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The “Legally Blonde” prequel at Amazon Prime Video has added Tom Everett Scott as a series regular, Variety has learned.

Scott will appear in alongside series lead lead Lexi Minetree as well as June Diane Raphael. As previously announced, the show will follow Elle Woods (Minetree) during her high school years. Per the official logline, it details her “life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first ‘Legally Blonde’ film.”

Scott will play Wyatt, Elle’s dad. Raphael will star as Eva, Elle’s mom.

The role keeps Scott in business with Prime Video, as he currently appears in the streamer’s YA series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which is ending with its third season. He is also known for shows like “I’m Sorry,” “13 Reasons Why,” “Southland,” “Scream,” and “Reign.” He first broke out with his role...

Most of the youth-oriented buddy comedies that came out in the ‘90s aren’t fondly remembered today. Like, nobody seems to be going to bat for movies like Meet the Deedles, Dead Man on Campus, or Bio-Dome, the film that dared to pair Pauly Shore with one of the Baldwins.

But at least one movie starring two Gen X slackers has stood the test of time: Wayne’s World. Also, to some extent, Wayne’s World 2.

Why are Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar still beloved by 21st century audiences when so many other hugely popular pop-culture characters from the early ‘90s have totally fallen by the wayside? On the most recent episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast’s spin-off Superfly, Dana Carvey offered up a theory.

After discussing an AI-generated Tommy Boy video that he saw online, David Spade proposed that someone could take the same approach with Wayne’s World.

Few other television shows have achieved the levels of popularity that The Vampire Diaries did, even with as many seasons and a sprawling ensemble of characters like the CW show. Elena, Damon, Stefan, Bonnie, and Caroline were truly unique characters who garnered the audience's affection immediately, but there was a particular element that made Tvd so addictive: its dialogue.

In addition to enthralling plots and romantic arcs that hooked fans, The Vampire Diaries was endlessly quotable. Each character was given memorable lines in almost every scene, which have stuck with fans to date. These quotes spoke of love, longing, courage, human nature, and vampires, and almost all these quotes have aged well, some more than others. These are the best The Vampire Diaries quotes, ranked.

Updated by Fawzia Khan on January 4th, 2025: The Vampire Diaries is one of the most popular shows of all time. Iconic love triangles, compelling villains,...

John Aprea, the actor known for his roles in The Godfather Part II and Full House, has died. He was 83.

According to his manager Will Levine, Aprea died of natural causes on Monday, Aug. 5 at his Los Angeles home, where he was surrounded by family.

Born March 4, 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea made his onscreen debut in 1968’s Bullitt, alongside Steve McQueen. He went on to one of his most memorable performances as Young Tessio in The Godfather Part II (1974) after auditioning to play Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola‘s original 1972 film.

Aprea once said working with Coppola and actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro was “the high point” of his career, adding, “I was surrounded by the best in The Godfather.”

John Aprea in a Matt Houston promo shot, 1982. (Getty Images)

He also appeared in such films as The Stepford Wives (1975), New Jack City (1991), The Game (1997), Dead Man on Campus...

Constructing a soundtrack album is a gentle -- and perhaps lost -- art. This author is old enough to remember the 1990s heyday of movie soundtracks, when film producers would regularly license charting pop hits, obscure deep cuts, upcoming rappers, and underappreciated indie bands to construct carefully curated and meticulously produced albums that lived happily in your friends' cars all summer. There was a time when an unsuccessful film could recoup a lot of its theatrical losses with overwhelming soundtrack record sales. See: "Dead Man on Campus."

As the music industry collapsed in the early 2000s, however, soundtrack records fell out of favor. Movie songs became mere playlists, neither arranged on a CD in any cogent order nor lending themselves toward a general thematic thrust. We '90s teens can now whine (as is our wont) that soundtrack albums are, in the '20s, rarely more than "pile of neat songs.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar successfully broke free from his Saved by the Bell persona and transitioned to diverse adult acting roles. Gosselaar's willingness to embrace his past as Zack Morris shows his confidence and acceptance of his early career. Gosselaar's versatility and transformation as an actor are evident in his recent role as a kidnapper in the NBC crime drama series Found.

If there ever was a role that could have forever typecast a young actor, it was the role of Zack Morris, the blond, blue-eyed, charming social butterfly who was immortalized by Mark-Paul Gosselaar in the NBC Saturday morning sitcom Saved by the Bell between 1989 and 1993. Indeed, the specter of typecasting practically enveloped Saved by the Bell co-star Dustin Diamond, who spent the rest of his all-too-brief life living in the shadow of practical joker character Screech.

