Johnny Depp Is Barnabas In Upcoming "Dark Shadows"

CAST OF 'DARK SHADOWS'

 

Synopsis:

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David's new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.

 

 

Life Lessons Are Learned In "WE THE PARTY"

When Mario Van Peebles decided to write his latest feature, We The Party, he says he was aiming for some kind of middle ground. He knew he couldn’t go completely syrupy to keep the audience he was targeting. He also couldn’t make it completely thuggish.

So, he compromised.

The result is a comedic, syrupy/thuggish coming-of-age story about a bunch of high school friends facing graduation, their first sexual experiences, growing up, taking responsibility, dismissing stereotypes and possible danger from a local gang. 

“Teenagers are at the center of a seismic cultural shift,” says Mario Van Peebles, best known for directing the urban gangster hit New Jack City.  “Their world is changing fast, from their music to their dancing, jerking, twerking, skateboarding, dating and facebooking. Thug life is old school now and, for some, smart is the new gangsta.”

MANDELA VAN PEEBLES, MARIO VAN PEEBLES & PATRICK CAGE II

With the fictitious Baldwin Hills High School as the backdrop, the movie chronicles the adventures of five tightly-knit buddies as they face the next chapter in their young lives. The focus is Hendrix, played by Van Peebles’ son, Mandela Van Peebles.  He is saving for his first car, trying to keep his divorced parents happy (Mario Van Peebles and Salli Richardson-Whitfield), trying to maintain his grades, is smitten by a Cheyenne (Simone Battle) and is still trying to stay cool with his core of friends who have all bet each other they’ll be the first to lose their virginity.

MANDELA VAN PEEBLES and SIMONE BATTLE in WE THE PARTY

To make matters more difficult for Hendrix, his mother is the principal of the school and his father is one of his teachers.

But, there’s more. There’s C.C., a confused, thuggish would be rapper played by YG (‘Toot It and Boot It’) – thrown into the mix, who could care less about school and is trying to come to grips with who he is and which way he wants to go in his life.

Other movie mayhem occurs when the kids must deal with the homeless as a school assignment – a situation that puts them in danger. As a means to make money, the friends throw a house party that gets out of hand when C.C.’s thug brother (Snoop Dogg) and his crew, played by Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, show up to steal the party’s bounty.

(l-r in the background), TOMMY 'TINY' LISTER and SNOOP DOGG

The movie takes a serious turn when money that was earmarked for the prom is stolen and the prom may be cancelled as a result.

One of the reasons Van Peebles said he wrote the script is because of his children.

“My kids are getting old and leaving the house,” says Van Peebles. “I’m one of those dads. I love being a dad. To understand this new, young culture, I went into Los Angeles at night and went to some clubs with my kids.”

Van Peebles said what he found was eye-opening.

The music in this movie is tight and appropriate. There are a number of artists featured including: The New Boyz, YG, The Rej3ctz, The Pink Dollaz, Los Dos, MVP Boyz, Royalty, Tree Adams, Canario and more.

There’s a lot going on in this movie. But there are also some solid life lessons to be learned.

“It’s not the car you dive or the clothes you wear, the real party is inside,” says Melvin Van Peebles, who does a cameo in the film.

“I have not felt this kind of intense street energy behind a film since New Jack City,” say Mario Van Peebles. “I wouldn’t have known what today’s teenagers are experiencing if I didn’t have teens myself.”

We the Party, written, directed and starring Mario Van Peebles, also stars Mandela Van Peebles, Simone Battle, Moises Arias, Makaylo Van Peebles, Patrick Cage II, Ryan Vigil, YG, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Michael Jai White, Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, China Walker, Maya Van Peebles, Morgana Van Peebles, Snoop Dogg, Orlando Brown and BK Cannon.

The XLrator Media and MVP movie, presented by A Saving The Seagull Production of a Mario Van Peebles Film, is MPAA Rating: R; running time: one hour, 44 minutes.

On the Donloe Scale, D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (Oh, yeah) and E (excellent), “We The Party” gets an L (Likable).

Jacksons Announce US Tour; First Since 1984′s ‘Victory’

(l-r) JACKIE, MARLON, TITO & JERMAINE JACKSON

The Jacksons are returning to the stage this summer with their first U.S. outing since the siblings’ groundbreaking Victory Tour in 1984.

