The Academy to celebrate 10th anniversay of 'Napoleon Dynamite'

(Via Press Release) – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the indie comedy hit “Napoleon Dynamite” with writer-director Jared Hess and star Jon Heder participating in a live commentary screening and conversation on Monday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bing Theatre on the LACMA campus.

The event is the second in the Academy’s “Live Commentary!” series, inaugurated last year with a screening of “The Princess Bride” with Jason Reitman and Rob Reiner. The format, a live version of commentaries typically included on DVDs and other recorded media, opens the door to illuminating anecdotes, behind-the-scenes details and filmmaker insights in real time.

Expected to attend the event are the film's director, Jared Hess and Jon Heder, the actor who played Napoleon. 
Click here for more information and tickets

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Charlie Awards: film critic Leonard Maltin talks Hollywood, movies

The Hollywood Arts Council's 28th Annual Charlie Awards Luncheon, benefiting the Council's arts programs for underserved children in the community, was held on April 25, 2014. Emceed by ABC7 entertainment, George Pennacchio, the luncheon took place in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

This year's Charlie Award honorees include Richard M. Sherman (Music Arts Award), Newfilmmakers Los Angeles (Cinema Arts Award), George Pennacchio (Media Arts Award), Open Fist Theatre Company (Theatre Arts Award), Pink's Hot Dogs (Inaugural Culinary Arts Award), Christy McAvoy and the Historic Resources Group (Preservation Arts Award), and the Hollywood Christmas Parade (Entertainment Arts Awards).

The Sherman Brothers' (Richard M. Sherman and the late Robert B. Sherman) prolific careers have spanned over six decades. Their achievements include two Academy Awards for "Mary Poppins" (score) and CHIM CHIM CHER-EE (song), nine Oscar nominations, three Grammy Awards, 24 Gold and Platinum albums, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and notably a National Medal of Arts presented at the White House in 2008. The Sherman Brothers' 36 feature Disney film credits include: "Jungle Book," "The Parent Trap" and Winnie the Pooh."

Longtime film critic Leonard Maltin attended the event and spoke LA MUSIC AND TV EXAMINER about Sherman and the legacy his music has on the film industry.

Check out the video with Leonard below:


Leonard Maltin Interview -- 2014 Charlie Awards by LA Music and TV  Examiner

To read more articles with actors from your favorite shows and movies, check out LA Music Examiner, Daytime TV Examiner, Classic TV Examiner and Animation Examiner. For more video interviews, visit our page: LA Music and TV Examiner. Also, follow us on Twitter at @spotliteonENT, @Phyllis_Thomas and  @belindasLAmusic  

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'Life Itself': doc on Roger Ebert in theaters and on VOD July 4th

Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present LIFE ITSELF, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful, and transcendent. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, LIFE ITSELF explores the legacy of Roger Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.

"Life Itself" opens July 4th. Check out a preview below:

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'American Idol' judges perform at finale (video)

The judges of "American Idol," Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick, Jr., were joined on stage by Idol mentor Randy Jackson for an amazing performance during the show’s season thirteen finale on Wednesday at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. This is the first time in Idol history that all of the judges performed together!
Earlier in the evening, host Ryan Seacrest even got into the mix by singing "Right Here Waiting" with 80s hit-maker, Richard Marx.

The judges performed a medley of Cyndi Lauper‘s “True Colors” and Fleetwood Mac‘s “Go Your Own Way.”

Caleb Johnson was crowned the Idol 13 winner, with Jena Irene coming in second. 

Check out the performance of Harry, Jennifer, Keith and Randy in the video below:


[HD] JLO, Keith, Harry & Randy - Medley... by IdolxMuzic

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'Rising Star': aritst Josh Groban set to host, with Ludacris, Kesha, Brad Paisley as experts

ABC is trying their hand at another singing competition show. After "Duets" and the current karaoke fest "Sing Your Face Off," comes "Rising Star."

