Kristen Bell Joins Don Cheadle For Showtime’s ‘House of Lies’

Kristen Bell made a name for herself playing the smart-as-a-whip teen detective in the cult TV show Veronica Mars and is returning to television to portray another piercingly intelligent gal in Showtime’s new series, House of Lies.

Bell will star opposite Don Cheadle in the darkly satirical show, which is based off a novel by Martin Kihn titled House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Tell You the Time, and was scripted by Matthew Carnahan (Dirt).

House of Lies revolves around Marty (Cheadle), a very successful, cutthroat management consultant who’s willing to use any means necessary to satisfy a client’s demands. Life isn’t exactly peachy keen for the self-hating Marty, whose mentally unstable, pill-popping ex-wife Monica (Heroes alumna Dawn Olivieri) runs the only consulting firm that’s more accomplished than his, and who has to care for his young son (Donis Leonard Jr.) while keeping his psychoanalyst father (Glynn Turman) off his back.

Cheadle will be joined by Bell, who’s set to play Jeannie Van Der Hooven – a character that Deadline describes as “a razor-sharp, Ivy-League graduate” who’s hired on to work at Marty’s firm. It’s an appropriate part for Bell – an actress who’s made a career portraying dedicated career gals, even in generic rom-com fare like When in Rome – and Cheadle is one of those versatile character actors who can switch between a no-nonsense personality and comical disposition with ease. That alone bodes quite well for House of Lies.

Office politics and business ethics generally make for engaging subject matter and timeliness is also on the show’s side as well, since entertainment that pokes fun at and examines the illicit dealing that goes on behind closed doors at high-profile firms is as popular as ever. Given that House of Lies is being made by Showtime, expect it to be rather subversive and biting in tone – more along the lines of Californication (which House of Lies pilot director Stephen Hopkins worked on, appropriately enough) than anything else.

David Duchovny in 'Californication'.

House of Lies will begin production this month in Los Angeles and will likely reach the small screen in either the second half of 2011 or early 2012.

For more movie and TV news, follow us on Twitter @screenrant and @feynmanguy.

Source: Deadline

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Paul Dano Joins Robert De Niro In ‘Another Night’

Paul Weitz really has nowhere to go but up in terms of quality with his Little Fockers followup, the drama Another Night. The writer/director will reunite with Robert De Niro for the project, which now includes another solid talent, Paul Dano, as a member of its cast.

Focus Features is the financial power behind Weitz’ next film, an adaptation of Nick Flynn’s 2004 memoir – which bears the memorable but NSFW title, Another Bulls–t Night in Suck City.

Another Night is based off Flynn’s peculiar but true-life experience of having taken on a job at a Boston homeless shelter only to discover that his long-absent father (De Niro) is a resident. Flynn’s wayward old man is a delusional con artist, self-proclaimed poet, and a raging alcoholic whose behavior takes its toll on his son, nearly driving him insane as well. Variety has confirmed that Dano will play Flynn, who eventually manages to succeed where his dad could not (i.e., in becoming a professional writer).

Dano is best known for tackling double duties as the identical twins Eli & Paul Sunday in There Will Be Blood, and for playing the silent, Nietzsche-reading Dwayne in Little Miss Sunshine. His next onscreen appearances will be in the very different sci-fi flicks – Cowboys & Aliens and Looper, the latter of which will also reunite Inception star Joseph Gordon-Levitt with Brick writer/director Rian Johnson.

De Niro will take a break from doing comedy with Another Night and there’s little reason to doubt that the acting legend won’t fully immerse himself in the role of a delusional homeless man – possibly to his fellow cast member’s chagrin (we kid, we kid). There’s also a joke to be made about De Niro downing heavy amounts of Vodka in his post-Fockers role, but it’s almost too easy to make.

De Niro in 'Little Fockers'.

Weitz started his directorial career off on a high note, collaborating with his brother Chris on the original American Pie (which Chris went uncredited for) and the Nick Hornby novel adaptation, About A Boy. He went solo behind the camera on decent but unmemorable films like In Good Company and Cirque du Freak before releasing the critically-derided but financially-successful Meet the Parents threequel this past winter.

Another Night certainly has the potential to pack an emotional punch, given the dreary subject matter and the involvement of both Dano and De Niro. Perhaps the adaptation will mark a return to better form for Weitz, even though it seems guaranteed to be anything but a box office smash.

We’ll keep you posted on the development of Another Night as more information is released.

Source: Variety

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C. Thomas Howell Joins the Spider-Man Reboot

Some projects in Hollywood seem like they never get off the ground (see all the turmoil surrounding The Three Stooges), while other project like The Social Network go from idea to potential Oscar winner in only a few months.