Dubbed Unity Tour 2012, the trek – featuring brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito – will kick off on June 18 in Louisville, KY and visit nearly 30 cities – including Cleveland, New York, Washington DC and Atlanta – before wrapping on July 29 in Snoqualmie, WA.

“This is a dream coming true,” said Jackie Jackson of the tour. “I can’t believe this is finally happening. There’s nothing like having all the brothers on stage at the same time. This will be exciting for our fans around the world– and I know at each concert, MJ’s spirit will be in the house with us.”

Honoring Michael’s memory and bringing the fans all the timeless hits is also important for Jermaine. “I am so happy and excited to perform again onstage with my brothers,” he said. “I can’t wait to sing all the songs that were so much a part of all of our lives. We are ready and committed to keep the family’s legacy alive and perform once again with the highest level of excellence, creativity, and most of all, integrity.”

Current tour dates are listed below, with additional dates forthcoming. Tickets go on sale in select cities today (April 6). For more information and tour dates, please go to www.thejacksons.com.

THE JACKSONS – 2012 SUMMER TOUR

6/18, Mon, Louisville, KY: Palace Theatre
6/19, Tue, Cincinnati, OH: NC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
6/20, Wed, Rama, ON: Casino Rama
6/22, Fri, Merrillville, IN:  Star Plaza Theatre
6/23, Sat, Detroit, MI: Fox Theatre
6/24, Sun, Kettering, OH: Fraze Pavilion
6/26, Tue, Cleveland, OH: Jacob’s Pavilion
6/28, Thur, New York, NY: Apollo
6/29, Fri, Atlantic City, NJ: Borgata
6/30, Sat, Englewood, NJ: Bergen PAC
7/1, Sun, Baltimore, MD: Lyric Opera House
7/3, Tue, Washington, DC: DAR Constitution Hall
7/6, Fri, Raleigh, NC: Raleigh Amphitheatre
7/7, Sat, Charlotte, NC: Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre
7/8, Sun, Atlanta, GA: Chastain Park
7/10, Tue, Nashville, TN: Ryman Auditorium
7/11, Wed, St. Louis, MO: Fox Theatre
7/13, Fri, Dallas, TX: Verizon Theatre
7/14, Sat, Houston, TX: Bayou Music Theatre (Verizon Theatre)
7/17, Tue, Albuquerque, NM: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
7/18, Wed, Phoenix, AZ: Dodge (Comerica Theater)
7/20, Fri, Las Vegas, NV: The Cannery
7/21, Sat, San Diego, CA: Harrah’s Rincon
7/22, Sun, Los Angeles, CA: The Greek
7/27, Fri, Saratoga, CA: The Mountain Winery
7/28, Sat, Lincoln City, OR: Chinook Winds Casino
7/29, Sun, Snoqualmie, WA: Snoqualmie Casino

DONLOE ON CARS: Cars That Aim To Please

I recently test drove the 2012 Sentra 2.0 SR, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Nissan Rogue SV FWD, Buick LaCrosse with eAssist and the Escalade ESV AWD Platinum.   Each has its own personality. To see which one matches up with yours, take them all on a test drive.

Escalade ESV AWD Platinum

THE CAR: 2012 ESCALADE ESV AWD PLATINUM

Ok, to be honest, you don’t test drive an Escalade ESV Platinum, you just get in, sit back  and glide. That’s how the Escalade rolls.  It truly is a fabulous vehicle. You look good driving it and it looks good going down the road. To be such a large vehicle, it’s smooth sailing! The interior is so roomy, it’s much like a miniature apartment on wheels.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:  The estimated annual fuel cost is $3,963, based on 15, 000 miles at $3.70 per gallon of gasoline. Engine: Vortec 6.2L V8 SFI W/active fuel management and flex fuel capability; transmission, 6 speed automatic, suspension package, magnetic ride control, differential locking rear fully automatic, engine oil cooling system, transmission cooling system, trailering equipment, Bluetooth for phone, leather wrapped IP Top Pad and door uppers, heated steering wheel, universal home remote, DVD headrest – dual, rear parking assist, power sunroof and more.

MSRP: $86,045
FUEL ECONOMY: 13/18 Highway
THE DRIVE: Whoo Hoo!

BUICK LACROSSE with eAssist

THE CAR: BUICK LACROSSE with eAssist

Now this is a nice car. This could be your granddaddy’s car, your       daddy’s car and even your car. Yes, it’s a Buick and it’s fabulous. It’s luxurious and it’s affordable!   You’ll appreciate the way it handles and maneuvers.  The mocha steel metallic exterior, coupled with a cocoa/light cashmere interior – looks classy and chic.

