First Argo Image Arrives Ben Affleck goes bearded

With the New Year almost upon us and the news streams largely quiet, this is the one of the few annual times the studios choose to bombard us with preview pictures from their upcoming output. Warners has shoved a raft of new pictures online, with one of particular interest – the first official image from Ben Affleck’s Argo.

Affleck passed on the chance to make the new Superman for this one, an intriguing ripped-from-real-life tale of six American hostages and the audacious plan to evacuate them safely from Iran.

Adapted from Joshuah Berman’s article about the incident by writer Chris Terrio Argo follows CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist Tony Mendez (Affleck) in November 1974 as he’s informed of the situation. You see, militants have stormed the US embassy and taken 52 Americans hostage. Six have escaped and are finding refuge with the Canadian ambassador, but they need to leave the country pronto. So Mendez cooks up an idea to have them listed as members of a location scouting team for a sci-fi movie. Which will require the US government to create a fictional production…

As he did with The Town, Affleck has recruited a solid cast to bring the quirky story to life, with such talented folk as Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Kerry Bishé, Kyle Chandler, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Victor Garber, Zeljko Ivanek, Richard Kind, Scoot McNairy, Chris Messina and Michael Parks all aboard.

Latest Amazing Spider-Man Pics Online

Looking to keep The Amazing Spider-Man in our festively blurred noggins over this quiet period between Christmas and New Year, Sony has shoved out a few new pictures from the film on to the web.

Focusing mostly on Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield)’s early days as the web-shooting hero, the new images feature him discovering his new found powers and going a little bit Teen Wolf on the high school basketball court. There is also a nice, close look at the mechanical web system he’ll be using, a switch back to the character’s roots before more recent comic runs – and Sam Raimi’s cinematic version – had them as organic developments.

THE HUNGER GAMES Soundtrack to Feature Original Songs from The Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Taylor Swift, and More

Just the other day the first single from the soundtrack to Gary Ross’ highly anticipated adaptation of The Hunger Games, a song called “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars, was released. While some were dismayed at the inclusion of the teen-skewing Swift, producer T. Bone Burnett (Crazy Heart) has much more up his sleeve as a few more contributing artists have now been announced. Burnett is collaborating with composer James Newton Howard not only on the film’s score, but also on an ambitious soundtrack album made up of original songs inspired by the film’s themes . Hit the jump to find out who’ll be joining Swift on the soundtrack.

At the time of the “Safe and Sound” release, I mentioned that I was hopeful Burnett would include a wide-range of artists on the new album, and now my fears of an entirely teen-centric soundtrack have been alleviated. Universal reports (via EW) that the disc will contain contributions from not only Swift, but also The Decemberists and Arcade Fire members Win Butler and Regine Chassagne. I’m a big fan of both bands and their inclusion gives me faith that Burnett is putting together something special. I’m really looking forward to a folk-centric soundtrack from a batch of interesting and innovative artists, and this is a big step in the right direction. Hopefully more contributors will be announced soon

Holiday Box Office Caps Disappointing Year; Only Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Scores

If Hollywood was hoping that the holiday box office during the highest-volume ticket-selling period of the year would turn around their fortunes they were mistaken. Only one of the big-ticket studio tentpoles scored really big over the four-day holiday weekend, Friday through Christmas Day, which fell on a Sunday this year. This means that Saturday night was indeed silent at the box office. Compared to last year's four-day holiday weekend, which included Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, this year's box office is up 8%. The box office should improve Monday.
Paramount franchise "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" grossed an estimated $46.2 million in four days, proving that audiences still like Tom Cruise as ruthless daredevil Ethan Hunt. Marking a turn to live action, Pixar animator Brad Bird ("The Incredibles") delivered just the right mix of thrills, humor and character-driven visual spectacle. The $145 million movie even scored rave reviews, earning 97 % with top critics on the Tomatometer. The movie boasts an enviable A- CinemaScore and pulled 61% male vs. 39% female, 65% 25 and over. Paramount effectively platformed the film last weekend on IMAX screens, which on the holiday weekend delivered 23% of the gross.

In its second go-round, Warner Bros.' $125 million sequel "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" managed to outperform $31.8 million vs. $19.4 million David Fincher's violent feminist procedural "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," starring Daniel Craig as passive muckraker Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara as vengeful punk hacker Lisbeth Salander. It will have to earn back its $90-million budget overseas. "Tattoo" scored 78% with Top Critics on the Tomatometer.

And the family market bloodbath continued as too many PG films ate each other up, from Steven Spielberg's Euro-centric animated entry "The Adventures of Tintin," which will collect the lion's share of its grosses overseas ($240 million to date), to $80-million chirpy sequel "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" (which did well on its second weekend despite its 11% rating from Top Critics on the Tomatometer) and Cameron Crowe's bid for a comeback, "We Bought a Zoo," starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, which grossed $15.6 million off a Tomatometer score of 65% with Top Critics.