The Spider-Man reboot seems to fall in the latter category (Oscar-winning potential excluded) because it feels like just a few months ago we were discussing the news of how Sony let everyone attached to the Spider-Man 4 project go, decided to reboot the series, hired Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) to direct and announced Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) would be the new web-slinger.

Even as production on the Spider-Man reboot began last month – as verified by the set pictures of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) – Webb is still adding actors to the roster and the latest to join his crew is C. Thomas Howell. There is no official word by Sony on Howell’s character in Spider-Man other than that his name will be Ray.

There aren’t many characters from the Spider-Man canon named Ray, so the only comic book-related possibility to choose from is the father of Peter Parker’s current comic book girlfriend, Ray Cooper. With the knowledge that Gwen Stacy is going to be Peter’s main squeeze in this film, the chances of the character being Ray Cooper are slim.

It was rumored that Zooey Deschanel could be joining the cast as Betty Brant and maybe Howell will play her father – of course that’s only speculation on our part. More realistically, Howell’s character is new to the Spider-Man universe and was created specifically for the film.  We already know the Curt Connors and Flash Thompson are returning to the story and Denis Leary will be Gwen Stacy’s father, George.  Only time will tell how many other characters will join the party, but as production ramps up over the next couple weeks I’m sure we’ll hear plenty of news.

Howell had a great run during the ’80s with roles in popular films like The Outsiders, Tank and Red Dawn. Unfortunately, the quality roles available to him started to decline as he has starred in mainly direct-to-video films such as War of the Worlds and The Da Vinci Treasure, both produced by The Asylum.  Maybe a role in Spider-Man is exactly what he needs to kick-start his career once more?

Spider-Man swings into theaters July 3rd, 2012.

Follow us on Twitter for TV and Movie News @Walwus and @ScreenRant

Source: EW

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Animated Conan O’Brien Joins The Justice League on ‘Young Justice’

Young Justice premiered last Friday on Cartoon Network after an hour-long preview in November. But something seems to have gone amiss with next week’s episode: the last son of Krypton has been replaced with… Coco?

A month ago, Conan O’Brien did a segment on DC Comics’ animation department at Warner Bros. Studios. In between poking fun at some less-than-intimidating classic DC characters like Space Ranger and Captain Boomerang, Conan and DC legend Bruce Timm designed a new superhero fashioned after O’Brien himself. After Timm’s initial sketch and some coloring, “The Flaming C” was ready for action. A non-traditional superhero, Coco’s alter-ego sports such accessories as a blackberry belt clip, loafers, an oven mitt and fishnet stockings.

To the delight of both O’Brien and late-night audiences, DC Animation decided to send a special present to the Conan show: an exclusive clip of Young Justice‘s second episode, featuring none other than The Flaming C. Those who watched the sneak peek will recognize the final scene: after defeating Cadmus’ minions, Superboy, Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash must face the music as the Justice League arrives on the scene for clean-up.

In the altered clip, we see The Flaming C take Superman’s part and Batman’s voice, chastising the sidekicks for their brash actions. The new vigilante takes center stage among slightly more established heroes like Batman, Aquaman, Green Lantern and The Flash.

Check out the clip from the Conan show here:

And witness the birth of a hero on Conan’s visit to Warner Bros. Animation:

The Flaming C’s powerset includes flight, the ability to make opponents slightly warm and blinding fashion sense.

In more serious news, the shameless (and hilarious) self-promotion on the part of DC’s animated division is promising. If the opening episodes are any indication, Young Justice looks to be a worthy successor to the excellent Justice League Unlimited. The last few years have seen DC cartoons aimed at a much younger crowd, like Teen Titans and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. The new series, along with the forthcoming animated Green Lantern series, shows a return to Bruce Timm’s more universally-appealing style. Their appeal to Conan‘s stoned older audience can only do good things for these animated shows.

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Young Justice airs Friday nights at 7:00 PM on Cartoon Network.
Conan airs weeknights at 11:00 PM on TBS.

Source: TBS [via: Midtown Comics Blog]

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Randy Couture Joins Bruce Willis, 50 Cent & Ryan Phillippe In ‘Setup’

In November we mentioned that Bruce Willis and Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson might star in Mike Gunther’s first theatrical feature, Setup. We now know those two are confirmed in the film, in addition to Ryan Phillippe.

Now, news comes of Randy Couture’s involvement in the action heist movie that the director calls a “guys-guys kind of movie.” Couture has been one of the most successful MMA stars in Hollywood, having recently starred in The Expendables and is expected to return in The Expendables 2.

Setup follows a group of criminals on the hunt for revenge after a diamond heist goes wrong. According to Hollywood Reporter, Couture will play “an enforcer who works for a local crime lord (Willis) tasked to oversee Jackson on an assignment.” If you have a problem with his acting ability, you may want to enter with caution because he’ll likely have plenty of lines. In addition, director Mike Gunther’s background as a stunt coordinator may lend to some favorable opinions of athletic stars.

