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A Flop at Sundance, Levinson's Film Goes to Cannes
17 April 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Barry Levinson's What Just Happened? , a movie about a producer (played by Robert De Niro) whose film opens at the Cannes Film Festival, will in fact close the Cannes Film Festival this year. The star-studded inside-the-lot look at the movie business (Sean Penn and Bruce Willis play themselves) had been expected to shine at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Instead, it was panned by most critics. Patrick Z. McGavin, writing for the British trade publication Screen Daily, called it "a desultory Hollywood satire that fatally lacks the guts or verve to say anything vitally new or different." But Todd McCarthy in Daily Variety summed up: "A story very much by, about and for middle-aged men, and with the commercial limitations that implies, this intermittently amusing outing is graced by one of Robert De Niro's more engaging performances of recent vintage." The filmmakers discovered the "commercial limitations" at Sundance -- where they went home without a distribution deal.

Madonna & Moore Among Stars Urged To Get Hepatitis Shot
22 February 2008 (WENN)
Doctors are urging Madonna, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and Gwyneth Paltrow to have a hepatitis shot as soon as possible after it emerged a barman working at Ashton Kutcher's recent birthday party may have passed the liver disease onto them. Kutcher celebrated his 30th birthday with a host of A-list stars at New York's Socialista club on February 7. But the New York City Health Department has warned a barman worked three nights at the venue when he was infectious with Hepatitis A - including Kutcher's 30th celebration. Kutcher, his wife Moore, her ex-husband Willis, Madonna and Paltrow have now been warned there's a possibility they may have contracted the liver disease. Last year, a sick member of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's catering staff inadvertently exposed stars including Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant to hepatitis at a party following the launch of their movie Music & Lyrics. And last February, Beyonce Knowles and the supermodel stars of the 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue were urged to get health checks after attending another Puck party, which featured the same Hepatitis A carrier among the catering staff.

Washington Named America's Favorite Movie Star
21 January 2008 (WENN)
Denzel Washington has topped the list of America's favorite movie stars for the second consecutive year. The American Gangster star beat Tom Hanks to the number one spot in the annual Harris Poll, and Johnny Depp jumped up four positions from last year's survey to steal the number three position. Julia Roberts was the highest ranking female at four, while late film legend John Wayne - the only actor to rank in the poll's top 10 every year since its inception in 1994 - was placed at number six. The top 10 is as follows: 1. Denzel Washington; 2. Tom Hanks; 3. Johnny Depp; 4. Julia Roberts; 5. Will Smith 6. John Wayne; 7. Matt Damon; 7. Sean Connery; 9. Sandra Bullock; 10. Bruce Willis.

UA Signs Separate Deal With Writers Guild
7 January 2008 (StudioBriefing)
United Artists has become the first major movie studio to sign an agreement with the Writers Guild of America, essentially accepting the terms of the contract negotiated last week with David Letterman's company, Worldwide Pants. The deal gives the studio to move forward with projects that required additional script improvements; however, Daily Variety reported that Pinkville, which was to have starred Bruce Willis, won't be revived since Willis "has moved on to another project." Meanwhile, today's (Monday) New York Post reported that The Weinstein Co. has begun negotiations with the WGA on what it called a "me-too" agreement.

Spielberg To Be Honored With DeMille Prize
15 November 2007 (WENN)
Steven Spielberg will become the first director to claim the coveted Cecil B. DeMille Award this century when he claims the prize at the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association will honour Spielberg at the event on January 13. The Cecil B. DeMille Award is usually handed to actors and actresses for their "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field." Spielberg was named the 2008 recipient at a Wednesday morning press conference hosted by actor Josh Brolin. The six-time Golden Globe winner and 12-time nominee will join Warren Beatty, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Williams, Michael Douglas, Gene Hackman, Harrison Ford, Al Pacino and Barbra Streisand as the recipients of the honor since 2000. Nominations for the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be announced on December 13. Meanwhile, in other Golden Globes news, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter Rumer Willis has been selected as 2008 Miss Golden Globe. The teenager will assist in the Golden Globes ceremony. The role of Miss Golden Globe is given to the daughter of a well-known celebrity each year; Jack Nicholson's daughter Lorraine filled the position earlier this year.

Willis Refused Club Entry
25 September 2007 (WENN)
Hollywood tough guy Bruce Willis was turned away from a trendy New York nightclub last week - because doormen didn't recognize him. The Die Hard star showed up at top nightspot Socialista at around 3am on Wednesday with an entourage of eight, hoping to be let in as a VIP. But a source tells PageSix.com that not only was he denied entry - bouncers let in others who arrived after him. The source adds, "Bruce's entourage started banging on the door, to no avail. I guess they had reached their massive-ego quota."

Potter and Spider-Man Up for U.K. National Movie Awards
21 August 2007 (WENN)
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix and Spider-Man 3 have been nominated for a host of prizes at Britain's inaugural National Movie Awards. U.K. TV network ITV is launching the new awards show following the success of their National Television Awards. Both events invite the public to vote for winners. Keira Knightley (Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End), Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man 3), Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Megan Fox (Transformers), Eva Green and Dame Judi Dench (Casino Royale) are up for the Best Actress at the September 28 London ceremony. Bruce Willis (Live Free Or Die Hard), Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), Shia LeBoeuf (Transformers), Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man 3), Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom (Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End), Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) are fighting for the Best Actor trophy. Meanwhile Flushed Away, Happy Feet, Shrek The Third and The Simpsons Movie have been nominated for Best Animation.

Willis Dating Playboy Beauty?
16 August 2007 (WENN)
Hollywood superstar Bruce Willis has a new girlfriend - former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal. The couple were photographed canoodling on a yacht in the Mediterranean Sea during a Sardinian holiday earlier this month, and friends believe Demi Moore's former husband has fallen for the 36-year-old model. A source tells American magazine Star, "They were cuddling the whole time and couldn't keep their hands off each other. They were very frisky too - at one point, it seemed as if they were a minute away from having a romp in the tub."

Bay Shoots Back at Willis
26 July 2007 (WENN)
Director Michael Bay has hit back at Bruce Willis after the actor wrote an internet blog vowing never to work with him again. The pair fell out on the set of Armageddon, prompting Willis to recently write, "Few people will work with Bay now, and I know I will never work with him again. A screaming director does not make for a pleasant set experience." But Transformers filmmaker Bay claims' Willis rant is just a publicity stunt for his latest film Live Free Or Die Hard. He says, "If you look, he posted at 3:30 in the morning; Does anything good happen at 3:30 in the morning? I think we have movies that were supposed to open on the same date and I think he thought, 'Maybe I'll get some fans if I do that.' Bruce wrote, 'If Michael Bay would have done Live Free Or Die Hard, it would have sucked.' Now, my action is usually pretty good. So I'll put it to the test. Put Transformers action against Live Free Or Die Hard action. If you want to go the competitive way, we can go there."

Box Office Smells a Rat
29 June 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Fox's Live Free or Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis, took in $9.1 million when it premiered on Wednesday -- good, but hardly overwhelming -- leading box-office analysts to predict that the stand-out movie this weekend will be the new Disney cartoon starring a rodent whose name is Remy, not Mickey. There is wide disagreement among them about how much Ratatouille is likely to earn, with many expecting it to be the lowest-grossing movie for a Pixar movie ever, falling below last year's Cars, which debuted with $60.1 million.

Movie Reviews: 'Live Free or Die Hard'
27 June 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Die Hard fans who have been waiting 12 years to see the return of Bruce Willis as New York cop John McClane are likely to be relieved to hear that they'll get what they expect from Live Free or Die Hard. The movie, writes Ann Hornaday in the Washington Post, "seeks to remind viewers of the simple, nostalgic pleasures of watching stuff get blown up and bad guys get smoked." Or as Gene Seymour puts it in Newsday: "As long as you understand that Live Free or Die Hard is nothing more or less than a three-ring festival of intricate stunts and pyrotechnic effects, punctuated with clown routines, you may not mind that it's about a half-hour longer than it needs to be." Chris Kaltenbach in the Baltimore Sun agrees. "The thrills are still there," he writes. But, as can be expected after 12 years, the star has changed, and so has his character. "McClane is still a New York cop, but he's an old, embittered New York cop," he observes. That's just fine, so far as Jack Mathews of the New York Daily News is concerned. "The fun of Live Free is surprising to me because I found nothing to like in the first three films, least of all Willis' look-at-me-I'm-a-movie-star performances," he writes, "But Willis has aged well and grown on me. He's still saying, 'Look at me, ' but here, he bears the weight and humility of age." Lou Lumenick in the New York Post calls the movie "solidly crowd-pleasing." Richard Roeper in the Chicago Sun-Times refers to it as "two hours of pure adrenaline." To Manohla Dargis in the New York Times, the film's "a goof -- an unexpectedly funny goof, at that, despite everything, including the mayhem and somewhat creepy plot." But Claudia Puig in USA Today says that the movie is "diverting enough" but "as a convincing techno-thriller, it doesn't really work." Similarly Bob Longino in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that while it's "mostly watchable," it's "almost entirely forgettable after its final bang."

Willis Blasts War on Drugs
13 June 2007 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has hit out at America's war on drugs, insisting it would be more productive for politicians to tackle the social problems that lead people to take narcotics in the first place. The Live Free Or Die Hard star wants leaders to accept the widespread problem of substance abuse, and dismisses the perception it's more prevalent in Hollywood. He tells Playboy magazine, "Drugs and alcohol aren't bigger problems in Hollywood than anywhere else. They're everywhere. Also, one drug is still advertised everywhere you look - at every sporting event, in every magazine. More people are killed by drunk drivers every years than by anything else. The problem is largely ignored. The big problem is the reasons people have for wanting to anesthetize themselves. We fight it the wrong way. The war on drugs is a joke. If somebody weren't making money off cocaine traffic or drug traffic in general, it wouldn't exist."