$135-million "Tintin" earned an A- CinemaScore and a modest 67% Tomatometer with Top Critics. The movie lured a 55% male audience, with 51% aged 25 and under. Audiences preferred to see the film in 3-D, which accounted for 74% of the gross.

Of the films that opened on Christmas Day, Spielberg's second film of the season, Disney/DreamWorks' period tearjerker "War Horse," opened well in 2,376 theatres, grossing a two-day estimate of $15,025,000 (per theater average $6324). The well-reviewed drama (87% with Top Critics on Tomatometer) skewed toward older moviegoers, as 31% of attendees were over the age of 50. The movie will do very well going forward.

Summit released wide New Regency's $30-million sci-fi holiday-themed actioner "The Darkest Hour" starring Emile Hirsch and Olivia Thirlby to $5.5 million, which played young and male and earned a C+ Cinemascore and 25% Tomatomatoer score. Tom Jacobson and Timur Bekmambetov produced. Safe to say it will not "survive the holidays."

In limited release on six screens, Stephen Daldry's "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" managed a two day estimate of $22,667 per screen in just six theaters. In terms of playing more broadly, however, the post 9/11 literary drama starring newcomer Thomas Horn with support from Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock needed stellar reviews and must-see status to overcome its glum subject; it earned just 55% on the Tomatometer.

Among the year's box office disasters are WB's $135 million "Happy Feet Two," which didn't last in theaters long enough to score with the holiday crowd--after six weeks it was only on 525 screens, with a dismal weekend $451 per screen average, grossing a total $60 million. And the studio's "J. Edgar," from Clint Eastwood, at a total $36 million to date, won't come close to making back its modest $35 million budget. Also unlikely to make back its $170 million budget is "Hugo," even though it is hanging in with audiences at a total of $45 million to date; it simply cost too much. Meanwhile Paramount's "Young Adult," which luckily only cost $12 million, is plodding along in 987 theaters, with a total so far of $8,184,000.

Indiewire reports the indie Christmas picture.

BOX OFFICE TOP TEN - Four day figures

1. "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" (Paramount) - $46.2 million on its second weekend on 3,448 screens, $13,399 theater average. Domestic total: $78.6 million
2. "Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows" (Warner Bros.) - $31.8 million million on its second weekend on 3,703 screens, $8587 theater average. Domestic total: $90.6 million.
3. "Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" (Fox) - $20 million on its second weekend on 3,734 screens, 5356 theater average. Domestic total: $56.9 million.
4. "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" (Sony) - $19.4 million on its first weekend on 2,914 screens, 6657 theater average.  Domestic total: $27.7 million.
5. "The Adventures Of Tintin" (Paramount) - $16.1 million on its first weekend on 3,087 screens, $5215 theater average. Domestic total: $24.1 million.
6. "We Bought A Zoo" (Fox) - $15.6 million on its first weekend on 3,117 screens, 5005 theater average. Domestic total: $15.6 million.
7. "War Horse" (Disney/DreamWorks) - $15 million on its first two days on 2376 screens, $6324 theater average. Domestic total: $15 million.
8. "The Darkest Hour" (New Regency/Summit), $5.5 million on its first two-day weekend on 2585 screens, 2915 per screen average. Domestic total: $5.5 million.
9. "New Year's Eve" (Warner Bros.) - $4.9 million on its third weekend on 2,585 screens, $1282 theater average. Domestic total: $34.3 million.
10. "The Descendants" (Fox Searchlight), $3.4 million on its sixth weekend on 813 screens, $4213 theater average. Domsteic total: $33.7 million.

Mark Pellegrino Previews The Closer's New Legal Nightmare and Talks Of Being Human Again

This Monday on The Closer‘s winter finale (TNT, 9/8c), Gavin Q. Baker III may decide that working pro bono for the LAPD isn’t worth any amount of courtroom infamy, when yet another twist in the “Shootin’ Newton” case puts him and Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson even more on the defensive. In this exclusive TVLine Q&A, Mark Pellegrino spoke about this latest wrinkle for his Closer counselor as well as previewed his most unlikely Being Human encore and his role in Castle‘s time-trippy episode.

'Shameless' DVD extras: The cast talks about sex scenes!

Showtime’s series Shameless is known for its sexy scenes, but what are the rules between the actors shooting those? The actors from the series — including Justin Chatwin, Emmy Rossum, Shanola Hampton, and Steve Howey — sit down to discuss the rules in the extras on the series’ DVD release, which goes for sale Dec. 27. EW has an exclusive clip of that conversation from the extras, which veers into some interesting territory. You can find the clip below. Before that, though, there are some upbeat intros to this exclusive clip from Chatwin, Hampton, and the ever-cute Emma Kenney. (Their bloopers of said introductions come after the clip.) Enjoy!

