Jumat, 27 Agustus 2010

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MTV News

Taylor Swift's 'Mine' Video Has Lots Of Time Travel

Posted: 27 Aug 2010 03:50 AM PDT

'Time travel is horrible for the hair, but fun nonetheless,' director Roman White jokes.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias


Taylor Swift in her music video for "Mine"
Photo: Big Machine Records

Fans got a taste of what they can expect in Taylor Swift's video for her Speak Now single, "Mine." So far, we know she meets a cute boy (Toby Hemingway) and falls in love with him, and the two endure the ups and downs of being in love. The video's director, Roman White, said that the clip features a lot of time travel, which would explain how those two crazy kids end up with kids of their own in the end.

"There's a lot of time travel in this video, which is fun," he told MTV News. "No DeLoreans [referring to the movie 'Back to the Future']! Time travel is horrible for the hair, but fun nonetheless ... It's evolving their family story."

What fans might find most interesting in the clip is seeing Swift in a wedding dress, images of which were leaked online earlier this summer when Swift shot the video in Maine. "On the second day, we shot a lot of the stuff," White explained. "The second day with her and Toby, [we shot] them moving in together, all of their stuff, where they're kind of living their life, them with their kids, them having their huge argument, kind of the moment at the end. We shot the wedding shot, which is very interesting ... those were the pictures that leaked first, which was very odd."

What viewers will notice most is the undeniable chemistry between Swift and her leading man, British actor Toby Hemingway, who was handpicked by Swift to star in the video. "She had mentioned Toby, so we started looking into him. He's a really great actor," White said. "They worked really well on camera [and] it's always fun having someone around who's British. It just makes everything sound cooler. It definitely comes off like they were a family. He was great to work with."

'Avatar: Special Edition' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know

Posted: 27 Aug 2010 03:50 AM PDT

Get ready to return to Pandora with our updated cheat sheet!
By Eric Ditzian


"Avatar"
Photo: 20th Century Fox

On December 18, 2009, MTV News published our first "Avatar" cheat sheet, pulling together years' worth of newsy updates, interviews, video, sneak peeks and more. A month later, as the 3-D blockbuster headed into what would become the fifth of its seven straight weekends at the top of the box office, we reloaded our "Avatar" cheat sheet because audiences couldn't get enough of James Cameron's alien epic.

Now, "Avatar" is coming back again in a special, 3-D-only version, so our cheat sheet is getting the three-peat treatment. A lot has happened in these last, Pandora-free months. Here's everything you need to know about "Avatar: Special Edition."

After the Oscars
While "Avatar" triumphed at the box office, it undoubtedly disappointed at the Oscars, winning three categories but losing Best Picture and Best Director to "The Hurt Locker." But by that point, Cameron was already looking ahead, hinting at plans that he would re-release the film, enhanced with fresh footage, later in the year.

"Well, here's what's in discussion, and it's not locked in yet," Cameron told us a few weeks later. "After the DVD release [of 'Avatar'], we're going to do a theatrical re-release toward the end of the summer, into September. Because there were a lot of people who still wanted to see the movie in IMAX 3-D that didn't get a chance to do it. We were still playing very strongly in 3-D theaters until a lot of our 3-D theaters went by contractual agreement to 'Alice in Wonderland,' " Cameron told us a few weeks later. "So we know people still want to have that theatrical experience. We actually think that the home experience and the theatrical experience can coexist."

Not until July, though, was the official announcement made: "Avatar" would return to theaters on August 27, exclusively on Digital 3-D and IMAX 3-D screens.

Returning to Pandora
Why even take "Avatar" back to the cinema? Producer Jon Landau explained it thusly: "This is just about appealing to two groups of people: one are fans of the movie that want to return to Pandora, and two are people that have never seen the movie. I can't tell you how many people have said to me, 'Gee, I never got to see it, and then it was out of the theaters.' It's about servicing those two groups."

The big question for both those groups headed into the re-release was what new footage Cameron would include. We already knew the DVD would eventually deliver a slew of extra footage. But what would Cameron fix up and deliver?

Star Sam Worthington tossed us some hints in July. "There are several different hunts that the characters go on, there's a sex scene that everyone keeps talking about that is going to be unique," he said. "There's a lot of other stuff to do with the Na'vi. And there is also a lot of other live-action stuff that got taken out as well because of time constraints and at the time not knowing if the movie was going to be successful or not."

The Things They Left Behind
After we'd all done enough speculating, Cameron himself delivered some solid info earlier this month. "There's a pretty powerful emotional scene at the end, which is Tsu'tey's death ... which happens off-camera in the original release," he said. "[In the original film] he kind of falls off the back of the shuttle, and that's the last that you see of him, but here we follow through. We have this emotional scene with Jake [Sully] and Neytiri and some other Na'vi that gather around him in the forest," Cameron said. "Incorporating that footage back in was a no-brainer.

"The alien kink scene?" he added. "It's been restored, every last frame of it. Seriously. I would say, just so that we correctly manage people's expectations," he explained carefully, "it does not change our rating at all. I would call it more of an alien foreplay scene. It's not like they're ripping their clothes off and going at it."

