Tag Archives: Adam Shankman

Russell Brand Charms In Exclusive ‘Rock Of Ages’ Video

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“Rock of Ages” hits Blu-ray and DVD today and, in honor of the rock musical’s big debut on home video, we’ve got an exclusive new video that celebrates the release.

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The clip focuses on star and MTV Movie Awards host Russell Brand. Brand introduces us to his character Lonny in the never-before-seen clip and talks about how he responded to the rock music in the film.

“My character Lonny in the film ‘Rock of Ages’ is the representative, I think, of the audience, and the honest-to-God sincere music lover,” Brand explained in the video.

With all his energy and exuberance, Brand has earned plenty of respect from his fellow actors Paul Giamatti and Alec Baldwin. Both gushed about their costar in interviews shown in this clip, with Baldwin in particular being impressed by his costar.

“Nothing could prepare me — I mean, nothing in the world could have prepared me — for what an incredibly clever, brilliant, funny, alive person [Brand is]. He was the most fun to work with, among the best experiences I’ve ever had working with someone in terms of being inventive and loose,” Baldwin said.

Spliced in between the interviews are a couple clips from “Rock of Ages” featuring Brand, but we’re enraptured just hearing him talk about “that gorgeous Diego [Boneta] lad” and “that beautiful Julianne [Hough] bird.”

“Rock of Ages” was directed by Adam Shankman and also stars Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Mary J. Blige.

Will you pick up the “Rock of Ages” Blu-ray? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Crowns Ballet Dancers Season Champs

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It all came down to this. After weeks of auditions and eliminations, season nine of “So You Think You Can Dance” crowned its first double winners Tuesday night. Eliana Girard and Chehon Wespi-Tschopp were selected as America’s favorite female and male dancer in a thrilling night of final performances that included one from “Call Me Maybe” sensation Carly Rae Jepsen, who debuted her latest track “This Kiss.”

Six of the season’s judges were present for the finale: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman, Debbie Allen, Lil’ C and Tyce Diorio. Like finales past, they were given the task of selecting their favorite routines of the season. They ranged from Travis Wall’s “Titanic”-inspired contemporary routine to Tyce Diorio‘s lyrical number “Love Cats.”

It was a memorable night, indeed. The dance competition series took several looks back to their best moments from the audition tour, including our favorites like the Ninja Twins and the famed exorcist dancer, and pulled at our heart strings with an emotional look back at the final four’s journey.

Contemporary dancer Tiffany Maher and inspiring animator Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer rounded out the top four. The season’s underdog, Maher delivered week after week and the judges often referred to her as a “firecracker.” As an untrained dancer, Spencer was the ultimate crowd favorite, introducing animation to the masses. “You stole the season,” Lythgoe told a humbled Spencer, who wasn’t the best technical dancer but certainly had one of the best hearts. Wespi-Tschopp was often criticized for not letting loose, although once he shed his inhibitions, the svelte ballet dancer soared beyond belief. And then there was Girard, the judge favorite and the one dancer who received little to any negative feedback during her entire run.

When the announcement was made of favorite female dancer, it was almost no surprise when Girard won and dropped to the floor; the announcement of favorite male dancer was a bit more shocking, as “SYTYCD” history has shown America usually chooses personality over technique, so when Wespi-Tschopp’s name was delivered over Spencer’s, it was a real moment. America got it right.

It’s not over for the “SYTYCD” dancers just yet, though. The top 10 will get ready to tour their show across America in October.

Do you think America got its favorite dancers right? Share your comments below!

Dancers Tough It Out On ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

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While every dancer might think they have the moves, less than two dozen make it to the top 20 on the dance-competition series “So You Think You Can Dance.” The path to that coveted spot requires a pass through the grueling callback auditions in Vegas, the first of which was underway on Wednesday night’s episode.

Hundreds of dancers pushed, pulled and injured their way into and out of the show, as they endured a week of intense choreography that tested their skills in all the major styles of dance featured on “SYTYCD.”

The week began with solos, graduated to group routines and culminated with 35 dancers making it to the final week before the top 20 announcement. Some had to “dance for their lives” in an attempt to win the judge’s hearts, all of whom came out to scrutinize the lot. Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Tyce Diorio, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman and Lil’ C were on hand to make the tough decisions, along with the day’s choreographers.