Willis: "I Am Not Dating Barrymore"
12 June 2007 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has dismissed reports he is dating Drew Barrymore, insisting just because he gave his friend a kiss doesn't mean they are romantically involved. The Live Free Or Die Hard star was spotted kissing Barrymore at a recent social event. He tells Playboy magazine, "Drew and I are old friends. I hadn't seen her for a long time, and I gave her a kiss. There were other things going on in the room that night that weren't reported, things far racier than my giving Drew a kiss. If it's against the law to kiss a beautiful actress who is a friend of mine, then lock me up and take me to the gulag (prison camp). I'm a single guy, and I'm having a hard enough time in the world of romance without somebody giving me s**t for kissing Drew."

Free Movie With Your Rock Concert
6 June 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Recalling the days of vaudeville when live acts were paired with movies, three actors who are also musicians are set to perform with their bands in cities where they filmed feature pictures. The outdoor concerts featuring Dennis Quaid, Kevin Bacon and Bruce Willis will be accompanied by the movies. Quaid is due to kick off the series on June 21 in New Orleans, where he filmed 1987's The Big Easy. Bacon has agreed to perform with brother Michael on July 15 in Baltimore, where he filmed the 1982 film Diner. And Willis will perform at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, where he filmed scenes for his 1998 film Armageddon. The free concerts are being sponsored by Netflix, the online movie rental company.

Willis' Webcam Surprise for One Lucky Fan
6 June 2007 (WENN)
Action star Bruce Willis surprised film fans when he went on a web-chat site to talk about his latest movie. The Hollywood tough guy posted messages on film site aintitcoolnews.com promoting new release Live Free Or Die Hard, which he reprises his role as John McClane. But when one film fan refused to believe it was his movie hero Willis entered an iChat videoconferencing conversation with him. And despite coming face to face with the star on webcam, Willis had to show his tattoos to the skeptical fan before he fully believed it was him. Willis told fans he posted on the website because he felt "a strong pull" to hear from his audience. He wrote, "I am John Maf**kin Clane. What if I came to you all just as a guy (who) merely wished to have an outlet to chat with people I seldom get to chat with. And what if I just listened?"

Willis Defends Wiseman Choice for 'Die Hard 4'
29 May 2007 (WENN)
Movie star Bruce Willis has defended his directorial choice in Die Hard sequel, Live Free Or Die Hard, insisting Len Wiseman provided a "great collaboration". The actor reprises his role as police officer John McClane in the upcoming movie, but critics aren't convinced the 34-year-old Underworld director has the experience to do justice to the franchise. However, Willis tells British film magazine Empire, "You know, Len Wiseman did a great job. He was a little kid running around the backyard when we did the first film but he was a fan. He actually made a film when he was 15 that was his version of Die Hard. On set I'd give him the gun and say, 'Show me how to do a 1986 Die Hard.' "I told Len early on that I was the keeper of the keys to this film, and he wanted that. There wasn't anyone else on the set that worked on all four films, so he came to me a lot of times and said, 'What do you think?' It was a great collaboration."

Willis Files Lawsuit for Faulty Car
24 May 2007 (WENN)
Hollywood hardman Bruce Willis has filed a lawsuit against an auto dealership claiming they sold him a faulty car. The Live Free Or Die Hard actor recently filed a suit against Black Tie Classic, claiming the 1967 GTO he purchased on 16 December 2006 was "an inoperable car riddled with extensive mechanical problems." According to legal papers, the company reneged on their promise to take back the car and refund the actor the $65,000 cost, reports Access Hollywood. However, Black Tie Classic's owner John Bertino insists the car was in perfect shape when Willis purchased the luxury vehicle. He says, "They were complaining the moment they got the car. It's a beautiful car. There is nothing wrong with it. I've heard of persons with egos, but this is ridiculous. I asked him if he wanted to check the car out and he said no. I said I would fix anything they wanted me to, but this has been a horrible nightmare."

Willis & Sarandon Lobby for Veterans
11 May 2007 (WENN)
Actors Bruce Willis and Susan Sarandon have put aside their political differences to team up and campaign for better treatment for injured US war veterans. Both stars are appalled by the circumstances some Iraq war veterans find themselves in when they get back home, so Republican Willis and Democrat Sarandon are lobbying for more to be done to look after returning soldiers. Sarandon says, "I realized that even though I got in to see a lot of people, I wasn't really able to see the Republicans. That's when I called Bruce. I didn't know him, but I did know that he saw himself as somebody who advocated these guys to go, and that he would surely be advocating for help for them when they got back." Willis adds, "It's an unpopular was and they (veterans) do feel as if they're country has forgotten about them. I went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center... I couldn't stop crying. It was just heartbreaking. They come home with arms and legs shot off, their lives wrecked, and not a lot of help from the government... Somebody's got to speak out for veterans. Susan and I are both talking about the same issue. I feel the same way that she does on it."

Willis Gets Naughty with Expletive at Basketball Game
2 May 2007 (WENN)
Bruce Willis turned the air blue at a live basketball game on Sunday when he used the expletive "mother f**ker" at the end of an interview. The Die Hard star was interviewed courtside during the New Jersey Nets' NBA Finals play-off game with the Toronto Raptors and forgot he was live on air. Asked about his upcoming Live Free Or Die Hard sequel, he beamed, "It's unbelievable... It's better than the first movie," and signed off, "Yippee Kay Aye, mother f**ker." Ironically, the outburst comes as Willis insists he's not "naughty" enough for the tabloids in the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair magazine. He says, "They're not writing about guys my age anymore unless I do something naughty."

Willis' 'Die Hard' Age Fears
1 May 2007 (WENN)
Veteran star Bruce Willis is relieved he filmed the upcoming Die Hard sequel before he got any older, because he fears his body soon won't be able to take the physical demands of the role. The 52-year-old, who returns as police officer John McClane for a fourth time in Live Free Or Die Hard, admits he is no longer as nimble as he was when he made the first Die Hard movie in 1988. He tells magazine Vanity Fair, "A lot of the physical stuff they had me doing was still, let's say, low-tech. I don't bounce as well off the concrete floors as I used to... I'm glad I didn't wait a couple more years to do this."

Filmgoers Get a Peep of 'Disturbia'
16 April 2007 (StudioBriefing)
The Paramount/DreamWorks alliance paid off again over the weekend as Disturbia took over the top spot at the box office with an estimated $23 million in ticket sales, far ahead of expectations. It reportedly cost $20 million to make, and analysts had predicted that it would earn about $12 million. The film sent Blades of Glory, also from Paramount/DreamWorks, sliding to second place with $14.1 million after holding the No. 1 position for the previous two weeks. The success of the film also answers the question of whether 20-year-old Shia LaBeouf has enough vowel recognition to open a film on his own. On Friday, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg announced that LaBeouf had been selected to co-star in the next Indiana Jones movie. Meanwhile, things went from bad to worse for The Weinstein Co.'s Grindhouse, which plummeted 62 percent to tenth place with just $4.2 million. It was also a bad weekend for a slew of new releases, including Perfect Stranger, starring Bruce Willis and Halle Berry, which finished fourth with $11.5 million, while 20th Century Fox's Pathfinder debuted in sixth place with $.8 million. Redline, starring Eddie Griffin, didn't even make the top ten as it opened with $4 million. Opening on only 877 screens, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters took in a respectable $3.1 million. Sales for the top 12 films were down 9.4 percent to $99.4 million, according to Media by Numbers. Overseas, Mr. Bean's Holiday, starring Rowan Atkinson, which was knocked out of the top spot on the overseas box office last week by 300, returned to the top spot this weekend as it added another $18 million to its gross, bringing it to $127 million.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Media by Numbers: 1. Disturbia, $23 million; 2. Blades of Glory, $14.1 million; 3. Meet the Robinsons, $12.1 million; 4. Perfect Stranger, $11.5 million; 5. Are We Done Yet?, $9.2 million; 6. Pathfinder, $4.8 million; 7. Wild Hogs, $4.6 million; 8. The Reaping, $4.6 million; 9. 300, $4.3 million; 10. Grindhouse, $4.2 million.

Berry Unveils Star Four Years Late
4 April 2007 (WENN)
Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry claimed her star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame yesterday - four years late. The sexy Monster's Ball star unveiled the 2,333rd star on the famous Hollywood Boulevard landmark - an honor she was set to receive in 2003. Berry's busy work schedule kept her from making that ceremony, but she told organizers she wouldn't miss the belated honor this time around. Speaking to fans in Hollywood this morning, Berry said, "I'm thrilled and very honored to be part of Hollywood history." Berry will next be seen in thriller Perfect Stranger opposite Bruce Willis.

Berry Lands Star Honor
27 March 2007 (WENN)
Oscar winner Halle Berry is set for another major honor after being selected to receive the 2,333rd star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The actress will be added to the Hollywood Boulevard landmark, right in front of the home of the Academy Awards, the Kodak Theatre, next week. Bruce Willis, her co-star in new film Perfect Stranger and Monster's Ball pal Billy Bob Thornton are expected to be among those congratulating the star at the unveiling.

Berry Rules Out Marriage
21 March 2007 (WENN)
Twice-divorced actress Halle Berry insists she will never marry her boyfriend Gabriel Aubry - or anyone else. The Monster's Ball star is adamant no man will ever take her down the aisle again, following her failed marriages to baseball star David Justice and singer Eric Benet. The 40-year-old tells the US edition of In Style magazine, "I will never, never get married again. Actually it's just that now I've come to a place where I think two people can share their lives without the ring, without the piece of paper." Berry has been dating model Aubry, 31, since November 2005. The Oscar-winning star is next set to be seen in thriller Perfect Stranger opposite Bruce Willis.