Check out everything we've got on "Avatar."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Asher Roth Remembers 'Suburban Threat' Crew On 'When I Was 17'

Posted: 27 Aug 2010 03:50 AM PDT

MC recalls hanging with fellow hip-hop heads on the latest episode, premiering Saturday at 11 a.m.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Asher Roth appears on "When I Was 17"
Photo: MTV News

Asher Roth hit the hip-hop scene with a slew of mixtapes, which culminated with his cheeky 2009 debut LP Asleep in the Bread Aisle. His breakout single "I Love College," an ode to the copious amounts of boozing and debauchery that comes with the pursuit of higher education, cemented his status as an inventive, fun-loving rap star. So it makes sense that he rocked a hip-hop career, because when Roth was 17, it was all about the music.

"In high school, I ended up finding my home with kids who had one common interest, and that's hip-hop music," Roth says on the latest episode of "When I Was 17," which premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. The episode also features teenage tales from former Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson, who reminisces about putting the moves on her high school soccer coach, and Ozzy offspring Kelly Osbourne, who despite having spent many of her formative years on the MTV reality show "The Osbournes," dishes about other memorable moments as a teen.

Roth and his circle recall their shared love of hip-hop. "We'd be carrying boomboxes around in our book-bags like we were straight out of the '80s," says Roth's homie Brian. "We started meeting regularly around school."

Roth reveals that in addition to a penchant for retro b-boy style, his crew went by an intimidating moniker: "We were called 'Suburban Threat,' " Roth says.

Even Roth's mom can vouch for the crew's intimidation factor. "They were boys from the suburbs, not boys from the 'hood," Roth's mother says, before adding with a laugh, "And that could be threatening."

"When I Was 17" -- this week featuring Kendra Wilkinson, Asher Roth and Kelly Osbourne -- premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV.

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GLC Calls Kanye West's 'G.O.O.D. Friday' Idea 'A Beautiful Concept'

Posted: 27 Aug 2010 03:50 AM PDT

'It'll help enhance everybody's macking ability, as well as their creative juices,' he tells Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid


GLC
Photo: MTV News

The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive

G.O.O.D. Friday is here. We need that music, Kanye. A few days ago, via his Twitter page, Kanye West promised to deliver a new song every Friday until Christmas. GLC — one of the G.O.O.D. Music artists who has been down the longest with 'Ye — said he's excited about the plan and that we can look forward to hearing some of his tunes in that mix.

"I would definitely be a part of that, because I'm still Getting Out Our Dreams," GLC said earlier this week in New York. "Church! I think it's a beautiful concept, because I've been doing that for the last two years on the Internet. Prior to me signing my deal with EMI, I had five or six different offers from labels. And with EMI, to be the first artist they did a deal with that doesn't have a distribution history, man, it works.

"I know it works," he added about giving your music out for free. "So I think it's a beautiful thing. It raises the awareness. But Kanye has a much stronger and wider reach than I do. Coming from him, it'll help enhance everybody's macking ability, as well as their creative juices."

As he said, G has a distribution deal for his G.O.O.D. Music debut, Love, Life and Loyalty. The album is just about 10 years in the making.

"What you're gonna see on my album is stories of growth and development," he described. "We all have to grow from point A to get to point B. The day you stop learning is the day you die. I learn something new every day. I'm constantly in the pursuit of growth and bettering myself. Bettering those that are around me."

The project's title stems from GLC's time in Larry Hoover's newly dubbed Growth and Development street organization. Love, life and loyalty are three of the six points they abide by. G recently moved from his hometown of Chicago to Atlanta.

"Musically, I worked with Bun B, my man Corey Mo, who produced with UGK since 1999," he said about who is on his LP. "Kid Cudi, I'm on his new project. John Legend, he's on my new project. I've met quite a few people down there growing and developing. I met Gucci Mane, I met Jeezy, a few guys. At the end of the day, I've been able to grow and develop and work with some great people. Donnis, Kidz in the Hall. A lot of people, man. I got 70 features on other people's projects."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Swizz Beatz Calls Marriage To Alicia Keys 'A Blessing'

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 05:38 AM PDT

Newlywed producer says he's connected to Keys 'spiritually,' on 'RapFix Live.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Alicia Keys marries Swizz Beatz on the Mediterranean Sea July 31
Photo: Stephanie Pistel

Swizz Beatz became part of one of the most high-profile musical duos after tying the knot with superstar songstress Alicia Keys this summer. And although the couple have dozens of hit records, millions of album sales, tons of awards and gobs of respect from fans and fellow artists under their respective belts, Swizzy said their outsize star power doesn't factor into their relationship. When it comes to Alicia, Swizz keeps it all about love.

"It's a blessing," Swizz told MTV News' Sway about finding his match during his "RapFix Live" interview on Thursday (August 26). "I don't look at it as from a superstar basis. I look at my relationship with my wife as a union that's just connected ... spiritually. I'm not into the names and the superstars and this and that. I've been around that my whole life. It means nothing to me. It's just about great people."

Swizz, who got hitched about a month ago and is expecting a child with his new wife, also described falling in love with Keys. The superproducer didn't point to a specific moment in their relationship that pushed him head over heels but said, simply, that he just began to sense a certain head-spinning emotion for Keys.

"It's just a feeling," Swizzy said. "Love is a word that's powerful but the feeling is even stronger."

Even with the charmed, jet-setting lifestyle Swizz has been able to experience for years, the rapper/producer said his connection with Keys has enhanced his life.

