'The Muppets' true to absurdist, anarchic style

LOS ANGELES: As someone who grew up on "Sesame Street," I often imagined that one day, I'd be able to go through the TV screen and live in a brownstone next to Ernie and Bert and Oscar and Big Bird. So when I saw Walter (voiced by Peter Linz), the new Muppet character from "The Muppets," have that same dream about following Kermit and Fozzie and Miss Piggy to the other side of the glass, I knew that the Muppets' return to the big screen was in loving and capable hands.

Sure, the plot borrows heavily from "The Muppet Movie" (this time, Kermit has to reunite everyone rather than get the band together) and the TV movie, "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie," wherein an evil financier wants to steal the Muppets' theater. This time Chris Cooper's oil billionaire steps in for Joan Cusack's banker.

But "The Muppets" has the same brilliant absurdity, anarchic humor, subtle uplift and ensemble comedy that fans have come to expect over the years.

Jim Henson may be gone, but a new generation of writers and performers are doing right by his creations.

The aforementioned Walter has grown up loving the Muppets, as has his brother and best friend Gary (Jason Segel, who also co-wrote the film). Gary takes his longtime girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) to L.A. to celebrate their tenth anniversary, and Walter tags along to see the sights -- not that there are many of those to behold at the decrepit Muppet Studios, a moth-eaten shadow of its former self.

Walter sneaks into Kermit's old office and hears the ruthless Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) detail his plans to buy the studio and the theater under the guise of building a Muppet museum, even though his real agenda is to tear it all down and dig for oil underneath.

Horrified, the small-town trio track down Kermit (voiced by Steve Whitmire), who's puttering around a moldering Bel-Air mansion, nostalgic for the past. Walter inspires Kermit to reassemble the Muppets to hold a benefit telethon to save the theater, sending them off to collect Fozzie Bear (voiced by Eric Jacobson), who's performing with a tribute act called "The Moopets" in Reno; Gonzo (voiced by Dave Goelz), now a successful plumbing-fixtures magnate, and all the rest.

In true Muppet fashion, there's a montage of tracking down beloved characters -- and people in the movie mention the fact that they're in a montage.

But there are challenges, of course: can Kermit convince his estranged girlfriend Miss Piggy (Jacobson) to leave her gig as plus-size editor at French Vogue to return to the fold? Will the Muppets find a celebrity in Kermit's 1970s Rolodex to host the telethon? And will Walter figure out what talents he might have in time for the show?

The plot, as you may well imagine, is secondary to the barrage of jokes, songs, fourth-wall violations and occasional celebrity cameos that are part and parcel of the big-screen Muppet experience. And "The Muppets" gets all of this just right. 

Several of the new tunes are from "Flight of the Conchords" songwriter Bret McKenzie. "Conchords" vet James Bobin directs the new movie.

While Segel -- who memorably worked singing puppets into "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" -- and Adams are perfectly charming, and totally get into the spirit of things, can we take a moment to acknowledge what a great performer Kermit the Frog is? He's got one of the most expressive skulls in show business (albeit also one of the softest ones), and he can convey a panoply of emotions just by indenting his temples or folding in his top lip. All of the Muppets, of course, have that gift of smiling by opening their mouths as widely as possible.

There are one or two draggy moments in "The Muppets," but nothing that will render young audiences any more fidgety than, say, the "Never Before and Never Again" number in the original "The Muppet Movie." And for Muppet fans who, like "Star Wars" nerds, speak breathlessly of "the original trilogy" -- namely, "The Muppet Movie," "The Great Muppet Caper," and "The Muppets Take Manhattan" -- this reboot stands proudly, wackily, and adorably with its storied predecessors. (Reuters) 

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Jacqueline Against Horse Carriages

Celebrities know how to keep themselves in the news and that is how they improve their promotional value in the market. Jacqueline Fernandez has remained in the news for many days now after she received good response for her Murder 2 performance. However, that has not stopped her from making more news. She recently did an advertisement for PETA where she clearly indicated that she is against horse carriages that horses have to pull for the entertainment of the people. Now this could be a good thing for the horses but it is definitely going to annoy some people who earn their living on horse carriages. 