Willis Slams Claims He Used Madam's Services
28 February 2007 (WENN)
Actor Bruce Willis has slammed reports he used the services of Hollywood madam Jody "Babydoll" Gibson. Gibson was convicted in 2000 of operating an international prostitution ring and threatened to disclose the names of her celebrity clients during her trial. Although the names of her famous clientele were never made public, she is now revealing them in her autobiography Secrets Of A Hollywood Supermadam. The book, out on Thursday in the US, reportedly names two dozen celebrities she says patronized her call-girl service. According to the Los Angeles Times, a review of court records shows Gibson listed Willis, former Los Angeles Dodgers baseball manager Tommy Lasorda, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and late film producer Don Simpson as her clients. But Willis' attorney Marty Singer has dismissed the claims, saying, "The story is a complete fabrication. (Willis) doesn't know this woman. He's never even spoken to her." Meanwhile, Jones says he might have used Gibson's escort services, "It's possible. I crossed paths with her back then. She was a madam, but if I remember right, she wanted to be a singer in a band." Authorities never prosecuted any of Gibson's clients, and there was no proof that anyone she listed actually patronized her service. Her "California Dreamin" prostitution ring, which operated in 16 states and in Europe, employed porn stars and Playboy models.

Bruce Bruised On 'Die Hard' Set
26 January 2007 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has become the latest star nursing cuts and bruises after getting injured on a Los Angeles film set. The actor was kicked in the forehead during a fight scene in his new Die Hard movie on Wednesday, and was briefly hospitalized. His on-set accident came hours before Nicole Kidman was left shaken up when she was involved in a car crash on the Downtown Los Angeles set of her new zombie film The Invasion. Like Kidman, Willis was checked over by a doctor, and then discharged. According to insiders, he was left with a gash above his right eye. Willis was back on the set of Live Free Or Die Hard yesterday morning.

'Alpha Dog' Film Delay Denied
10 January 2007 (WENN)
A US federal court has declined an accused killer's request to block Friday's release of new movie Alpha Dog. The US 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals rejected an argument from Jesse James Hollywood, 26, who is accused in the 2000 slaying of a California teenager. The film, which stars Justin Timberlake, Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis and had its premiere last Wednesday in Los Angeles, is based on the villainous acts Hollywood and his friends are accused of carrying out. Hollywood's lawyers claimed the film would bias jurors in Santa Barbara County, where his case will be heard. Four men have been convicted in the slaying of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz, allegedly over a drug debt owed by his brother. Prosecutors in the case allege that Hollywood was the ringleader in the slaying.

Timberlake Refused to Take Acting Classes
28 December 2006 (WENN)
Singer/actor Justin Timberlake refused to take any acting classes to help prepare for his role in the film Alpha Dog, relying instead on the training he had as a young child. The "Sexyback" star plays an accused teen killer in the film and was keen to work on a project that was edgy and controversial. He says, "I thought it was a dark script, but I also thought that it was a great statement and I like to make statements." The film co-stars Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone and is based on the true story of Jesse James Hollywood, a teenage drug dealer and fugitive, now awaiting trial for murder. Timberlake was adamant that he didn't want to take any acting classes or work with an acting coach to prepare him for his role as one of Jesse's friends. He explains, "I took classes when I was really young. I just use that as much as possible. For me it seems more natural to not do as much of that."

Berry Records Debut Album
21 December 2006 (WENN)
Oscar winner Halle Berry is turning her hand to music and has just finished recording a self-titled album which will be released next year. The Monster's Ball actress, 40, has already showcased her vocal talents in the films Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and Why Do Fools Fall In Love. She tells Ebony magazine, "I've always loved to sing. This album will show people that I can do more than act." The Die Another Day star will next be seen opposite Bruce Willis in thriller Perfect Stranger and later in 2007 in drama Things We Lost in the Fire.

Lawyers Try To Block Movie on Murder Case
30 October 2006 (WENN)
A former fugitive who is awaiting trial for a teenager's murder sued Universal Studios on Friday, claiming he's unfairly portrayed in a movie based on the crime. Jesse James Hollywood, 26, is charged with kidnapping and murdering Nicholas Markowitz, a 15-year-old from West Hills, California, in August 2000. Hollywood alleges that Alpha Dog, which was shown at the Sundance Film Festival, closely parallels the theory of Markowitz's murder alleged by the former prosecutor in the case, Santa Barbara, California County Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen, who was a consultant for the film. Hollywood is trying to stop the film's release in January, which stars Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone and Justin Timberlake. He claims the movie will "irreparably harm" his ability to receive a fair trial. Due to his involvement in the film, Zonen - who prosecuted four other men convicted in connection with the murder - was removed from the case earlier this month by a court order. Markowitz's body was eventually found in a Santa Barbara County camping area. Prosecutors allege he was kidnapped because of a drug debt owed by his brother. Hollywood was apprehended in Brazil in March 2005 and has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

"I'm a Democrat," Insists Willis
25 September 2006 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has dismissed his "Hollywood Republican" reputation, insisting his political beliefs go far deeper. Confusion over the movie hardman's politics was sparked when he reportedly backed the war in Iraq, and even made an appearance with US President George W. Bush at the White House. But now he's keen to be seen as a staunch Democrat, according to the New York Daily News. He says, "I'm always being accused of being a Hollywood Republican - but I'm not! I have just as many Democratic ideas as Republican ones. If they could build three fewer bombs every month and give the money to foster care, that would be great."

Bruce Willis Settles Feud with Former Friend
7 August 2006 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has settled with a former pal he accused of trying to shake him down by going public with private family mementoes. Willis filed suit against Bruce DiMattia on Tuesday in Los Angeles, accusing his former pal of "wrongfully retaining possession" of private photos and videos belonging to the actor. DiMattia, who was charged with organizing the private Willis archive until he was dismissed earlier this year, told Willis he was planning to write a book about his old pal after the movie star tried to kick him out of the home he gave him. In his suit, Willis claimed that DiMattia has "threatened to unlawfully exploit private family photographs and memorabilia" belonging to him. Willis, who was seeking damages of over $1 million and the return of private documents, photographs and video, says, "It has been settled."

Willis Sues Childhood Pal Over Private Pictures
4 August 2006 (WENN)
Bruce Willis is taking a childhood friend to court, claiming he has "wrongfully retained possession" of private photos and videos belonging to the actor. The Die Hard star filed suit against Bruce DiMattia on Tuesday in Los Angeles, accusing his former pal of attempting a "shakedown." In the court documents, obtained by Tmz.com, Willis explains DiMattia worked for him for four years, organizing his private archive of family photographs and video, until the movie star was forced to dismiss him earlier this year. Things turned nasty when DiMattia refused to give up the home Willis gave him during his employment. The suit claims DiMattia has informed Willis he plans to pen a book about the actor's private life, which the actor insists will feature "falsehoods and lies that could embarrass" him. The actor says that DiMattia has "threatened to unlawfully exploit private family photographs and memorabilia" belonging to him, and to sell a manuscript containing lies about the star, unless Willis "agrees to pay him over $100,000 and buy him a car." Willis is seeking damages of over $1 million and the return of private documents, photographs and video.

Willis Sues Cameraman Over Assault Claims
20 June 2006 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has fired back at the photographer who accused the movie star of assaulting him last week - accusing him of making false and damaging claims against him. Paparazzo Anthony Goodrich filed a police report, claiming the Die Hard star assaulted him outside West Hollywood restaurant Koi, pushing his video camera into his face and chipping a tooth. But in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles yesterday and obtained by website TMZ.com, Willis' lawyer Marty Singer insists Goodrich and other "stalker-paparazzi" flashed high-powered strobe lights in his client's face as he was entering the restaurant. The suit claims Willis "put his hand up in front of his face to shield his eyes from the blinding flash" and at no point "shoved the photographer and pushed his camera into his face." The suit also claims articles written about the incident exposed Willis to "hatred, contempt, ridicule and obloquy..." He is seeking $1 million in damages. TMZ.com reports that Los Angeles police officials dropped Goodrich's case two days after the incident after the cameraman refused to prosecute Willis.

Willis Fights Off Reports He Injured Photographer
15 June 2006 (WENN)
Bruce Willis is fighting off claims he beat up a photographer in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, insisting he was simply shielding his eyes from flashbulbs when he accidentally made contact with a paparazzo. But snapper Anthony Goodrich insists Willis pushed his camera into his face and chipped his tooth as he exited celebrity restaurant Koi. And, while Willis' publicist is playing down the incident on website TMZ.com, the photographer insists he was injured enough to check into hospital. He also filed a police report against the actor, alleging battery. Goodrich tells Tmz.com, "He smashed my camera into my face... All I was doing was taking his picture. I didn't say one word. I didn't get in his way." Willis' spokesman Paul Bloch claims Willis put his hand up "to protect himself" because he was "blinded by the lights" from photographers. Bloch insists that at no time did Willis "hit, push, or hurt" anyone.

Smith Advised Willis On Family Life
30 May 2006 (WENN)
Action star Bruce Willis has pal Will Smith to thank for his happy family life, after the Men In Black star gave him good advice when he was going through his divorce from actress Demi Moore. Smith was divorced and managed to successfully blend his families after marrying Jada Pinkett Smith and advised Willis on how to manage the ordeal. Willis has three children with Moore, who is now remarried to Ashton Kutcher, and the extended family spends lots of time together thanks to Smith's wise words. Willis explains, "We couldn't be happier. Holidays - we just laugh the whole time. Everybody's together. We did something at the time that seemed like a small decision, but now it's a huge thing and we get a lot of compliments on it - we put the kids first. It's hard to do. It's hard to set aside anger and resentment, but if you can do it and put the kids first it's just great. I have to thank Will Smith for that, he gave me that advice."

