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MTV News

MTV News

Does Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Owe Debt To Madonna?

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:17 AM PST

Gaga experts weigh in on comparisons between her new single and the Material Girl's 'Express Yourself' among other classics.
By Aly Semigran


Lady Gaga
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

Ever since Lady Gaga announced she'd be releasing "Born This Way" earlier than planned (she tweeted on Monday, "Can't wait any longer, single coming Friday"), the hotly anticipated single has been all the talk among her Little Monsters.

While the single has already landed at #1 on the iTunes charts, some listeners have remarked that the track sounds reminiscent of another rule-breaking pop diva: Madonna. "Born This Way" made the Internet rounds on Friday (February 11), and reactions were coming quickly on Twitter, as well on Top 40 radio. MTV News caught up with a few Gaga experts who weighed in on Gaga's new song and talk of comparisons to Madonna classics.

DJ Riddler of Houston's Hot 95.7 and Sirius/XM's BPM told us, "I got the email at 3:45 a.m. from Z100 to play it during my 5 p.m. show today. When I first heard 'Born This Way,' the melody had similarities to Madonna's 'Vogue.' Then as I continued listening, the chorus sounded like 'Express Yourself.' Finally, the end with the choir chant reminded me of 'Like a Prayer.' "

Riddler went on to compare "Born This Way" to "an updated Madonna Megamix," adding, "Just as those early Madonna singles were #1 hits, this one is destined to do the same."

DJ Uch of Long Island's Party 101.5, however, only found it to be a slight nod to early Madonna, not an overt copy.

"Before I got a chance to listen to the new Lady Gaga single 'Born This Way,' my Twitter was flooded with comparisons to Madonna's 'Express Yourself' and 'Vogue.' When I took a listen, initially, I thought that was a stretch, but the hook is definitely a tinge of vintage Madonna," Uch told MTV News.

"Still, those songs came out when Gaga was in diapers, and I'm sure Gaga's core audience don't have the nostalgia because they, too, were babies or not even alive. Truth is that all artists borrow from the work of early pioneers and the only ones who notice the similarities are those old enough to remember 'way back when,' " Uch argued. " 'Born This Way' is super catchy and will be an international hit I'm sure. I have the melody stuck in my head and I only heard it once, 15 minutes ago. Congrats to Gaga!" he added.

John Polly of the Logo network told MTV News, "She seems to borrow pretty heavily, clearly visually, and sonically, from Madonna. Which is probably super smart, I mean, why wouldn't you?" Polly asked. "As far as we know, she seems to have Madonna's blessing."

Elsewhere, comedian Gabe Liebman, who joked that "Born This Way" "will be the gay anthem for as long as it takes until her next song comes out," was clearly on Team Gaga. While he admitted it "sounds exactly like a Madonna song," he found it to be "more fun, less annoying" and that Gaga is "younger and a lot more in touch" with today's listeners.

But, not everyone was as ready to give credit to Gaga on her latest venture. Record producer Junior Sanchez not only found similarities to Madonna, but also '90s supergroup TLC. "At first listen, the verses remind me of TLC's 'Waterfalls,' " he said.

Sanchez believes that Gaga's dance tracks "are definitely current and right on spot," but he's still waiting to hear more diversity from the star. "I'm still waiting for her 'Rain' or 'Live to Tell' or 'Take a Bow,' " he said checking off Madonna hits. "Gaga is genius but to compare her to Madonna so early on in her career is a little premature. Madonna has been with us for three decades now."

Sanchez told MTV that he finds "Gaga's take on how to deal with the gay issues in our culture interesting," but unlike Madonna, "the songs are not as strong." "Let's see what happens" he said of Gaga's future. "She could definitely change things and we could have a new pop icon for the next decades to come."

Does Gaga's "Born This Way" remind you of Madonna's classics? Tell us in the comments!

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Justin Bieber Tells Guys: 'Take Your Girl' To See 'Never Say Never'

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 12:43 AM PST

'Even if you don't like my music or anything, just go,' pop star advises.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Justin Bieber in "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

There's no denying that Justin Bieber has a mostly female fanbase, so there are probably swarms of teen girls cleaning off their purple 3-D glasses to check out "Never Say Never" this weekend. For those guys who think they have too much testosterone flowing through their veins to check out the film, the Biebs has a message for you.

"If I could say anything [to guys who think the movie is only for girls], I would say, like, just give it a chance," he told MTV News. "It's just a good movie. It has a good story line."

OK, so what if you're not into Bieber's music and you're a guy? "Even if you don't like my music or anything, just go," he advised. "And take your girl."

One guy who saw an advance screening, Jay Sean, admits that the movie does live up to the hype. "I really enjoyed the film, because it gave a really deep insight in the things that perhaps the fans don't see like when [Justin's] so exhausted, like when his voice goes out," he told MTV News. "You know, there's so many people around you trying to hold you down and keep you normal, those are the things that I'm really glad that a film showed those parts."

Jay went on to add that he went in to the movie not knowing what was in store. "I didn't know what to expect, whether he was going to be acting or whether it was going to be something else. It was so real, and I love the fact that it showed what it takes to be a superstar," he said. "I hope the kids took that message home."

The 3-D movie includes interviews from some of the people closest to Bieber, including his family, friends and crew. It also features cameos from Miley Cyrus, Usher and Ludacris, to name a few, who were filmed during his concert performances at Madison Square Garden last year.

Check out everything we've got on "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."