After the original sitcom ended in 1993, after four seasons, Gosselaar reprised the role of...

Apple+ will release its newest comedic TV series, ‘Shrinking,’ on January 27th, 2023. This series follows a widowed therapist attempting to cope with some of his own feelings by helping his patients tackle their challenges. ‘Shrinking’ has a cast full of actors and actresses who own the screen and bring the story to another level of authenticity and reliability. The cast includes Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, and Jessica Williams, who have all been in many films and other productions seen on Hollywood’s big screens. Jason Segel not only portrays the main character and therapist Jimmy, but he also is one of the writers behind the beautiful story. From ‘The Muppets’ to ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall,’ Jason has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry through both his acting and writing skills. Take a look into Jason Segel’s career and how his experience will prove itself to be a great addition to ‘Shrinking.

Mike White is a multitalented writer, director, actor, and producer who broke into Hollywood by penning Dead Man On Campus in 1998. In the two decades since, he has created multiple TV shows, written mainstream and independent movie scripts, and directed a handful of his own screenplays on both the big and small screen.

Related: 10 Things That Make No Sense About The White Lotus

White's latest project includes HBO's hit satirical dramedy, The White Lotus, which has been renewed for a second season despite being conceived as a limited miniseries. As fans anticipate what a second season could entail at the lavish Hawaiian resort, it's worth noting White's diverse resume as a content creator.

Stars: Alicia Silverstone, Tom Everett Scott, Jake Hoffman, Mathilde Ollivier | Written and Directed by Amy Miller Gross

Changing lanes for a minute in my viewing pleasure, I decided to sit down and a watch a rom-com with my wife and it has to be said – with none other than Alicia Silverstone and Tom Everett Scott starring – it felt like my 90s nostalgia none was going to be tickled. We were also optimistic that with the title of Sister of the Groom we may get some Father of the Bride vibes… We did not! Though thankfully Tom Everett Scott did enough in the first 10 minutes of this film to kept me watching to the end.

I do find myself wondering how I actually feel about the film though – its very much a middle-of-the-road rom-com, with Alicia Silverstone doing her best Drew Barrymore homage in Sister of the Groom, aka The Pleasure of Your Presence.

Not everybody loves the horror genre, but that doesn’t mean that the season of pumpkins and candy-corns hasn’t got plenty of film goodness for the scaredy-cats among us. There really are an array of terrific and festive family films that feel completely packed with Halloween goodness. So, here’s a fistful of recommendations for those of you who are looking for some charming Halloween movies to watch around the fire with the while clan this October.

Hocus Pocus

I mean, come on now. Hocus Pocus is The family Halloween film. It’s become a huge favourite and has a real solid following of fans nowadays. A story of witches being awoken in modern day and running amok on an unsuspecting suburban neighbourhood is full of whimsy and silliness and creepiness. A great cast and a bloody brilliantly entertaining story, Hocus Pocus is a total unadulterated joy and I never tire of watching it.

Hayley must face reality when Roger pushes her towards graduation in the latest episode of American Dad.

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This American Dad! review contains spoilers.

American Dad! Season 16 Episode 16

“Actually, I’m looking to avoid graduating.”

“Totally understand, it’s hell on the other side.”

Recent episodes of American Dad have featured moments where its largely static characters are able to show signs of growth in small, yet significant, ways. The current season isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but it’s still been satisfying to see minor changes take place, whether it’s the addition of Rogu, Steve’s efforts to get his learner’s permit, Francine’s secrets to get through wedding malaise, or even a surprising amount of development for Snot and his family.

“Pride Before the Fail” explores similar territory when it sets its sights on Hayley and her journey to finish community college.

On April 23, 1999, Paramount unveiled Alexander Payne's R-rated Reese Witherspoon high school comedy Election in limited theaters. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below: 

After a couple of major misfires (Dead Man on Campus, 200 Cigarettes), MTV Films goes to the head of the class with Election, a sharp, funny, bracingly on-the-money high school satire.

A winning sophomore effort from Citizen Ruth director Alexander Payne, boasting a deliciously driven performance by ever-dependable Reese Witherspoon as a take-no-prisoners overachiever, this subversive suburban send-up is easily the best among the recent spate of teen screen candidates.