Day 1
Solos and hip-hop set up the first day, though it also brought a large amount of cuts, including Gen Lonardo a.k.a. the human praying mantis, as well as an early favorite, exorcist dancer Hampton Williams, who chose to bow out gracefully after succumbing to the challenges of the choreography. Unfortunately, a couple of the Dragon House dancers also failed to impress the judges.

Day 2
Tyce Diorio and Sonya Tayeh led day two with Broadway and jazz, respectively. “This routine, honestly, is so hard,” Diorio confessed to the cameras, as the dance styles not only require precision and texture, but strength and a lot of performance. Burlesque jazz dancer Rachel Applehans was eliminated, with judge Debbie Allen commenting, “Your whole appeal is just sex.” Although silent dancer Amelia Lowe had to dance for her life, she prevailed at the end, moving forward another day.

Day 3
The dreaded group routines were assigned to the remaining dancers on day three, with a little twist: The dancers could choose their own groups. Injured dancer and bacon lover Danielle Dominquez found herself unable to cope with her group’s routine, as she just returned from the hospital after suffering a blow to the head in a performance. Unfortunately, the judges had no sympathy, and Danielle was sent home, as were several other dancers. But Alexa Anderson, eliminated at the last stage of the season eight Vegas auditions, got more than she bargained for when the judges, yet again, criticized the stellar dancer for her lack of passion. It seems their harsh words hit a nerve with Anderson, who finally cried and released some real emotion, the sole reason for her moving forward.

Day 4
Ballroom has always been the most challenging style on the show, requiring specific postures and intricate footwork. Day four was led by choreographer Jason Gilkison, whose cha cha routine asked for chemistry between partners and led to the demise of country hip-hopper Asher Walker. The lone remaining Dragon House member, Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer, was asked to dance for his life, and thankfully received a unanimous “yes” to stay for the final round of auditions.

Day 5
Finally, after four intense days and only a couple hours of sleep a night, 52 remaining dancers were put through their toughest challenge of contemporary dance, choreographed by “SYTYCD” season two runner-up and show favorite Travis Wall. As the remaining dancers supported each other through this final stage, another 17 dancers’ dreams came to an end, including season seven’s Adrian Lee, whom Mary Murphy cut at a personal visit to his home.

The first week of the Vegas callbacks were finally over, and most just didn’t make the cut. Some of the ones who did included: season eight’s Alexa Anderson, belly dancer Janelle Issis, Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer, Joshua Alexander, ballet dancer Chehon Wespi-Tschopp and silent dancer Amelia Lowe.

The grind isn’t over for them and the rest of the pack: One final week of Sin City auditions remain as the dancers battle it out for the mere 20 spots on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Which dancer was your favorite on “So You Think You Can Dance”? Share your pick in the comments below!

29888 spotted Dancers Tough It Out On So You Think You Can Dance

‘Rock Of Ages’: Behind The Star-Studded Cameos

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The ’80s are alive and well in director Adam Shankman‘s movie musical “Rock of Ages,” which shimmied into theaters Friday (June 15).

Based on the hit Broadway production of the same name, the flick follows would-be musician Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) as he falls for new-in-town Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) and lands his big break opening for rock legend Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) at the famed Bourbon Room.

The soundtrack is stuffed with the era’s biggest hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” but the toe-tapping tunes aren’t the only throwbacks to the decade of decadence. Pay close attention and you’ll spot a number of ’80s music mavens.

A major plotline in the film centers around conservative advocate Patricia Whitmore’s (Catherine Zeta-Jones) attempt to shutter the Bourbon Room and reclaim the Sunset Strip for more wholesome pursuits. The struggle reaches its climax in a rocking protest outside the club with Patricia and company facing off against club employee Lonny (Russell Brand) while singing a mash-up of “We Built This City” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” It’s here among the assembled masses that you’ll recognize a few familiar faces, like Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach and Debbie Gibson. But how did the cameos come to be?

