Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the movie features Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt, as old man who physically ages backward. He is born an old man and ages in reverse until he becomes a baby and then finally vanishes from the earth. At age 50, he falls in love with a 30-year-old woman, Blanchett. And then must come to terms with the relationship as they literally grow in opposite directions

Born in Los Angeles, California, Jolie is the daughter of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. She is the niece of Chip Taylor, sister of James Haven and the god-daughter of Jacqueline Bisset and Maximilian Schell. On her father's side, Jolie is of Slovak and German descent, and on her mother's side she is French Canadian and is said to be part Iroquois, Voight claims Bertrand is "not seriously Iroquois," and they merely said it to enhance his ex-wife's exotic background.

After her parents' separation in 1976, Jolie and her brother were raised by their mother, who abandoned her acting ambitions and moved with them to Palisades, New York. As a child Jolie regularly saw movies with her mother and later explained that this had inspired her interest in acting; she had not been influenced by her father. When she was eleven years old, the family moved back to Los Angeles and Jolie decided she wanted to act and enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, where she trained for two years and appeared in several stage productions. She later recalled her time as a student at Beverly Hills High School (later Moreno High School), and her feeling of isolation among the children of some of the area's more affluent families. Jolie's mother survived on a more modest income, and Jolie often wore second-hand clothes. She was teased by other students who also targeted her for her distinctive features, for being extremely thin, and for wearing glasses and braces. Her self-esteem was further diminished when her initial attempts at modeling proved unsuccessful. She started to cut herself; later commenting, "I collected knives and always had certain things around. For some reason, the ritual of having cut myself and feeling the pain, maybe feeling alive, feeling some kind of release, it was somehow therapeutic to me." At the age of 14, she dropped out of her acting classes and dreamed of becoming a funeral director. During this period, she wore black, dyed her hair purple and went out moshing with her live-in boyfriend.Two years later, after the relationship had ended, she rented an apartment above a garage a few blocks from her mother's home. returned to theatre studies and graduated from high school, though in recent times she has referred to this period with the observation, "I am still at heart—and always will be—just a punk kid with tattoos".

MORE@WIKIPEDIA

It was recently reported that Tobey Maguire would reprise his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man for two more installments of the "Spider-Man" franchise. While the films will undoubtedly gross sky-high profits at the box office, they will also be highly scrutinized. "Spider-Man" and "Spider-Man 2" got rave reviews from critics and the public, but the third film was not as well received.

"Spider-Man 3" was long and had too many subplots. It seemed as if the Eddie Brock/Venom character (played by Topher Grace) was thrown in to the film at the last second. Director Sam Raimi even admitted that he never liked Venom and was against the villain appearing in the movie. Only at the behest of Sony Pictures did Raimi finally make the addition.

The film was also met with a less than gracious reception because Maguire and Kirsten Dunst seemed uninterested in the "Spider-Man" franchise. When doing publicity for the third installment, Maguire and Dunst both hinted that they wanted to work on other projects and quit doing superhero films for a while.

Now, it appears Raimi, Maguire and the supporting cast will do at least two more films. Is this a good idea? I will admit there are a few more Spidey villains I'd like to see on the big screen (Mysterio and Carnage), but this franchise is going downhill. Batman and Iron Man have become the new draws in the superhero movie realm and a fourth Spidey film is bound to have even more detractive subplots.

The writing is on the wall. All the signs are there. "Spider-Man 4" will likely be the worst of the franchise because going over three is usually a disaster.

More often than not, movie franchises call it quits after three films. Think about the greats like the original "Star Wars," "Back to the Future," or the "Indiana Jones" movies. All three were great trilogies, but the third film in each of them was probably considered the worst.

This is usually by design. The first film in a series introduces the characters and sets up the coming events. Therefore, it is not as harshly judged. The second installment in a series should always be the best because it is the most unpredictable. It is made to build up to the climactic third film. The third movie is made to bring final resolution to the trilogy. It usually disappoints because expectations are extremely high and everyone has a different opinion about the ending.