I’ve shared my doubts on Fighters Turned Actors before, but there is no question they are a mainstay in entertainment. Fans of MMA will most likely check out one of the sport’s stars on the big screen and every demographic matters, especially in the action genre. There is no doubt these fighters can handle the physical demands of an action movie and that, along with their fanbase, gives them a leg up on many actors.

Randy Couture in The Expendables

Fellow movie blog Before The Trailer snagged an exclusive interview with Gunther, who discussed the film in detail. The writer/director shared an extensive synopsis of the movie.

“There’s three young men that grow up together on the wrong side of the tracks and basically they’re into petty crime and one has this religious background. He was being raised to be an altar boy and he broke away from that. The two other boys he runs around with… They’re just kids being kids and they decide to pull off a bigger heist than what they’re accustomed to. [Let’s just say… things don’t go exactly as planned.] It’s a really gritty, kinda of a guys-guys kind of movie. You know, guys being guys and having to deal with what’s right and wrong? I know what right and wrong is, but I’m still going to get what’s mine – you know, kinda thing? I think that’s really more the dilemma.”

Based on the cast and the director’s background, we can definitely expect an action epic. The only question that remains is whether the story and performances will suffice. Bruce Willis brings extensive experience as an action star and Ryan Phillippe has dabbled in the genre with MacGruber, Breach and Bang Bang Club, but nothing as hardcore as this movie sounds. Couture adds a bit of legitimacy to the characters in this film as far as the action element.

Does Setup sound like your kind of movie or will you wait for more news to gauge your interest? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source: Hollywood Reporter, Before The Trailer

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Judi Dench Joins Eastwood’s ‘J. Edgar’; Charlize Theron Likely To Follow

Two lovely, Oscar-winning ladies are looking to appear opposite Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover in Clint Eastwood’s latest directorial effort, J. Edgar. That one of those ladies is a 76-year old English thespian and the other a blonde bombshell from South Africa merely goes to show that we here at Screen Rant are not biased against great talent due to a trivial matter like age.

Dame Judi Dench’s involvement with the Hoover biopic has been confirmed by Eastwood himself, who also says that Charlize Theron is likely to officially join his project in the near future as well.

This scoop comes via Sandwich John Films, who were informed by the famously raspy-toned acting legend and now acclaimed auteur that the seemingly ubiquitous DiCaprio liked Dustin Lance Black’s J.Edgar script so much, “he actually volunteered [to star in it].” The quality of said screenplay and the opportunity to work with Eastwood understandably looks to also be enough to convince Theron to pass on terrorizing Snow White and instead play Mr. Hoover’s lifelong personal secretary, Helen Gandy instead.

Now that she’s done being hoodwinked by Jack Sparrow, Dench is set to star in Eastwood’s new film as well. James Bond’s M will join a cast including DiCaprio as FBI founder Hoover; The Social Network‘s Armie Hammer as Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar’s confidant/rumored secret lover; and Australian actor Damon Herriman as Bruno Hauptmann, the convicted Lindbergh baby killer.

J. Edgar Hoover was a pivotal historical figure in the 20th Century – one whose controversial approach and methods arguably still influence contemporary U.S. national security policy. He was also known for being a highly intelligent individual who suffered from almost debilitating paranoia and kept inscrutably detailed files on a variety of artists and activists that he considered “dangerous.” DiCaprio will certainly find himself on familiar territory, playing a famous figure who begins to descend into madness as they accumulate more power and control.

Eastwood has spoken about his Hoover biopic in the past and referred to the man himself as “a very complex man… he was very clever about keeping himself in a certain position in life, so it is an interesting study.” It’s an appropriate observation and a statement that could apply to Eastwood’s own professional career even – though juxtaposing the Dirty Harry actor’s life to that of Hoover’s is like comparing apples and oranges, of course.

The 80-year old Eastwood’s preference for character-driven storytelling is a proper match for the subject matter of his Hoover biopic, which will feature a good deal of talent both in front of and behind the camera. While the director’s 2008 period drama, Changeling, was generally regarded as being too conventional to achieve masterpiece status, the film was widely lauded for its attention to details and accurate recreation of 1920s-era America. Look for J. Edgar to at least capture the atmosphere of mid-2oth century living with similar aplomb.

J. Edgar begins filming this February and looks to reach theaters by late 2011.

Source: Sandwich John Films (via The Playlist)

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‘Lost’ Star Jorge Garcia Joins J.J. Abrams Fox Pilot ‘Alcatraz’

After six years of battling time paradoxes on Lost, it appears that Jorge Garcia still can’t get enough of that island life, as it has just been announced that he will be returning to television in J.J. Abrams’ new pilot on Fox, entitled  Alcatraz.