“I had said if anyone from the period wants to participate, there is a scene I’m happy to accommodate, ’cause it just felt right. … So the studio just kind of put out the word, and that’s what happened,” Shankman said. “I would get the phone call the day before going, ‘This is who’s coming tomorrow,’ and I’m like, ‘Seriously?!’ “

Having a bevy of rock stars on a single set might sound like a nightmare of warring egos and AquaNet, but in fact, Shankman said the stars sang for their supper, staging an impromptu concert.

“The greatest part of having those guys — [REO Speedwagon's] Kevin Cronin, [Extreme's] Nuno Bettencourt and Sebastian — all of them, our lunch that night was at 3:30 in the morning, and during lunch for the whole crew, they did a whole concert, and they sang all the songs.”

Now that’s a scene we want to see on the DVD bonus reel!

Check out everything we’ve got on “Rock of Ages.”

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Five Reasons To See ‘Rock Of Ages’

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dd6af Rock of Ages Banner Five Reasons To See Rock Of Ages

Hollywood won’t stop believin’ in the Great White Way, and neither will we.

“Rock of Ages,” the latest movie musical to shimmy from Broadway to the big screen, opens today with a cast of Hollywood heavyweights (Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin) and nubile newcomers (Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta) dusting off the ol’ jukebox and getting down. The flick follows barback/aspiring musician Drew Boley (Boneta) as he falls for new-in-town cutie Sherrie Christian (Hough) and lands his first break opening for rock god Stacee Jaxx (Cruise) at the Sunset Strip’s storied Bourbon Room.

All splashy song-and-dance numbers and schmaltzy romance, this rose may have a few thorns, but it hits moviegoers with its best shot, nonetheless. Here are five reasons to see “Rock of Ages”:

It’s a musical for everyone
Don’t hide your boyfriend! Don’t hide your husband! Director Adam Shankman guarantees men and women alike will leave the theater tapping their toes. “I thought, ‘Holy moly!’ Here’s an opportunity to make a musical truly for straight men,” Shankman told MTV News recently when asked what appealed to him about the project. “I mean, straight guys walk into the theater and they know every word of the music. So it’s a completely different experience from girls having to drag their boyfriends to boys dragging their girlfriends.”

The soundtrack rocks
Speaking of the music, we’ve all sloshed our way through enough Journey-fueled last calls to have acquired a certain affinity for ’80s jams (whether we were cognizant during the decade or not), and “Rock of Ages” is full of the era’s requisite power ballads and silly ditties. Perhaps taking a cue from that small-screen musical “Glee” (which Shankman has guest directed), there are a few fun mash-ups here worth noting, especially “We Built This City” / “We’re Not Gonna Take It” sung by Zeta-Jones and Russell Brand during a fierce face-off. You’ll also recognize stand-alone favorites like “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” “I Want To Know What Love Is” and “Here I Go Again.”

A whole different Tom Cruise
Cocktail slinger. Blood sucker. Kinky-sex-haver. With nearly 40 movie roles to his name, how is it possible we’re still seeing new facets to the prolific Tom Cruise? Here, he’s the embodiment of egomaniacal swagger as Stacee Jaxx, a man who’s never met a buttoned shirt he likes and whose closest confidante is a baboon named Hey Man. It’s clear from his first woozy entrance on screen that Cruise is relishing this unexpected role. “It was so different. I’m always looking for different things to do and to work with [director Adam] Shankman on a musical, he just really knows these musicals,” Cruise enthused at the film’s premiere.

See stars on the rise
Conversely, this is 21-year-old Diego Boneta‘s first feature film role after parts on teen-friendly TV like “90210″ and “Pretty Little Liars.” Shankman has a track record for launching talent (see: Zac Efron, Channing Tatum), and Boneta could just be his latest fresh find. There’s also Julianne Hough who’s infinitely likeable as L.A. transplant Sherrie Christian. Hough’s a true triple-threat, and with roles lined up in Diablo Cody and Nicholas Sparks flicks, you best get used to seeing this pretty face on theater screens now.

Clever cameos
Nostalgia-istas rejoice…and keep your eyes peeled for a number of era-appropriate guest stars. We won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say one of the stars of “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid” definitely makes an appearance. Regrettably, it’s not Mega Python or Gatoroid.