Here’s why!
Standard eAssist technology helps LaCrosse deliver 36 mpg highway, unsurpassed by any other full-size luxury sedan. eAssist optimizes fuel economy using an on-board lithium-ion battery and motor generator to provide an electric boost of up to 15 hp during certain driving conditions.  The estimated annual fuel cost is $1, 915 based on 15,000 miles at $3.70 per gallon.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: engine, Ecotec 2.4L DOHC 1-4; transmission: Gen II Hydra-Matic 6T40 – 6-speed; horsepower: (hp/kw) 182/136 @ 6700 rpm; torque: (lb-ft./Nm) 172/233@4900
MSRP: $36,685
FUEL ECONOMY: 25/36
THE DRIVE: Fantabulous!

NISSAN ROGUE SV FWD

THE CAR: NISSAN ROGUE SV FWD

Nissan ain’t messing around. They got it right with this comfortable crossover. This SUV is so comfortable to drive – you’ll keep thinking of places to go.

If it looks different, it’s because the Rogue was given a promotion in 2011.  Both its interior and exterior received a makeover.  The new styling is a head turner.  This is an economy crossover that has a classy feel.  The Rogue is a five-passenger compact available in two trim levels: S and SV. This version includes a navigation system, rearview monitor, a USB port, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.  Good handling!

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 2.5 –liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine; 170 horsepower @ 600 rpm and 175 lb ft. of torque; 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, rear privacy glass, a 4.3-inch-display audio screen, a rearview camera and an upgraded sound system with a USB/iPod interface, steering wheel audio controls and satellite radio.

MSRP: $28, 088
FUEL ECONOMY: 22/28
THE DRIVE: Yes!

2012 SENTRA 2.0 SR

THE CAR: 2012 SENTRA 2.0 SR

Ok, to be honest, this is not a luxurious car. It’s a small sedan that  will get you from Point A to Point B. What it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in fuel economy.  And, with today’s gasoline prices – that’s enough to make you want to buy this standard vehicle. For For affordable transportation, the Sentra is a worthy selection.  It’s roomy enough with spacious front seats and is designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts.  Estimated annual fuel cost is $1, 498 based on 15, 000 miles at $3 per gallon.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:  Engine: 2.0 liter DOHC 4-cylinder; 140 horsepower & 147 lb-ft Torque; 200-horsepower; offered in six different trim levels, including four mainstream models based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SL) and two high-performance variants powered by a 2.5-liter engine (SE-R and SE-R Spec V).

MSRP: $20,320
FUEL ECONOMY: 27/34
THE DRIVE: Nice!

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI

THE CAR: VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI

So, you want to kick it up a notch. You want an economy car, but you don’t want it to look like an economy car or drive like an economy car. The Jetta GLI, doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but it is a cool car to consider.  This mid-size sedan is roomy and affordable!  If you know the Jetta, then you know that some changes have been made. Gone are the rear seat air vents and the front armrest is no longer adjustable. Those are only minor details and shouldn’t be a deciding factor regarding the purchase.


VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:

MSRP: from $15,515
FUEL ECONOMY: 24/34
THE DRIVE:  Efficient!

The Midnight Mission Awards Richie Sambora for Work with the Homeless Community

Grammy award-winning musician Richie Sambora, along with Fender Executive Del and his wife Bettina Breckenfeld, will be recognized at the 12^th Annual Golden Heart Awards for their compassion and involvement in services and programs offered on behalf of L.A.’s Skid Row population.

LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2012– Grammy award-winning musician Richie Sambora will be honored at the 12^th Annual Golden Heart Awards on May 7^th along with Del and Bettina Breckenfeld for their philanthropic work with The Midnight Mission, a human services agency offering emergency services, drug and alcohol recovery and transitional programs for homeless men, women and children in Los Angeles. The Golden Heart Awards will take place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and will begin with a 6:00 pm reception, followed by dinner, the awards and entertainment.

"I have a profound respect for the Midnight Mission,” says Sambora. “I'm inspired by the work they do day in and day out.  I'm proud to be affiliated with such a solution-minded outreach program.  For the betterment of our community, I gladly contribute whenever I'm able to lend my support to the cause in any way I can. To have the Midnight Mission recognize me with this award is humbling and an incredible honor."

