the shows' creators follow their vision so we can all go on a fun ride. Don't panic. I don't get it. I'm not sure what ruined the TV viewing audience, as they now need everything spelled out for them. I for one like shows that intrigue me every week, make for good discussion and conversations, etc.And I love the pacing of Homeland and The Walking Dead. I would love to have a conversation with someone who has thought Dead has been slow the last few episodes. Are they high? Some of the most gut-wrenching moments have happened and I'm blown away. Especially the episode with Shane and revealing how he survived. Also slowing the pace of the show gives the writers time to give us character development that I thought was badly lacking, as that was my majorgripe last season. With Homeland, I love the pacing of that show. And if the characters spin themselves around a few times, I have faith that it is a part of their planned story line and "gulp" could give us a nice cliffhanger to end the season. I guess we are dumb enough that we should only watch shows where the season finales are mundane, no questions asked and/or all questions answered. See you next season for the same old boring shows. Say Hi to CBS for me. - MarkMatt Roush: Regarding Homeland, was last night's episode a game changer or what? Even without the climactic reveal about the true identity of the sleeper agent, I can't get over how far they (meaning the writers) let Carrie and Brody carry on their beyond-inappropriate tryst. Wow. Addressing your larger issues: I don't know if the TV audience in general is more impatient and unforgiving when shows do things that throw them for a loop, but I do know they're a lot quicker about voicing their displeasure, frustration, confusion, etc., online. I agree that the weakest argument in the debate over The Killing's finale was that we were somehow promised something (but as previously noted, the producer did herself no favors by bragging about it afterward). But if shows are meant to inspire spirited debate, we need to let both sides be heard without mocking those with whom you disagree. Which is mostly why I find doing this column is such a highlight of any given week.Question: I like the writing and the premise of the CBS show A Gifted Man. How well is the show doing in its time slot, and will it last the rest of the season? - EricMatt Roush: In its time slot, it's winning, but that isn't saying much, given how poorly nearly everything performs on Fridays. Of all the networks, CBS tends to do well on the night, and if A Gifted Man isn't exactly doing gangbusters (especially in the demos), it's also handicapped by having to be a self-starter at the beginning of the night. So while the show isn't generating much buzz, it might not need to, and CBS owns and produces the show, which means the network may be more patient. But in the first rounds of renewals, when Unforgettable and Person of Interest got full-season pickups, A Gifted Man was not mentioned at all. So I'd still consider it very much "on the bubble" for making it through the season and certainly for renewal. But one piece of good news: Margo Martindale finally gets a prominent storyline this Friday, and it's about time.Question: I still think Ashton Kutcher would have been the perfect choice in replacing Charlie Sheen if the Two and a Half Men creators hadn't made his character of Walden into such a sad, pathetic lame brain. If it wasn't for Jon Cryer and the other hilarious co-stars, I doubt it would continue to be on my "must see" list any longer. Do you think Ashton will sign up for another year? The money is good, why not? Right? If so, I hope the writers give him a brain transplant, a hair cut and a clean shave. - EvaMatt Roush: Of all the things you can count on for next season, few are as dead certain as Ashton Kutcher sticking around for a second year of Two and a Half Men. The money is great, and the work clearly isn't all that taxing. I'm actually OK with the writers not making Walden a Charlie Harper clone, although he is an awfully passive vehicle for generating laughs. Couldn't agree more, though, that cleaning up his look might make him more agreeable company.That's all for now. Keep sending your comments and questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com, and in the meantime, follow me on Twitter!Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

'James Murdoch Arrested' Tweet Taken Lower by Sky News

LONDON -- After delivering shockwaves with the social networking sphere Saturday evening, Sky News has had lower a tweet on @SkyNewsBiz confirming that James Murdochhad been arrested, saying the feed had probably been compromised.our editor recommendsJames Murdoch May Face Police Questioning After New Cache of Emails Found (Report)James Murdoch Confesses News Corp. Put British MPs Under Covert SurveillanceRebekah Brooks' Computer systems Still Held Among Report of $2.7 Million News Corp. Severance The tweet, which made an appearance at 11:16 p.m. London time, was re-tweeted multiple occasions and came just hrs after press reviews that Murdoch may face police questioning on the cache of recent emails which have emerged - that are considered to contain harmful information. PHOTOS: News around the globe's Top Ten Scams Saying simply: "BREAKING: James Murdoch arrested over phone-hacking claims. Asked at Paddington Eco-friendly Station at 10pm," the publish made an appearance on @SkyNewsBiz. However the Sky News funnel wasn't transporting the storyline in all forms and within 10 mins the tweet was erased. "Sky News doesn't have information to claim that James Murdoch continues to be arrested and think that the @SkyNewsBiz account continues to be compromised," Sky producer Neal Mannposted. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Greatest Blunders A speaker from News Worldwide also stated she'd "no guidance" that any arrest had occurred. Earlier reviews within the London Daily Mail recommended that police looking into a brand new cache of emails might want to question James Murdoch and former News Worldwide leader Rebekah Brooks on new evidence. Related Subjects Worldwide News Corp. James Murdoch Phone Hacking Scandal