The show where the contestants will get the results of their fate live, is set to premiere on Sunday, June 22nd. Josh Groban is set to host the show with superstar artists Brad Paisley, Kesha and Ludacris named as the panel of experts.
The four will appear together for the first time together on song at “The 2014 Billboard Music Awards” on Sunday, May 18 at 8/7c on ABC.

“Rising Star” completely reinvents the traditional singing competition as--for the first time ever--the audience has the final say in real time. The show follows a group of aspiring singers as they perform live. During the performances, viewers vote in real time via an App to determine if the singer will advance in the competition. If the voting reaches a certain threshold, the performer moves on. In addition, the performer can see how the voting is going throughout the performance, so the feedback is immediate and dramatic.

The 2014 Billboard Music Awards airs Sunday, May 18th at 8:00 pm on ABC, with Ludacris hosting the BBMA festivities.

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New Michael Jackson 'Escape' released

Epic Records released the new Michael Jackson album for the Michael Jackson Estate today.  XSCAPE, an album of new music by the King of Pop, is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid. After mining by the Estate of Jackson’s archives, Reid was granted unlimited access to the treasures spanning four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals. Reid then teamed up top producers to “contemporize” the songs while retaining Jackson’s essence and integrity, creating the best music you’ve never heard.

The list of producers on XSCAPE include Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain.

The new album will feature eight brand new recordings. A Deluxe Edition of XSCAPE will include a selection of the recordings in their original form. Both the standard and Deluxe Edition’s are available April 1st for pre-order on iTunes and elsewhere.


The title of this album honors Michael’s album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project.

John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”

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NBC announces new Fall 2014 Schedule

NBC has announced its fall schedule (New shows in caps):

MONDAY
8-10 p.m. — “The Voice”
10-11 p.m. — “The Blacklist” / “STATE OF AFFAIRS” (beginning Nov. 17)

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. — “The Voice”
9-9:30 p.m. — “MARRY ME”
9:30-10 p.m. — “About a Boy”
10-11 p.m. — “Chicago Fire”

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. — “THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA”
9-10 p.m. — “Law & Order: SVU”
10-11 p.m. — “Chicago P.D.”

THURSDAY
8-9 p.m. — “The Biggest Loser”
9-9:30 p.m. — “BAD JUDGE” (“The Blacklist” beginning Feb. 5)
9:30-10 p.m. — “A TO Z”
10-11 p.m. — “Parenthood”

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. — “Dateline NBC”
9-10 p.m. — “Grimm”
10-11 p.m. — “CONSTANTINE”

SATURDAY
8-11 p.m. — Encore programming

SUNDAY
7-8:20 p.m. — “Football Night in America”
8:20-11:30 p.m. — “NBC Sunday Night Football”

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NBC: new series trailers -- 'A to Z', 'Bad Judge'

NBC held their recent upfront presentation and introduced their new shows. Here are two of them. "A to Z" and "Bad Judge."

"A to Z" - Comedy

This is the A-to-Z story of Andrew (Ben Feldman) and Zelda (Cristin Milioti) — a pair that almost wasn’t — and all that happened from the day they met. Andrew has always been a secret romantic … not above crooning to Celine Dion while driving to work, with dreams of finding “the one.” He imagines her to be just like that shimmering beauty he spotted that night in that silver dress at that concert two years ago. Zelda, having grown up with a hippie mom who believed the universe would provide for everything, rebelled into a no-nonsense practical lawyer who prefers the control of online dating. But when a computer glitch sends her a total mismatch, she’s asked to come in for an interview at the Internet dating site where Andrew works, and this is where it all begins. Andrew and Zelda meet for the first time and despite their differences, sparks fly. She thinks it’s chance. He thinks it’s fate. After all, he’s convinced she’s the shimmering girl in the silver dress. Is it true love forever or just a detour in destiny?

The cast also includes Henry Zebrowski, Lenora Crichlow and Christina Kirk.