Celebrity presenters include Dick Van Dyke and Debi Mazar, with actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. who will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

“The Midnight Mission is thrilled to be honoring Richie and Del and Bettina with our prestigious Golden Heart Award,” said Larry Adamson, President and CEO of The Midnight Mission.  “These individuals have generously supported us in serving those less fortunate and without a home with empathy and respect.  We thank them for their allegiance and whole-hearted dedication to improving the lives of others.”

About The Midnight Mission

Established in 1914, The Midnight Mission offers a path to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost everything. Our emergency services, 12-step recovery program, job training, education and work programs offer a compassionate bridge to productive lives.  We remove obstacles and provide the accountability and structure that the people who are experiencing homelessness need to rejoin their communities. Our conviction and commitment to their success define us.  The Midnight Mission is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation and operates largely through private funding. www.midnightmission.org

Julia Roberts Gets Wicked In Mirror Mirror

By Darlene Donloe

Julia Roberts explores her dark side as she plays the evil queen in the comedy, Mirror Mirror, opening nationwide on March 30.

Mirror Mirror, a comedy directed by Tarsem Singh, is a twist on Snow White, one of the most beloved fairytales of all time.

When Snow White’s mother dies, her father (Sean Bean), the King, decides to remarry. Unfortunately he marries a woman who hates his daughter.  When the king disappears, the evil queen makes it her mission to make Snow White’s life a living hell.

Of course, this story wouldn’t be complete without a prince, played by Armie Hammer (The Social Network). Of course, the Prince becomes smitten with Snow White, played by Lily Collins (The Blind Side).

Lets not forget the seven dwarfs.  Well, to be politically correct, we’ll call them little people.  The little people live in the forest and occasionally rob people. It all makes for good, clean fun tha will probably be a hit with kids.

I recently caught up with Roberts at the Casa Del Mar hotel in Santa Monica, Calif., and asked her questions about her latest role.

With her long, brown tresses resting gently on her shoulders, the Academy Award®-winner, dressed in beige, flat shoes and a cream-colored pant suit, was in rare form.

JULIA ROBERTS STARS AS THE EVIL QUEEN IN 'MIRROR MIRROR'

Q: Do you have a favorite fairytale?

JR: I don’t - really.

Q: You play an evil Queen. What is the most evil thing you’ve ever done?

JR: Lied to the press. But it was only one time.

Q:  The costumes in this film are fabulous. Your thoughts.

JR: They were stunning. They really are an intriccal part. They were completely original and authentic to what we were trying to accomplish.

Q: Talk about how you enveloped the evil Queen. Did you pattern her after anyone?

JR:  I’m happy to announce she’s not inside me. Without naming names I drew from some people I know.

Q: Did you want to do this movie immediately after reading the script?

JR: No, no! I didn’t have an interest in the movie. Tarsem lured me in his way.

JULIA ROBERTS & LILY COLLINS STAR IN 'MIRROR MIRROR'

Q: Is it fun to play a villain?

JR: Fun. There aren’t any rules or syntax or reality that applies to her. I was a lot of fun. I didn’t have to worry about whether a person would really do this.

Q: You’ve said in the past that your family, especially your children, don’t watch a lot of television.

JR: Those cozy nights before bed we spend as a family and Before you know it, it’s time for bed. I love movies and a great deal of television. For us, there is a time and place for it. Stories, poetry and talking.

Q: When you were first starting out, did you ever encounter evil from other actresses?

JR: Yes, but I wouldn’t say it was just actresses.

Q: What did Tarsem say to convince you to do the movie?

JR: It’s just a feeling I have. I’m such a fan of Tarsem’s and so when I heard it was his movie. I thought he had a great take on it. So, I read the script. I was really taken aback.  Off we went.

LILY COLLINS STARS in 'MIRROR MIRROR'

Q: The Queen uses some weird concoctions to keep her youth. What do you use?

JR: I don’t. I use a lot of Lancome.

Q: Is there someone in your life that you know you can always go to to get the truth?

JR: I always want to hear the truth. I’ve always felt that way. I have an amazing family and a great group of friends. That’s what I look for. That’s what I expect.

Q: There is a second film coming out with the same subject matter. Is this like unringing the bell?

JR: It’s not about unringing the bell. It’s giving it another tone. I think people like variations on things.

Mirror Mirror, directed by Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Cell), stars Roberts, Collins, Hammer, Bean, Nathan Lane, Mare Winningham, Mark Povinelli, Jordan Prentice, Danny Woodburn, Sebastian Saraceno, Ronald Lee Clark, Martin Klebba, and Joe Gnoffo.