Do you plan to see “Rock of Ages”? Sound off in the comments and on Twitter!

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Tom Cruise Just Had ‘Fun’ In ‘Rock Of Ages’

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If you’ve seen or heard anything about this week’s heavily hyped movie musical “Rock of Ages,” our Friday, you’re likely well aware of the fact that one of its key selling points is Tom Cruise, who not only sings but dances his way through his supporting role.

In the film, based on the Broadway play of the same name, Cruise plays the self-obsessed, egomaniacal rock god Stacee Jaxx, a role the Hollywood veteran said he enjoyed because it was such a big change from anything he’s done previously.

“It was so different. I’m always looking for different things to do and to work with [director Adam] Shankman on a musical, he just really knows these musicals,” Cruise said at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. “And [to work with] Alec Baldwin, who I’ve known and admired, I have a scene with him and Paul Giamatti and Julianne [Hough] and Diego [Boneta] and Catherine Zeta-Jones — I wish I had more scenes with her, she’s just a legend in the musical world. All of it was fun.”

Cruise’s young co-star, newcomer Boneta, had nothing but high praise about his experience working alongside the “Mission: Impossible” star.

“He’s the hardest-working guy we’ve ever met in our lives,” Boneta said, speaking for himself and co-star Julianne Hough. “He’s so humble. I think that combination is something that really stuck with me. This is my first movie; this is Tom’s, like, 50th movie. That is a rare and very special combination.”

Boneta said he will never forget the months of preparation for the role because he got to learn guitar and jam with Cruise.

“Tom and I were taking guitar classes together because we both had to learn how to play guitar, and it was pretty surreal jamming out with Tom singing ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn,’ ” Boneta recalled. “He was playing the solo, and I was playing all the chords and stuff.”

Check out everything we’ve got on “Rock of Ages.”

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

‘Rock Of Ages’ Director Gives Diego Boneta His Big Break

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Producer/director/choreographer Adam Shankman is clearly a man of many talents, but perhaps the “Rock of Ages” helmer should consider adding “talent scout” to his résumé.

When we caught up with Shankman to chat about his movie based on the hit Broadway musical, we were curious as to whether he would seek a finder’s fee if star Diego Boneta‘s career takes off following the film’s June 15 release.

“I feel like he’s one in a long line of finder’s fees for me,” Shankman said with a grin. “I feel like, you know, I put Zac Efron in his first two movies. Channing [Tatum] was kind of born out of ‘Step Up.’ You know, there’s been some of these actors, I feel like I’ve been a part of their early development. Diego is just another one for me. They’re all incredibly special. They all feel like my children, my very successful, very beautiful children, and I adore him.”

Another thing Shankman would like a “finder’s fee” for? Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s engagement!

Newcomer Boneta (“90210,” “Pretty Little Liars”) stars as busboy/ aspiring musician Drew Boley, who’s given the incredible opportunity to open for iconic rock legend Stacee Jaxx (played by Tom Cruise). When we talked with Shankman earlier this year for our Summer Movie Preview Week, he explained the up-and-coming actor’s appeal.

“His audition just sort of stopped me in my tracks,” he recalled. “I saw it on my casting website. I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of guys on there, and his stopped me because there was no acting — he just was that guy. And he also sang so great. In the best casting moments, you’re looking at somebody and saying, ‘How much do I have to do with this person to get them there?’ I just looked at him and he just dropped into it very easily and naturally. And then, of course, there’s that face.”

“Rock of Ages,” which also stars Julianne Hough, Russell Brand and Malin Akerman, hits theaters Friday.

Check out everything we’ve got on “Rock of Ages.”

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Miley Cyrus’ ‘Last Song’ Producer Wants ‘Finder’s Fee’ For Engagement

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Miley Cyrus had everyone buzzing last week when she announced her engagement to Liam Hemsworth. And the well-wishes keep pouring in for the couple, who met three years ago on the set of “The Last Song.”

“[Miley's] one of the coolest people,” Bret Michaels, who recorded the duet “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” with the singer, told E! News. “She’s a very talented person and I shout out a mega congratulations to her.”

