"Gamer" Opening Today In Theatres

Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer movie season. It's historically a sleepy time at the box office, that trend isn't likely to change this year. Hollywood does not save its best for last because that goes against the philosophy of what the summer is for studios. It’s now a few weeks yet until Oscar contenders hit theaters. So it's already off to a lukewarm start, but for those heading out to the theater this weekend, the Lionsgate's "Gamer", a movie abandoned on Labor Day weekend, hopes to break the losing streak of movies inspired by the gaming world. It should be the top draw I picked for you. However, "Gamer" is being launched in a less than advantageous release schedule, will open on Friday without benefit of press screenings with Labor Day releases usually struggling to gather audiences.
In the near future, you don't live to play... you'll play to live. “Gamer” is a high-concept futuristic action thriller set in a near future when gaming and entertainment have evolved into a terrifying new hybrid where human prisoners are forced into deadly combat through mind control. From the co-writers/directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, who gave us the "Crank" movies, succeeded in creating a kinetic brand of all sensation, all the time post narrative filmmaking, and make hyperactive cinematic freakouts that are both fun to watch and, on their own terms at least, logically cohesive. Gerard Butler stars as Kable, a real-life video game character and an unwilling participant in an online game and the star of a hot new videogame called "Slayers," a controversial form of entertainment that allows millions to act out their innermost desires and fantasies. Under the control of a young gamer, Kable tries to survive long enough to escape the game to free his family, regain his identity and save mankind.
Gerard Butler returns to this high-adrenaline action flick, mans up in the scary cyber reality of Gamer, still looks as ripped as when he starred in "300". And once again, Butler is looking seriously pumped up. The Scottish-born rising star is on top of his game, who have also cheered him in Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla" and the 2001 TV series "Attila," his early breakthrough. But the 39-year-old actor has proven just as appealing to women. He has been labeled a full-fledged sex symbol after performances in the 2007 romance "P.S. I Love You" and this summer's romantic comedy "The Ugly Truth."
Non-stop action from the very start with awesome camera work and a unique story line. This movie takes video gaming to the extreme and makes you wonder if there are any boundaries to what man will do to amuse themselves! Also if you play video games you will enjoy the scenes in "Society" and the characters that are portrayed. This is without doubt a modern day action blockbuster with hints of the 80' and 90's classics. The Dread Central saying "Gamer is a top of the line action/terror trip with more exploding carcasses than the latest installment of Rambo." If you like action and something new go and see this you wont be disappointed! I don’t play video game. It’s not that I don’t enjoy video games, but they’ve just never really been something that was a big part of my life.

Carrie Underwood Unveils "Cowboy Casanova"

Carrie Underwood, the 4-time Grammy Award winner, ACM Entertainer of the Year, and reigning, 3-time CMA, ACM Female Vocalist winner, American Idol’s Season 4 winner turned platinum country cowgirl, has rush-released the title character and the feisty lead-off single "Cowboy Casanova" from her upcoming 3rd album entitled "Play On" to YouTube today, a day after an unfinished rendition leaked online. The single was originally slated to arrive at country radio on September 8th, the leak of a rough, unfinished version of the song prompted a "rushed-to-radio" delivery of the real single last evening, confirmed Underwood's publicist. As a result, the singer has given country radio stations permission to play the tune, "Cowboy Casanova" has become the "unofficial-official" first single from the highly anticipated album.
For this 3rd album "Play On," Underwood has also written material with R&B singer Ne-Yo, who broke the news to his Twitter followers last week. She`s also been writing with pop hitmakers Max Martin and Kara DioGuardi. "Play On" is one of the most anticipated country albums of the fall, which is due for release on November 3rd by Arista Nashville, a week before the country music diva co-hosts the Country Music Awards with Brad Paisley. So far, Underwood has notched sales of more than 10 million records between "Some Hearts" and "Carnival Ride." Along the way, she has consistently broken new ground and earlier this year became the first country artist in history and the only “American Idol” winner ever to achieve 10 #1 singles from their first two albums.
The leading track, "Cowboy Casanova" is a simple story that is expected from a country act. However, it's the deliverance that makes the artist stand out. The new single is traditional country with some heavier backing guitar tracks leading her through the verses. The surprisingly beat-heavy uptempo number is co-written by Underwood, Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Dr. Dre), and Brett James, who helped write her 2005 hit and Grammy-winning smash "Jesus, Take the Wheel", managed to give this song a very catchy upbeat sound even with its decidedly negative message warning women to stay away. The rocking track has Underwood belting out a cautionary tale about a bad boy cowboy "who looks like a cool drink of water, but he's candy-coated misery." The sure-to-be a crossover smash is just a small taste of what is to come. It's a good tune for Underwood to be able to showcase her endless range, and certain to be another hit for her, and will lead suburban country bumpkins onto the dance floor in flocks. It's pretty upbeat rather than the ballads she's so famous for, but she still has that strong voice and personality that come through every time. One of the biggest questions the song raises is whether Taylor Swift's phenomenal success in the last year crossing over from country to pop will enable Carrie Underwood to appeal directly to pop fans as well. The new song will be debuted live for the first time when Underwood returns to the Grand Ole Opry on October 2nd. The official version of the song can be heard on Underwood's website, where it's currently streaming.