"Bad Judge" - Comedy

No excuses, no apologies, no compromises. Wild child Rebecca Wright (Kate Walsh) knows how to
have a good time, but she also happens to be one of L.A.’s toughest and most respected criminal court judges. She has a reputation for unorthodox behavior in the courtroom, including creative rulings and saying exactly what’s on her mind. Her private life, on the other hand, is anything but innocent. She parties too much and rocks out on the drums in a band with her best friend, Jenny. While there’s no shortage of male admirers who would love to spend time with her, she’s not ready to settle down … except when an 8-year-old boy — whose parents were put in jail by Rebecca — needs her help. He may, in fact, be the one thing that starts to tame this “bad” judge.

The cast also includes Mather Zickel, John Ducey, Tone Bell and Theodore Barnes.

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NBC new series trailers - 'State of Affairs', 'Marry Me'

NBC announced their new schedule that their recent upfront presentation. Check out two of the new show below.

"State of Affairs" - Drama

Each day the President is faced with hundreds of life and death decisions, and to prioritize the biggest international crises facing the country, one top CIA analyst – Charleston Tucker (Katherine Heigl, “Grey’s Anatomy”) — assembles the President’s Daily Briefing (PDB). This list of the most vital security issues facing the nation brings with it moral and political judgment calls for Charleston are her trusted group of brilliant analysts at the agency. Aside from the political minefields she has to walk, Charlie has a close personal relationship with the President (Alfre Woodard, “Desperate Housewives”) because she was once engaged to her son before a tragic terrorist attack took his life. Charlie survived that attack and is now determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. Navigating a complex personal life and a pressure-cooker profession is, of course, a challenge, and Charlie sometimes engages in boundary-pushing behavior to avoid facing her grief. But when the clock strikes 2 a.m., she is all about her job — protecting her nation, serving her President and still trying to get to the bottom of her fiancé’s murder that will reveal itself as a shocking mystery.

The cast also includes Adam Kaufman, Sheila Vand, Cliff Chamberlain, Tommy Savas and Leslie Odom, Jr.

Marry Me - Comedy  
  

Six years ago, Annie (Casey Wilson) and Jake (Ken Marino) bonded over their mutual love of nachos

Not wanting to spend the next 60 years talking about that mess of a proposal, Jake and Annie decide to hold off on the engagement until they can do it right. Yet if history tells us anything, it’s when we really want things to go right that they all tend to go wrong. The only thing we know for sure is these two are destined to be together whether they can get it together or not.

The cast also includes Sarah Wright, John Gemberling, Tymberlee Hill and Tim Meadows.
and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Now, after returning from a romantic two-week island vacation, Jake’s all set to pop the question. Before he can ask, though, Annie lets loose on Jake for his inability to commit. She was expecting him to “put a ring on it” in paradise and now Jake’s perfect proposal is ruined.

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Fox cancels 'Dads', 'Surviving Jack' and 'Enlisted'

Fox announced the cancellation of a few of its struggling comedies, "Enlisted," "Surviving Jack" and "Dads." "Enlisted" got off to a slow start and got lost in the shuffle of a January premiere after being originally scheduled for a November debut.

The show starred Geoff Stults as one of three brothers on a Florida Army base full of misfits. Similar to "The Goldbergs," "Survivng Jack"starred Christopher Meloni, in his first major role since "Law and Order SUV," as a tough dad in the 1990s.

"Dads" received a lot of negative attention early on from critics who noted the racial stereotypes of some of the show's characters. "Dads" starred Martin Mull, Giovanni Rabisi and Seth Green.

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'American Idol': Top 4 perform 'Break Up to Make Up' songs (Recap)

This week on "American Idol," the Top 4 contestants sang three songs each in a multiple theme night called "Break Up Songs," "Make Up Songs" and "Dedications." It was a strong night overall, with each of the contestants doing well.
The judges generally liked all of the performances, namely Jena's and Caleb's more than the others. Jena had the best performance of the night with "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis Presley. 
Making it to the Top 3 is important because they each get to visit their hometowns for a concert and parade.
Here's a run down of the night's songs.