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

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Wiz Khalifa Says Amber Rose And His Mom 'Really Dig Each Other'

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:11 AM PST

'Amber is a sweetheart, and my mom, everybody who meets her loves her anyway,' he says of rumored girlfriend and Kanye West ex.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Matt Elias


Wiz Khalifa
Photo: MTV News

Wiz Khalifa has been linked to Kanye West ex Amber Rose recently, and while neither party has admitted they are an item, the Pittsburgh rapper recently revealed that the model met his mother. Funkmaster Flex pulled the confession out of the upstart lyricist during his appearance on the jock's Hot 97 show.

Wiz briefly addressed the meeting to MTV News, describing it as "cool."

"They actually really, really dig each other," Wiz said. "Amber is a sweetheart, and my mom, everybody who meets her loves her anyway. So it was really tight."

Wiz took Rose to meet his mother during the weekend of the AFC Championship game, when his hometown Steelers played the New York Jets. Team officials invited the rapper to perform his breakout hit "Black and Yellow" prior to kickoff.

He coyly explained to Flex that Rose, due to her travel schedule, was nearby and they hung out in Pittsburgh together.

While Wiz is a Pittsburgh native through and through, he told The Source in the magazine's December/January issue that he plans to relocate to Los Angeles. He's spent a lot of time out West recently recording with Snoop Dogg for their collaborative movie and soundtrack "High School."

When he makes the move to California, though, it won't be something he announces, he said. "You wouldn't be able to tell if I did or didn't because I'm out there so much," Wiz said. "And that's what I wanted it to be. I kind of wanted to blend. If you do see me a lot, then that might be why."

Do you think Wiz and Amber should be a couple? Let us know in the comments!

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Britney Spears Battles Herself In New 'Hold It Against Me' Teaser

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 10:43 PM PST

Fans will get two Britneys for the price of one in 'HIAM' video, which premieres on MTV next Thursday.
By Jocelyn Vena


Britney Spears in her eighth "Hold It Against Me" teaser
Photo: Jive

It looks like Britney Spears is in a throwdown with herself in the video for "Hold It Against Me." In the latest, very brief teaser for the video, one Britney knocks down a second Britney (or Britney look-alike) with a blow to the face.

The teaser opens with a shot of two sets of feet, perfectly accessorized in high platform shoes. The camera pans up to show that one blond woman, dressed in a flowing gown, is punching another blond woman, also in a flowing gown, sending her flying through the air and onto the ground in slow motion. The two versions of Britney appear to be in some sort of battle for Britney supremacy.

With less than a week until the actual premiere of the video, fans have been given bits and pieces of the puzzle that is the Jonas Åkerlund-directed video.

"Anything that he does is magical. His eye for art is insane, so I was excited to work with someone who loves art so much, and it's not just a job, it's not technical — it really is a string aesthetic to what he does," the video's choreographer Brian Friedman said recently about the video's director.

"I really feel like bringing two artists together in a way like that — where the director really loves the dance and understands the art of the dance and doesn't try to cover it up and water it down — is the best way to go," he added. "He was genius for me with dance."

Spears began rolling out teasers for the video last Friday, two weeks before the video's February 17 premiere on MTV. The much-anticipated clip will air on MTV and MTV.com Thursday at 9:56 p.m. ET, right before a new episode of "Jersey Shore."

Don't miss Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" video premiere February 17 at 9:56 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com before a new episode of "Jersey Shore"!

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Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Gets Praise From Hayley Williams, Lindsay Lohan, Others

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 01:22 AM PST

'Speaking of liberation, I just heard 'Born This Way' and loved it,' Paramore's lead singer tweets.
By James Dinh


Lady Gaga
Photo: Getty Images

As the Internet lights up about Lady Gaga's brand-new single, "Born This Way," various celebrities took to Twitter on Friday (February 11) to dish their two cents on the pop superstar's highly anticipated tune.

Paramore's Hayley Williams expressed her excitement for Egypt's recent historic landmark and followed up with a tweet about Mother Monster's new dance track. "YES EGYPT!!! So inspired by your perseverance and your bravery. and speaking of liberation, I just heard 'Born This Way' and loved it. DON'T BE A DRAG JUST BE A QUEEN."

Even before the new song hit the airwaves, troubled star Lindsay Lohan was eager to hear the song as the starlet took to her Twitter, writing, "I'm so excited for Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' to drop!"

Despite the immense hype surrounding "Born This Way," some stars, including "American Idol" finalist Chris Daughtry, pointed out the song's similarities to Madonna's 1989 classic "Express Yourself."

"Just listened to a clip of Lady Gaga 'Born This Way' and I gotta say ... sounds a lot like 'Express Yourself' from Madonna. Thoughts?" he tweeted. "OK. Good. A lotta peeps are saying the same thing so maybe I won't get raked over the coals :) I thought I was crazy for a second. And by the way ... I'm not dogging it. Haven't even heard it all ... that was just my first impresh."

While Perez Hilton has raved about the song in previous interviews with MTV News, the gossip blogger welcomed the Madonna reference, tweeting, "Express Yourself 2.0 is what people are saying? I'll happily take that!!! #BornThisWayFriday."

Khloe Kardashian showed the track some love by re-tweeting Perez's message and tweeting to a fan, " 'Born This Way'!!!!!! Woooohoooo I love you more."

Internet sensation Simon Curtis also gushed about the song, tweeting, "Born This Way = 2011's Express Yourself - brilliant work @ladygaga."

What do you think of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way"? Share your reviews in the comments section!

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Egyptian Activist Asks American Youth To 'Share This Moment Of Glory'

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:11 AM PST

Student expresses happiness to MTV's Act blog but also concern about what's next after President Hosni Mubarak's ouster.
By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Alexandria Bradshaw


A man in Cairo, Egypt, celebrates after Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak steps down
Photo: Getty Images

After 18 days of protests and violent clashes, controversial Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stepped down on Friday (February 11) and handed over power to the military amid citizens' headline-making calls for his departure. Protesters are now celebrating in the streets following the end of a three-decade tenure that has been criticized as widely corrupt, and many Egyptians are looking forward to swapping out the dictatorship for democratic rule.