"To identify that feeling is something that's amazing because it doesn't only come from your partner. It comes from your love for music, your love for people, your love for a lot of things, and I think that once you identify the feeling of love, you'll be a better person," Swizz explained. "I'm a better man. I think that having love in your life, it just has that effect. Because then you spread love. You can't enjoy love without spreading love. I just think that it all falls in the pocket."

What do you think about Swizz's comments on love and his wife, Alicia Keys? Let us know in the comments!

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B.o.B Works His 'Magic' For 'MTV Unplugged' -- Watch A Preview!

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 05:15 AM PDT

Atlanta MC is also joined by Robin Thicke and Janelle Monáe for the showcase, which premieres September 1 on MTV.com.
By Jayson Rodriguez


B.o.B performs on "Unplugged"
Photo: MTV

B.o.B has worked his sorcery once again, scoring a third-straight top 10 hit with his latest single, "Magic," which entered Billboard's Hot 100 this week. The song, featuring Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, is from B.o.B's debut, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, and follows "Nothin' on You" and "Airplanes" as breakout hits for the upstart artist.

The 2010 Video Music Awards nominee and performer broke out "Magic" during his recent "MTV Unplugged" showcase, which premieres September 1 on MTV.com. His performance of "Magic," during which he sings the chorus in place of Cuomo, will also be in video rotation on MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits and MTV Jams after the premiere.

The Atlanta MC is the latest in a series of artists to headline the "Unplugged" series; other alumni include Eric Clapton, Nirvana, Jodeci, Alicia Keys and, in April, Trey Songz.

In addition to "Magic," Bobby Ray also performed "Letters From Vietnam," "Airplanes" (with Melanie Fiona taking over for Hayley Williams), "Nothin' on You" (Robin Thicke filled in for Bruno Mars), "The Kids" (featuring Janelle Monáe) and a cover of MGMT's "Kids."

B.o.B and Justin Bieber were announced as the latest VMA performers last week, joining Kanye West, Drake and Usher on the Los Angeles stage. B.o.B is also nominated for five Moonmen, including Video of the Year and Best Male Video.

"It's very special to me. I think it's a lot more special than the success of the singles, because this reflects the work I've put in over the years and the word of mouth I've helped create," B.o.B told MTV News about his nominations. "It's definitely amazing. I'm trying to find the words to explain it, but I can't. It's inexplicable. I'm a real simple man, so, you know, I accept every gift with generosity and gratitude."

Don't miss B.o.B's "MTV Unplugged," premiering September 1 on MTV.com.

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Lindsay Lohan Tweets For First Time Since Rehab

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 06:16 AM PDT

Actress blasts paparazzi in her return to Twitter.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Lindsay Lohan
Photo: Dave McNew/ Getty Images

After a fairly rough summer, Lindsay Lohan is getting back into the swing of things. The actress, who left rehab Tuesday after spending 23 days in court-ordered treatment, has returned to Twitter. In her first tweet as a free woman, Lohan targeted some familiar foes: paparazzi.

"Clearly.. Paparazzi shouldn't be allowed to take pictures or video while someone's driving or at a stop light. 4every1's sake #trafficpolice," the starlet tweeted Thursday (August 26).

Just like her constantly changing hair color and shenanigans behind the wheel, Lohan's run-ins with photogs have marked her years in an unrelenting spotlight. A car crash that Lohan claimed was the fault of an overzealous snapper partly inspired a California law aimed at cracking down on eager paparazzi.

In her return to the social-networking site, Lohan appears to have revisited her tradition of oversharing and antagonizing others via the Web. The actress' turbulent relationship with ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson played out in front of millions of viral fans, with both ladies typing swipes at each other. More recently, bawdy comedienne Joan Rivers went after Lohan on Twitter before the actress began her stint in jail. Lohan has also blasted her publicity-hungry father, Michael, on the site as well.

Even if Lohan has taken up her viral antics once again, many have hope the actress can bounce back from her recent troubles.

"I feel like people in the film industry are rooting for her," film critic Ryan Gilbey recently told MTV News. "[Director Quentin] Tarantino has been saying great, supportive things about her and how brilliant she's in this movie he's produced ['Machete']."

Indeed, her "Machete" co-stars have been beaming about Lohan's performance in the flick.

"I wish her all the best. I mean, she's a talented young actress," Cheech Marin told MTV News at the film's premiere. "Hopefully, she won't let her personal life overwhelm her professional life. ... At some point, you gotta be responsible."

"She's so good in this movie," Jessica Alba added of "Machete." "I can't wait for people to see [her in] it."

Are you happy Lindsay Lohan is tweeting again? Let us know in the comments below!

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Jersey Shore Shop Owners Welcome Snooki And Company Back Home

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 07:46 AM PDT

'You can't pay for the exposure we've got,' says Danny Merk, who owns the store where the cast worked in season one.
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Ignacio Guzman


Snooki
Photo: MTV

In addition to keeping local law enforcement busy (really busy), the stars of MTV's "Jersey Shore" have also made an impact of a different sort on the town of Seaside Heights, New Jersey: an economic one.

Seems business is booming on the boardwalk, especially now that the show is back in town to tape its third season. Seaside Heights Business Improvement District executive director Maria Maruca probably summed it up best when she told MTV News earlier this year that "we can't even calculate the economic benefit" the show brings to the community.