Given the glut of youth-oriented product,...

On April 23, 1999, Paramount unveiled Alexander Payne's R-rated Reese Witherspoon high school comedy Election in limited theaters. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below: 

After a couple of major misfires (Dead Man on Campus, 200 Cigarettes), MTV Films goes to the head of the class with Election, a sharp, funny, bracingly on-the-money high school satire.

A winning sophomore effort from Citizen Ruth director Alexander Payne, boasting a deliciously driven performance by ever-dependable Reese Witherspoon as a take-no-prisoners overachiever, this subversive suburban send-up is easily the best among the recent spate of teen screen candidates.

Given the glut of youth-oriented product,...

Need to catch up? Check out our previous Riverdale recap here.

This week on Riverdale, Archie finally gets back on the football field, and Jason Blossom finally gets laid to rest in a truly creepy memorial service.

Related Riverdale Recap: Drive-In, Drive Out

The Blossoms are apparently Riverdale’s answer to the Addams Family, because they live in a creaky old haunted house known as Thorn Hill — with its very own graveyard! Cheryl wants to give the eulogy at Jason’s upcoming memorial service, but her mom Penelope tells her she’d just humiliate the family. (Gee, thanks, Mom.) Cheryl...

Stars: Tom Everett Scott, Orlando Jones, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Linzey Cocker, Christopher Robbie, Zahary Baharov, Dimo Alexiev, Kristopher Van Varenberg | Written by Eric Bromberg, James Bromberg | Directed by Peter Hyams

After a major shipment of drugs goes missing on the Us-Canadian border, forest ranger and former Navy Seal Henry (Everett Scott) is plunged into survival mode when the drug cartel, led by the ruthless killer Xander (Van Damme), forces him to help retrieve the downed package. Trapped in the wilderness with no communication to the outside world, Henry finds himself face to face with Clay (Jones), a man with a personal vendetta against Henry who has returned for retribution. Now, the two mortal enemies must make a choice: put aside their past and work together, or die alone at the hands of Xander and his ruthless gang who will stop at nothing to retrieve their lost cargo.

Another film in...

Review Caroline Preece 9 Dec 2013 - 16:06

The Vampire Diaries delivers a flashback episode. Here's Caroline's review of The Cell...

This review contains spoilers.

5.9 The Cell

Let’s be honest, the first half of this fifth season of The Vampire Diaries has been more miss than hit and, now that the misjudged Silas story arc seems to have been thrown out, now is the time to judge whether the show can recover from an uneven couple of years. Is the Augustine mystery the way to do it? After this episode, I’m willing to give it a chance and, by switching gears from elaborate fantasy with its mythology and weekly ‘destiny’ speeches to science and it’s collision with our established world, at least it offers something different to watch from week to week.

Another masterstroke was to include Damon in said mystery, and this week went one step further by...

‘Cause it’s too cold for you here and now, so let me hold both of your hands and lead you to this latest edition of TVLine Mixtape.

We’ve pulled together a collection of tunes from the hottest shows, complete with artist and album information in case you want to add them to your permanent collection. Spoilers abound, and we chose songs we liked – but we always want to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

So peruse our playlist, and then hit the comments with your favorite TV jams! And remember: You can always submit questions or suggestions about TV music on Twitter @mishasolomontv.

Review Caroline Preece 25 Nov 2013 - 08:59

The Vampire Diaries is creeping ever closer to Buffy season four. Here's Caroline's review of Dead Man On Campus

This review contains spoilers.

5.8 Dead Man On Campus

Now that we seem to have the Silas/Katsia muddle out of the way on The Vampire Diaries, I was looking forward to having a little break from ancient big bads for the remainder of the season. I was disappointed, then, when I discovered that there was another mysterious villain named the Augustine vampire to look forward to, but the show may have made me a little bit interested. I said only a little bit, because the tease that Damon is actually an Augustine vampire – suggesting there’s more than one and they’re not necessarily ancient – is only the beginning of a potentially engaging arc. There’s still time for it to go horribly wrong.

Before we discover this,...

The Vampire Diaries Episode 508

“Dead Man on Campus”

Written By: Brian Young and Neil Reynolds

Directed By: Rob Hardy

Original Airdate: 21 November 2013

In This Episode...

It is day 14 of Jesse’s “treatments.” Wes gives him some blood via transfusion and he roars to life, breaking through his shackles (“physical strength is an unforeseen side effect”) and sucking the bag of blood dry. Then he turns on Wes.