MTV's politically oriented blog Act checked in with an activist on the ground, Ahmed Zidan, a 23-year-old medical student at Cairo University and editor of the website Mideast Youth, who conceded that while the change is exhilarating, he's concerned about what lies ahead for the North African nation.

"Well I'm worried a little bit. This moment is much far bigger than to judge it now. I mean, we should wait until the next days, maybe months, to see what will go on. It's a little bit early to comment. But I have my worries. I'm worried about the Peace Treaty with Israel, because it's not very popular in Egypt, and this might cause a lot of troubles to us, and to Israel too. I support peace, and I'm looking forward to continue this treaty," he explained. In addition to fearing continued looting and vandalism among the country's 80 million people, Zidan added that he's concerned about the influence of a popular Islamist political organization. "I'm worried too about the Muslim Brotherhood lure. They're [looking] for any frontline posts in the country, and a group with a terrorist past can do a lot of harm too," he added.

The uprising picked up momentum over two weeks ago as a series of longstanding factors including widespread poverty and unemployment and catalysts such as the recent revolt in nearby Tunisia prompted unrest in the Arab nation. The revolution has been especially notable as it was driven by young, technologically savvy Egyptians — 30-year-old Google executive Wael Ghonim who mobilized protesters via Facebook has been credited in part for galvanizing the young supporters — and Zidan added that the country's youthful Web community has long been a significant outlet for political expression.

"Facebook is very popular here. Pre-Facebook, we have blogs, post-Facebook, there's Twitter," Zidan said. "Along these years, Egyptian Netizens were expressing all their aspirations on the Internet because the political arena was limited to the ruling party and other fragile parties ratified by the ruling party. So, generally, the political life was very dull and limited. They decide for you everything: from your president to your frame of 'freedom.' So this parental state, here in Egypt and all over the region, has created a turmoil on the Internet life. Cyber-dissidents are [working] a lot, writing, sharing news, and expressing their opinions freely, increasing awareness of the mainstream from the Internet users. But I'm talking about the roots of these protests. It's an awareness over the Internet: opinion articles, open free media, and crowd participation. They were doing online what they actually lack in their daily lives."

Zidan mused that "Wael Ghonim's page is just a co-factor [in the revolt]. It was the sperm, among millions, which penetrated the ovum of the revolution," adding that the rhetoric of opposition leader Mohammad Elbaradei and the beating death of 28-year-old Khaled Said by police also helped electrify demonstrators. While the revolt has played out in city squares and Web forums, Zidan said Egypt's laws must be overhauled as the Arab country heads into its next phase.

"We should have a powerful constitution, a secular and powerful one. At this moment, when we have a powerful constitution and law, it'll be up for the people, because the presidential terms would be limited to two," he said. "The emergency state will be lifted, the SSI — State Security Intelligence — would cease to exist, and SSI have a terrible past," he said. "The freedom of speech, freedom of Internet, freedom of expression, freedom of protest, freedom of access will be guaranteed by the new constitution. I'll not be scared if all these changes are guaranteed. I'll not be scared about whoever rules because rule of law will be the reference — not the regime, or the police, or the president."

As Egypt navigates this critical period of transition, Zidan said that young Stateside supporters can help out as well by engaging their Middle Eastern counterparts via the Web — the same medium that helped kick off the swift revolution.

"You can circulate our articles, visit our websites, react with us! I mean, the youthful spirit is very important. The Internet spirit, this solidarity. I've received e-mails and tweets from all over the world in the past four hours congratulating me. I mean, let's share this moment of glory," he said, adding, "But you should pressure your regime too."

What do you think about the uprising in Egypt? Let us know in the comments.

'X-Men: First Class' Star Michael Fassbender Leads Us Through Trailer

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 03:57 AM PST

Actor talks about two Magneto helmets, being a student and pulling from Ian McKellen's performance and X-Men comics.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Michael Fassbender in "X-Men: First Class"
Photo: 20th Century Fox

Early in the evening on Thursday, the first trailer for "X-Men: First Class" popped up online — the general consensus on the footage being: dope! — and only hours later, we found ourselves chatting with star Michael Fassbender, who was in town to promote "Jane Eyre."

Charming, self-deprecating chap that he is, the 33-year-old actor agreed to walk MTV News through the trailer, pointing out his favorite bits and the scenes that make him cringe and offering some newsy insight into the way his character fits into the narrative.

Fassbender plays Erik Lehnsherr, the magnetically enhanced mutant who eventually becomes the villain Magneto. But when we first meet Erik in "First Class," he's a close confidant to Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), who is gathering a collection of mutant-students and teaching them how to maximize their potential. As Fassbender noted, Erik is not Xavier's fellow teacher, but his student.

"I'm not a teacher; I'm a pupil," he said. "Charlie boy is the teacher. That's the cool thing. He sees the potential in this new race and gathers us all together to really fulfill our ultimate powers, to really unleash these gifts."

In the trailer, Erik can be seen rocking two different helmets. You won't see a third enter the picture, Fassbender told us, though he stopped short of explaining exactly how and why the mutant switches up his headgear — "There are two versions. There's that silver one and that red one," he said coyly. But based on his nervous laughter on the topic, we have a feeling the helmet switch speaks to an important plot development, perhaps the point at which Erik formalizes his change from Charles' friend to his nemesis.