"There's the curiosity factor," she said. "Celebrities draw crowds. That's going to give us an edge that we didn't have before. The exposure that the show brought to Seaside Heights — when every late-night host is talking about Snooki, when Leonardo DiCaprio is talking about the show — we could never have afforded that type of media. This is more than we could ever have asked for."

So, determined to find out just how Snooki and company have helped out local businesses, we trekked out to the boardwalk and asked owners of some of Seaside's best-known shops — some of which have already been featured prominently on the show.

" 'Jersey Shore' has helped Seaside Heights [in] both winter and summer. We get people coming in here every day looking for the cast," said Michael Carbone, owner of the Beachcomber Bar and Grill (the same place where Snooki was hit last season). "You go down by the house, there's a hundred people standing outside, every day. Business is up, the town is up. People come here for the 'Jersey Shore.' "

The Beachcomber benefits doubly, as it has a catering contract with MTV and, according to an NBC News report, serves thousands of meals for the 130 crew members who work on the "Shore."

"It's helped everybody. Businesses in town, the motel owners, even the crew that makes the show have been patrons of my bar every night," Carbone said. "We are hoping the show runs for years and years to come. ... It's a big craze, and it's doing very well for everybody."

Those sentiments are echoed by Danny Merk, who owns the Shore Store, where the cast of the show (sorta) worked during season one.

"It's been busy in here all the time now. It's great that I own a gift shop ... people wanna buy little souvenirs. T-shirts. Little things, and this is the place to be at," he said. "But it's helped all the business on the boardwalk, because you can't just shop at one store. ... You can't pay for the exposure we've got.

"It came out of nowhere, [and] all of a sudden the kids came down here. They worked like average kids during the day, went out to the clubs at night," he continued. "Now, it's just nonstop. Everyone wants to see what they are doing. What did they do, what places they went to. They want to be like them. A lot of people just worship them."

Even though his store wasn't featured on the show, Mike Rariden's Adrenaline Body Piercing and Tattoo shop has definitely reaped the benefits of the toned (and tatted) "Jersey Shore" kids — even if he can't seem to comprehend just why.

" 'Jersey Shore' has definitely brought a lot more people out than it has been in previous years. Everybody is trying to get in on the action, get on the show, meet the cast and crew," he said. "They've definitely increased business a lot. ... [There's] a big population of younger kids that all look at Snooki as their hero. I don't know why, but, hey."

Don't miss "Jersey Shore" every Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

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Swizz Beatz Encourages 50 Cent To Make 'Triumphant' Music

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 07:46 AM PDT

'He's working on some amazing material,' Swizzy says on MTV's 'RapFix Live.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Swizz Beatz
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

Super-producer Swizz Beatz has been keeping super busy in the studio these days.

Swizzy has jumped on Kanye West's all-star "Power" remix and has been updating his Twitter followers about his recent late-night sessions with everyone from N.E.R.D. to Mary J. Blige. During his Thursday (August 26) interview on "RapFix Live," the rapper/producer revealed that he's also been in the lab with 50 Cent.

"I met up with him earlier in the day," Swizz explained about slotting studio time with Fif, Mary and Busta Rhymes on Wednesday. "He's working on some amazing material that we're possibly collaborating on." For the most part, Swizz kept the details of his collabo with 50 on the low: "I don't want to talk too soon or too early, but it's crazy."

50 has been going back and forth about the direction of his next album after reportedly scrapping plans to work in some dance rhythms on his Black Magic LP. Swizzy, who hit the studio with 50 to craft material for the Queens MC's 2007 album Curtis, said the only advice he has for Fif is to maintain a winner's attitude.

"Triumphant. That's it. Everything just would have to be triumphant," Swizzy advised. But the producer said he's encouraging all the stars he works with, including the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, to unleash a crazy amount of swagger in the booth.

"That's my approach on every artist I'm working with right now. Even with Mary, you're gonna be able to hear this week, probably Friday, her sound that's triumphant," Swizz said. "For me to have that blueprint and to want to be able to share it with everybody that's of talent, it's like, 'Wow, this is what I get to do for work?' It's fun."

What do you think an upcoming Swizz Beatz and 50 Cent collabo would sound like? Sound off in the comments below!

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Usher Has A History On The VMA Stage

Posted: 25 Aug 2010 11:36 PM PDT

Singer will perform — and is up for three Moonmen — at the big show, airing live Sunday, September 12.
By Jocelyn Vena


Usher at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards
Photo: Alberto Tamargo/Getty Images

Usher will certainly have fans saying "OMG" when he hits the stage at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, but it isn't the first time he's had VMA viewers shouting his lyrics.

The R&B superstar got his first taste of what it was like to perform at the VMAs in Los Angeles in 1998 when he played the pre-show, taking the stage in a leather, graffiti-print jacket and leather tuxedo pants. Usher's performance back then was incredibly low-fi, having only a few dancers behind him dressed like the ones in his "My Way" clip, which was nominated for a VMA that year.

In 2002, when the show was at Radio City Music Hall in New York, Usher hit the stage with Busta Rhymes and Pharrell to give Diddy some backup during his performance: a medley of "Bad Boy for Life," "I Need a Girl (Part I & II)" and "Pass the Courvoisier." Although his appearance was short and sweet, it featured him dancing quite a bit.