BREAK-UP SONGS

Alex Preston, Too Close (Alex Clare). 

Alex Preston Too Close- American Idol 13 (Top 4) by IdolxMuzic

Jena Irene, Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar). 

Alex Preston Too Close- American Idol 13 (Top 4) by IdolxMuzic

Caleb Johnson, You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi). 

Caleb Johnson - You Give Love A Bad Name... by IdolxMuzic

Jessica Meuse, Since U Been Gone (Kelly Clarkson). 

Jessica Meuse - Since U Been Gone - American... by IdolxMuzic

DEDICATIONS

Jena Irene, Bad Romance (Lady Gaga). 

Jena Irene - Bad Romance - American Idol 13... by IdolxMuzic

Alex Preston, I'm Yours (Jason Mraz). 

Alex Preston - I'm Yours - American Idol 13... by IdolxMuzic



Caleb Johnson, Traveling Band (Creedence Clearwater Revival). 

Caleb Johnson - Traveling Band - American Idol... by IdolxMuzic

Jessica Meuse, So What (P!nk). 

Jessica Meuse - So What - American Idol 13 (Top 4) by IdolxMuzic


MAKE-UP SONGS

Jena Irene, Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley).

Jena Irene - Can't Help Falling In Love... by IdolxMuzic

Caleb Johnson, Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney). 

Caleb Johnson - Maybe I'm Amazed - American... by IdolxMuzic

Jessica Meuse, You and I (Lady Gaga). 

Jessica Meuse - You & I - American Idol 13 (Top 4) by IdolxMuzic

Alex Preston, Yellow (Coldplay). 

Alex Preston - Yellow - American Idol 13 (Top 4) by IdolxMuzic

Catch "American Idol" Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX.

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Who Wants to Be A Millionaire: Terry Crews named new host

"Who Wants to Be A Millionaire"  is getting a new face in front of the camera. Actor Terry Crews has been named the new host of the syndicated game show that tests the contestants knowledge of many subjects and gives them lifetimes to complete their journey.

Crews replaces Cedric The Entertainer who hosted the show for a year, succeeding longtime host Meridith Viera who hosted for 11 seasons. Crews, a season regular on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and was a former NFL player and also starred in the films "White Chicks," Tyler Perry's "The Single Moms Club" and Draft Day." 


Crews is slated to begin his hosting duties in the fall.
 

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Best Buys 'Deal of the Day': Veronica Mars Seasons 1, 2 and 3

Best Buys is connecting its customers with the students of Neptune High for a great price. The retailer is offering all three seasons of the cult favorite series "Veronica Mars" for $7.99 each as their "Deal of the Day." Plus shipping is free.

Special Features of each season's DVD includes:

Extended Version Of The Pilot Episode With An Unaired Opening Sequence

Over 20 Minutes Of Unaired Scenes

Closed Captioned

The series starred Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars, Enrico Colantoni as Keith Mars, Percy Daggs III as Wallace Fennel, Teddy Dunn as Duncan Kane and Jason Dohring as Logan Echolls.

Click the link to order: Veronica Mars

To reacquaint yourself with this acclaimed series, check out the original trailer for the show below:

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'Preacher's Daughters': season finale episode tonight

On tonight's season finale of "Preacher's Daughters," Taylor is tempted at a party while the Cassidys go to Christian therapy. Teryn and Chad finally renew their vows. Meanwhile, Tori's parents stage an intervention for Tori.


The gap between heaven and hell has never been wider than in the season two of "Preachers’ Daughters."  The show follows the lives of four preacher families after the church doors have been shut.  With judging eyes watching, the drama runs deep as the girls struggle with living up to the expectations of their parents and their congregations.  As temptation, redemption, guilt and the path to right and wrong collide, will these preachers’ daughters choose sin or salvation?

Catch "Preacher's Daughters" Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT on Lifetime.

