Saturday, February 7, 2015

'Jupiter Ascending,' 'Seventh Son' Make For Two Big Flops In One Weekend


It’s not very often that Hollywood unleashes two major theatrical bombs over the same weekend. But that’s what happened when Jupiter Ascending and Seventh Son both crashed and burned in U.S. theaters on Friday.

Warner Bros.’ Jupiter Ascending, starring Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, is quickly dropping in estimates to a thin $18 million weekend at the box office. With a budget north of $175 million, the Wachowskis’ sci-fi fantasy tentpole could lose tens of millions barring a dramatic turnaround overseas.

The forecast for Universal and Legendary’s long-delayed Seventh Son, starring Jeff Bridges, is just as gloomy. The medieval fantasy tentpole has already projected a loss of $85 million, as Variety exclusively reported this week, despite earning $82 million at the international box office. It’s on track for only $6.6 million in its U.S. debut.

Neither of the b.o. calamities are entirely surprising—both big-budget movies were long-delayed due to poor tracking and Paramount’s The Spongebob Movie, which is soaking up $53 million this weekend, was originally projected to win the weekend. Still, the lousy performances are a black eye for investors and filmmakers.

Bruce Jenner In Horrible Car Crash One Person Dead


Bruce Jenner was involved in a horrific car accident on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at around noon Saturday and one person is dead.

Law enforcement sources say ... there were 3 vehicles involved in the crash.  We're told there were 8 people involved and all sustained some sort of injury ... but one person died at the scene.

One law enforcement source said Bruce seems to be ok, but again, we're told the 7 survivors sustained some injuries, ranging from minor to moderate.

Jenner family sources say Bruce was being chased by as many as 5 paparazzi at the time of the crash. Bruce told cops he wasn't drinking and passed a field sobriety test.

We're told Bruce had picked up his Polaris UTV after loaning it to a wounded veterans group.


Several eyewitnesses say the accident was caused when Bruce rear ended the white car and that car then went into oncoming traffic and was struck by the Hummer.  Eyewitnesses say the driver of the white car -- a female -- died.

Brian Williams Goes On ‘Hiatus’ From NBC News


Sources say embattled anchorman Brian Williams will step down for an indeterminate time from NBC News.

Brian's replacement will be the weekend anchor, Lester Holt.

John Mayer Takes A Swipe At Taylor Swift While Guest-Hosting The Late Late Show


John Mayer guest hosted The Late Late Show for three nights this past week, and on Friday he wrapped things up with a monologue that was so awkward it was actually funny.

Mayer plugged the Grammys, which will air Sunday on CBS, and added, "You can see me at the Grammy Awards doing what I do best ... Being avoided by Taylor Swift." Mayer quipped, "that won't make the Internet at all." Sure, but did he come up with this all on his own? We doubt it.

Mayer and Swift briefly dated in 2010, and though the weren't exactly friendly after they split, when Mayer started dating Katy Perry, things seemed to take a turn for the worse. Both Perry and Swift took jabs at one another in interviews and on social media, and when Perry hooked up with DJ Diplo several months ago, he took to Twitter to post a number of nasty things about Swift. Hence why we're wondering if it isn't actually Katy who's causing all the drama.

Mayer is set to perform on Sunday night and Swift is nominated for a handful of awards, including song of the year for "Shake It Off."

Bobbi Kristina Brown's Drowning Accident Is Now A Criminal Investigation


There is now a criminal investigation centering on possible foul play in Bobbi Kristina Brown's drowning accident, and sources say that the number one target is the starlet's boyfriend, Nick Gordon.

There was reportedly a history of domestic violence between the two, and Bobbi Kristina sustained certain injuries that are a cause for concern. Police believe there may have been a fight before Bobbi Kristina was found face down in the bathtub, and Max Lomas, the friend who found the 21-year-old aspiring singer is pointing the finger at Gordon.

Lomas claims Gordon allegedly cleaned up the home and removed blood stains before cops could get there, and his attorney asked for immunity before he spoke again.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Rosie O'Donnell Is Leaving 'The View'


Rosie O'Donnell is exiting The View.

She will leave the ABC show next week to focus on her family, following a split from wife Michelle Rounds, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Next week will be her final on the show.

"Rosie is an immensely talented star who comes in each and every morning brimming with ideas, excitement and passion for the show," an ABC rep said in a statement to THR. "When she told us that she wanted to exit The View, we respected and understood her desire to put her well-being and her family first. We’re delighted she’s still part of the ABC family with upcoming guest appearances on The Fosters. And we know she’ll return to The View often with her unique point of view and updates on her work and her family."

O'Donnell returned to The View in September 2014 after having held a seat on the show during the 2006-2007 season. She joined during a rebuilding period for the show, which saw ??Barbara Walters sign off in May 2014. Along with O'Donnel, the show welcomed Rosie Perez and Republican political analyst Nicolle Wallace.

President of NBC News Just Sent This Memo About Brian Williams To Employees


NBC just sent Business Insider an email that Deborah Turness, the president of the network's news division, sent to all NBC News staff on Friday afternoon regarding the growing scandal surrounding Brian Williams.

On Wednesday Williams, NBC News' top anchor, confessed he "bungled" a story he had told on air about being in a helicopter that was shot down by an RPG in 2003. His admission came after multiple soldiers questioned the tale, which he has told on multiple occasions, and revealed he was actually not in the aircraft.

Turness' email said NBC News is " working on what the best next steps are" to address the situation.

Since the story broke on Wednesday, Williams' reporting on Hurricane Katrina has also been called into question. According to multiple reports, NBC News has launched an internal investigation into the matter.

NBC has not responded to requests for comment from Business Insider about the reported investigation or whether Williams will face disciplinary action.

Read Turness' full email below:

Roger Moore: I'm The Fourth Best Bond


It’s that age-old argument – who was the best James Bond – Sean Connery or Roger Moore?

But Sir Roger has now apparently bowed out of the race – after revealing he ranks himself as the fourth best 007, behind Daniel Craig… and George Lazenby.

The 87-year-old actor was asked in an interview with Fox411 what he thinks of current Bond Daniel Craig.

Roger replied: “I believe he’s an excellent Bond. He’s much stronger than I am. I think he does a hell of a good job of it. He and Sean are I think undoubtedly the best Bonds.”