Two years later in 2004, when the show took the party down to Miami, the performance was all about Usher. Rain poured from the rafters as Usher offered fans his "Confessions" and took off his shirt before turning up the volume and the party vibe for "Yeah!" Ludacris and Lil Jon were also on hand, and Usher pulled off a Michael Jackson-inspired dance break and some high-flying antics.

Usher is up for three Moonmen at this year's show, including noms for Best Male Video, Best Dance Music Video and Best Choreography for his "OMG" clip.

"It is an honor to once again be a part of the MTV Video Music Awards," Usher said in a statement. "I can't wait to perform for my fans all around the world who have helped to make this album a success and my being here possible. You never know what's gonna happen on an MTV VMA stage. ... I look forward to making it a night to remember."

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners in general categories, including Best New Artist, from now through September 12.

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James Cameron Admits Some 'Avatar' Footage Will Never Be Released

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 05:38 AM PDT

'There are things you will never see,' he tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner


James Cameron
Photo: MTV News

The re-release of the biggest movie in history is just one day away! For the fans who haven't decided whether to make the trek to theaters to see the nine extra minutes James Cameron and crew added to "Avatar," we have some news about the impending release of the film's DVD and Blu-ray editions straight from the source.

When MTV News caught up with Cameron recently to discuss the film's re-release, we asked if fans will ever get to see everything via bonus features, extended cuts, etc.

"There are things you will never see," Cameron admitted. "But there's a whole lot of stuff that will definitely satisfy the appetite of even the most hard-core fan in a big box-set DVD that we're actually preparing right now."

In addition to preparing the film for the re-release, Cameron said his team is also prepping the special-edition DVD and Blu-ray versions. "It's all happening at the same time, because the deadline for mass-producing stuff for the Christmas marketplace is pretty much now anyway," he said. "The re-release that we're doing now with the nine additional minutes is carefully architected for the theatrical experience. But we have more extended-play versions of the film or an extended version of the film that will be available in the Blu-ray, and there will be a whole bunch of supplemental stuff with about 45 minutes of deleted material."

Cameron explained that the reason fans won't ever get all of "Avatar" comes down to money. "We got the budget to finish this nine minutes, and we got the budget to finish the 16-minute longer version [the special extended edition], and then beyond that, it didn't make sense to finish all the extra CG and digital effects."

Will you go see the re-release of "Avatar" for the nine extra minutes or wait for the DVD and Blu-ray versions? Let us know in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "Avatar."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Lady Gaga's Fans Invited To Weigh In On Wax-Figure Fashions

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 02:06 AM PDT

Madame Tussauds asks 'little monsters' to suggest their favorite outfits for upcoming replicas.
By Gil Kaufman


Lady Gaga
Photo: David Livingston/ Getty Images

Lady Gaga's whole existence sometimes feels like a living, breathing, bleeding, gender-bending work of art. Now, Madame Tussauds is planning to spend major bucks to turn the international pop sensation into a life-size waxwork.

According to a spokesperson for the New York branch of Madame Tussauds, the popular tourist attraction in Times Square is working on a Gaga figure that should be ready by year's end. And here's the best part:

"We're open to hearing from fans about which looks they want," said the spokesperson, encouraging Gaga's "little monsters" to visit NYCWax.com to weigh in on which of Gaga's many signature styles they would like to see immortalized in wax. While the spokesperson could not comment on a report in a British tabloid that Tussauds is spending more than $1.5 million on the Gaga figures, they did clarify that "many" but not all nine global outlets will get their own Gaga. It is also not yet known if all the Gagas will sport the same look or have different outfits.

The museum is legendary for making wax replicas of the rich and famous, from President Obama and Justin Timberlake to Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt, Derek Jeter, former "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, Madonna and Beyoncé.

The singer, who is up for a record 13 Moonmen at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards, gave Tussauds yet another possibility this week when she set aside female things and posed as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone, for the cover of Vogue Hommes Japan. The magazine, which hits newsstands September 5, features a cover shot of Gaga as Calderone with an Elvis pompadour, white shirt and black trousers.

Which of Gaga's looks do you think Tussauds should immortalize in wax? Leave your comments below!

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Swizz Beatz Met With Kanye West, Pharrell For 'Down-To-Earth Conversation'

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 04:41 AM PDT

On 'RapFix Live,' Swizz recounted the epic meeting of the super-producer minds.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Swizz Beatz
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

It was a picture worth a thousand tweets: multi-platinum producers Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beatz all working together in one studio. The image was snapped by Clinton Sparks and posted on his Twitter earlier this month.

During MTV News' "RapFix Live" on Thursday (August 26), Swizz explained that the trio were booked in the same studio — Swizz to work with N.E.R.D., and Kanye to work on Swizzy's forthcoming solo effort.

By the end of the night, though, they all converged and had a "real down-to-earth conversation; I think hip-hop needs more of that," Swizz recalled.

"It's really confidential, I'm not even gonna front," Swizz said about what went down that night. "I don't want to be the person to let all the news out. I got to save some stories in case 'Ye or P wanna elaborate on that. But just know that it was epic, and it was amazing to see such forces in the room, humbled but honest at the same time, comparing notes, comparing music."

The Ruff Ryders alum said the three producers are very "serious" when they discuss and critique each other's work. But the respect level is so high that no one takes the suggestions personally, Swizz said. And he hopes that the "positive, competitive energy" they have together results in the best possible music.