And from what Michaels said, her groom-to-be is another pretty cool person. He “I took him on an insane ride in the Bentley,” Michaels recalled. “I took him in the car and we whipped up and down the [Sunset] strip very fast … Liam and I took the car out and raced hell … You can tell he rocks and he’s a good dude.”

But the love doesn’t end there. Cyrus and Hemsworth’s co-star in the “Last Song,” Kelly Preston, also has love for the soon-to-be-married pair. “Miley’s like a second daughter and there’s no one more perfect for her! I love Liam!” she said, adding that she is “so happy” for the couple.

“Rock of Ages” director Adam Shankman also witnessed their love bloom on the set of the film when he was a producer for the Nicholas Sparks big-screen adaptation. “I sort of want a finder’s fee for Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. I cannot tell you. It made me cry,” he told People.com, adding that their chemistry was pretty immediate.

“I remember that first day of shooting when they first kissed and Miley walked by my sister [producer Jennifer Gibgot] after they shot the kissing scene,” he said. “She goes, ‘This is gonna work.’ I’ll tell you what’s so great. That thing about opposites attract. Their fundamental core values are the same, but he’s really mellow and she’s really hyper. So it really works together.”

Sure, they haven’t even walked down the aisle yet, but Shankman is already thinking about Miley/Liam 2.0. “It’s extraordinary, and I’m so happy,” he said. “I’m scared at how beautiful those children are going to be.”

‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Fever Hits ‘Rock Of Ages’ Ladies

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It seems like the “Rock of Ages” stars are living up to the phrase “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” Well, not the drugs part. But the stars are certainly onboard for a little SM with “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

When MTV News caught up with Julianne Hough, Malin Akerman, Diego Boneta and director Adam Shankman for Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week, where they brought us an exclusive look at their new film, we put them through a rapid-fire round of questioning. When asked to choose between “Fifty Shades” and “Hunger Games,” Hough and Akerman revealed their pick in unison saying, “Fifty Shades of Grey!” before promptly giving each other a high-five.

“I just think more men should be reading it,” Hough said. “I’m just saying.”

Akerman agreed, letting us know why: “To know what to do.”

The erotic novel follows the sadomasochistic relationship between billionaire tycoon Christian Grey and recent college graduate Anastasia Steele. It begins as a purely physical attraction, and the book has more than its fair share of steamy scenes. But as the couple become engrossed in each other, their sexual affair blossoms into a romance.

Boneta and Shankman, on the other hand, showed a gender divide when they both said their preference is Suzanne Collins‘ dystopian thriller. Although, the director did reveal that he’s one to judge a book by its cover.

“On the third book ['Fifty Shades Freed,' I] saw on the cover some handcuffs,” he said, “so I might go with the third in the series.”

Our other big question of the night was what movie or album the stars want a sneak peek of that doesn’t currently exist.

“Oh, ‘Dark Knight [Rises],’ ” Shankman immediately said throwing his hands up. “I mean, I saw 10 minutes of it. I’m just saying.”

Boneta approved the director’s movie pick and named his most anticipated album as U2′s next endeavor.

“I’ll go with ‘Dark Knight‘ too,” Akerman said of her movie choice. “This is great.”

“Yeah, we’re all ‘Dark Knight‘!” Julianne agreed.

There you have it, the hottest picks of the summer: “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Do you think Christian Bale could play Christian Grey?

Check out everything we’ve got on “Rock of Ages.”

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

‘Rock Of Ages’ Excluive Clip: Julianne Hough Rocks Out

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Last night marked the finale of MTV‘s Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week, and stars Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Malin Akerman and director Adam Shankman were on hand to present “Rock of Ages” and host a 30 minute QA following the screening.

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“Rock of Ages” doesn’t hit theaters until June 15, but for now, you can satisfy your fix with this exclusive clip we debuted last night. In it, we see Julianne Hough‘s Sherrie Christian and Diego Boneta‘s Drew Boley start rocking out to their “Jukebox Hero” medley with Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

Unfortunately we don’t get to see Brand and Baldwin sing in this clip, but we do get to see the romance between Sherrie and Drew brewing. Her eyes certainly do light up when he admits that he wants to be the next Stacee Jaxx. That’s enough to get us rocking out in the middle of a record store, too.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.

What did you think of this new clip? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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