New Releases: 'Jack and Jill,' 'Immortals' and 'J. Edgar'

The 3 new releases in theaters a few days ago could not become more different: there's 'J. Edgar,' a little of prestige Oscar bait from Clint Eastwood and Leonardo DiCaprio 'Immortals,' the violent swords and sandals three dimensional epic and 'Jack and Jill' ... the most crucial movie available. Which film will leave a few days ago as box-office victor? Towards the preview! Countrywide RELEASES 'Jack and Jill' What is the story: Adam Sandler is Jack. Adam Sandler is Jill. Al Pacino is ... Al Pacino? Yep, this really is happening. Box-office projection: Remove his dramedies ('Funny People,' 'Punch-Drunk Love' 'Reign Over,' 'Spanglish') and voice work ('Eight Crazy Nights' and 'Zookeeper'), and Adam Sandler has not were built with a film open with under $$ 30 million since 'Little Nicky' in 2000. Over that point period, ten of Sandler's films gained over $100 million in ticket sales. That is one other way of saying: dude is Telfon, and among the couple of reliable box-office stars remaining. You may think 'Jack and Jill' looks bad, but despite some stiff competition, the safe wager would be to assume Sand-guy will achieve $$ 30 million once more -- unless of course, this is actually the next 'Little Nicky.' Here's wishing. $30.7 million [Showtimes & Tickets Mr. Moviefone's Six-Second Review] 'Immortals' What is the story: Leaders! Will! Murder! Each! Other! Strongly! The heavily violent 'Immortals' focuses on the gods joining having a common guy (Henry Cavill) to defeat the evil King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke). Box-office projection: If '300' and 'Clash from the Titans' demonstrated anything, it's that audiences love shirtless gladiators. As a result: hello 'Immortals'! (Not too director Tarsem Singh would really like that comparison.) Hard-R actioner should obtain a bump from finding yourself in three dimensional, in addition to being the only real option for action meatheads, try not to expect major box office. In the end, 'Conan the Barbarian' was similarly R-ranked and swords-y, also it happened badly in August. $14 million [Showtimes & Tickets Mr. Moviefone's Six-Second Review] 'J. Edgar' What is the story: Leonardo DiCaprio stars as J. Edgar Hoover, the questionable director from the FBI, in Clint Eastwood's biopic. Armie Hammer plays Clyde Tolson, Hoover's lengthy-time companion. Box-office projection: Nothing states, "run to the theater!" just like a 150-minute drama about one of the most reviled figures in American history. But! Eastwood and DiCaprio are title brands, and general audiences are utilized to shelling out hard-gained money to determine their wares. 'J. Edgar' were built with a effective launch on Wednesday, but that does not mean much for that overall picture -- the film gained $53,000 from 4 theaters in NY and La still, on only 1900 screens, 'J. Edgar' could easily pull lower double-numbers, and when 'Immortals' stumbles, may be the second-greatest era from the weekend. $10.six million [Showtimes & Tickets Mr. Moviefone's Six-Second Review] LIMITED RELEASES Out via when needed for more than per month, the Lars Von Trier drama 'Melancholia' finally comes to limited release take a look at Moviefone's interviews with stars Kirsten Dunst and Alexander Skarsgard. Also in limited theaters, the horror thriller '11-11'11' and Werner Herzog's well-examined documentary 'Into the Abyss.' [Photo: Warner Bros.] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

The brand new the new sony Pictures Classics Lands Maggie Gyllenhaal's 'Hysteria'