Bonnie is stoked to be alive again. She gets a kicky new ‘do and Caroline and Elena are throwing a welcome to college / back to life party for her. Elena wants Damon to come and bring Stefan, but Stefan opts out - he is still having nightmarish panic attacks and wants to be alone. Caroline is interrupted from the party planning by a panicked call from Jesse. She arrives just in time to save his roommate from his fangs. Oh, and Jesse’s roommate is Aaron.

Kendrick Sampson, Candice Accola

The Vampire Diaries, Season 5, Episode 8: “Dead Man on Campus”

Written by Brian Young & Neil Reynolds

Directed by Rob Hardy

Airs Thursdays at 8pm (Et) on The CW

With the deaths of Silas, Amara, and Qetsiyah last week, a big chapter in the lives of the Mystic Falls group came to a close, with a relatively happy ending, as Bonnie was able to return to the land of the living as well. However, this by no means signalled that the group was free of troubles, as there nonetheless remained several issues hanging over each of their heads, such as the Augustine and Stefan’s lingering terror over his repeated drowning. It is these issues that come to the forefront this week, in a strong episode that brings some long overdue topics to the surface.

The story of Augustine takes a big leap forward this week in making itself compelling.

What seemed like a random new piece of mythology on "The Vampire Diaries" is actually much more relevant than we ever thought. Thursday (Nov. 21) night's episode, "Dead Man on Campus," gave us a major reason to care about the whole Augustine vampire mystery ... Damon was one of the secret society's test subjects back in 1953!

Turns out, Dr. Maxfield is not the first shady guy to run experiments on vampires. He comes from a long line of over 60 years of scientists trying to create a new version of a vampire: one that doesn't feed on human blood. These new, stronger vampires crave vampire blood. The way we know that this isn't just some myth? We saw it firsthand on Jesse.

Rip Jesse, we hardly knew ye. After Maxfield successfully turned Jesse into an Augustine vampire, he attacked Maxfield and escaped, calling on Caroline for help. Another huge reveal: Jesse is Aaron's roommate!

New Vampire Diaries season 5,episode 8 intense spoilers & clips hit the net. Last night, CW dropped the new spoilers and sneak peek/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "The Vampire Diaries" episode 8 of season 5. The episode is entitled, "Dead Man On Campus," it appears to be quite intense and dramatic as Bonnie faces more pain with her new anchor predicament, Elena gets choked out, and more. In the new "Dead Man On Campus" episode, Elena and Caroline will try to throw a huge party at the college. However, their plans are going to get interrupted when new vampire ,Jesse, suddenly needs Caroline's help. At Elena's request, Damon will come up with an effective method to get shady Dr. Wes to answer his questions. At the party, Elena is going to discover that she and Aaron have a lot in common, and Caroline is going to get more concerned about Jesse. In the meantime,...

Things are rough for the kids in Mystic Falls, especially Bonnie and Stefan, who seem to be tortured souls no matter what they do. See what horrors await them next in this preview of "The Vampire Diaries" Episode 5.08, "Dead Man on Campus."

"The Vampire Diaries" Episode 5.08 - "Dead Man on Campus" (airs 11/21/13, 8-9pm)

The Party’S Over — At Whitmore College, Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Caroline (Candice Accola) decide it’s time to throw a big party, but their plans are interrupted when Jesse (guest star Kendrick Sampson) suddenly needs Caroline’s help. At Elena’s request, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) comes up with an effective method to get Wes (guest star Rick Cosnett) to answer his questions.

At the party, Elena finds that she and Aaron (guest star Sean Sipos) have a lot in common, and Caroline grows more concerned about Jesse.

Meanwhile, Katherine (Nina Dobrev) does a favor for...

New Vampire Diaries season 5,episode 8 official spoilers,plotline revealed by CW. Recently,CW served up the new,official,synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Vampire Diaries" episode 8 of season 5. The episode is entitled, "Dead Man On Campus, " and it sounds very intriguing and dramatic as recently turned vampire, Jesse, returns to the scene to beg Caroline for help, and more. In the new,8th episode press release: At Whitmore College, Elena and Caroline will decide it's time to throw a big party, but their plans will get interrupted when Jesse (guest star Kendrick Sampson) suddenly needs Caroline's help. At Elena's request, Damon will come up with an effective method to get Wes (guest star Rick Cosnett) to answer his questions. At the party, Elena is going to find that she and Aaron (guest star Sean Sipos) have a lot in common, and Caroline is going to grow more concerned about Jesse.