So when a fourth film is thrown in to the mix, it might as well be slap in the face to the original body of work. It's a box office add-on. The story was already told, but people just can't let it go.

That's why there shouldn't be another "Back to the Future." That's why George Lucas did prequels to the original "Star Wars" instead of a complex adventure where Luke Skywalker is an old man with an intergalactic Rascal. That's why the plot and dialogue of "Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" were below average at best.

History says "Spider-Man 4" should fail, but it does have a better shot than some of the aforementioned fourth films. "Spider-Man 3" never gave us a clear cut ending and it had plenty of characters that have yet to have their moment in the spotlight (Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard and Gwen Stacy).

The "Spider-Man" series has a chance to continue success critically, but it has subplots, disinterest, a below average third film and other caped crusaders to battle. I say that Spidey's adventures on the big screen should be re-tooled or laid to rest.

Source: Stjoelive

For those of you who are sick of parody movies from directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer such as "Date Movie," "Epic Movie," "Meet the Spartans," and the new "Disaster Movie," here is something that should make you feel just a little happier.

"Disaster Movie" is currently the lowest rated movie of all-time on www.imdb.com. The film has earned an average of 1.2 stars out of 10. This is a clear statement that movie-goers are tired of these parodies. Personally, I feel that of all the "[Insert word] Movie" films that were made, only "Scary Movie" and "Scary Movie 2" were decent. They were far from comedy classics, but they relied more on jokes than pop culture references and gags that go on way too long.

Honestly, I will never see "Disaster Movie." I'd rather watch Bea Arthur water her plants for two hours. But in all seriousness, is it really the worst movie of all-time? I'm sure more than half the people who gave it such a low rating on IMDB never even saw it. How are terrible films that many did see, like "Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever" or "Speed 2: Cruise Control," not the worst?

Other movie review Web sites such as www.everyonesacritic.net and www.rottentomatoes.com don't even have "Disaster Movie" in their top TEN worst movies of all-time. Here are the top (or bottom) tens from all three Web sites:

IMDB

• 1. "Disaster Movie" (2008) - 1.2 stars
• 2. "Ben & Arthur" (2002) - 1.4 stars
• 3. "Zombie Nation" (2004) - 1.4 stars
• 4. "The Apocalypse" (2007) - 1.5 stars
• 5. "The Maize: The Movie" (1993) - 1.5 stars
• 6. "Troppo belli" (2005) - 1.5 stars
• 7. "Kis Vuk" (2008) - 1.5 stars
• 8. "Barschel - Mord in Genf?" (1993) - 1.5 stars
• 9. "Emret komutanim: Sah mat" (2002) - 1.6 stars
• 10. "Way of the Vampire" (2005) - 1.6 stars

EVERYONE'S A CRITIC

• 1. "Battlefield Earth" (2000)
• 2. "House of the Dead" (2003)
• 3. "Spice World" (1997)
• 4. "From Justin to Kelly" (2003)
• 5. "Catwoman" (2004)
• 6. "Alone in the Dark" (2005)
• 7. "Baby Geniuses" (1999)
• 8. "Glitter" (2001)
• 9. "Son of the Mask" (2005)
• 10. "Speed 2: Cruise Control" (1997)

ROTTEN TOMATOES

• 1. "Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever" (2002)
• 2. "Alone in the Dark" (2005)
• 3. "Crossover" (2006)
• 4. "Pinocchio" (2002 (Not the Disney classic))
• 5. "King's Ransom" (2005)
• 6. "SuperBabies: Baby Geniuses 2" (2004)
• 7. "National Lampoon's Gold Diggers" (2003)
• 8. "Twisted" (2004)
• 9. "The Master of Disguise" (2002)
• 10. "Zoom" (2006)

Looking through these lists, I can honestly say that I would rather watch "Disaster Movie" than a few of these. My point is that people shouldn't totally dismiss a film until they endure it. I don't have to see "Disaster Movie" to know it's bad, but I do have to see it to know if it's the worst.