The brand new the new sony Pictures Classics has closed its deal for individuals U.S. and South African rights to Hysteria, Tanya Wexler's Toronto Film Festival entry in regards to the invention in the vibrator starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy.our editor recommendsHysteria: Toronto ReviewSony Pictures Classics Compromising for Rights to 'Hysteria''Hysteria' Trailer: Hugh Dancy, Maggie Gyllenhaal Star in Sex Drama (Video)'Hysteria': A Girl Sex Comedy Fitted in Victorian Garb The film, composed by Stephen Dyer and Lisa Dyer, also stars Jonathan Pryce, Rupert Everett and Felicity Manley. A trio of girls produced the film, Forthcoming Films' Sarah Curtis, Informant Media's Judy Cairo and Beach Films' Tracey Becker. PHOTOS: The brand new the new sony Pictures Classics 20 Year Timeline Hysteria, which made its world premiere within the Toronto Film Festival in September, can be a mischievous romantic comedy good surprising truth of techniques Mortimer Granville emerged while using world's first electro-mechanical vibrator inside the title of medical science. "Hysteria will probably be both funny and smart. It's a genuine movie that states you are responsible for your happiness," Wexler mentioned. "The brand new the new sony Classics is the greatest company release a Hysteria into American movie theaters. They understand 'smart and funny' movies a lot better than others available. They are exactly what the physician bought." FILM REVIEW: Hysteria The sale was talked about by Cassian Elwes, with Elsa Ramo representing the producers. Related Subjects Toronto Worldwide Film Festival Hugh Dancy Maggie Gyllenhaal The brand new the new sony Pictures Classics Hysteria

Glam Slam: Sorry, Christian Louboutin See You Next Time!

First Published: November 10, 2011 1:27 PM EST Credit: WireImage LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Lea Michele and Christian Louboutin attend the Christian Louboutin 20th Anniversary and Book Launch at Barneys NY in Beverly Hills on November 3, 2011 SooooooI got this really fabulous invite to a party at Barneys NY in Beverly Hills celebrating Christian Louboutins 20th anniversary. Most people would RSVP STAT, right?! I wanted to go, but can you believe I didnt? For one thing, I had nothing to wear. I dont have fancy, going out clothes anymore, but the real problem was that I didnt have any Christian Louboutin shoes to wear and I knew that everyone else there was gonna be decked out in all their red-soled glory! And they were! Lea Michele was there. So were Dita Von Teeseand Solange Knowles among other celebs. Sowhat was I doing instead of hobnobbing with Mr. Louboutin? Well, I was across town at the Grove at another store party, which also had a reserved guest list. Where? I was with my husband and two-year-old daughter at the Pottery Barn Kids Customer Appreciation shopping event where the store closed down for invited guests and we got to shop at a 10 percent discount! While Hollywood was sipping champagne and eating fancy hors doeuvres, I was drinking water and watching my two-year-old devour the cheese plate they brought in. You know what? I was ok with that. In fact, I had a blast. My daughter took over the store, playing in the toy kitchen and pushing a stroller filled with dolls. We bought a couple of very fashionable dolls, one in a black velvet party dress and the very chic and stylish Uptown Girl doll, that are perfect for tea parties. So did I make the right choice? Fashion fanatics would probably think I was crazy to pass up meeting the legendary designerwhile moms might say I made the right decision. All I know is that not only did I get some Christmas shopping out of the way (yay!), I had a fabulous time with my daughter and husband, and in the end, thats more important than being fabulous. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kim Kardashian Unfollows Kris Humphries On Twitter

First Launched: November 3, 2011 11:21 AM EDT Credit: Getty Premium Caption Kim Kardashian / Kris Humphries La, Calif. -- #itsreallyover! Just days after proclaiming divorce, Kim Kardashian needed the separation from her soon-to-be ex-husband online. The reality star, who boasts almost 11 million fans and follows 152 people on Twitter, unfollowed Kris Humphries. Kris, who mentioned he was devastated with the split, remains following Kim, with the relaxation in the Kardashian clan. The reality star has ongoing to become uncharacteristically quiet round the micro-blogging site since the split, but did Tweet, God has your back! on Wednesday evening. In Kim news, according to multiple reviews, the reality star is cutting her trip Here short. According to US Weekly, Kim and sister Khloe will fly home on either Thursday or Friday. TMZ reported that Kim states shes troubled over her impending divorce and telling pals, I must take proper proper care of me now, which i cant use a while. AH Nation Poll: Should Kris have the ring back from Kim? Election HERE! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.