"If someone is saying 'no' to something or 'It's not right,' the reason why is gonna come, and then the debate," Swizz said of the process. "And you make the decision after that."

Are you looking forward to hearing music from the three super-producers? Let us know in the comments!

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Chris Brown Scores Positive Marks In Probation Hearing

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 04:41 AM PDT

Singer is doing 'a good job,' according to Los Angeles judge who presided over his latest court appearance.
By Jayson Rodriguez


Chris Brown
Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/ Getty Images

Chris Brown once again scored a positive review from a Los Angeles judge as he attended his fourth status hearing on Thursday afternoon (August 26) stemming from his probation for attacking former flame Rihanna in February 2009.

Brown, sporting a white dress shirt and black vest, arrived to the courtroom with his attorney Mark Geragos shortly before 1:45 p.m. PT. The pair went before Judge Patricia Schnegg, who told Brown he was doing "a good job," according to The Associated Press. Judge Schnegg said she received positive reports from both Brown's domestic-violence counselors and his probation officers in Virginia, where he's completing his punishment.

Under the terms of Brown's probation, the singer is on the hook for 180 days of community labor and he was ordered to attend domestic-violence counseling for up to one year. He was also issued a stay-away order by the judge that bars him from communicating or associating with Rihanna.

During his last hearing, the judge confirmed that Brown had completed 290 hours of labor, which represent roughly 20 percent of his required total. His counseling sessions are scheduled to end next month. Brown is due back in court on November 18.

Since his last hearing, his career and reputation have been on the upswing. The singer wowed audiences at this year's BET Awards with a stirring Michael Jackson tribute performance. Brown sang the late singer's "Man in the Mirror," breaking down in tears as he stumbled over the redemptive lyrics.

His independent release, Fan of a Fan, with Lil Wayne protégé Tyga, has spawned the breakout hit "Deuces," which is currently sitting at #2 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

What do you think of Chris' progress in the last year? Tell us in the comments.

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Nikki Reed Gushes About 'Twilight' Co-Stars' Upcoming Projects

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 04:13 AM PDT

'We all root for each other,' she tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner


Nikki Reed
Photo: MTV News

Ever since the first "Twilight" film was released — kicking off the phenomenon that has included record-breaking box-office numbers, fainting fans, megawatt premieres, etc. — the suddenly superstar cast has been catapulted into a spotlight none of them saw coming. As such, the actors are very much in demand and currently working on a number of projects.

When Nikki Reed stopped by MTV News recently to discuss her film "Last Day of Summer," we asked her which of her co-stars' upcoming films she's most excited to see.

"All of them," she said. "I love Taylor [Lautner] so much, and I'm so proud of him and what he's doing. He's making a great movie in Pittsburgh right now," she said, referring to the John Singleton-directed action thriller "Abduction."

"I'm excited about Rob [Pattinson]'s movie 'Water for Elephants,' " she added. "I think he's going to be phenomenal in that, and Kristen [Stewart] is doing an amazing film ['On the Road']. Elizabeth Reaser just did a movie called 'Homework' with Michael Angarano, who's a really good friend of mine, and Emma Roberts that I'm excited about."

Reed and her co-stars have so many projects going that she was hard-pressed to remember everyone's work schedule. "We all root for each other," she said.

Speaking of which, the multi-talented and multi-tasking actress, who recently directed Sage's music video for "Edie Sedgwick," lit up at our question about whether she would consider directing a music video for her co-star Jackson Rathbone's band, 100 Monkeys.

"Would I ever! Jackson and I are on the phone every other day, because we're trying to find a movie to do together. I forgot to mention him — his band is skyrocketing. It's amazing," she gushed. "I would be honored. I don't want to take the position: 'Would I ever.' If he would ever let me, yeah. I love them."

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Jay-Z To Discuss 'Decoded' Memoir At New York Public Library

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 03:38 AM PDT

Rolling Stones' Keith Richards will also speak about his memoir, 'Life,' this fall.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Jay-Z and Keith Richards
Photo: Getty Images

Jay-Z is releasing his memoir "Decoded" this fall, but the superstar lyricist will have to keep things quiet during one of his upcoming public appearances. The Brooklyn MC is slated to speak at the New York Public Library on November 15.

Jigga will chat about "Decoded" as part of the "Live From the NYPL" fall series, which also features literary stars such as Toni Morrison and Zadie Smith. The library appears to be down with making some noise next season, as Jay-Z isn't the only musical artist hitting the library: Rolling Stones rocker Keith Richards will also dish about his upcoming tome, "Life," on October 29.

"We're very excited to reveal to the public a different side of their personality — the literary side!" a rep for the library told MTV News.

"Decoded," which is scheduled to hit shelves the same month as his library appearance, is a memoir punched up by insightful explorations of Jay's hard-hitting rhymes. The book was penned in collaboration with journalist Dream Hampton and delves into his steady rise from pushing product on the streets of Brooklyn to stacking hits as one of the most revered lyricists in the game.

The publication of "Decoded" will cap a long period in which the MC's autobiography remained in literary limbo. Hov and Hampton had initially begun work on "The Black Book" in 2003, which was set to be released in 2004 via a deal with MTV Books/ Pocket Books. Hov pulled the plug on the project in 2005.