Willis Confirms 'Die Hard 4' Nearly Ready To Roll
22 May 2006 (WENN)
Hollywood actor Bruce Willis on Friday announced filmmakers are ready to start shooting a fourth Die Hard movie, and they hope to have it in cinemas next year. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival in France, Willis - who stars as policeman John McClane in the Die Hard films - revealed the highly-anticipated sequel is expected to start filming soon. He said, "We're as close as we've ever got to getting Die Hard 4 started. It won't be called Die Hard 4 but that will be the story. Hopefully it will be out next summer." The movie's plot had to be rewritten after last year's Hurricane Katrina tragedy - the original screenplay involved an oil tanker explosion that sends huge waves flooding into New Orleans, Louisiana. Die Hard was released in 1988 and made Willis a star. Two sequels followed - Die Hard 2: Die Harder in 1990 and Die Hard With A Vengeance in 1995.

Willis' News Strike
9 May 2006 (WENN)
Hollywood actor Bruce Willis has slammed the media for its poor news coverage, accusing the industry of deliberately ignoring serious news in favor of racy stories. The Die Hard star, who credits his youthful energy and vigor to a refusal to watch news bulletins, is disgusted with the news reports, claiming they are frivolous and superficial rather than informative. And he says that banning news from his house means he worries far less. Willis insists, "We go for the sensational now in the news. If it's not sensational or tantalizing or making fun of someone, it seldom gets into the news. I don't watch the news anyway. I have it turned off, and I feel so much better for it. That's why I have that youthful glow about me. I don't look worried."

Youngest Pointer Sister Loses Cancer Battle at 52
13 April 2006 (WENN)
June Pointer, the youngest of The Pointer Sisters, lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday in Los Angeles. She was 52. According to a statement, the singer died surrounded by her sisters, Ruth and Anita, and her brothers, Aaron and Fritz. Pointer had been hospitalized in Santa Monica, California since February. June and her three sisters scored a number of hits in the late 1970s and 1980s after growing up singing in the choir of an Oakland, California church where their parents were ministers. After singing back-up vocals for acts like Taj Mahal and Boz Scaggs, the family group went it alone and released a self-titled debut album in 1973. They went on to pick up a Grammy Award in 1974 for Best Country Vocal ("Fairytale"), but they really found their niche in the post-disco world, recording smooth tunes like "Slow Hand" and dance floor fillers such as "I'm So Excited." June Pointer left the group in the mid-1980s after tasting solo success with her solo debut album Baby Sister in 1983. She also sang back-up to Bruce Willis on the actor's 1987 "Respect Yourself" hit.

Willis Retracts Colombian Drug Rant
24 March 2006 (WENN)
Hollywood hardman Bruce Willis has apologized to Colombia after blaming the nation for America's drug problems. The Die Hard star now insists the US is as much to blame for the prolific trade, and confesses he didn't mean to single out any one country as the supplier. He tells the New York Daily News, "I spoke to the Colombians. It's fine. I get passionate sometimes. I said Colombia because it was the first country to come to mind. (The drug problem) has as much to do with what's going on in this country. If there wasn't a demand, there wouldn't be a supply." The actor was dubbed "ignorant" and "ungrateful" by the Colombian president for his comments earlier this month, and advised not to base his arguments on "Hollywood clichés."

Chock-a-Block Box Office
3 March 2006 (StudioBriefing)
Since the Oscar ceremonies have often been called the Super Bowl for women (last year, of the 42.1 million viewers, 24.5 million were women 18 or older versus 14.1 million men in the same demographic group) and since most of the nominated films were directed at adults, the studios have decided to make this Oscars weekend mostly a boys-night-out affair. The winner, analysts have indicated, is likely to be Warner Bros.' 16 Blocks, starring Bruce Willis and directed by Richard Donner. Close behind -- although it is appearing on half the number of screens -- is expected to be the Dave Chappelle concert film Block Party. Another strong challenger is expected to be last week's box-office champ, Madea's Family Reunion. Two other counterprogramming newcomers are also expected to perform strongly, Sony's sci-fi/horror flick Ultraviolet, which was not screened for critics, and Fox's Aquamarine, aimed at female teens.

Movie Reviews: '16 Blocks'
3 March 2006 (StudioBriefing)
The pairing in 16 Blocks of actor Bruce Willis and director Richard Donner, both of whom have a sizable collection of action flicks to their credit, is receiving approval from most critics. Willis, who plays a drunk cop in the movie, is being congratulated for doing what he does best -- playing the flawed action hero. Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times calls the movie, "a chase picture conducted at a velocity that is just about right for a middle-age alcoholic." Joe Morgenstern in the Wall Street Journal praises the performances of Willis and costar Mos Def and refers to the movie as "a mismatched-buddy movie that's endearing, funny and affecting in equal measure." Indeed Lou Lumenick in the New York Post rates the movie "the most competently made and entertaining major studio release so far this year." On the other hand, Stephen Hunter writes in the Washington Post: "This feeble thriller is so full of implausibilities it makes Willis's last star vehicle, Hostage, seem like a documentary on advanced thermodynamics." And Geoff Pevere in the Toronto Star pronounces it "as diverting as a two-hour slog through Manhattan traffic."

Willis Mocks Cheney on Letterman
1 March 2006 (WENN)
Actor Bruce Willis poked fun at Dick Cheney's recent shooting accident by appearing on The Late Show With David Letterman made-up like the US vice president's hunting victim Harry Whittington. The actor had tiny wounds on the left side of his face, resembling a spray of buckshot holes and when he smiled he revealed one tiny hole in his front tooth where he was allegedly hit by the ammunition. Willis joked, "I got shot." He then lifted his hat to reveal his semi-bald head covered in band-aids, adding, "Shot all my hair off." The Die Hard actor went on to explain, "I was playing cards with some politician guys, sitting around drinking all night. After a bottle and half of Jack Daniels, somebody came up with the idea, 'Let's go hunting.' It seemed like such a good idea at the time... I'm thinking we're going to go out and hunt rhino or moose, (but we hunt) quail. But it's all really a blur to me."

Willis Defends Frey
16 February 2006 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has jumped to the defense of controversial author James Frey, declaring he was unfairly attacked on Oprah Winfrey's TV show last month. Frey has been criticized for embellishing parts of his best-selling book, A Million Little Pieces, which was originally billed as a memoir. The Die Hard star says on TV show Access Hollywood, "Look at what happened to James Frey in the last two weeks. That's a great book and so is the follow-up book. And just because his publisher chose to say that these were memoirs, it took it out of being a great work of fiction... to this guy having to go be sucker punched on Oprah by one of the most powerful women in television, just to grind her own axe about it. Hey, Oprah. You had President (Bill Clinton) on your show and if this prick didn't lie about a couple of things, I'm going to set myself on fire right now. James Frey is a writer, OK? He can write about whatever he wants. It's fiction. It's just shameful how he was treated in some of these things."

Cruz Honored in France
12 January 2006 (WENN)
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz was made a Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier Dans L'Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres) in a ceremony in Paris, France yesterday. The sultry Blow actress, who appeared French film Fanfan La Tulipe three years ago, was honored for her international film career, which includes performances in English, Italian, French and her native Spanish. France's culture minister Renaud Donnedieu De Vabres enthused, "It's France's role to be the ardent defender of cultural diversity and to recognize those who extend, with their talent, the culture of their country. I'm happy to have honored this great European actress." Bashful Cruz, who was joined at the ceremony by her Bandidas co-star Salma Hayek, said, "I'm not sure that I deserve it, but I will do my best so that you won't regret it." Previous Hollywood recipients of the arts honors include Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese and Bruce Willis - who received titles last year.

Burns Owes Her Life to Paramedic Pal
20 December 2005 (WENN)
Former Baywatch babe Brooke Burns owes her life to a quick-thinking paramedic pal, who happened to be using her bathroom when she broke her neck in a freak swimming accident. The former girlfriend of Bruce Willis dived into her pool on 10 November and was left with a chin-to-chest crack after smashing her head against a wayward surfboard. The 27-year-old is convinced she'd be dead if it wasn't her friend, who knew exactly what to do. Speaking exclusively to news show Access Hollywood, she recalls, "I had a friend there who literally was supposed to drop me off and decided to come in and use the restroom and he happened to be, and is, the only paramedic fireman that I know. He saw me dive in and he wrapped a wet towel around my neck and he basically immobilized me and floated me in the pool until the paramedics came, so he saved my life. If I had been with anyone else, who tried to move me, I would definitely be at least half-paralyzed if not completely quadriplegic." Burns reveals her problems didn't end when paramedics took her to Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai hospital: "I had a couple of allergic reactions, I was throwing up profusely with a broken neck, which wasn't fun. I had seizure like symptoms when I found out I was allergic to another kind of medication."

Willis Offers $1 Million To Fight Terrorism
14 November 2005 (WENN)
Actor Bruce Willis has offered $1 million to anyone who turns in al-Qaeda terror leaders. The patriotic Die Hard star will pay out for information on the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden, Aymen Al-Zawahiri or Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the alleged brains behind the 9/11 atrocity. Willis announced his reward on Us TV show Rita Cosby: Live And Direct, where he also slammed biased media coverage of the Iraq war. He said, "I am baffled to understand why the things that I saw happening in Iraq, really good things happening in Iraq, are not being reported on."

Kutcher and Grace To Return to 'That '70s Show'?
3 November 2005 (WENN)
Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace are missing their old sitcom That '70s Show so much, they're considering making a return - just months after walking away. Grace and Kutcher left the long-running show earlier this year to pursue movie careers. But former co-stars Wilmer Valderrama and Laura Prepon have learned that the actors could well be back on board after a meeting with Grace recently. Prepon says, "He feels like he graduated from high school, and he totally misses it. He might come back. Ashton most likely is going to come back. It feels weird when you're not here, like your stable place is gone. This is our home base." Despite his departure, Kutcher appeared on last night's season opener with Bruce Willis, the ex-husband of his new bride Demi Moore.