Magento, of course, was famously brought to the big screen in three previous "X-Men" films by Ian McKellen. Fassbender, however, took his creative cue not from the Oscar-nominated actor, but the character's comics-based mythology as a Holocaust survivor who eventually relocates to Israel after the war.

"I always had little remnants of [McKellen] somewhere in here," Fassbender said, pointing to his head, "but I used the comics as the source material."

Check out everything we've got on "X-Men: First Class."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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<i>Dungeon Family</i> Mixtape Reps ATL's Golden Era, DJ Mars Says

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:55 AM PST

Mars tells Mixtape Daily new collection features vintage Outkast, Goodie Mob and more of Atlanta's 'forgotten' club music.
By Jayson Rodriguez


DJ Mars
Photo: Getty Images

Cornerstone Credentials: Dungeon Family

The South is at the forefront of hip-hop these days: Rick Ross and Waka Flocka Flame rule the soundtrack of the streets, Cash Money and their long-running empire introduce new stars with increasing regularity and DJs Drama, Scream and Teknikz, among others, put out the hottest mixtapes.

But back before things below the Mason-Dixon Line were poppin', a collection of rappers and producers from Atlanta — billing themselves as the Dungeon Family — were the first to take a bite out of the Big Apple's dominance.

DJ Mars, DJ Bobby Black and Stefan the DJ (a.ka. the World Famous Superfriends) pay homage to the DF crew and mark Mars' 20 years in the A with their latest mixtape, Forever I Love Atlanta (F.I.L.A.): The History Of the Dungeon Family.

"The initial idea for the tape was to just be an all-Outkast tape," Mars told Mixtape Daily. "And when I approached [Dungeon Family architect] Rico Wade about doing the drops, I wanted to get info about the recording process with Outkast. I been around them for a while; I was their first DJ before they got a deal.

"So I saw the story before it unfolded. But then me and Bobby Black were sitting there and together thought, 'There's a bigger story than just Outkast,' as crazy as it sounds. But the story is the whole Dungeon Family and how all of [the artists] were related to each of their moments. It wasn't just Outkast and everyone was born after that."

The 31-track collection features vintage Goodie Mob, Cool Breeze and EJ Tha Witchdoctor, along with interludes from Wade, Big Gipp and T-Mo revealing stories behind the rhymes.

In one clip, Wade tells a story about how actress Rosie Perez was in a mastering session with producer and then-LaFace Records head Antonio "L.A." Reid. Once Perez started dancing to the remix of "Player's Ball," the doubtful executive was sold on Outkast's debut single, Wade recalls. From there the DF movement was launched.

"The mixtape represents a lost era in Atlanta hip-hop," Mars explained. "These records, to the partying population of Atlanta, they're irrelevant. This felt great to put together because we were able to bring to light a portion of Atlanta's history, at least club-wise, that's forgotten."

Last year, comprehensive stories on the history of Dungeon Family ran in the pages of Atlanta's Creative Loafing and on Vibe.com. For Mars, this project represents a narrative just as stirring as those written stories. And that's why he eschewed traditional mixtape devices like cutting and rowdy drops.

"We sculpted the tape to be a documentary of all of their careers," he said.

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

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'Just Go With It': The Reviews Are In!

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 02:33 AM PST

Adam Sandler fans will surely hit the theater whether critics are into it or not.
By Eric Ditzian


Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in "Just Go With It"
Photo: Sony Pictures

Like the iPhone 4, Adam Sandler movies are basically review-proof. His comedies never engender the sort of critical praise that, say, Judd Apatow's often do, yet crowds reliably show up to watch Sandler do his thing.

So perhaps we shouldn't pay much mind to the often harsh reviews that have greeted his latest laugher, the Jennifer Aniston-co-starring rom-com, "Just Go With It." After all, even in the face of stiff competition from Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never," Sandler's flick is expected to win the weekend's box-office crown.

Possibly, though, you want to know a little more about "Just Go With It" than whose face fills nearly every scene. In that case, read on to find out what the critics have to say!

The Story
"Sandler plays Danny, a plastic surgeon and schlub who marries a shrew but discovers post-divorce (and post-nose job) that the gold band is a magnet for bar chicks. That changes when he meets Palmer (the stunning Brooklyn Decker), which prompts him to shove the ring in his pocket to woo her beachside. Everything's hunky-dory until Palmer discovers the ring in Danny's pocket and naturally assumes he's married. Here's where the film takes its first characteristic step: Instead of explaining himself, Danny concocts a bizarre lie that he's separated from his wife and close to a divorce. To maintain that lie, he persuades his assistant, Katherine (Aniston), to not only play his soon-to-be-ex-wife but to come with her two children to Hawaii to, well, make the movie feature length." — Scott Bowles, USA Today

The Look and the Laughs
"[Director Dennis] Dugan constantly shoots their paid vacation and indeed the entire film like a commercial, and with the rampant product placement, it's hard not to believe that's the case. Cuts are sloppy, dialogue looping is obvious, and although they must've seemed fresh after every take on set, Sandler's perpetual off-the-cuff name checks become a monotonous crutch in scene after scene. The man can't resist ethnic stereotypes, plastic surgery mishaps, shots to the groin or sheep resuscitation gags (a moment any other film would've played off as something funnier said than shown), and the film runs nearly two hours for all its allegedly comedic indulgences." — William Goss, Cinematical

The Chemistry
"[Aniston] has got expert comic timing when all those around her have none; she's got lightness and finesse when everyone else is being indulgently silly. She plays like a grown-up; she looks fab. And she gets a real commitment out of Sandler -- her performance makes him grow up, too. Amidst the wreckage of 'Just Go With It,' Aniston and Sandler have a real chemistry. They should go elsewhere with it." — Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