In an interview with Rolling Stone earlier this year, Jigga admitted that "Decoded," which is now being published by Speigel & Grau, has been completed for years. The MC revealed that his hesitance to release the project stemmed from the personal nature of the subject matter, much of which Hov was confronting for the first time.

"It's too much. For the book, I was interviewed, people close to me were interviewed. So I was learning a lot of things I didn't know as a child," Jay-Z said. "It's not anything I haven't said in the past, in songs. It's just more detailed. A song is three minutes long. A book doesn't have to rhyme, and it has no time limit, so you can say exactly how everything went."

What do you think Jay-Z will discuss in his upcoming memoir? Let us know in the comments below!

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Wyclef Jean Laments Failed Haitian Presidential Bid In Song

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 02:35 AM PDT

'Prizon Pou K.E.P.A.' goes back and forth between English and Creole.
By Gil Kaufman


Wyclef Jean (file)
Photo: PictureGroup

Wyclef Jean is protesting his exclusion from the upcoming presidential election in Haiti the only way he knows how: by releasing a song.

The former Fugees leader posted a new track called "Prizon Pou K.E.P.A." (which translates into "Prison for the CEP") on Wednesday, in which he compares the rigorous scrutiny he faced to a child receiving a failing report card. The title is a pointed reference to the Haitian election commission, CEP, which ruled that he was not eligible to run for office in his birth nation.

"I am contesting, I am going to the court, I am contesting/ I don't agree, I am contesting, I am going to the court, I am contesting," Wyclef sings. "Look, they gave Wyclef a report card/ They say Wyclef, you don't speak Creole/ You are the Diaspora's candidate."

Over a subtle, skittering beat and gently picked acoustic guitar, 'Clef, 40, sings about his disappointment in the ruling in the island's native language of Creole.

"Even my own Haitians curse me out on Facebook when they hear I want to be president," he says before calling out former bandmate Pras for the Fugees member's negative reaction to Wyclef's attempts. "Even my friends say to give Wyclef a report card/ Even the Catholic priests are surprised, they told me to leave Tigoav, come to Les Cayes/ All weekend I was celebrating Our Lady [Notre Dame]."

His tone is sedate and conversational for most of the tune, but at just past the two-minute mark, he breaks into a Bob Marley-like wail, during which his vocals take on a pained, urgent quaver.

The decision to pour out his heart in Creole in the nearly four-minute song is a pointed bid to speak directly to the Haitian people, as well as a possible winking rebuke to actor Sean Penn, who wrote a stinging column for the Huffington Post this week questioning 'Clef's motives in his failed presidential bid, as well as his fluency in the island nation's two main languages: French and Creole.

Jean has pointed words for the nation's current president as well, René Préval, chiding him, "Some militants say it's a deal that I made with Préval/ I didn't make a deal with Préval/ It's [the] president who asked to see a candidate/ I could not refuse/ I said that I was going back to La Serre/ When I arrived, he offered me coffee/ He wanted to assure my friendship/ He said: 'You are a good candidate'/ He put me on the phone with [presidential candidate] Jude Celestin/ We had a very good convo/ After that, Préval f---ing gave me a report card."

He blasts the president, saying he voted for him in 2006 and that it was Préval, not the electoral council, that put a roadblock in 'Clef's path to the presidency.

"It's not Wyclef you gave a report card, it's the youth that you gave a report card," he sings. "It's not Wyclef you gave a report card, it's the population that you gave a report card/ It's not Wyclef you gave a report card, it's the guy that sells [Haitian sweets] 'dous makos' that you gave a report card/ It's not Wyclef you gave a report card, it's the countrymen that you gave a report card/ Look, they gave Wyclef a report card."

But he saves his harshest words for the electoral council, bringing some of the brimstone of his minister father by saying the CEP is "headed by Lucifer."

In the end, he says, he's just sad for the youth, who he urges to support his cause and promises not to give up.

"My sweetheart is Haiti, do not break her heart/ Before I got to sleep, I always read a psalm, asking Hosanna to take the people out from under the rubbles/ And send angel Gabriel to protect the women under the tents that they are raping/ Wyclef Jean, truthfully, I will continue on contesting the electoral council/ We have to mobilize/ I won't give up."

[Editor's note: Thanks to Karlito's blog for the Creole translation.]

What do you think of Wyclef's musical response? Let us know in the comments.

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'Machete' Stars Pick Their Badass Allies

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 03:19 AM PDT

Jessica Alba goes with 'genius and amazing' director Robert Rodriguez, along with co-star Michelle Rodriguez.
By Kara Warner


Jessica Alba, Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez and Robert Rodriguez at the "Machete" premiere
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Those familiar with the trailer for Robert Rodriguez's new film "Machete" — which started out as a fake preview in "Grindhouse" and eventually inspired the full-length feature — know to expect high-octane action sequences, blood and, thanks to Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez, badass babes.

Wednesday night's special screening of the anticipated "Mexploitation" flick kept up with the high-octane and badass aspects, as Rodriguez and his cast arrived in pimped-out low-riders to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. Given the rebellious and revolutionary nature of Machete the character, and his trajectory in the film, we asked the stars who they would choose as an ally in a revolution.

Don Johnson went with a founding father and a famous rebel. "I like George Washington," Johnson said. "He did a good job. Fidel [Castro], he did a good job." Johnson also singled out Machete himself, Danny Trejo. "He's good with a knife," he said. "Weird huh?"