Sneak Peek new images and synopsis from "The Vampire Diaries" Season 5 episode titled "Dead Man On Campus", airing November 21, 2013 on The CW:

"...at 'Whitmore College', 'Elena' and 'Caroline' decide it’s time to throw a big party, but their plans are interrupted when 'Jesse' suddenly needs Caroline’s help.

"Then at Elena’s request, 'Damon' comes up with an effective method to get 'Wes' to answer his questions.

"At the party, Elena finds that she and 'Aaron' have a lot in common, and Caroline grows more concerned about Jesse.

"Meanwhile, 'Katherine' does a favor for 'Matt' and manages to get through to 'Stefan', who is still struggling to overcome the events of the summer.

"Finally, 'Bonnie' does her best to cope with her new reality, and 'Damon' makes a terrifying discovery about a secret society..."

Click the images to enlarge...

As we suspected when The CW sent out its "Sweeps Alert" a few days ago, they've now provided expanded synopses for the November 19-21 eps of "Supernatural," "The Tomorrow People," and "The Vampire Diaries."

There's still no clarification of what will be shown in "The Originals" time slot on November 19th, but once we hear something, we'll pass it on.

"Supernatural" Episode 9.07 - "Bad Boys" (airs 11/19/13, 9-10pm)

Young Dean — Dean (Jensen Ackles) gets a call from an old friend named Sonny (guest star Blake Gibbons) asking for help with a ghost. Sonny runs a home for delinquent boys, and Dean was sent there for stealing food when he was younger. Sam (Jared Padalecki) is stunned he never knew this about his brother and asks for more information, but Dean dodges his questions.

Another murder occurs while Sam and Dean are at the house so they scramble to find the culprit before anyone else dies.

The CW reminded us today that November Sweeps are coming, and to go with the synopses they've released so far, we have a look ahead at "Supernatural," "The Tomorrow People," and "The Vampire Diaries."

"The Originals" was missing from the network's latest list of shows, which leads us to believe it will be a rerun that week, but if things change, we'll let you know. Also, these are just preliminary descriptions so look for the full details soon.

Related Stories:

November 5th-7th on The CW

November 12th-14th on The CW

"Supernatural" Episode 9.07 - "Bad Boys" (airs 11/19/13, 9-10pm)

Young Dean — Dean (Jensen Ackles) gets a call from an old friend named Sonny (guest star Blake Gibbons) asking for help with a ghost. Sonny runs a home for delinquent boys, and Dean was sent there for stealing food when he was younger. Sam (Jared Padalecki) is stunned he never...

American history meets fantasy in one of the greatest action-adventure tales of all time, Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island, a newly updated cinematic adaptation of the beloved literary classic, The Mysterious Island (1874), landing on DVD May 29 from Green Apple Entertainment.

As famine and death ravage Richmond, Va., five northern Civil War POWs, including Emmy Award-winner, Pruitt Taylor Vince (AMC’s The Walking Dead, JFK, Drive Angry, Constantine) and Lochlyn Munro (Dead Man on Campus, White… More...

Though she's known these days as the sweet and innocent Lily on the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," Alyson Hannigan's biggest contribution to pop culture is indisputably her role as the sweet and not-so-innocent Michelle Flaherty in the "American Pie" franchise.

Her character's big reveal at the climax of the classic 1999 teen comedy, in which the audience's (and protagonist Jim's) perception of her goes from tame to over-the-top with one unforgettable "band camp" story, is a scene that has achieved near mythic status among millennial moviegoers, and we've all got a special place in our hearts for her because of it. However, Hannigan's very first starring role came more than a decade before she rocked Jason Biggs' world, in the sci-fi comedy "My Stepmother Is an Alien."

At the time it was a big career boost for the then 14 year-old actress, who had only appeared briefly...

The next entry in Syfy's Saturday Original Movie lineup, Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island, airs on February 11th, and to help get you ready for the directorial debut of fan favorite Mark Sheppard ("Battlestar Galactica", "Supernatural"), we have a pair of never-before-seen stills to share.

Synopsis:

In Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island, as famine and death ravage Richmond, Virginia, five northern Civil War POWs, including Emmy Award-winner Pruitt Taylor Vince (AMC’s "The Walking Dead", JFK, Drive Angry, Constantine) and Lochlyn Munro (Dead Man on Campus, White Chicks), plan a daring escape by hijacking a hot air balloon. Drifting through the night, they wake to find themselves marooned on a desert island... but they’re not alone.