The Dissenters
"Adam Sandler's Happy Madison production team has rarely put much stock in the rules of classical storytelling, but its newest project, 'Just Go With It,' manages to misfire in two seemingly incompatible directions. A puerile kiddie-comedy without the anarchic energy, and a schmaltzy romantic comedy without the sweetness, this Hawaii-set farce is too frantic and too lackadaisical a take on the oft-adapted French play 'Cactus Flower.' Working with longtime director Dennis Dugan, Sandler and the rest of the film's marquee cast could nonetheless steer it toward good returns." — Andrew Barker, Variety

The Final Word
"It had been one of the minor inducements to longevity, this crazy hope of one day actually seeing Jennifer Aniston in a good movie. That day arrives with 'Just Go With It,' a very funny romantic comedy that nicely combines Adam Sandler's acerbic sweetness with Aniston's down-to-earth warmth -- and that finds an excuse for Aniston to both play an average person and yet dress like a movie star. The screenplay has a setup that borders on farce, but the romantic heart of it is strong and expresses something unusual. It's a movie about the romance of familiarity, about the satisfaction and spiritual necessity of actually knowing someone and being known. So much of movie romance is usually about the opposite of that, about going off into the unknown, about adventure in the form of, not physical danger, but emotional danger. 'Just Go With It' makes a feint in that direction, but not enough to fool anybody." — Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Check out everything we've got on "Just Go With It."

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

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way': The New Gay Anthem?

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 12:13 AM PST

'Anything she says, I think, will always be the gay anthem,' says comedian Gabe Liedman.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

With lyrics like "Don't be a drag, just be a queen" and "No matter gay, straight or bi/ Lesbian, transgendered life/ I'm on the right track, baby/ I was born to survive," it's clear that Gaga is singing for those in the LGBT community who feel disenfranchised on her new track "Born This Way." Perhaps it was no mistake that Gaga debuted the club-friendly track on a Friday, the day many people head out on the town.

So, as those in the LGBT community make their Friday night plans, MTV News found out what some prominent professionals in the community think about the track and got their answers to the question: Is this the new gay anthem?

"Typically, gay anthems have been chosen by gay people, not for gay people. The explicitly pro-gay sentiment is something relatively new to major-label pop (especially major-label pop launching a much-anticipated album by arguably the most relevant pop star in the world right now)," explained Rich Juzwiak, author of the pop-culture FourFour blog.

"I have mixed feelings about the conflation of activism and marketing inherent in a piece of commerce like 'Born This Way,' but ultimately, I think Gaga's heart is in the right place. It's pretty bold of her, while at the same time being utterly beneficial to her career and exposure."

Logo's NewNowNext.com editor John Polly noted that the song has all the right elements to be adopted as the anthem for 2011. "Its big, it's loud, it's fun!" he said. "It sounds like someone mashed up a zillion mirrors in a drag queen's closet and then shot it out of a sequin cannon ... subtle! Subtle!

"This one has more [gay anthem elements] than most," he continued. "It calls out every color of the rainbow, like specifically, vocally. Everything's in there. It's got it all and it's got a beat. It's familiar, but it's new. It's Gaga. She's got something in there for everyone, so hopefully people are into it ... I think you're getting a lot of bang for your buck, a lot of big gay noise that's going on."

Gabe Liedman, comedian and pop-culture expert, described the track as "perfect" and admits that Gaga has it locked up, that is until she releases her next track off the May album of the same name. "I mean, she didn't waste any time with poetry," he teased. "She kind of got right to the point. It's not subtle. There's no misinterpreting it. That's what she thinks: You're born this way, born this gay!

"I think this will be the gay anthem for as long as it takes before her next song comes out," he joked. "And that will be the gay anthem and then anything that comes out after that. Anything she says, I think, will always be the gay anthem, until she dies."

Do you think "Born This Way" is the new gay anthem? Let us know in the comments!

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Justin Bieber's Grammy Performance Will Be 'A Crossover,' Usher Says

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 05:48 AM PST

The 'O.M.G.' singer looks forward to sharing the stage with his protégé on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery


Usher
Photo: Amanda Edwards/ Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD — At Sunday's 53rd Grammy Awards, Usher will be pulling double duty as both a nominee and a performer. Of course, given the massive year he just completed — with the success of his smash single "O.M.G." and as a mentor to rising phenom Justin Bieber — Ush's Grammy plans seem rather fitting.

Especially since he'll be performing with Bieber (and Bieber's pal Jaden Smith), a move that's just as much about celebrating Usher's successes as it is the successes of his young protégé.

"Having been through [the Grammys] so many times, you couldn't want for anything more than for your young protégé to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here," Usher told MTV News on Thursday, hours before his performance at the (Belvedere) RED launch party in Hollywood. "And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for."

And just how will the dynamic duo tell that story? Well, Usher wasn't about to reveal all the details, but he did say that he's hoping their performance will show another side of Bieber ... a side most tend to overlook.

"The performance will be fun," Usher explained. "We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. ... This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn't believe [in him] — some of his other talents. He's going to play acoustically, and also, we'll get down a little bit."

And though Ush is up for a pair of Grammy awards on Sunday — Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond — he's most looking forward to sharing the stage with Bieber and giving fans a look at where the young artist will be heading next.

"I'm very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun," Usher said. "The story of Justin Bieber doesn't stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world ... a cultural experience that's much more than just fanfare. And that's what this is. That's what the Grammys will be; that's what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way."

Don't miss "Snooki & Sway: Live From the Grammys," a red-carpet live stream kicking off Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And stick with us all Grammy night for coverage of the red carpet, the show, the afterparties and beyond!