Trejo went a different route: with his leading ladies. "Jessica Alba or Michelle Rodriguez," he said, highlighting the ladies' feisty fighting skills. "In this movie, they're both badasses. They're both bad-gorgeous-asses."

Alba also picked a leading lady as her ally. "Michelle [Rodriguez]!" she said. "[Michelle's character in the movie] and Robert Rodriguez," she added, as her director joined in the interview. "Because he's a genius and he's amazing." (Alba also revealed that Rodriguez is an amazing cook, which enhances his ally appeal.)

"I'd have to say Danny [Trejo]," Rodriguez said. "You know why? Because he's got loyalty in his eyes. He looks like the kind of guy that will take survival seriously, protection seriously, love seriously."

Cheech Marin agreed: "Danny Trejo, man, he's the baddest. He's great in this movie."

There you have it. Choice revolution ally: Danny Trejo. Who would you want to be by your side in a revolution? Leave your ideas in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "Machete."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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T.I. Gets Deeply 'Personal' During 'VH1 Storytellers' Episode

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 12:36 AM PDT

Tip delivers his hits, performs poignant tracks live for the first time during show set to air in December.
By Shaheem Reid


T.I. on "VH1 Storytellers"
Photo: VH1

The words are still as meaningful and penetrating as they were in 2001. T.I. took the stage on Tuesday night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and led the audience back to album number one, track 2.

"They sendin' letters home from school, nobody read mines," Tip rapped from "Still Ain't Forgave Myself." "And plus, my uncle's doin' 10 years F.E.D. time/ Then I started rebellin', began crack sellin' / The littlest thang on the corner with a Mac 11 / After school, I hear my mama holla homework / I say, 'aiiiight ma,' but look, I got my own work / Started interacting with fiends at the age of 13 / Now my mama findin' rocks in my socks, glocks in my toy box."

Onstage to tape his episode of "VH1 Storytellers: T.I," the Atlanta MC delivered what was arguably his most intimate performance ever. (The show airs Friday, December 10 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on VH1.)

"I never performed [that song] since it was recorded," Tip told the crowd of track, a standout from his 2001 debut, I'm Serious. The King of the South said it just felt "too personal" to perform before.

"It took years to find the proper stage and proper crowd to present it to you guys," he explained. "Now I think the time is right. Glad to be presenting it to you."

Tip also said that although he would be performing what his fans saw as songs, hits even, for him it was altogether different. "To me, this is my life, my story," he said. "I've lived these things, endured these circumstances."

He went on to reveal the backstory for another early record that he hadn't performed live until that night. "I Still Luv You," Tip explained, was inspired by the mother of his two sons, with whom he started a family as a teenager. The daughter he had by another woman and whom he had kept secret from his family for a while, as well as his relationship with his father also inspired the song, he revealed.

"Motivation," from T.I.'s 2004 Urban Legend, was written in jail. Tip said that stint behind bars was a result of some criminals wrongly implicating him in a crime. As the police searched his house, they found a gun.

"Who would have thought?" he joked. Tip said that the gun was registered to someone else, and he wound up going to jail for a short time. "Oddly enough for me," he laughed. The record itself was inspired by "a rapper who used my dark moment as his bright moment. ... It didn't rub me the right way."

Tip gave us plenty of bright moments, too, during the taping, with performances, in particular, of the smashes "Live Your Life" and "Bring Em Out."

What songs do most want to hear T.I. perform live? Share with us in the comments!

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Will Forte Leaves 'Saturday Night Live'

Posted: 26 Aug 2010 03:09 AM PDT

Comedian is out after eight seasons on the sketch-comedy show, Forte's rep confirms.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Will Forte performs in "The Falconer" skit on "Saturday Night Live"
Photo: Dana Edelson/ NBC

Will Forte is leaving his gig as a "Saturday Night Live" castmember after bringing the laughs for eight seasons on NBC's late-night sketch-comedy show. The comedian's rep confirmed Forte's exit to MTV News.

"After eight great seasons, Will has made the decision to move on from SNL to pursue new opportunities," his rep said in a statement. "He is eternally grateful to [executive producer] Lorne [Michaels] and all of the incredible people he worked with over the years."

Forte has played a host of characters throughout his "SNL" career and is perhaps best known for his bumbling action star MacGruber, a thinly veiled send-up of the '80s action TV character MacGyver who came up with ingenious ways to slip out of sticky situations. A movie version of the popular sketch hit theaters in May and Forte told MTV News that he wasn't sweating any pressure to live up to "SNL" sketch-turned-silver-screen smashes like "The Blues Brothers" or "Wayne's World."

"The 'SNL' track record is about the same as the movies-in-general track record," Forte said. "There are a lot of crappy movies out there and a lot of great movies. Sure, there has been some 'SNL'-based movies that have sucked; there have been some great ones."

While Forte built upon the winning formula of MacGruber, he also said he wasn't concerned with slavishly replicating the minutes-long sketch on the big screen. Instead, the former television producer and writer, who honed his comedic chops behind the scenes on shows such as "3rd Rock From the Sun," was more focused on creating a hilarious experience for theatergoers.

"We weren't worried about the 'SNL' aspect of the movie," Forte said. "We just tried to make the best movie we could."

What are some of your favorite memories of Will Forte on "SNL"? Let us know in the comments below!

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