Linkin Park's "New Divide" Tops Rock Chart

As most of you have heard, the song "New Divide" from the rock band, Linkin Park is the theme song and lead single from Michael Bay's film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." which is now reached #1 for U.S. Billboard's Rock Songs, Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, and Alternative Songs. The song also reached #1 on the UK Rock Charts.
"New Divide" employs a verse-chorus-verse format, akin to the majority of their first two albums, plus a mechanically-themed breakdown halfway through the second chorus. The backdrop for the song is built on layered, heavy synths and a sharp performance by Rob Bourdon, the band's drummer. Michael Bay said "I love Linkin Park... they really delivered with "New Divide" — it's a great song that perfectly matches the film's intensity." It was featured in the end credits of the film, and released as a single on May 17.
The official music video for "New Divide" was directed by award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, and shot on location at Paramount Studios May 13 and 14. The video features scenes taken from the movie, along with shots of the band inside the Egyptian cave where the bodies of the Dynasty of the Primes, while performing the song. A lot of special effects are also seen and the video is heavily edited in places making use of thermal cameras and using flying food parts as texture around a lot of the thermal imagery. The video premiered on the band's Myspace site on June 11, and released on next day.

"State of Play" Hits DVD & Blu-ray Today

The film "State of Play" comes to us on DVD/Blu-Ray today. From director Kevin Macdonald of "The Last King of Scotland" and his committee of screen writers have, like newsroom rewrite aces, based on the critically acclaimed BBC mini series of the same name, "State of Play." The plot of the six hours serial has been condensed to fit two hours, and shifting locales from London to U.S. capital. The film was released in North America on April 17.
Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe leads an all-star cast, including Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams & Helen Mirren in the blistering political thriller about deception, manipulation and corruption. When a street smart D.C. reporter Cal McCaffrey (Crowe), an old-school-style journalist is assigned to investigate the murder of an assistant to an up-and-coming U.S. Congressman (Affleck), who's also his best friend, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to bring down the nation's power structures. In a town of spin-doctors and wealthy power brokers, he will discover one truth: when fortunes are at stake, no one's integrity, love or life is safe.
Political thrillers are most effective when they deal with an issue that resonates with their audiences. It can be difficult to produce them in a timely matter because news happens constantly, and seemingly weekly, the world is on to the next story of corruption or injustice.
With this tense thriller "State of Play," the universal themes of greed and amoral politicians, it brings together gripping performances, riveting suspense and is "sophisticated, intelligent and powerful". It feels a little familiar as far as paranoid political thrillers go, but it's so nicely executed—well written, compelling and rich—with a stellar set of actors that it's easy to get engrossed in the story, and the current American political climate fits nicely with the story. The drama features terrific performances from its stars as well. The special extras for DVD include deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes making-of featurette.

Whitney Houston Returns With "I Look To You"