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'Prometheus' Has 'Definite Connection' To 'Alien,' Michael Fassbender Says

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 02:33 AM PST

'It's definitely in keeping with the old ones,' movie's star says about confusion over the Ridley Scott film.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Michael Fassbender
Photo: MTV News

Ever since a Deadline New York report last month, there has been a lot of confusion about Ridley Scott's newest "Alien" film, which marks the director's return to the franchise more than 30 years after he brought the first "Alien" movie to the big screen.

After word of the project first broke in the summer of 2009, the new report suggested the film was in fact not an "Alien" prequel but rather a film born of "Alien DNA" that is "unique, large and provocative." Yet at the same time, contrary to this new spin, we were hearing that the film — titled "Prometheus" — was in fact a prequel to the franchise. Now, this all might be a matter of semantics (not to mention movie marketing), but there's no doubt that confusion has surrounded the exact nature of the production.

So when we had the chance to speak with one of the stars of the new film, Michael Fassbender, while he was promoting "Jane Eyre," we asked him to shed some light on these conflicting judgments. And as he told us, "Prometheus" is most definitely an "Alien" movie.

"Absolutely," he said. "There's a definite connecting vein. You realize you're part of something else. But it's definitely in keeping with the old ones."

What's more, Fassbender said the new film is more closely related to the slow-burning "Alien," which Scott directed, than James Cameron's more action-oriented follow-up, "Aliens."

"It is more sort of the original one," Fassbender explained. "There's things happening and building, and the intelligence of the first two-thirds of the film gets you ready for the action ... it's creeping, it's sinister, things are happening and building, all the different intrigues and politics going on between the different relationships onboard."

That's not to say Damon Lindelof, who worked on the script with Scott, was blowing smoke when he said things to Deadline like, "In a world flooded with prequels, sequels and reboots, I was incredibly struck by just how original Ridley's vision was for this movie."

Fassbender told us that while "Prometheus" fits squarely within "Alien" mythology, the film delivers "a whole new revelation."

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

Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler Talk Sex On The First Date

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 03:31 AM PST

'Just Go With It' stars tell MTV News it's a no-no — except for Dave Matthews: 'I can't think of a reason not to!'
By Eric Ditzian


Brooklyn Decker and Adam Sandler in "Just Go With It"
Photo: Sony Pictures

In "Just Go With It," Adam Sandler and Brooklyn Decker's characters meet at a house party, fall hard for each other, and — in an instance of what the "Jersey Shore" cast would call being "DTF" — spend a sandy night of passion on the beach.

Which begs the question: How does the cast feel about getting down and dirty on the first date? Good idea? Great idea? Or you-gotta-be-crazy bad idea? That's what MTV News wanted to know when we hit the film's red-carpet premiere earlier this week.

"Terrible idea. Don't do it!" Sandler declared. "You got to hold it back."

In fact, Sandler said that if viewers take away one thing from the new comedy, it should be, "Block it! Block it and lock it!"

Aniston agreed. "I don't think it's a good idea," she told us.

Decker, too, approved of that keep-it-in-your-pants counsel, even if her big-screen counterpart did not. "Total no-no. A complete no-no," the model-turned-actress said. "My character, Palmer, did it. Shame on Palmer! Make him wait. That should be something kind of special."

Lest you think everyone involved with "Just Go With It" is advising randy Americans to wait until, say, the second date to bump and grind, one co-star told us that, hey, if it feels good, go for it.

"I think it probably depends. Seems like a good idea at the time, doesn't it?" said Dave Matthews, who has a small but memorable role as an egocentric resort-goer. "If you're both into sleeping together on the first date, I can't think of a reason not to. Good idea!"

Check out everything we've got on "Just Go With It."

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

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Shows A 'New Direction,' Says Perez Hilton

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 08:57 AM PST

Gaga's new single 'is very much about the you and I, the collective us,' maintains the gossip blogger.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ WireImage

Lady Gaga's little monsters will certainly have their paws up when they hear the singer's latest dance-floor creation, "Born This Way," which was released to radio and made available for purchase on Friday (February 11). The track, an over-the-top sonic spectacle of beats, synths and messages of empowerment, is the next step in Gaga's ever-evolving career, at least according to one well-known media pundit.

The pop star's pal Perez Hilton explains how the track fits in when compared with Gaga's other big lead singles — The Fame's "Just Dance" and The Fame Monster's "Bad Romance."

"I think just by reading the lyrics that 'Born This Way' is taking things in a new direction," the gossip blogger recently shared with MTV News. "Whereas 'Bad Romance' and 'Just Dance' were great first-person [songs], 'Born This Way' is very much about the you and I, the collective us, the little monsters and the world."

Previously, Perez described the song as an anthem for Gaga's fans. "I'm very perceptive of what people are saying, thinking, and so is Gaga, and perhaps one of the biggest critiques, just based on the lyrics, is that it's a very gay song," he explained about the title track off the singer's next album, which is scheduled for a May release.

"And you know what? It is a very gay song — unapologetically gay, in-your-face gay — but it's also a universal song that can relate to everyone," Hilton further explained. "To all of us outsiders, to all of us freaks, to all of us who feel different. And the music is undeniable. It sounds like a smash. It is a smash. It is one of the best songs of Gaga's career."

Do you agree with Perez Hilton's evaluation of "Born This Way"? Share your opinions in the comments.

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'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never': The Reviews Are In!

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 10:26 PM PST

Film makes 'persuasive case' that Bieber is a 'far more talented-than-usual teen idol,' one critic says.
By Eric Ditzian


Justin Bieber
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

In case you couldn't tell from the talk-show appearances and the TV spots, from the billboards and bus ads, from the ceaseless chatter on Twitter, Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never" has finally arrived in theaters after a seemingly endless promotional push that left no channel or digital sphere Bieber Fever-free.

