movies
Third ‘Wimpy Kid’ not so wimpy after all
Maybe it has to do with the lowered expectations surrounding something with “Dog Days” in its title being released during a traditionally less stellar time in the moviegoing season. But the third installment in the “Wimpy Kid” franchise turns out to be not so wimpy …
The last ‘Twilight’ and other big fall movies
It’s twilight for one of moviedom’s biggest couples.
They’re over. They’re out. They’re kaput.
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart ? Maybe, but we’re talking about their characters, Edward Cullen and his red-eyed, bloodthirsty missus, Bella Swan-Cullen.
“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2,” debuting …
Ernest Borgnine, movie star with face of a workingman, dies at 95
The character actor’s career of more than 50 years included a villainous part in “From Here to Eternity,” an Oscar for “Marty,” the classic sitcom “McHale’s Navy” and even a voice role on “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis: That’s the ticket
In “The Campaign” which opens Friday, Will Ferrell and Zack Galifinakis portray two North Carolina politicians competing in an increasingly nasty congressional race. The comedians first crossed paths at “SNL” but this is their first film project together.
Search on for mutt to become Benji
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Have you seen this dog?
It’s a mutt — mischievous, medium-sized, scruffy and street-smart with soulful eyes. Comfortable as hero or underdog, yet likely to be a stray. Must be a fast learner, able to charm millions and willing to work …
Ernest Borgnine, Oscar winner for ‘Marty,’ dies at 95
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ernest Borgnine, the beefy screen star known for blustery, often villainous roles, but who won the best-actor Oscar for playing against type as a lovesick butcher in “Marty” in 1955, died Sunday. He was 95. His longtime spokesman, Harry Flynn, told …
‘Madagascar’ animals beat 2 big-name turkeys
LOS ANGELES — Zoo animals remain hot at the box office. Singing stars and Adam Sandler are not. Ben Stiller and his voice co-stars of “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” held on to the No. 1 spot again, with $35.5 million for the animated sequel’s …
Daffy ‘Madagascar 3’ tops original film
It’s something that hardly ever happens with big Hollywood studio films — a sequel that’s actually better than the original movie. Even more rare: a second sequel pulling off that feat. Happily, that’s the case with “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” the absolutely charming and …
‘Hunger Games, ‘Harry Potter’ lead at MTV Movie Awards
The fan votes — not just the odds — are in “The Hunger Games” favor at the MTV Movie Awards. The dystopian survival saga is escaping from Sunday’s 21st annual extravaganza with the most golden popcorn-shaped trophies, including best fight and best on-screen transformation. “Hunger Games” stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson were also honored for the best female and male performances.
Will Smith betting on ‘Black’ after four-year hiatus
LOS ANGELES — Will Smith has been quietly absent from the big screen since 2008. Why? He’s been building a family empire. Wife Jada’s TV show “HawthoRNe.” Daughter Willow’s hit single “Whip My Hair.” Son Jaden’s “Karate Kid” remake. “Oh man, I go back to …
Rat Pack in MacLaine’s past, ‘Abbey’ in her future
In her new film “Bernie,” Shirley MacLaine plays a widow so mean that when she’s murdered, no one wants to lock up her killer. The Oscar winner took the role for one simple reason. “I love to play evil bitches,” she says with a delicious …
Quirky ‘Five-Year Engagement’ worth walk down theater aisle
A more accurate title for “The Five-Year Engagement” would have been “I Got a Job in Michigan.” Uneven and a little too predictable but also consistently smart, sharp and sweet, this movie is more about the tension created when a couple uproots so one of them can realize a career dream than it is about fear of commitment.
Zac Efron leads charmed life as ‘Lucky One’
LOS ANGELES — Zac Efron likes a good scare. “I think each time in life that you confront your fears, you actually grow a little bit,” says the former teen icon. He stars in “The Lucky One” (opening Friday), playing a Marine fighting in the …
‘Safe House,’ ‘Vow’ dominate holiday weekend
The President’s Day weekend box office was too close to call as the action tale “Safe House” and the love story “The Vow” competed for the No. 1 spot. Based on Sunday’s studio estimates, Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds’ “Safe House” had a slim lead …
Hundreds of teens in Aurora ravenous for ‘Hunger Games’
Fans of the books and upcoming film wait hours at Fox Valley mall to see Josh Hutcherson and other young stars. “It was totally worth it,” says one.
Roger Ebert’s Oscar predictions: Much talk about ‘The Artist’
When the nominations come out Tuesday, the joyously fun silent film is likely to dominate a race that celebrates Hollywood nostalgia.