PopWatch Confessional: What's the most ridiculous gift you received for Christmas this year?

Aside from the off-chance you received a gift as (intentionally) awful as the ones these poor kids did on account of one unseasonably cruel Jimmy Kimmel, there was bound to be at least one ridiculous present that wound up under your tree this year. (Unless, of course, you somehow know perfect gift-giver Leslie Knope.)
The absurd present is certain to wind up in your gift pile if you’re pop-culture junkie, as we are both the givers and receivers of irony, year-round and especially on Christmas. (Case in point:  The Christmas episode of The Office when Jim and Karen both wound up giving each other copies of the terrible Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.)
But tell us PopWatchers, did you receive something so mind-bogglingly, WhyDidYouBuyMeThat.com-worthy this year? Did your Jersey Shore addiction come back to bite in you in the ass in the form of these? Or even worse: This? Did you receive the same Christmas Story pajamas as poor Ralphie (pictured) thanks to your own kooky aunt? How about a Nickelback album, despite the fact that you definitely did not ask for one? Since you probably had to put on a happy face when you received said gift, you can officially vent your utter dismay and confusion in the comments section below. Don’t worry, your gift-giver probably won’t read this. But if they are… um, is there any chance you still have the receipt?
Read more:
Jimmy Kimmel goes Grinch, gets parents to give their kids awful presents — VIDEO
‘Jersey Shore’-naments: Which pop culture holiday decorations would you like to see?
What are the best Christmas presents ever gifted on a scripted TV show?

Akshay Kumar's 'Breakaway' smashes Canadian box office records

Akshay Kumar's Breakaway has become the highest-grossing English movie in Canadian history.

The project, which released in some territories under the alternate title Speedy Singhs, is centred around Toronto's Indo-Canadian community.

"We released the film in 51 theatres across Canada on 30th September this year and the box office returns ever since then have exceeded expectations," said Canadian distributor Mark Sloane.

The movie, which was co-produced by Kumar's production house Hari Om Entertainment, has broken records set by earlier crossover productions including Monsoon Wedding and 3 Idiots.

A special screening was held for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October.

In spite of the film's success in the Canadian market, Kumar attributed its poor performance domestically to the fact that it was aimed at non-resident Indian audiences.

Hugh Hefner & Crystal Harris in a Custody Battle over Their Puppy

Shortly after Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris ended their engagement in June, the Playboy mogul said Harris let him keep Charlie, their shared Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

But now, Hefner, 85, says he and his former fiancée, 25, are still going back and forth about who gets permanent ownership of the pooch.

"We both love the puppy," Hefner told PEOPLE on Thursday at the Playboy Mansion in L.A. "I told her if she wants to keep the ring and the Bentley, then maybe I can keep the puppy. I [hope] we will work it out."

‘Mission: Impossible’ Tops Weak Holiday Box Office

“Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” accomplished its first mission by landing on top of the weekend box office. But the overall box office is slightly down so far this holiday season.

The new action movie, which stars Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton, finished at No. 1, taking in $26. 5 million, according to estimates from Hollywood.com. Final figures are due out later today. The movie, distributed by Paramount Pictures, was directed by Brad Bird, who is best known for directing animated movies such as Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”

“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (Warner Bros.) finished in second place with $17.8 million.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” (Fox) placed third with $13.3 million.

The overall box office haul was down 4.5% compared to this time last year, according to Hollywood.com. The theaters are also laden with sequels: the three top films are new installments of already-established franchises.

Prince Philip spends Christmas Day in hospital

Prince Philip has missed the Christmas Day morning church service at the royal estate of Sandringham, as he continues to recover from heart surgery.

The Duke of Edinburgh was taken to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire on Friday (December 23) with chest pains. He had successful surgery the same evening under local anaesthetic to fit a stent, in order to relieve a blockage in his coronary artery.
Prince Philip was visited by six of his grandchildren, including Princes William and Harry, later on Christmas Day.

Other members of the royal family, including the Queen and her four children, visited him on Christmas Eve.

BBC News says that Prince Charles told two well-wishers that his father was "very well" and "very determined".

The 90-year-old duke is said to be eager to leave the hospital and rejoin his family at the earliest opportunity.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge - who is spending her first Christmas at Sandringham following her marriage to Prince William in April - joined the royals on their usual walkabout after the church service.

Mike Tindall, who married Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips in July, is also spending his first Christmas with the royal family.