And in case you weren't sure, most everyone who's already seen it seems to agree: The movie is pretty dang good. And that's coming from critics and reporters who don't likely hum "One Less Lonely Girl" in the shower. Whether you're begging your parents for — or are being begged by your kids about — a trip to the multiplex this weekend, check out what reviewers are saying about "Never Say Never."

The Story
"A fairly intimate look at Bieber's life on the road and his beginnings as just another talented kid growing up in small-town Canada, the movie is part-documentary and part-concert film that both embraces and pokes fun at the teenybopper mania that Bieber and his handlers have created. There's a loose countdown structure as Bieber prepares for his first concert at Madison Square Garden, but director Jon Chu is mostly content to zip around Bieber's life and the people who surround him, mixing in live performances with the interviews and fly-on-the-wall recordings. He doesn't exactly pander to the audience, but it's probably no coincidence either that Bieber takes off his shirt twice in the first 10 minutes." — Katey Rich, Cinema Blend

Meet the Real Bieber
"Bieber is a mix of intuitive performer and apparent quick study. As a dancer, his style is endearingly awkward, as if the 16-year-old still has not quite figured out how his body works. ... Yet beneath his polish there is still something unpracticed and a bit goofy to Bieber and his ever-present team of handlers. When a random girl is plucked night after night from the audience for him to serenade onstage, he hands her a big bouquet of roses; as he sings a solo acoustic number, he hangs over the crowd seated in a giant heart. Bieber seems to sit at some rare intersection of the newfangled and the traditional, where camera phones coexist sweetly with swooning romance." — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times

The Visuals
"Director Jon Chu has done a nice job of building this as a film, as a solid documentary, with a heavy side order of self-aware image-building. It is revealing in ways it may not have been intended to be, but it is crafted well, and the 3-D concert footage is designed to be very experiential. Chu wants you to see how hard the people on stage are working, how crazy it is behind the scenes, and just how much that audience feeds on it and then feeds it back in crazy prepubescent emotional hypermedia." — Drew McWeeny, HitFix

The Dissenters
"While the film makes clear Bieber is a wunderkind who wants to be seen more as a Justin Timberlake than a Rick Astley, his movie retreats from anything near the portrait that Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' posthumously became. That's a shame, because there was drama in Bieber's life. He grew up poor to a single mom in Ontario, Canada, and became a sensation only after posting his second-place finish in a singing competition on YouTube. 'Never,' though, touches only briefly on that childhood. And though Bieber taught himself to play several instruments, the film whisks past his talents to get to his bangs — and does nothing to risk 'Never' 's G-rating." — Scott Bowles, USA Today

The Final Word
"Though anyone who needs convincing won't touch this one with a 10-foot pole, 'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' makes a persuasive case for its titular star as a far more talented-than-usual teen idol. As much a legitimate documentary as it is a 3D concert film and teen girl squeal-delivery device, the film possesses surprising moments of candor on the toil of teenage superstardom, even if the overall effect is purely promotional. Provided it skirts the curse of the Jonas Brothers (who released a similar film just as their popularity began to flatline), it should go over like gangbusters." — Andrew Barker, Variety

Check out everything we've got on "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."

For around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Miley Cyrus To Host 'Saturday Night Live' On March 5

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 09:27 AM PST

The teen star's appearance will be her first time hosting the long-running sketch-comedy show.
By Aly Semigran


Miley Cyrus
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

If you're a Miley Cyrus fan, here's some news that's "like, prit-tay cool!"

The 18-year-old singer/actress is slated to host "Saturday Night Live" for the first time on March 5, People.com has confirmed. Unlike some previous genre-spanning celebs who have hosted the sketch-comedy show such as Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Lopez, though, Cyrus won't pull double duty as the evening's musical guest. There's no word yet on who will provide the musical entertainment on the episode.

The teenage phenom has been something of a fixture on "SNL" over the past season, with new castmember Vanessa Bayer's dead-on impersonation of the "Hannah Montana" star in the sketch "The Miley Cyrus Show" seen semi-regularly on the late-night program.

In it, Bayer — joined by Jason Sudeikis as her overly eager dad, Billy Ray Cyrus — portrays Miley as she interviews other celebrities while often interjecting her own stories and expressing that everything is, well, "pretty cool."

Cyrus — who has two upcoming comedy films, "So Undercover" and "LOL," in the works — has also been the butt of some jokes because of her now-infamous bong/salvia-smoking moment, which was all caught on tape and posted online in December 2010.

The teen sensation has since addressed the incident, admitting in a recent Marie Claire cover story, "For me it was a bad decision, because of my fans and because of what I stand for."

In addition to the "SNL" hosting gig in three weeks, Cyrus will appear at Sunday night's Grammy Awards as a presenter.

How do you think Miley will do as "SNL" host? Tell us in the comments.

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

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'Gnomeo And Juliet' Stars Talk 'Overacting' For Animated Flick

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 12:03 AM PST

'You have to emanate every kind of sound you can ever muster up,' Emily Blunt tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner


James McAvoy and Emily Blunt
Photo: MTV News

From the outside looking in, the world of voice acting holds an allure that seems glamorous in a different way than traditional acting. There's no wardrobe to fit, no hair and makeup to arrange, no far-off location to travel to, and so forth. All an actor has to do is show up and speak into a microphone. According to the lead voices behind "Gnomeo and Juliet" (an animated take on Shakespeare's classic), James McAvoy and Emily Blunt, there are indeed a few benefits.

But it's definitely not as basic as some might think. MTV News recently spoke to Blunt and McAvoy, who told us effective voice work requires a few tricks.