Another thing I noticed is that of the 29 movies on this list ("Alone in the Dark" is on two lists), 26 of them were made after 2000. This means two things. The first is that these Web sites have grown in popularity over the last eight years so, of course, movies that come out during that time will be reviewed more frequently than older movies. The second thing is that Hollywood has, unfortunately, been executing the "let's throw all the crap against the wall that we possibly can and see if any of it sticks" method of production during this decade. This has resulted in several stinkers and Razzie award winners. All I'm trying to say is that some discretion and thought would be nice. I can't imagine there was someone out there saying to themselves, "I'll just die if they don't make 'SuperBabies: Baby Geniuses 2,' I'll just die!" So why was it made?

There is only one logical reason for why terrible projects like "Disaster Movie" and "SuperBabies" get the green light. It is because they are so cheapily made, that they are bound to make a profit in DVD sales

Source: Stjoelive

Superstar couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have donated two million dollars to help children affected by AIDS and tuberculosis in Ethiopia, announced the nonprofit group Global Health Committee (GHC) announced Monday.

"The money will be used to create a center for AIDS and tuberculosis-affected children in the capital city of Addis Ababa, and to help establish a program to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis," said the GHC in a statement.

The clinic will be named after the couple's three-year-old Ethiopian adopted daughter Zahara. It will be modeled after a similar health center in Cambodia, also funded by Pitt and Jolie.

"It is our hope when Zahara is older she will take responsibility of the clinic and continue its mission," said Pitt.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimates that almost a million children have been orphan by AIDS in Ethipia.

"Our goal is to transfer the success we have had in Cambodia to Ethiopia where people are needlessly dying of tuberculosis, a curable disease, and HIV/AIDS, a treatable disease," said Jolie, an Oscar-winning actress and goodwill ambassador for United Nations Children's Fund.

"The Jolie-Pitt gift will allow us to deliver care and ease the great suffering caused by TB and AIDS," said Anne Goldfeld, co-founder of GHC and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are raising six children together, twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline, born in France this year, Shiloh, aged two, and adopted children Zahara, Pax from Vietnam and Maddox from Cambodia.

Ethiopia has the seventh-highest rate of tuberculosis disease in the world and an estimated 1.7 million people in the country are infected with HIV, according to the World Health Organization.

Source: AFP

Top 10 greatest movies starring 'Saturday Night Live' alums
by Shea Conner
Thursday, September 18, 2008

"Saturday Night Live" kicked off its season with a big show this past weekend. Swimming superstar Michael Phelps hosted and Tina Fey's impersonation of Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin was spot-on. Some are already calling it an instant classic. I have to admit, the "I can see Russia from my house" line had me laughing hysterically.

With that said, I knew it was time to come up with another top 10 movie countdown. In the spirit of "SNL," I give you the top 10 movies starring actors who were once part of the cast of "Saturday Night Live." There were a few films that I felt really bad about leaving off this list, so I included a list of honorable mentions at the bottom.

10. "Coming to America" (1988)

Eddie Murphy has had a long and prolific career that began with his stint on "SNL" from 1982-1984. After "Meet Dave" and "Norbit," it's almost hard to remember that Eddie Murphy was once funny. While "Trading Places" and his "Beverly Hills Cop" movies were very popular in the '80s, Murphy's best film was probably "Coming to America." The film follows Murphy's character as he willingly makes the transition from an African prince to an employee at McDowell's restaurant in Queens.

9. "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" (2004)

Will Ferrell, who was part of "SNL" from 1995-2002, was probably the most memorable cast member of the late '90s. Although he turned in hilarious performances in "Old School" and "Talladega Nights," his most notable work is "Anchorman." Known for its one-liners, unique characters and absurdness, "Anchorman" had the chops (or in this case, the mustache) to edge out some of the more dated comedies starring "SNL" alums.

8. "The Wedding Singer" (1998)

While "Happy Gilmore" and "Billy Madison" are also a few favorites of mine, Adam Sandler ("SNL" cast member from 1990-1995) was outstanding in this movie. Sandler and Drew Barrymore had great chemistry and it was the first movie to make fun, yet embrace the '80s. And we all know that '80s need to be made fun of...even though we love reminiscing. Oh, and Billy Idol is in it.