When we first reported on Abrams shopping around Alcatraz with fellow Lost executive producer Elizabeth Sarnoff, nothing was revealed about the project or what fans could expect. Now, we know that the series will center on a group of Alcatraz prisoners and guards who went missing thirty years ago, only to mysteriously reappear in the present day.

Described as a show “about secrets and the most infamous prison of all time,” Alcatraz will follow a team of FBI agents who are assigned the task of tracking down these time traveling characters, while simultaneously trying to figure out the mystery behind their disappearance all those years ago.

In the series, Garcia will play Dr. Diego Soto, the world’s foremost expert on Alcatraz, who is described as a “hippy geek.” This marks the first casting announcement for Alcatraz, after the news that Fox picked up the pilot two months ago.

Coincidentally, as Garcia was the first actor to be cast on Lost, he was also the first actor cast in Alcatraz. Although, this time, there was no need for an audition, as the role of Dr. Diego Soto was written specifically with Garcia in mind and he was the only actor they were going to approach for the role.

As usual, Abrams’ name is attached to a series to help promotion, but it is actually former Lost executive producer Elizabeth Sarnoff who wrote the final script for Alcatraz, following an earlier incarnation from former Kyle XY writers Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt. During production, Sarnoff will serve as showrunner and will be executive producing it with Abrams, Lilen, Wynbrandt and Bryan Burk.

With Alcatraz sounding like it could be an episode of Fringe, one has to wonder what plans Fox has for the series if it gets picked up. With the aforementioned Fringe finally bringing its story together, the ratings haven’t exactly reflected the new-found focus and the series is still considered a bubble show for the network.

So, the question has to be asked: Is there room for two fantastical shows on Fox or will it come down to a decision of one over the other? And, if that question does get asked, which show will make the cut?

Hopefully, in the case, we’ll be able to have our cake and eat it too.

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Follow Screen Rant on Twitter @screenrant

Source: Deadline

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HRD Ministry Joins Hands With UID Authority For Students In India

Through this collaboration

As per the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed, UIDAI will help keep a record of all students, right from kindergarten to graduation. HRD Minister Kapil Sibal hopes to have the unique identification numbers printed on everything from report cards, merit certificates to transfer certificates. HRD also plans to link education loans and scholarship to the students educational history. This will help employers as well in identifying a students original marklist, and thus his performance through the course of his education.

The ministry will also put in place an institutional mechanism to effectively oversee and monitor the implementation of the UID project and provide logistic and liaison support to the staff and representatives of UIDAI.

Benefits for students

According to Mr. Sibal, this system will help cut down the number of drop outs by tracking the performance of a student and providing necessary guidance wherever required. Also, the ministry believes that with the help of UID, the Mid-Day meal scheme can be implemented in a better fashion. Mid-Day meal scheme provides lunch to students free of cost to all students on all working days. This collaboration also means that only students worthy of a job will get it as the chance of replicating a mark list is minimized.

This move is a huge step forward in India’s education system. Such ideas from the HRD are more than welcome and hopefully this is just the beginning. What do you think about the HRD ministry and UID authority joining hands?

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HRD Ministry Joins Hands With UID Authority For Students In India

HRD has been in the news off late, and mostly for good reasons. Unlike promising and failing to deliver as in the past, the ministry of Human Resources Development came good with the $35 tablet and recently issued a tender for the same. Now in another interesting and thoughtful move, HRD has teamed up with the UID authority to keep track of a student’s movement.

Through this collaboration

As per the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed, UIDAI will help keep a record of all students, right from kindergarten to graduation. HRD Minister Kapil Sibal hopes to have the unique identification numbers printed on everything from report cards, merit certificates to transfer certificates. HRD also plans to link education loans and scholarship to the students educational history. This will help employers as well in identifying a students original marklist, and thus his performance through the course of his education.

The ministry will also put in place an institutional mechanism to effectively oversee and monitor the implementation of the UID project and provide logistic and liaison support to the staff and representatives of UIDAI.

Benefits for students

According to Mr. Sibal, this system will help cut down the number of drop outs by tracking the performance of a student and providing necessary guidance wherever required. Also, the ministry believes that with the help of UID, the Mid-Day meal scheme can be implemented in a better fashion. Mid-Day meal scheme provides lunch to students free of cost to all students on all working days. This collaboration also means that only students worthy of a job will get it as the chance of replicating a mark list is minimized.

This move is a huge step forward in India’s education system. Such ideas from the HRD are more than welcome and hopefully this is just the beginning. What do you think about the HRD ministry and UID authority joining hands?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS Feed OR Email Alerts!