BIGGER NOT ALWAYS BETTER
George Lucas announced Monday that he plans to remaster Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones to be shown in IMAX theaters beginning Nov. 1. "You couldn't find a movie better suited for the IMAX format," said 20th Century Fox exec Bruce Snyder. Ron Howard's Apollo 13 is the first film to be digitally remastered for IMAX screens. Apollo 13 The IMAX Experience premieres Friday in Los Angeles. |
DETOUR
It's official: 'N Sync singer Lance Bass has been grounded. The Russian Space Agency informed NASA via fax on Monday that the 23-year-old won't be flying to the international space station next month. Producers promoting Bass's space journey failed to come up with the $20 million fare. |
JIM'S A LUCKY GUY
That risquι FHM spread has paid off for JAG babe Catherine Bell. The actress has been cast opposite Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman in the big-screen comedy Bruce Almighty. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bell will play one of Carrey's co-workers. |
DID FREDDY SCARE HIM AWAY?
Actor Jason Ritter who currently appears in the nation's No. 1 film Swimfan has replaced Brad Renfro as the lead in Freddy vs. Jason. Creative differences reportedly led to Renfro's exit. |
FINAL RECORDING
Brainwashed, the album former Beatle George Harrison was recording before his death last year will be released in November. The CD which features 11 new songs is Harrison's first release of new material since 1987's Cloud Nine. |
LIGHTFOOT UPDATE
Folk singer Gordon Lightfoot, who was hospitalized Saturday in Ontario, underwent stomach surgery for an unspecified ailment Sunday. The 63-year-old "If You Could Read My Mind" crooner remains in intensive care, but is said to be doing better. |
LEWIS UPDATE
According to reports, a dizzy spell is what caused comedian Jerry Lewis to drop out of a London charity performance Sunday night. The 76-year-old who is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis is planning to return to the U.S. |
MAKE ROOM ON THE MANTEL
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has selected Oprah Winfrey as the first recipient of its new Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. Tom Hanks will present Winfrey with the honor at the 54th annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony Sept. 22. |
SHORT CUTS
Struggling ABC is partnering with McDonald's to promote its new fall lineup specifically its "Happy Hour" programming block... Tom Berenger will play legendary college football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in ESPN's original movie The Junction Boys... Frasier star David Hyde Pierce is doing well after falling and hitting his head while rehearsing a scene Friday on the sitcom's set... NBC has ordered three episodes of Adrenaline X, a reality show in which extreme-sports champions compete against each other. |
HE REALLY IS SUPERMAN
Things are looking up for Christopher Reeve. Seven years after a horseback-riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, the 49-year-old actor has regained some movement and sensation in his hands and feet. "To be able to feel just the lightest touch is really a gift," Reeve tells People. Also, the Superman star can breathe on his own for 90 minutes at a time. An upcoming ABC special, Christopher Reeve: Courageous Steps, reportedly will document Reeve's progress. |