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'Salem' renewed for season two

WGN America has picked up the bewitching drama "Salem" for a second season after strong response to its first three episodes. The 13-episode second season will begin production later this year for a 2015 debut.

The series stars Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Xander Berkeley, Ashley Madekwe, Tamzin Merchant, Elise Eberle and Iddo Goldberg. "Salem" ten episodes first season is currently airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT. 
 

"Salem" boldly re-imagines the infamous witch trials in the 17th century Massachusetts town.  The storyline follows Captain John Alden (West) returning from war to his hometown of Salem where he finds it in the grip of a witch panic.  Crushed that his lost love, Mary Sibley (Montgomery), is now married to his old nemesis, John is unaware she is also secretly the ruling witch of Salem, and her witches are running the witch trials. 

In Sunday's fourth episode, "Survivors," an old adversary of Alden's arrives in Salem with secrets that could destroy him. 

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'Pretty Little Liars': first look promo, season 5 premieres June 10th

Check out the first promo for the new season of "Pretty Little Liars." The new season premieres Tuesday, June 10th.   The premiere Follows an All-Day "Pretty Little Liars" Marathon from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET/PT

This season, "The Liars deal with the aftermath of Alison's revelations and Ezra's shooting and realize "A" is closer than ever in "EcsApe From New York." Fans can prepare for the return to Rosewood in an all-day marathon starting at 11:00 AM (ET/PT) and running up to the one-hour season premiere at 8:00 PM (ET/PT).

At the end of season four, Aria and the Liars are reeling from Ezra's shooting at the hands of "A." The five girls quickly realize that as the one person who truly knows A's identity, Ezra is in grave danger. While Aria stands watch over Ezra at the hospital, Alison and the PLLs lay a trap to finally flush out "A" but are shocked by who is ensnared.

Meanwhile, Holbrook steps up his efforts to find the girls and puts the Hastings family on alert. And as news of Alison's resurrection spreads, Mona is not pleased.

The series stars Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Tyler Blackburn, Holly Marie Combs, Lucy Hale, Ian Harding, Laura Leighton, Chad Lowe, Shay Mitchell, Janel Parrish and Sasha Pieters. 

Check out a promo for the season below:

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'Longmire': seasons 1 and 2 coming to DVD/Blu-ray

A&E’s hit mystery series, "Longmire," is coming to DVD/Blu-ray on May 27, 2014. Seasons 1 and 2 of the hit series will be available via WBShop.com and many online retailers.


The collection from Warner Archive, includes all 23 episodes in a six-disc set, as well as bonus content, three featurettes and two “director’s cut” extended episodes with introductions from the executive producers.

"Longmire", the TV series, has its roots firmly embedded in the best-selling Walt Longmire book series from award-winning author Craig Johnson.

“The thing about "Longmire" is that at its core, it’s a western, and filming a western indoors doesn’t make much sense,” said Johnson. “Most crime procedurals are shot on a couple of sets – offices, apartments, and such – but "Longmire" embraces the challenge of being outdoors and does an amazing job of allowing the scenery to speak

About "Longmire":

Long shadows of secrets and murder hang over Absaroka County, Wyoming, jurisdiction of the tough and brooding Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), in the spell-binding series, "Longmire." Struggling since his wife’s death a year ago, and at the urging of his attorney daughter, Cady (Cassidy Freeman), Walt knows he must turn his life around. Aided by a new female deputy, Vic (Katee Sackhoff) and his oldest friend, Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), Walt becomes re-energized about his job and running for re-election – even though his ambitious younger deputy Branch (Bailey Chase) is a rival candidate. The unraveling truth about Walt’s wife death will astonish the stoic lawman and his daughter. While shattering storms darken the skies, "Longmire" doggedly solves the big crimes of “Big Sky” country.

The series stars Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman, Peter Weller, Tom Wopat, Gerald McRaney and Charles Dutton.

 To pre-order the series, click on the "Lomgmire" image below:

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