Hilton Caught Up in Paparazzi Fight
14 October 2005 (WENN)
Hollywood socialites Paris Hilton and Bijou Phillips were caught up in a fight outside Los Angeles hotspot Mood on Wednesday night when Hilton's bodyguard attacked a photographer. The high-profile pair were leaving the club after partying with Bruce Willis, Lindsay Lohan and Eddie Murphy when a brawl broke out in the street. The unnamed minder took offence when one snapper got too close to him and pushed him to the ground, yelling, "Don't ever touch me." Hilton tried to defuse the situation by signing photographs from the front seat of her silver Bentley before driving off.

Moore and Kutcher Wed
26 September 2005 (WENN)
Hollywood couple Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher were married in a secret ceremony in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday. After initial reports of the marriage by American magazines Us Weekly and People, TV shows Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight confirmed the nuptials had taken place. Us Weekly reported 100 friends and family attended the "brief, but traditional" service, including Moore's ex-husband Bruce Willis and her Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle co-star Lucy Liu, as well as Kutcher's That '70S Show co-star Wilmer Valderrama. While Kutcher, 27, weds for the first time, the union is the third marriage for the 42-year-old Ghost beauty, whose previous husbands include rocker Freddie Moore from 1980 to 1984 and Willis from 1987 to 2000. Moore and Kutcher first met in early 2003 at a casual dinner in New York City, while the actor was in a relationship with his Just Married co-star Brittany Murphy. Kutcher begin dating Moore in May 2003 after splitting from the 8 Mile actress a month earlier. The Punk'd host quickly embraced family life with Moore and Willis' three daughters - Rumer, 17; Scout, 14 and Tallulah, 11 - who affectionately refer to Kutcher as MOD, meaning 'My Other Dad'.

Demi's Men Team Up on TV
13 September 2005 (WENN)
The two men in Demi Moore's life are set to team up on TV this autumn For cameo roles in sitcom That '70s Show. Moore's ex-husband Bruce Willis will play a shady security boss who interviews the actress' current beau, Ashton Kutcher, for a bouncer's job. It will mark the first time the two actors have appeared together on screen. The cameo also represents a quick return to the show for Kutcher, who quit the sitcom at the end of last season. Willis plans to donate his fee from the show, which will air in America in November, to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Moore Fuels Pregnancy Rumors
16 August 2005 (WENN)
Hollywood actress Demi Moore and her actor toyboy Ashton Kutcher are shunning parties to stay at home because they are trying for a baby. The 42-year-old Ghost star - who already has three children with former husband Bruce Willis - and is desperate to expand her family with her 27-year-old lover, reports the New York Daily News. Describing a perfect night with her young love she says, "Sharing a bath with one another and watching Court TV. Snuggling up naked. Going out dancing and going to the movies and having no-butter popcorn, holding hands, and then maybe the bathtub, or swimming naked in the pool. The next phase? The growth of our family. Which is all the things we truly desire to expand our family." The couple have been dating since May 2003.

Willis Shocks Germans with Impromptu Visit
10 August 2005 (WENN)
Movie hardman Bruce Willis recently shocked a German family by turning up on their doorstep with his father and younger brother and demanding to see inside - because he was born there 50 years ago. The Die Hard star appeared unannounced at the house in the south western town of Idar-Oberstein and introduced the shocked strangers to his brother and father, both called David. He then used his rusty German to ask if he could take some photographs of the basement bedroom, where he spent the first two years of his life. The property's owner Doris Busch says, "We were sitting in the garden and didn't even hear that someone was there. My mother still had her curlers in her hair." Willis was named "special ambassador" for his birthplace, Idar-Oberstein on his 50th birthday in March.

Moore and Willis' Ranch Manager Writes Tell-All Book
13 June 2005 (WENN)
Actress Demi Moore and ex-husband Bruce Willis are furious the former manager of their Idaho ranch is trying to publish a tell-all book about his time with the couple. Lawrence Bass claims Willis tried to intimidate him into keeping quiet, but he's determined to reveal "the truth" about the stars in his tome. And he also plans to reveal the reasons behind his numerous lawsuits against them, including a sexual harassment claim against Moore which was thrown out. He says, "They've tried to stifle me, but it won't work. Bruce can get away with anything in Idaho and he knows it. You can take the girl out of the trailer park but you can't take the trailer park out of the girl. Her life was pathetic to me, it's all such a sham." But the couple's lawyer Marty Singer counters, "I can't describe what a loser this guy is. All his claims are bogus. He's a desperate guy, a convicted criminal. All his cases have been thrown out in the past. I doubt anyone will have anything to do with his manuscript."

Willis Receives French Honor
14 April 2005 (WENN)
Hollywood hardman Bruce Willis was honored in Paris yesterday for his contribution to the film industry, by the French government. The 50-year-old actor was made Officier Dans L'ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres (Officer In The Order Of Arts And Letters) at a ceremony in the capital, where he was presented his honor by French Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu De Vabres. Donnedieu de Vabres said, "This is France's way of paying tribute to an actor who epitomizes the strength of American cinema, the power of the emotions that he invites us to share on the world's screens and the sturdy personalities of his legendary characters." The Die Hard star said in French, he was "very touched" to receive his medal, adding, "Thank you France and Culture Minister for this great, great honor." Last month British filmmaker Alan Parker was made Knight Of The Order Of Arts And Letters, while actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese were also honored by the French government with similar titles earlier this year.

Lohan Blasts Reports She's Dating Slater
7 April 2005 (WENN)
Singer and actress Lindsay Lohan has furiously blasted reports she's secretly dating actor Christian Slater. The Mean Girls star, 18, has denied press claims the True Romance hunk regularly visited her trailer on the Los Angeles set of her latest movie Just My Luck. And she's disgusted by the insensitivity of journalists who have spread the rumor just two months after Slater filed for divorce from estranged wife Ryan Haddon. Lohan's spokesman says, "As far as I know he did not visit her in her trailer. I was told he was visiting the head of photography." Slater is the second older man Lohan has been linked to this year - last month Lohan and Bruce Willis fervently denied rumors they were enjoying a two-month relationship.

Justin Timberlake To Play Bruce's Son?
5 April 2005 (WENN)
Pop star Justin Timberlake is being groomed to play Bruce Willis' son in Die Hard 4.0. Willis was so impressed with the "Cry Me A River" hunk's acting skills in new movie Alpha Dog, he's trying to persuade Timberlake to sign up for his action movie's fourth installment. Movie gossip website Moviehole.Net reports, "John Jr, John McClane's son, was featured in the original Die Hard. In the next film, he'll be older - and, with his sister Lucy, he gets entangled in dad's latest adventure."

Willis Reluctant To Give Up Single Status
4 April 2005 (WENN)
Bruce Willis enjoys being single so much - he would have to meet someone really special to even consider sacrificing his bachelor status. The Hostage hardman is keen to remain alone as he views relationships as hard work laced with serious issues. The 50-year-old says, "I've become comfortable being single. I really have. While I certainly feel the door's still open to the romantic nature that lives in a tiny little corner of my heart, I think it's highly unlikely because the idea of a relationship just seems very complicated to me. And they are very complicated. There's always problems and it happens to everyone." However, Willis has not totally turned his back on the dating game and will go on "the odd date now and then".

Willis Interview Axed After He Upset Two Children
18 March 2005 (WENN)
A British TV interview with Bruce Willis was axed halfway through - because the movie star upset two 10-year-old presenters. The Die Hard actor shouted at Dylan McKenna-Redshaw and James Pallister because he was offended by their trademark cheeky questions. The hosts of the Ant And Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Show, Declan Donnelly and Ant MacPartlin were forced to interrupt the interview, before the boys became too upset. Donnelly says, "We said Bruce was a grumpy old man and it wasn't their fault."

'Robots' Capture Top Box-Office Spot
14 March 2005 (StudioBriefing)
If it hadn't been for Vin Diesel, Robots would have overrun the box office over the weekend. Twentieth Century Fox's animated feature debuted with an estimated $36.5 million, but analysts agreed that it would have taken in a good deal more if it had not been forced to compete with Diesel's hit family flick The Pacifier, which earned some $18.1 million, down about 40 percent from last week. In 10 days, the movie has grossed $54.4 million. The John Travolta starrer Be Cool dropped 56 percent from its debut weekend last week to place third with $10.3 million, placing it just ahead of the premiering Hostage, starring Bruce Willis, which took in $9.8 million. Perhaps the biggest disappointment was the poor showing of the toned-down version of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, which opened in about 1,000 virtually empty theaters with just $239,850. That works out to an average of 10 tickets sold per theater per day. By contrast, the indie film Millions from director Danny Boyle grossed $73,000 in its debut in just 5 theaters.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations: 1. Robots, $36.5 million; 2. The Pacifier, $18.1 million; 3. Be Cool, $10.3 million; 4. Hostage, $9.8 million; 5. Hitch, $8.7 million; 6. Million Dollar Baby, $5.1 million; 7. Diary of a Mad Black Woman, $5 million; 8. Constantine, $3.7 million; 9. Man of the House, $1.8 million; 10. Cursed, $1.6 million.

Willis Almost Missed Out on 'Hostage'
13 March 2005 (WENN)
Hollywood tough guy Bruce Willis almost missed out on securing the film rights to Robert Crais' novel Hostage, because he left his copy of the book on a shelf for a month after he bought it in 2001. The Die Hard actor finally found time to delve into the tense thriller and was so engrossed he immediately enquired about purchasing the film rights - and was amazed nobody else had got there first. The 49-year-old says, "I bought the book and it sat on my shelf for about a month. I picked it up and got caught up in it, read it overnight and called and asked about the rights. Fortunately they were available. That was about four years ago." In the film adaptation, Willis stars as jaded small town cop Jeff Talley who is forced into the firing line when his family are taken prisoner in their own home.