"I feel like you have to overact the entire time because you don't realize how flat your voice sounds when it's faceless and expressionless," Blunt said. "So you actually have to over-enunciate and really leap around to add some kind of liveliness to the way you speak," she explained. "It was interesting. We were told often to smile while we were talking because it actually lightens your voice up. It was interesting."

McAvoy added that you can actually hear the smile in the voice. "It was quite interesting. Even when the character is not supposed to be smiling, they'd like to hear the smile," he said.

Blunt also revealed that a few of her scenes were a bit embarrassing because she had to run in place in order to act out certain action sequences.

"They need reactions from you falling on something or swinging or grabbing a hold of something," she explained. "So that's when you have to emanate every kind of sound you can ever muster up. It's very strange."

Check out everything we've got on "Gnomeo and Juliet."

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

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Premieres

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 03:55 AM PST

Gaga channels '90s dance music on new track celebrating individuality.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga
Photo: Andy Sheppard/ Redferns/ Getty Images

Fun, empowering and over-the-top. Those are the first adjectives that come to mind upon hearing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." Between Gaga's empowering lyrics and the music's heavy club influences, the song is set to appease her fans and pop lovers everywhere who had no idea what Gaga had up her meat sleeves for this highly anticipated single, which debuted early Friday morning (February 11).

At first listen, it sounds a lot like a '90s club anthem that could have been pulled right out of Madonna's "Vogue" period, complete with rhythmic spoken-word parts. But upon a closer listen, Gaga's distinct voice makes the song all hers.

"It doesn't matter if you love him or capital H-I-M," she says on loop at the song's beginning, "because you were born this way, baby."

As synths crash into a beat, Gaga belts out the song's first verse, "My mama told me when I was young/ We are all born superstars." She then quickly moves into the chorus, and it's clear this song is meant to be heard in a big space. It's fast and hard-hitting.

Gaga chants in the middle of the song: "Don't be a drag, just be a queen/ Whether you're broke or evergreen/ You're black, white, beige, chola descent/ You're Lebanese, you're Orient/ Whether life's disabilities/ Left you outcast, bullied or teased/ Rejoice and love yourself today/ 'Cause baby, you we're born this way/ No matter gay, straight, or bi/ Lesbian, transgendered life/ I'm on the right track, baby/ I was born to survive/ No matter black, white or beige/ Chola or Orient made/ I'm on the right track, baby/ I was born to be brave."

The music fades out momentarily as Gaga sings a cappella before a synthy organ comes back in and she closes out the song, her voice clear and strong. The song is part gospel for her little monsters (particularly the ones who feel persecuted for their sexuality or other differences) and part funky dance tune that anyone could relate to.

The song was written and co-produced by Gaga. Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow also got co-production credits on the track, which will appear on her May album of the same name.

What do you think of "Born This Way"? Share your reaction in the comments!

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Ke$ha Says She's 'Disappointed' By Grammy Snub

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 10:08 PM PST

'I plan on making a lot more records, and hopefully one of them will be Grammy-worthy,' singer tells Vanity Fair.
By James Dinh


Ke$ha
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images

Last year was full of breakout music stars, including Ke$ha, who ruled the scene with a string of dance-pop hits (and a massive overflow of glitter). But not everyone is a Ke$ha fan: The singer was snubbed when the 2011 Grammy nominees were announced in December.

The starlet recently spoke to Vanity Fair about the Grammy snub and said she's determined to score a nod sometime later in her career. And after calling the Recording Academy's award "not that big a deal," Ke$ha admitted that she was saddened by her lack of nominations.

"Of course I do," the singer said when asked if she wanted a Grammy. "I was disappointed that I didn't get nominated. But I've only been around for a year. I'm friends with the Black Keys, and they were nominated for the first time this year. And they've been around for a decade. That's like half my life, so I really can't be a brat about it."

Ke$ha isn't bitter about the situation either, telling the magazine, "I plan on making a lot more records, and hopefully one of them will be Grammy-worthy."

While she may not be gearing up for the big show on Sunday night, Ke$ha is prepping for the launch of her first North American headlining tour, the Get $leazy Tour. The country-wide trek is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday in Portland, Oregon, and continue through May.

Do you think Ke$ha deserved a Grammy nomination? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' Shows Highs, Lows Of Fame, Jay Sean Says

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 10:33 PM PST

'It gave a really deep insight in the things that perhaps the fans don't see,' the U.K. singer tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber in "Never Say Never"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

We don't know if you've heard, but it's "Never Say Never" Friday. Justin Bieber's 3-D flick finally opened on Friday (February 11), but some of the teen star's fans, including Jay Sean, got a sneak peek at the New York screening last week.

Part documentary, part concert film, "Never Say Never" explores the teen star's rise to fame. When we caught up with the British singer on the red carpet he joked, "Look! I'm sweating. I got major Bieber Fever."

After the premiere, Jay Sean gave us his take on the movie. "I really enjoyed the film because it gave a really deep insight in the things that perhaps the fans don't see like when [Justin's] so exhausted, like when his voice goes out," he said outside the theater. "You know, there's so many people around you trying to hold you down and keep you normal, those are the things that I'm really glad that a film showed those parts."

Jay went on to add that he went in to the movie not knowing what was in store. "I didn't know what to expect, whether he was going to be acting or whether it was going to be something else. It was so real and I love the fact that it showed what it takes to be a superstar," he said. "I hope the kids took that message home."

The 3-D movie also includes interviews from some of the people closest to Bieber, including his family, friends and crew. It also features cameos from Miley Cyrus, Usher and Ludacris, to name a few, who were filmed during his concert performances at Madison Square Garden last September.

What did you think of "Never Say Never"? Share your reviews in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."

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

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