The Queen's traditional Christmas message - recorded on December 9 - focused this year on themes of family and community.

han sung joo picture

Han Sung Ju Video Scandal is being searched people today. As a celebrities, of course, a woman named Han Sung Ju It has an attractive face and beautiful body. Naturally, if people want to watch Han Sung Ju Video Scandal today.in duration to achieve 4.16 minute video that circulated since 4 December. Currently there is no confirmation of a former Miss Korea pageant Han Sung-ju. There's even a judging scandal actress in the video is indeed very similar to women in the recording scene video scandal Han Sung Ju it.Of course Miss Video Scandal Korean makes people feel curious and want to know the beauty of Han Sung Ju body when he was not wearing underwear.

The rapid circulation of a video nasty like Miss Korea in this virtual world, even the already tarnished the name of Korea and the Miss Korea. This adverse development of information technology is so fast. In fact, not only among young artists, some of the children who sit in any elementary school class, have also picked up a video enjoy this nasty Han Sung Joo.

If seen this hot video is not as beautiful, like the character played by Han Sung-Joo Han Sung Ju aka, when she played a few movies as well as the best stuntman in Korea since 1996 ago. In fact, exciting video that had heoh on 4 December, it became a public concern because of uploaded on someone's personal blog site, according to Mr. Mouse is a close friend, so so far so quickly accessible.

Who is this close friend? Apparently, there are three ex-boyfriend allegedly 'the successor Asia Carrera' this. However, responding to these allegations, the three former Han Sung Joo, precisely denied this rumor. Is it just limited to refute, or otherwise, quietly, Korean police have started investigating who was behind the circulation of the perpetrators of this nasty movie.

Clearly, the local police know that in a video nasty, celebrities are clear face and posture that have certain characteristics. Until now, no khabar about the figure of Han Sung Joo, after this case sticking out.

Unfortunately, until recently, there has been no confirmation from Korea's former beauty pageant. There's even a judge actress in the film is indeed very similar to women in the sex scenes footage. Developing the information again, The Real Han Sung Ju seems to be the only celebrities who fit the description of the video.

With the release of the video scandal is similar to the former Miss Korea, suspected that the woman's face (the perpetrator) in the video scandal is similar to Han Sung Ju. Must still uncertain and only a conjecture, but the circulation of the video has already spread wide world of entertainment at once stir in South Korea.

Han Sung Ju video scandal that could be busy on 4 December, it became a public concern because someone uploaded on personal blogs, according to Mr. Mouse is a close friend, so until now so quickly accessible. Who is this close friend? Apparently, there are three ex-boyfriend allegedly 'the successor Asia Carrera' this. However, responding to these allegations, the three former Han Sung Joo, precisely denied this rumor. Is it just limited to refute, or otherwise, quietly, Korean police have started investigating who was behind the circulation of the perpetrators of this nasty movie.

Currently there is no confirmation of Hun Sung Ju. There's even a judging scandal actress in the video is indeed very similar to Han Sung Ju.

han sung joo video

So if you haven’t heard yet, Han Sung Joo, who was Miss Korea 1995 and is a current news anchor, allegedly has a sex tape and pictures of her floating around the internet.

If it’s her, then it sounds like she pissed a couple guys off and/or those guys are psychopaths, because the sex tape and pictures aren’t even the worst part of it, as they posted up her passport and evidence of abortions.

Han Sung Joo Sued For Assaulting Scandal Informer

After her alleged sex video and abortion scandal were leaked on the internet, MC and news anchor Han Sung-joo is reportedly facing a lawsuit from former acquaintance (to be known as 'A') for locking him in a room and assaulting him for eight hours.
According to Allkpop website, on 20 December, 'A' filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court claiming that in March, Han Sung-joo, her brother, mother, and two other men had locked him in a room and assaulted him for eight hours.
On 22 December, his lawyer expressed, "After being assaulted for eight hours, 'A' was too afraid of what they would do to him to immediately report it to the police. He will be requesting an extra USD 500,000 to compensate for the pain and mental trauma he endured."
Han Sung-joo's lawyers responded to the claims on 22 December by stating, "We feel that it's rather fortunate that he filed a lawsuit because that means he will have to return to Korea to stand in court, which will give us an opportunity to charge him for his own wrongdoings. We have ample evidence to claim our innocence, and what he claims isn't the truth at all. He claims that he was locked and assaulted in a room, but it was actually he that voluntarily entered."
This is the latest development in the Han Sung-joo vs. 'A' case, where the said person released a sex tape of Han Sung Joo along with numerous accusations of assault and humiliation against her.
Han Sung-joo was Miss Korea 1995 and a news anchor who recently hit the internet buzz with her leaked documents (claimed to be her abortion report) and video of her sex scandals. The motive as claimed was to seek for judgement and revenge. The leaked photos include abortion documents (from the medical department), a passport with an entry to Hong Kong (the place where the abortion takes place) and an alleged sex tape.