Movie Reviews: 'Hostage'
11 March 2005 (StudioBriefing)
Critics are savaging the Bruce Willis starrer Hostage with some of the most virulent reviews of the year. The first paragraph of Stephen Holden's review in the New York Times reads: "More than sad, it's slightly sickening to consider the technology, talent and know-how squandered on Hostage, a pile of blood-soaked toxic waste dumped onto the screen in an attempt to salvage Bruce Willis's fading career as an action hero." Lou Lumenick in the New York Post asks, "Is the overbearing thriller Hostage a warm-up for Bruce Willis' fourth Die Hard movie -- or an attempt to hype his flagging career by revisiting past glories?" Carrie Rickey of the Philadelphia Inquirer comments: "In a singularly sadistic and degrading way it has something to offend everyone." Bob Longino in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution calls it "moviemaking by sledgehammer." Glenn Whipp in the Los Angeles Daily News describes it as "an overstuffed exercise in gore and stupidity that will leave your ears ringing and your eyes rubbed raw from disbelief." On the other hand, Willis has the reliably contrarian Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times on his side. He writes: "Made with energetic flair and no small dose of violence, mercifully handled with discretion, Hostage exemplifies taut, confident filmmaking. Bruce Willis draws upon the full measure of his strong physical presence, his intelligence and his considerable emotional resources held in reserve."

Willis Sues 'Tears of the Sun' Producers
24 November 2004 (WENN)
Bruce Willis has filed a lawsuit against the producers of Tears Of The Sun, claiming he suffered "substantial injuries" during the making of the 2003 movie. The Die Hard star is seeking damages from Revolution Studios, accusing them of negligence and "ultrahazardous activity," after claiming he was struck in the forehead by a projectile during a shooting scene. Willis, who played a special operations veteran leading a group of refugees through the Nigerian jungle, claims he has suffered extreme mental, physical and emotional pain and is suffering as a result of the injuries he sustained. Willis also alleges the personnel hired to inspect the devices used in the stunt failed to "properly and professionally inspect, set-up, place and detonate" them. His suit also states the injuries, "caused him to employ physicians."

Willis Sues Studio, Special-Effects Foreman
23 November 2004 (StudioBriefing)
Bruce Willis has sued Revolution Studios and the special-effects foreman of 2003's Tears of the Sun, claiming that he was injured during the shooting of the film as a result of their negligence. According to the lawsuit, which was posted Monday on the Smoking Gun website, Willis says he was hurt when a projectile fired in one scene hit him in the forehead, causing an injury that resulted in "extreme mental, physical and emotional pain and suffering." Willis accuses the special-effects man, Joe Pancake, of negligently plotting the shooting sequence.

Costner's Wedding Guests Treated To Day of Outdoor Pursuits
27 September 2004 (WENN)
Celebrity guests at Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's wedding were treated to a day of outdoor adventures on Friday - including a rodeo. Costner hosted a lavish wedding at his ranch in Aspen, Colorado, Saturday, with such guests at Oprah Winfrey, Tim Allen, Bruce Willis and Oliver Stone jetting in for the nuptials. And rather than just treat his guests to the usual entertainment, Costner transported in extra horses and give them all the opportunity to enjoy such activities as horseback riding, canoeing and baseball on the baseball diamond he had installed on his sprawling property. They also had a some rodeo fun with the cattle on the ranch. Costner says, "Our home always been like the YMCA. We play hard. We work hard, but we're always about how much fun we can have."

Costner To Wed on Saturday?
22 September 2004 (WENN)
Kevin Costner will wed longtime girlfriend Christine Baumgartner this Saturday - just a week after Britney Spears wed in Los Angeles. Tim Allen, Bruce Willis and Oliver Stone will be among the celebrity wedding guests at the big day, which will be held at the actor's Aspen, Colorado, ranch, according to American news show Hollywood Insider. More than 500 guests are expected. Academy Award-winner Costner is next set to be seen on the big screen in The Upside of Anger opposite Joan Allen and Evan Rachel Wood.

Stars Make Grand Entrances at VMAs
31 August 2004 (WENN)
Last year's MTV Video Music Awards was dominated by a spectacular stage show in which Madonna, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears cavorted and kissed. This year was all about grand entrances, as music royalty got the chance to show off their spending power by cruising up to Miami, Florida's harbor-side red carpet in a variety of impressive water craft. R&B star Usher, who picked up his first and second VMAs at the ceremony, was the first on the red carpet, stealing the show in a breathtaking silver yacht. He said after stepping on dry land, "I wanted not only the sexiest and flyest boat, but also the fastest." The singer then kicked off the live show, performing his hit "Confessions, Pt II." Rapper Ludacris followed him onto the red carpet with pal Lil Jon, telling reporters he was tempted not to stop in Miami: "We about to go to the Bahamas and just skip the VMAs." The 'king of bling' Sean 'P Diddy' Combs meanwhile shared his yacht with showbiz pals Bruce Willis, rapper Mase and Naomi Campbell. The Beastie Boys however shunned the flashy approach and arrived on the red carpet in the swamp burner they rode in their "Ch-check It Out" video.

Shannen Doherty To Play Brooke Burns' Sister
11 August 2004 (WENN)
Former Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty is heading to Hawaii to play the "bitchy" sister of Bruce Willis' ex Brooke Burns in new TV show North Shore. Doherty will start appearing on American TV screens from September 20 as Alexandra Hudson, an "ambitious" long-lost sister of Burns' character Nicole Booth. TV network Fox is hoping to boost the recently-debuted show's struggling ratings by adding some extra screen sizzle with Doherty's mean character. Doherty says, "I'm lucky because I have a really loyal fan base and I hope they come over. We're still fleshing (my character) out. I think Alexandra has a lot of vulnerability. She grew up knowing her dad was alive and that he knew she was alive, yet wanted nothing to do with her. I'm sure she has some daddy issues." The brunette beauty will appear in a three-episode arc on the show, with an option to become a regular fixture if the series is given the go-ahead to continue.

Demi Moore Pregnant?
6 July 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood actress Demi Moore is reportedly expecting toy boy lover Ashton Kutcher's baby. The Indecent Proposal star, 41, is rumored to be pregnant with 26-year- old Kutcher's child, although her aides have strenuously denied the reports. A source tells British newspaper the Daily Sport, "She is definitely pregnant." Moore - who has three children with second husband Bruce Willis - recently told friends she quit smoking as she was trying for another child. And, Moore and Kutcher plan to get married in September 2004 in a low-key ceremony at Los Angeles' Kabbalah Centre, reports the tabloid.

Willis To Grow Hair?
28 June 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood hardman Bruce Willis is in talks to undergo a revolutionary hair treatment to cover his famous bald head. According to Britain's The Sun newspaper, the Sixth Sense star, 49, has consulted experts about a new 'hair cloning' treatment - which has only been tested on rodents and is awaiting approval from the US government. A friend says, "Bruce wants to make sure it is safe, but is very interested in going ahead when it is available. The treatment will be expensive, but money is no object." Despite Willis' success with meeting women since his split from ex-wife Demi Moore, the actor is reportedly insecure about his shiny crown. The pal adds, "Some women find his baldness attractive, but Bruce is aware it's a sign he's getting on and he wants to look as good as he can." Willis is currently single after splitting from Baywatch babe Brooke Burns earlier this month.

Burns Still Loves Bruce Willis
8 June 2004 (WENN)
Former Baywatch star Brooke Burns is determined to stay friends with ex- boyfriend Bruce Willis - because she still loves his daughters. Burns and Willis split up last month after a six-month romance, which saw them become part of the extended family that also included Demi Moore and her toyboy lover Ashton Kutcher. But Burns insists she has no hard feelings for her ex. She says, "We're not dating right now but he was a lot of fun and he was beautiful to my little girl, and I love his girls as well. They're the best. We're on really good terms. We've got so many priorities in life. I'm in Hawaii right now and I'm working 16-hour days and it's insane. I'm going to be there at least until September. I'll always be in love with him... I still love his girls."

Bruce & Brooke Split
3 June 2004 (WENN)
Bruce Willis and his girlfriend of 10 months, Brooke Burns, have split. Sources tell America's People magazine that the couple decided to end their romance because they were struggling to spend time together. Burns, 26, has been filming new surf drama North Shore in Hawaii for the past two months, while Willis likes to spend his spare time with his daughters and ex-wife Demi Moore.

'Nine Yards' Does Better on TV Than 'Ten Yards' at B.O.
12 April 2004 (StudioBriefing)
Even as its sequel was struggling to gain yardage at the box office, the original Bruce Willis/Matthew Perry movie The Whole Nine Yards did well enough in the ratings Saturday night to give CBS a win for the night. As usual for a Saturday night, however, ratings on all the networks showed weakness, with CBS taking the night with just a 4.9 rating and a 9 share.

Disney Staggered by 'Alamo' Defeat
12 April 2004 (StudioBriefing)
The Alamo fell for a second time over the weekend, and this time, the scope of the defeat, although bloodless, was no less staggering than the original. The $100-million Disney movie took in just $9.2 million, tying for third place with the $12-million urban comedy Johnson Family Vacation, which played in only about half the number of theaters. (Some box-office trackers were predicting that when the final numbers are released later today, The Alamo will finish fourth.) "I'm shocked, quite honestly, at the number," Disney distribution chief Chuck Viane told USA Today. Analysts had predicted a relatively low figure, but had not anticipated the utter debacle that transpired. They also had not anticipated that Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ would be resurrected in first place again four weeks after dropping out of that position. "That's unprecedented. I've never seen that before," Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations, told the Associated Press. "The Passion is just rewriting box-office history." (However, Dan Marks of the rival Nielsen EDI told the Los Angeles Times that almost the same thing happened in 1996 when Jerry Maguire returned to No. 1 after dropping out for three weeks.) Passion has now earned a total of $354.8 million and ranks eighth on the all-time domestic box-office list. Other new films also tanked at the box office. The Whole Ten Yards with Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry, debuted with just $6.7 million. The girls' flick Ella Enchanted drew a less-than-enchanting $6.1 million, just ahead of The Girl Next Door, which earned $6 million. And in yet another dose of bad news for Disney, the studio's The Ladykillers, starring Tom Hanks, dropped out of the top 10 after just two weeks.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations: 1. The Passion of the Christ, $17.1 million; 2. Hellboy, $11.1 million; 3 (tie). The Alamo, $9.2 million; 3 (tie). Johnson Family Vacation, $9.2 million; 5. Walking Tall, $8.3 million; 6. Home on the Range, $8.2 million; 7. Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, $8 million; 8. The Whole Ten Yards, $6.7 million; 9. Ella Enchanted, $6.1 million; 10. The Girl Next Door, $6 million.