Littered with wreckage, the island is home to a cast of survivors who have been lost in space and time, including sisters Abby Fogg (Susie Abromeit, Battle Los Angeles) and Jules Fogg (Gina Holden,...

Aside from the Winchester brothers themselves, our favorite character on "Supernatural" is probably Crowley, as portrayed by Mark Sheppard. Now he's stepping behind the camera for Syfy's Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island, and we have all the details you need right here along with the trailer and a few never-before-seen photos.

From the Press Release:

K2 Pictures and Leverage Entertainment are thrilled to announce Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island, a re-imagining of one of the world’s most beloved literary adventures, will debut as a Syfy Saturday Original Movie on February 11, 2012, at 9 p.m. Est in the United States. Filmed on location in Louisiana, this cinematic adaptation of Jules Verne’s 1874 novel The Mysterious Island (L'Île mystérieuse), adapted for the screen by Cameron Larson (Xtinction: Predator X), is the directorial debut of Syfy on-screen favorite Mark Sheppard ("Battlestar Galactica", "Supernatural", "Firefly", "Warehouse 13").

“We were faced with a tremendous challenge.

Disaster might have struck How I Met Your Mother, but the episode was anything but another Shalloween. If our critic's glowing perfect 5 star review wasn't enough, our usual round table gang has gathered around our electronic McLaren's to discuss "Disaster Averted."

So please join us and weigh in as we discuss everything from Hurricane Irene to the epic Barney-Robin kiss!

Favorite Himym quote?

Chris: I failed to mention it earlier but I loved when Barney asked "why do I have to be Barney Stinson right now," as Marshall pulled back his hand.

Leigh: Anything Slap related.

Eric: You may knot. With a k. Marshall is so punny.

Indiana Jones adventure: best Barney story yet?

Chris: I think it was his best movie montage parody. We’ve seen Top Gun moments and most recently an Ode to Rocky IV but this one was pretty amazing what with the guy...

When a group of property developers discover their hotel project may contain millions of dollars hidden somewhere within, the money becomes a motivation for murder.

Seemingly peaceful individuals turn into vicious greed-driven killers in the new indie horror thriller Renovation from Paisaen Productions, Collective Development Inc and Rampant Entertainment.

Renovation was shot in Yuma, Arizona, and directed by Robert Gwinn.

The film was recently signed to Nocturnal Features for a limited theatrical Us release in early 2012. Negotiations are currently under way with Gothic Pictures International for a theatrical release in the Philippines.

Philippines-based Gothic recently worked with Us Company Collective Development Inc on the demonic horror film Darkest Night which will head to cinemas in the Philippines this winter. Both films share a common lead in American actor DJ Perry.

Following the limited theatrical release, Renovation will released to North America Home Video and Cable VoD with Midnight Releasing. Acort...

Lightning Entertainment has acquired seven films that the company will debut at the upcoming American Film Market. Check out their release below:

Lightning Entertainment, the Santa Monica-based sales, production and distribution company, announced today that it has acquired international sales rights in all media to seven new completed theatrical feature films and will debut the new slate at the upcoming American Film Market. All seven titles will have their first market screenings at Afm, with three key titles making their World Premiere debut: Brake, Columbus Circle, and Wrath.

The announcement of the new lineup is part of the company's ongoing drive to acquire and develop high profile titles that will satisfy demand across all distribution platforms both internationally and in the United States, where the company is expanding its presence as a domestic all rights distributor. For three of the films, Bloodwork, The Revenant and Boy Wonder, Lightning has acquired...

[1] Ellen Page is in final negotiations to star with Brit Marling and Alexander Skarsgard in The East, Zal Batmanglij's thriller about a mysterious eco-terrorism organization called The East. Marling, who co-wrote the script with Batmanglij, leads as an undercover agent who infiltrates the group but then finds herself developing feelings for the group's leader (Skarsgard). Page will play Izzy, a member of The East and Skarsgard's ex, who becomes jealous of relationship between Marling and Skarsgard. Page replaces Felicity Jones, who had to drop out of the project due to press commitments for Like Crazy. The addition of the Oscar-nominated Page should add even more buzz to a film that's already been getting plenty of it. Marling and Batmanglij broke out at this year's Sundance with Sound of my Voice, and True Blood star Skarsgard has a handful of interesting projects in the works. Page's next big-screen appearance will...