7. "Tommy Boy" (1995)

I must admit, I have a soft spot for this one. Chris Farley said that when he was on "SNL" (from 1990-1995), he just played the same character at different volumes. But in "Tommy Boy," he showed his comedic versatility. Whether he was smashing his head into machinery or asking "where the weight room is," it was obvious that he had more talent than being big and loud. Of course, being paired with the super-sarcastic David Spade didn't hurt.

6. "National Lampoon's Vacation" (1983)

I enjoy "Christmas Vacation" just as much as this film, but we'll stick with this one for the countdown. As Clark Griswald, Chevy Chase ("SNL" cast member and writer from 1975-1976) is just a normal family man taking his wife and kids on a cross-country road trip to Wally World. After a series of misfortunate events, he's close to losing it. When Wally World is closed for repair, he finally does lose it. Chase and the rest of the family turn in great performances.

5. "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984)

Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest were part of the "SNL" cast from 1984-1985. Michael McKean started the same year and left in 1995. The three came together to form Spinal Tap 24 years ago. The amps are still turned up to 11. The band still can't find the stage. And this film is still the greatest rock parody of all-time.

4. "Caddyshack" (1980)

This movie made Chevy Chase and Bill Murray ("SNL" star in 1976-1977) comedy gods. Unfortunately, only Murray lasted through the '80s. Add in Rodney Dangerfield and a mischievous gopher and you have a comedy classic. And who doesn't remember that scene with the candy bar in the pool?

3. "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997)

The entire "Austin Powers" trilogy could go here, but just like the "Vacation" films, I'm only mentioning the original for the sake of this list. "Austin Powers" is easily the most quoted movie ever. You couldn't walk down the street without hearing "Yeah baby...yeeah." or "one million dollars." It was hilarious and had a huge impact on pop culture. And Myers' portrayal of multiple characters is what pushed the film to #3.

2. "The Blues Brothers" (1980)

Honestly, it was hard for me not to put this film at #1. This isn't just a funny movie, but a compelling action-adventure musical as well. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, both "SNL" alums from 1975-1979, were a great duo as Elwood and Jake Blues. And this Belushi film stands the test of time, unlike "Animal House."

1. "Wayne's World" (1992)

Neither Mike Myers nor Dana Carvey will ever do a funnier movie. Sorry, Jake and Elwood, but these two are the most iconic characters in the history of "Saturday Night Live." This movie might be even funnier now than it was 16 years ago. Here are just some of the best scenes in this movie: Wayne and Garth dicussing how they will never "sell out" while incidentally plugging several name brands; the segment involving the show's new sponsor, Wayne and cue cards; any scene with Ed O' Neill; Garth's "Foxey Lady" dance; the Scooby-Doo ending; and, of course, the "Bohemian Rhapsody" car ride. If you haven't seen this movie in a while, watch it again and try telling me I'm wrong.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

"Ghostbusters" (1984)

"National Lampoon's Animal House" (1978)

"Groundhog Day" (1993)

"Scrooged" (1988)

"Mean Girls" (2004)

"Billy Madison" (1995)

"Happy Gilmore" (1996)

"Trading Places" (1983)

"Three Amigos" (1986)

"Old School" (2000)

"Elf" (2003)

"Fletch" (1985)

"Spies Like Us" (1985)

"Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" (2006)

"Rushmore" (1998)

"Hot Rod" (2007)

Source: Stjoenews

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has revealed that she signs action movies only to make her kids feel proud of her. The Tomb Raider star said that she dedicates her big-budget thriller films to her family. "I want to make them proud," Contactmusic quoted her, as saying.

The 33-year-old star also insists on doing all her own stunts in the films so her kids learn they can do anything. "If there's a chance I will get killed, I will double-check my harness! I'm responsible these days because of my children," she said.

"But, at the same time, I know that they'll see one of my stunts when they're older, so it gives me all the more reason to do cool things now," she added

Source: Oneindia