'The Alamo' Faces Uncertain Battlefield
8 April 2004 (StudioBriefing)
Disney's long-delayed The Alamo will be facing an army of adversaries at the box office over the Easter weekend, and although analysts expect it to claim a victory with receipts in the range of $16-19 million, such a win is nevertheless likely to be regarded as costly, given the $100-million expenditure on the film. Moreover, if such an outcome does in fact ensue, it will follow by one week the disappointing take for Disney's Home on the Range. The film's chief competitor is believed to be Warner's The Whole Ten Yards, starring Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry, a sequel to The Whole Nine Yards, in which Willis played a former mob hit man, and Perry, his skittish dentist. It also faces rivalry over the year's most strictly religious holiday from Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, which, during the middle of the week, has been resurrected in second place. On its opposite flank, The Alamo will be struggling against Sony's Hellboy, last weekend's No. 1 film. On another front, two new films aimed at female moviegoers will be battling it out -- 20th Century Fox's The Girl Next Door, and Miramax's Ella Enchanted. And, as if that weren't enough to fracture the box office, there's also Fox Searchlight's Johnson Family Vacation (which opened Wednesday), starring Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa Williams, directed at the urban audience.

Willis To Marry Burns?
8 April 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood hardman Bruce Willis is to marry his Baywatch star girlfriend Brooke Burns, after she accepted his romantic proposal in a Paris limousine. The Die Hard actor, 49, purchased a Cartier diamond ring in the French capital last week and slipped it on the 26-year-old Texan beauty's finger as they were enjoying a chauffeur-driven ride through the city. Burns has since been photographed proudly sporting the engagement trinket. A pal says, "He asked the driver and his bodyguard to leave the vehicle when they were on the Champs-Elysees. When they stepped out Brooke looked so happy, there was a tear in her eye." News of Willis' impending marriage comes just days after Ashton Kutcher rubbished reports he's planning to wed the actor's former wife Demi Moore.

Perry To Wed Girlfriend?
30 March 2004 (WENN)
Friends star Matthew Perry is so in love with his girlfriend he plans to marry her - but not yet. The 34-year-old actor, who plays Chandler in the smash sitcom, hopes to spend the rest of his life with partner Rachel Dunn. But Perry is in no rush to walk down the aisle, or raise kids. He says, "I'm enjoying having a relationship and don't think I'm ready for the responsibility of children yet because I'm too much of a child myself still." Perry is set to be seen on the big screen opposite Bruce Willis in the sequel The Whole Ten Yards.

Willis' Drunken Performance in Paris
25 March 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood hardman Bruce Willis had to be carried out of a Paris bar after a drunken performance in the French capital on Saturday. The Sixth Sense star and girlfriend Brooke Burns arrived at the Ritz- Carlton hotels' Hemingway Bar at midnight and quickly gathered everyone's attention. A fellow drinker told American website Pagesix.Com, "He was wasted and was all over Brooke's a**. He kept drinking and passing his hat around, demanding that everyone in the bar give money to the bartender. Then he started banging on the glass bar." After three hours of revelry, Willis was escorted to his suite at 3am by two hotel employees, one under each arm.

Rodriguez's All-Star Cast
19 March 2004 (WENN)
Spy Kids director Robert Rodriguez is collecting an all-star cast for his new film and has so far targeted Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Willis, Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy and Benicio Del Toro. Rodriguez has already signed up some of the stars for Sin City, whilst others - reportedly including Mickey Rourke, Kate Bosworth, Jamie King and Maria Bellow - are still in talks to appear. The film, which is due to start filming soon, is based on Frank Miller's dark graphic novel series.

Willis To Be Kutcher's Best Man?
5 March 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood couple Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher have reportedly agreed on an unlikely best man for their proposed nuptials - the actress' ex-husband Bruce Willis. The Punk'd star struck up a close friendship with movie hardman Willis early on in his romance with the Striptease beauty, and the pair deem him the perfect candidate for the special role. Moore - who has three children with Willis - has frequently attended public events with her toyboy lover, her family and her ex-husband. A pal says, "Ashton has gone with Demi, Bruce and the children on many trips and they're all getting along so well. The couple feel he would be the obvious person to do them the honor of being best man at their wedding."

Moore and Kutcher 'To Wed in May'?
26 January 2004 (WENN)
Pals of Ashton Kutcher have declared he plans to marry girlfriend Demi Moore in May - despite the actor publicly denying they'll wed anytime soon. The friends also add that Kutcher, 25, and 41-year-old Moore, who have been dating since April, are in a hurry to get down the aisle because they want to start having children together. A source says, "Ashton and Demi agreed to wait until they had been together for a year before getting married. The wedding will be a big family occasion, not a circus. This is the opposite of some crazy Britney Spears coupling. They are mature, sensible people and are going about it in a very smart way." The pal adds that over Christmas, "Ashton gave Demi a promise of marriage, along with a 19-carat diamond tennis bracelet that's worth around $17,000. Demi was ecstatic." Sources tell America's Star magazine that the couple have also included Moore's daughters from her marriage to Bruce Willis - Rumer, 15, Scout, 12, and Tallulah, 10 - in the wedding plans. The friend explains, "They have had family counseling and have listened carefully to the concerns of Demi's girls. The girls were encouraged to speak frankly. Fortunately, they love Ashton and appreciate how much he and Demi love each other. Bruce has (also) given his blessing."

Aniston Pokes Fun at the Paparazzi
13 January 2004 (WENN)
Friends star Jennifer Aniston ditched her status as a celebrity for just one night - to pose as a paparazzo. The sexy appeared as guest host on Saturday's Saturday Night Live, where she stood on the red carpet with SNL regular Amy Poehler photographing the likes of Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Beyonce Knowles, Verne Troyer alongside his statuesque girlfriend and Steven Seagal, who her character mistook for former Cheers star Kirstie Alley. On sighting Demi Moore with her much-younger boyfriend Ashton Kutcher, Aniston - herself a popular target for the paparazzi - yelled, "Hey Demi, Can you pick up Ashton and hold him like a baby? Ashton, suck your thumb!" She then went on to mock the money-making tactics of celebrity photographers when she told her fellow snapper, "One time I was shooting Pierce Brosnan on the beach and one of 'nads drooped out of his swim trunks. That thing bought me my house!" But the biggest laugh of all came when Aniston harassed her real-life self, screaming, "Where's Brad! When are you gonna have a baby?" before telling Poehler, "I think she has a drug problem." The photographers finally found their "jackpot" shot when Poehler noticed she caught a snap of Judi Dench's nipple. During the show, Aniston also took on the guise of a pregnant hillbilly, a country star and a hapless sex line operator.

Spears: 1, Marriage: 0
2 January 2004 (WENN)
Several news sources are reporting that a day and a half after Britney Spears wed her high-school pal, Jason Allen Alexander, in a quickie Las Vegas ceremony, that the couple has filed to have the marriage annulled. Playing out like a "What Happens Here, Stays Here" ad from the Las Vegas tourism bureau, Spears reportedly said "I do" early Saturday morning (1/4/04) in the infamous Little White Wedding Chapel, the landmark establishment where Bruce Willis and Demi Moore tied the knot, as well as a host of other celebrities, including Michael Jordan, Natalie Maines, and Frank Sinatra.

But "Entertainment Tonight" and the Associated Press are now carrying a statement from Jive Records, Spears's music label, which states "On January 3rd, Britney Spears and a friend took a joke too far by getting married. Ms. Spears and Mr. Alexander have filed for an annulment which will become official on Monday, January 5."

People.com, which broke the story over the weekend, claims that Spears and Alexander were partying late Friday night at ghostbar, the trendy nightclub in the Palms Hotel Casino when they struck upon the idea. The couple took a limo to the Little White Chapel where they were informed that they required a Nevada marriage license. Spears, 22, and Alexander, also 22, then went to the Clark County Marriage Bureau where they obtained the $55 application and returned to the Chapel. According to public record site, thesmokinggun.com, a bellman from the Palms walked Spears down the aisle and the ceremony took place at 5 AM.

The pair filed for annulment this morning and now await the decision of a Nevada judge to declare the contract of marriage void. ---Item prepared by IMDb staff

Willis Denies Engagement Reports
4 December 2003 (WENN)
Hollywood hunk Bruce Willis has denied reports he proposed to his young girlfriend Brooke Burns last month. Despite claims in this week's edition of American magazine Star that the Die Hard actor, 48, asked the 25-year-old former Baywatch beauty to marry him, Willis insists he has no plans to tie the knot. His representative says, "Bruce is not engaged to anyone."

Demi and Ashton Arguing Over Bruce?
10 November 2003 (WENN)
The first cracks have appeared in Demi Moore's relationship with Ashton Kutcher - he's jealous of her ex-husband Bruce Willis. Ashton, 25, gets on famously with Demi and Bruce's three daughters, but sources claim he's less happy about his 40-year-old girlfriend's close friendship with her ex, which he can't match - because he's too young. One source tells Britain's Daily Star, "The age gap is becoming a problem. He wants to be out there and she's more reflective. I overheard him asking her how she's kept a close bond with Bruce - her reply didn't go down very well. She said besides the children, she and Bruce have many shared experiences and are closer in age so have the same era to look back on."