Writer/director Eric England is taking no prisoners in the horror genre. He wrapped production on his first feature, Madison County, in September; and while he’s currently in post-production on the project, he’s already gearing up for his next called Roadside.

We asked England to give us his five favorite independent horror projects, but he was so conflicted, he had to give us two lists.

According to England, “When asked to pick 5 ‘under the radar’ type horror films, my mind instantly began to wander. In a genre filled with such passionate and excited fans, it’s hard to find rare gems. I, myself, try to seek out and find every horror film I can that looks like it may hold some hidden gold that I’ve never seen before."

“Short films I knew would be easier. There are tons of great short films out there that mass audiences have yet to find.

By Greg Hernandez

HollywoodNews.com: You often hear about former child stars who feel like their early work on a TV show typecast them for life and thwarted their career.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who we first got to know as Zack Morris on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ is not one of them.

He played Zack for seven years (starting with 1988′s ‘Good Morning, Miss Bliss’ – as the show was originally called – right through ‘Saved by the Bell: The College Years’ in 1994. He was the central character of a show that also launched future stars Mario Lopez, Tiffani Thiessen and Elizabeth Berkley.

Once it left the air, Mark-Paul kept busy doing TV movies (‘The Princess and the Marine’), a feature film (‘Dead Man on Campus’) and starred in two short-lived TV series (‘Hyperion Bay’ and ‘D.C’.)

Then in 2001 came the breakthrough role of Det. John Clark on ABC’s ‘NYPD Blue.

Before Zombieland came along Ruben Fleischer was a humble commercials and music video director. But he's left that life behind him because he'll be making feature films for the rest of his life now. Zombieland launched his career into a rainbow of glory.

Columbia Pictures has announced that Fleisher will direct a film called Babe in the Woods from a script written by Mike White. White's credits include Dead Man on Campus, Freaks and Geeks, The Good Girl, School of Rock, Nacho Libre, and Year of the Dog.

With both Fleisher and White on board, Babe in the Woods should end up being a really fun movie. The film is an action comedy that follows a innocent college freshman from the Midwest who arrives at Yale and becomes a target of the New Jersey mafia.

As of right now Fleischer is working on developing 30 Minutes Or Less which stars Jesse Eisenberg,...

Ruben Fleischer got his start in commercials and music videos, but his feature film debut Zombieland made Hollywood pay attention to the filmmaker. Columbia Pictures is trying to keep him in the fold, announcing today that Fleischer will develop and direct Babe in the Woods, a screenplay written by Mike White. The story is described as an "action comedy" about an innocent young college freshman from the Midwest who arrives at Yale and becomes a target of the New Jersey mafia. White's previous credits include Dead Man on Campus, Chuck & Buck, Freaks and Geeks, and The Good Girl. More recently, he's had a turn in more family-friendly territory with School of Rock and Nacho Libre, before making his directorial debut Year of the Dog. White is best when put in the dark comedy arena. Fleischer is currently in preproduction on 30 Minutes or Less with Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari and Jesse...

Paramount Pictures has hired School of Rock screenwriter Mike White to script Santa Wars, a comedy based on the true story which appeared on This American Life in December 2008. The story, written by Joshuah Bearman, told of two rival factions that developed within a union of professional Santa Clauses, which resulted in a "Santa Claus civil war." White is best when put in the dark comedy arena, and this might be a perfect fit. This story is definitely more akin to Bad Santa than Elf. White's previous credits include Dead Man on Campus, Chuck & Buck, Freaks and Geeks, and The Good Girl. More recently, he's had a turn in more family-friendly territory with School of Rock and Nacho Libre, before making his directorial debut Year of the Dog. After the jump you can find more information about the original story that has inspired this feature film, and even listen to...

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Moguls presents porn as the new, um, feel-good factor — just another all-American entrepreneurial venture, sparking small-town camaraderie and midlife redemption.

The moderately intriguing premise gets thin-bordering-on-brittle treatment in writer-director Michael Traeger's uncertain comedy. Not even a committed toplining turn by Jeff Bridges, in scruffy-dude mode, or the ensemble support of talented character actors can find much of a comic pulse in the material. A theatrical payday is unlikely for this tale of yokels producing their very own "porno." The film premiered in February as the closing-night presentation of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

In his directorial debut, Traeger (who scripted Dead Man on Campus) collects a handful of mildly wacky residents of white-picket-fence Butterface Fields. Their de facto chief is down-on-his-luck Andy (Bridges), who indulges in one of his notorious thinking binges after ex-wife Thelma (Jeanne Tripplehorn) marries an ultrarich guy (Steven Weber). Feeling like a loser in the eyes of his teen son (Alex Linz), Andy is determined to succeed at something and decides the $12 billion-a-year porn industry is the ticket.