Mirror Mirror is rated PG; Running time: 95 minutes

KIMBRA TO RELEASE US VERSION OF DEBUT ALBUM VOWS MAY 22, 2012

Nationwide Tour with GOTYE Kicks Off This Month Supporting FOSTER THE PEOPLE on US Summer Tour

International newcomer Kimbra will release the US version of her debut album Vows for Warner Bros. Records on May 22, 2012. Vows features several brand new songs in addition to tracks from the platinum-certified Australian edition of the album. Released in Australia in August 2011, Vows has earned Kimbra a "one to watch" rave from Rolling Stone Australia, won her the ARIA (Australian Grammy) for Best Female Artist and spawned three hit singles. These tracks, "Good Intent," "Cameo Lover," and "Settle Down," are also included on the US edition of Vows. Kimbra recorded additional tracks for the release in Los Angeles, CA with such producers and songwriters as Mike Elizondo and Greg Kurstin. Originating from Hamilton, New Zealand, Kimbra has been performing her jazz-inflected pop since she was 14. Kimbra's haunting vocals and impassioned delivery on the Gotye track "Somebody That I Used to Know" have helped propel it to an international hit: the video for the song has over 99 million views and is at the top of the US radio charts. This year is shaping up to be an extremely busy one for Kimbra. Fresh from a whirlwind European run with Gotye, Kimbra will perform at the SXSW Music Conference in Austin, TX March 14-17. She will then re-join Gotye on his headline tour which begins March 22nd in Washington, DC. Later this spring, she will support Foster the People on their US tour, which kicks off May 29th with two nights at Rumsey Playfield in New York's Central Park, and runs through July 7th in Las Vegas, NV. She is also playing two SOLD OUT headline shows at Mercury Lounge March 26th and at the Troubadour April 17th. Full tour dates are below. SXSW Shows: March 14 - The Warner Sound Presented by Nikon @ La Zona Rosa March 14 - KCRW Showcase @ Haven March 15 - MTV Woodies Festival @ Outdoor Austin March 15 - Filter Magazine Party @ Clive Bar March 15 - The Warner Sound Presented by Nikon day party @ La Zona Rosa March 16 - Nylon Magazine party @ W Hotel March 16 - To Be Announced March 17 - To Be Announced  With GOTYE: March 22 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC March 23 - Tower Theatre - Philadelphia, PA March 25 - Terminal 5 - New York, NY March 26 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY (headline) March 27 - Webster Hall - New York, NY March 29 - House of Blues - Boston, MA March 30 - Corona Theatre - Montreal, QC March 31 - Kool Haus - Toronto, ON April 2 - Pease Auditorium - Ypsilanti, MI April 3 - Aragon Theatre - Chicago, IL April 4 - Epic Event Center - Minneapolis, MN April 6 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO April 10 - Showbox SODO - Seattle, WA April 11 - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR April 12 - The Independent - San Francisco, CA April 17 - Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA (headline) With FOSTER THE PEOPLE: May 29 - Rumsey Playfield - New York, NY May 30 - Rumsey Playfield - New York, NY June 01 - LC Pavilion - Columbus, OH June 02 - Livestrong Sporting Park - Kansas City, KC (KRBZ Beach Ball) June 04 - Verizon Theatre - Grand Prairie, TX June 05 - The Backyard - Austin, TX June 07 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Alpharetta, GA June 10 - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia MD June 11 - Summerstage - New York, NY June 12 - Lachine Canal - Montreal, QC June 14 - Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA June 15 - Bank of America Pavilion - Boston, MA June 16 - The Fillmore - Detroit, MI June 19 - Downsview Park - Toronto, ON June 20 - Congress Theater - Chicago, IL June 21 - Congress Theater - Chicago, IL June 22 - US Bank Theater - Minneapolis, MN June 25 - Deer Lake Park - Vancouver, BC June 26 - WAMU Theater - Seattle, WA June 27 - Edgefield Amphitheater - Troutdale, OR June 29 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA June 30 - Gibson Amphitheatre - Los Angeles, CA July 1 - Gibson Amphitheatre - Los Angeles, CA July 3 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO July 5 - The Great Salt Air - Salt Lake City, UT July 6 - Commerica Theater - Phoenix, AZ July 7 - The Pool at the Cosmopolitan - Las Vegas, NV