Whitney Houston, turned 46 this month, is officially back, after self-imposed 7-year hiatus, or at least that's what she and her record label want you to believe. But finally, she’s put out a her 6th full length studio new album, "I Look To You", arrives in stores and digital retailers today. Has the comeback queen recaptured her glory days?
It’s been 7 years since 2002’s "Just Whitney" was released. While that was billed as her big comeback, it turned out to be her worst selling album ever. So then, does "I Look To You" live up to everything promised this time around? But her much-hyped new album, is a collaboration with music mogul Clive Davis, and features ditties from the likes of Akon, R. Kelly and Alicia Keys. And, phew, the reviews look good.
Her first mainstream single "Million Dollar Bill" is an Alicia Keys-penned joyride with friendly basslines and on-point lyrics that remind us of who Whitney really was. The songs "Nothin' But Love" and "Call You Tonight" swoop you into a melodic trance that cry for a second listen. And the title track "I Look To You" joins a Diane Warren penned song "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" as the two to watch on this CD. Whitney Houston doesn't cover the pop classic "I Will Survive" on her new album. But themes of strength, challenge and triumph are laced throughout the songs on disc.
Over 170 Million albums sold worldwide, 6 Grammys, 2 Emmys and is the “Most awarded female artist of all time” according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it’s no wonder why people are excited about this album. The album is getting mostly strong reviews so far from critics, and was well reviewed and topped both the Amazon and iTunes sales charts on day one. Whitney Houston asks fans to "love me like I never left." There's a live appearance for Houston on “Good Morning America” tomorrow and an interview with Oprah on Sept 14.

The 36th Daytime Emmys Airs Tonight On CW

For the first time ever tonight's 36th Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony will air on CW, as opposed to the big three. "Ugly Betty" nemesis, Vanessa Williams will be hosting the event. Coincidentally, Williams is a Daytime Emmy nominee this year for her voiceover work on the PBS series Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies. Williams recently released her eighth CD, "The Real Thing," will be featured singing and dancing in the show's opening number, a parody of the Four Seasons hit, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," during which she be digitally added into scenes from the soaps, not unlike the numerous Billy Crystal Oscar montages of the past.
The Daytime Emmy Awards are awards presented by the New York-based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles-based Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognition of excellence in American daytime television programming since 1968 as part of the prime time Emmy celebration. "It's a smaller venue, which has that real glamorous look," executive producer David McKenzie said. "We want to call attention to the fact that downtown has these incredible theaters. I hope to restore a lot of the glamour to the awards and make it a really memorable event."
Tonight's ceremony not only moved networks, but also location, as the live telecast beginning at 8pm will take place at The Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Singing, dancing, comedy and a touch of pathos set against the glitzy backdrop of a historic theatre. The nominees were announced on May 14. No surprise that PBS was the big winner, taking home a total of 15 creative Emmys. ABC won 10, Nickelodeon took home 8, various syndicated productions won 6, CBS snagged 5, Food Network managed 3, both NBC and Cartoon Network garnered 2 while, YouTube, 4Kids on FOX, Disney Channel, FOX and MTV each received a single statuette. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to "Sesame Street" for its 40 years of educating and entertaining children.

David Guetta/Akon' "Sexy Chick" Tops UK Charts

The French DJ David Guetta, a household name in his native France, multi-million selling producer, recording artist and promoter, is now living up to his reputation as #1 DJ by topping the UK single charts before his single "Sexy Bitch", has even be released since last Sunday. His official release date for the single is scheduled for September 14.
"Sexy Bitch" is the 2nd single from Guetta's upcoming 4th studio album "One Love" which has come out in US last Tuesday. This r&b/dance fusion album he's working on is going to smash the dancefloor, and collaborates with Kelly Rowland, Kid Cudi, will.i.am, Ne-Yo and Estelle in the record.
The Gallic knob-twiddler has already given us two massive dance anthems - Kelly Rowland collaboration "When Love Takes Over" and Black Eyed Peas's "I Gotta Feeling", which he produced - and now he's gunning for the hat-trick, and teaming up with guest vocals by American R&B vocalist, Akon for the hottest song of the year, and the video features hundreds of hot babes in bikinis dancing around the swimming pool. At this rate, summer '09 could end up belonging to David Guetta.
It turns out that's exactly what happened, and you guys have been hanging out for it and finally it's here. A clean version of the song "Sexy Bitch" has been produced with the title and lyrics modified to "Sexy Chick", which is a trancey club banger on which Akon sings about, well, the sort of thing that Akon always sings about.
When the French beatsman and Akon appeared on the bill at this year's Radio 1 One Big Weekend in Swindon, it was doubtful that anyone could have predicted that the pair would end up in a recording studio almost immediately. As a result, it's moved up to #1, giving the French dance star his 2nd singles chart topper in UK. He also topped the charts back in June with 'When Love Takes Over', climbing 20 places to the head of the table to knock the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" and Tinchy Stryder with 'Never Leave You'.