None of Andy's prospective partners balks at the proposition. The supposedly hilariously named Some Idiot (Joe Pantoliano) seizes upon the opportunity to fulfill his creative destiny, taking the helm as writer-director. Closeted homosexual Moose (Ted Danson) ratchets up the macho talk about babes. Patrick Fugit does what he can with the slim role of geeky DP Emmett, and William Fichtner is appropriately off-center as Otis, whose enthusiasm and blurry sense of purpose earn him the title of executive producer — as musty a joke about moviemaking if ever there was one.

Despite the efforts of the cast, they're all one-note conceptions, particularly the second-string female characters — among them a hard-working single mom (Lauren Graham), eager-to-please stripper (Valerie Perrine) and Some Idiot's jello-dispensing mother (Eileen Brennan). Sweet, foolish Helen (Glenne Headly) perennially pins her hopes on guys who stand her up, unaware that meek Barney Tim Blake Nelson) has been in love with her his whole life.

The film clicks briefly when capturing the silliness of XXX concerns, especially in script-development scenes. But whatever hilarity might have prevailed on the set doesn't translate to the screen. Intrusive music and last-act contrivances do nothing to lift the flat tone or allow the film to earn its intended emotional payoff.

Four-time Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges will star in the indie feature The Moguls, which will mark the directorial debut of writer Michael Traeger. Aaron Ryder, who executive produced Donnie Darko and Memento while head of production at Newmarket Films, is producing through his Raygun Prods. The comedy revolves around a small town that bands together to make a porno film. Bridges plays a guy dealing with a midlife crisis who hatches the porno scheme. The film is being financed by Michael Kuhn's Qwerty Films. Kuhn executive produced Being John Malkovich and the upcoming I Heart Huckabee's. Production on Moguls is slated to start in May in and around Los Angeles. Bridges, who starred in last year's Seabiscuit, has earned Oscar noms for his work in The Contender, Starman, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot and The Last Picture Show. The actor, repped by UTA, manager Neil Koenigsberg and attorney Bob Wallerstein, next stars in Door in the Floor. Traeger wrote Dead Man on Campus and recently sold an untitled Kevin Bacon project at New Line. He is in the midst of writing a TV pilot for NBC Studios. Traeger is repped by Broder Webb Chervin Silbermann and Aaron Ray at Nine Yards Entertainment.

Without a Trace star Poppy Montgomery has joined the cast of the indie romantic comedy 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover for writer-director Jordan Hawley. The project is before cameras in Los Angeles. Montgomery joins Paul Schneider, Jennifer Westfeldt, Tori Spelling and Fred Willard in the J. Todd Harris-produced project, which is being described as in the vein of Swingers. It follows a sleazy biographies writer (Schneider) who decides to ditch Los Angeles, burn all his bridges and start a new life on the East Coast. His plans go awry when he meets the woman of his dreams (Westfeldt) at the airport and decides to stay in town one more night to date her. Montgomery plays the sexy, free-swinging best friend of Schneider's character. Australia-born Montgomery is repped by CAA and Peg Donegan at Framework. In addition to her regular role on the CBS series Without a Trace, her credits include Glory Days, The Other Sister and Dead Man on Campus.

Tom Everett Scott, who starred on ABC's legal drama Philly last season, is returning to the ABC fold in a talent deal with the network and sister studio Touchstone Television to topline a series project, most likely a comedy. Under the pact, the studio and the network will develop projects targeted for fall 2003 as potential starring vehicles for Scott. He is doing a multiepisode arc on NBC's hit drama ER, playing Eric Wyczenski, brother of nurse Abby Lockhart (Maura Tierney). Scott's TV credits also include Darren Star's short-lived Wall Street drama The $treet, the hit comedy Grace Under Fire and the telefilm Inherit the Wind. On the features side, Scott has starred in such movies as the Tom Hanks-directed That Thing You Do! An American Werewolf in Paris, Dead Man on Campus and Boiler Room. Scott is repped by the Gersh Agency and Anonymous Content.