'Sixth Sense' Director Makes Donation to Philadelphia
2 October 2003 (WENN)
Director M. Night Shyamalan is donating $1.5 million to help revitalize the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, neighborhood that served as a backdrop to his hit film The Sixth Sense. The money will help rehabilitate 31 abandoned houses and vacant lots in a south- west section of downtown where parts of the 1999 film were shot, according to mayor John F Street. The second stage of the project involves fixing up 26 properties. The donation by Shyamalan will be supplemented by a planned contribution of about $1.2 million from the city's Neighborhood Transformation Initiative program. The Sixth Sense, which starred Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment and Toni Colette, earned six Academy Award nominations and was a huge summer blockbuster. Shyamalan, who settled in Philadelphia after leaving his native India as a child, says, "For some reason, I was meant to be here, and we were meant to do this."

Willis' Young Love
4 September 2003 (WENN)
Bruce Willis' passionate affair with 25-year-old actress Brooke Burns has been confirmed, after the pair were spotted frolicking in the waves off Costa Rica. The Die Hard star, 48, has copied ex-wife Demi Moore's by hooking up with a much younger lover. Demi, 40, is dating Ashton Kutcher - who's the same age as former Baywatch babe Brooke. Willis joined the blonde beauty in the tropical Central American country to keep her company as she was filming, and the pair weren't shy about their budding romance - they were snapped playing in the sea together and canoodling openly on the beach. An onlooker says, "They were kissing and cuddling and Bruce looked like the cat who got the cream." Texan Brooke has romanced Elizabeth Hurley's ex-boyfriend Steve Bing, and has a three-year-old daughter by actor Julian McMahon, the ex-husband of singer Dannii Minogue. Since his split from Demi in 1998, Bruce has been linked with a series of beauties including actress Estella Warren, 23, and porn star Alisha Klass.

Ben and Jen Will Spend Wedding Night on Pacific Coast
4 September 2003 (WENN)
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck will spend their wedding night at the ultra-luxurious Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, California. Reports yesterday revealed the Hollywood wedding of the year will take place in Santa Barbara on the September 14. And now it's claimed Ben and Jen will check into the Bacara's $6,400-a-night Presidential Suite after celebrating the big day with friends and family. The two-story suite boasts a giant sun terrace with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, an outdoor Jacuzzi, two bedrooms, dining room, private lift and giant plasma screen television. Meanwhile guests, including Affleck's best pal Matt Damon and fellow actors Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell, Matthew Perry, will spend the night in the resort's cheaper $560-a-night rooms after the reception in the Spanish Colonial Ballroom. A source says, "No expense has been spared. Bacara is idyllic and can ensure their privacy because it is hidden away." But it doesn't have a chapel so they will leave it to actually get married." The reports also claim twice-married J.Lo and Affleck are so intent everything should go to plan, guests have been invited to a rehearsal dinner on Saturday.

Ben and J.Lo Set the Date
3 September 2003 (WENN)
The clock is officially ticking, so hurry up and buy those wedding presents already! Both Us Weekly and The New York Daily News are reporting that – finally – celebrity supercouple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have set a date and place for their impending nuptials: Sunday, September 14th near Santa Barbara, CA. While official reps couldn't be reached for comment, Us Weekly said that close friends were expecting the ceremony to be performed on a hillside estate, "maybe at a winery," and that Santa Barbara's Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel would cater the affair. In manner worthy of an espionage film, around 400 guests received a phone call inviting them to the wedding, and were told to expect further details to be hand-delivered four days before the ceremony. The guest list is reported to include Matt Damon, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry and Alec Baldwin; it's believed Ben has selected his brother, Casey Affleck, for best man duties. Reports also cite popular wedding gown designer Vera Wang as the woman in charge of J.Lo's dress. In case you didn't remember, this is the first marriage for Affleck, and the third for Lopez, whose most recent betrothal to dancer Cris Judd ended after nine months. --Prepared by IMDb staff

Bruce Willis' Old School Treat
22 August 2003 (WENN)
Actor Bruce Willis reminisced over his days as a teen, when he treated 300 old school chums to a lavish 30th reunion party. The Die Hard hero, 48, met up with Penns Grove High School's class of '73 at the fancy Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Friday - and he picked up the tab. An old pal says, "It must've cost him $30,000. He took care of food, drinks and entertainment. He rented out the hotel's theatre. He was accessible too. He took time to say hi to everyone and took pictures with anyone who asked." Willis served as a DJ at the cocktail party and the following night the graduates of the Carneys Point, New Jersey, school watched the actor and his band the Accelerators perform, alongside former Grand Funk Railroad frontman Mark Farner. The friend adds, "It was like we were in school again. And it was classy of Bruce to pick up the tab."

Ben and Jen's Weekend Wedding in September
21 August 2003 (WENN)
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez will marry on the Hawaiian island of Kauai over September 13 and 14, according to sources close to the couple. The ceremony was thought to have been shelved after recent reports Affleck enjoyed a fling with a Canadian lapdancer - but the wedding will go ahead next month. According to British tabloid The Sun, Affleck's brother Casey will be best man and the guest list will read like a who's who of Hollywood - Matt Damon, Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell, Matthew Perry, Alec Baldwin, Joaquin Phoenix and Miramax head honchos Harvey and Bob Weinstein are among those invited. The Hawaiian venue will be decked with hundreds of flowers and guests will dine on Latin-influenced seafood including lobster, shrimp and salmon. An insider involved in organizing the event let slip, "The wedding promises to be one of the biggest events in modern-day showbiz history. There will be some very famous people among the congregation, some even more famous than the happy couple. Every last thing is being planned in minute detail to make sure Jen is happy with her special day." Lopez was rumored to be close to canceling the wedding after tabloid claims of his infidelity - but she has now even changed her mind about banning him from holding a bachelor party. Affleck and pals including longterm buddy Damon will now hold a pre-wedding bash in the posh Cape Cod, Massachusetts, town of Truro - near his Boston hometown.

Ashton and Demi Play Happy Families
21 August 2003 (WENN)
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore are living together - but only while her new Hollywood Hills home is being renovated. According to the New York Daily News, Demi came with baggage when she relocated to her much younger lover's swanky pad - she brought along Rumer, Scout and Tallulah, her three daughters by former husband Bruce Willis. A source says, "Ashton, Demi and the kids are one big, happy family."

Brittany Murphy Slams Kutcher's Manhood
12 August 2003 (WENN)
Sexy actress Brittany Murphy has slammed the size of ex-flame Ashton Kutcher's manhood - on a top-rated American TV show. The 8 Mile star was appearing on The David Letterman Show when she was asked about Ashton's relationship with older woman Demi Moore. The giggly Uptown Girls actress replied, "I suppose the crux of their relationship basically means to him that age doesn't matter and to her that size doesn't matter. Good going for him, I suppose." When the shocked audience erupted into laughter, Brittany backtracked hysterically, insisting, "Kidding, I'm just kidding, he was always a huge Bruce Willis fan. Oh Lord yes, of course I'm teasing." She added, "They're great and he's great. Just not for me. I'm sorry." The sexy star later told Letterman she'd "learned not to speak about relationships on TV".

Demi and Ashton To Wed?
8 August 2003 (WENN)
Pals of Demi Moore and her toy boy beau Ashton Kutcher predict wedding bells are not far off for the couple. Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle star Moore, 40, has been dating Kutcher, 25, for only a few months, but a friend of the couple has hinted the relationship is already very serious. The source confides to British tabloid The Daily Sport, "They have talked about the M-word. It's a lot more serious than people think." Demi has already endured failed marriages to Freddy Moore and Bruce Willis, but young Ashton has yet to take a trip down the aisle.

Kim Cattrall Dating Bruce Willis?
5 August 2003 (WENN)
Sex And The City babe Kim Cattrall has landed herself a Hollywood hunk - she's started dating Bruce Willis. The blonde actress, 46, split from third husband Mark Levinson earlier this year but, despite saying recently she was looking for a toy boy, she's got together with The Sixth Sense hunk, 48. Kim met Bruce at a party held by Sean 'P Diddy' Combs in July and the pair have been spotted out on dinner dates together. A pal of Willis says, "He's quietly but intensely romancing Kim." The Die Hard actor split from wife Demi Moore in 1998.

Diane Lane Sues Movie Production Company
30 July 2003 (WENN)
Actress Diane Lane has sued a movie production company, alleging it failed to finance a film she was slated to star in as well as sign up Bruce Willis as her co-star. In the lawsuit filed on Monday in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Lane alleged that Intermedia Film Equities Usa agreed to pay her $3.5 million regardless of whether or not the movie called Me Again was made - a provision known in the film industry as "pay or play". Lane, 38, claimed that Intermedia made three payments to her in June, totaling some $833,000, but has failed to pay any more, leaving a balance of about $2.7 million. According to Lane's lawsuit, Intermedia could not raise enough money to finance the film and negotiate a buyout with Willis after it realized it couldn't afford to pay him enough to make the movie. The Unfaithful star alleges that Intermedia initially tried to reassign the film and her contract to another studio, but eventually agreed to pay her off. The actress is seeking attorneys' fees and other court costs as well as the balance due on her contract.

Demi Moore Has a Close Encounter of the Watery Kind
24 July 2003 (WENN)
Semi-retired actress Demi Moore has had a shocking aquatic experience - after an over-sexed dolphin took a liking to her. Moore was visiting Las Vegas with toy boy lover Ashton Kutcher, ex- husband Bruce Willis and children Tallulah, Scout and Rumer for Duran Duran's concert at The Joint, when they took a family trip to a water park. The extended family unit visited Siegfried And Roy's Secret Garden And Dolphin Habitat to take a swim with the much-loved mammals when one dolphin took an unwelcome shine to Demi. An onlooker laughs, "Dolphins are very sexually aggressive, and one went after Demi in a big way," adding that th