In her latest photoshoot for PETA ad Jacqueline Fernandez is posing in bikini and patting a dark horse on the beach and where the ad clearly says to Boycott horse drawn carriages. The ad was shot by ace photographer Anushka Menon and PETA is trying to bring out this ad after one of the horses collapsed in an incident when the horse was forced to pull eight people sitting in the horse drawn carriage. The incident took place near Gateway of India where foreigners and even Indians love to take these rides for their enjoyment.

PETA has been working with BMC and Mumbai High Court to ban horse drawn carriages in Mumbai because most of these carriages do not have license and that they force horses to drag and pull more weight without giving them proper meals and nutrition that is required. Talking about the ad, Jacqueline Fernandez said that she herself have seen many such incidents and she feels that horses do not belong on streets and they certainly don’t deserve to pull carriages beyond the point of exhaustion. Currently, Hema Malini, John Abraham and Lea Michele have joined this campaign with PETA.

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Randeep Taking Cricketing Lessons

MUMBAI: We all know that Randeep Hooda is a class actor because he really delivers good performance no matter whatever role he is offered. However, all that performance only comes through better research and coaching that enables him to understand the mind and body of the character he is playing. He was first known for his role as Desu in D where he gave one of his best performances and recently we saw him delivering awesome performance in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster.

Recently, Randeep Hooda replaced Arunoday Singh in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine where Randeep plays the role of a cricketer. 

Hence, he decided to take some cricketing lessons from one of the best batsmans in the Indian side, Virendra Sehwag to understand how a cricketer feels and how the mind and body works when cricketers are on the field in the middle of thousands of audiences watching him. It is known that since the role has been offered to Randeep he has been in constant touch with Virendra Sehwag and getting some helpful tips and information that can help him to prepare for the role of cricketer.

On Thursday, Randeep Hooda and his mentor Naseeruddin Shah went all the way to Wankhede Stadium where Sehwag played the India-West Indies test match. Randeep confirmed the news that he went to meet Virendra Sehwag after the match and that it was great to be with his acting idol and one of the greatest batsman on the Indian side. He also said that since he and Virendra are both Jats they sync well. He also appreciated Virendra for the time he spent with him offering him some tips and information that would help him to portray the role in a better way and he mentioned that Virendra is an entertainer on the field. Randeep also requested Virendra to offer one of his bats that he would used in the movie and Sehwag gladly agreed to it.

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Bollywood’s Blossomed Love Stories: Saifeena

MUMBAI: Saif-Ali Khan, The Nawaab of all nawaabs, Saif-Ali Khan (41). A true performer, a true style icon for all. . . He started his career in Bollywood in 1992 with the film Parampara; although he won the Filmfare Best Male Debut award for his second film Aashiq Awara.

A year before entering the industry, 1991— Saif married Bollywood’s beautiful actress Amrita Singh; he spent 13 memorable years with her and had two beautiful children, Sara-Ali Khan and Ibrahim-Ali Khan. In 2004 the two got divorced because of some personal differences; the two children have been living with their mother since. Amrita seems to have kept a friendly gesture towards Saif; as sources say: “Saif is the father of our kids. He is family”  – Amrita had reportedly said this in 2007 to the media after reports of her being back with her ex husband Saif! She had clearly stated that they were not back together and never would be, she said Saif had moved on and that the only reason they might be seen together is because they have common friends as well as the fact that he was the father of her children hence would want to meet them.

After the divorce Saif was said to have been with his Italian girlfriend Rosa Catalona; Amrita had said she had nothing to do with his personal life it was his decision, his life, he could do as he pleased.In 2007 Saif was linked with Yana Gupta, Bipasha Basu as well as Kareena Kapoor; supposedly having possible affairs with them. Ofourse we all know who he was dating but Media needs gossip and that gossip can be created by a simple close friendship.

Having a break-up can be one of the hardest things for anyone; but coming out of it and being able to lead your life is what counts the most! Amrita and Saif have a friendly approach to one another. Having two children who you are connected to makes it harder for the two to not have a friendly approach. . . .

Kareena Kapoor

Bollywood’s Bebo, Madame Tussauds latest attraction and the box office’s number one actress hitting the peak with the highest grossing films in the history of Bollywood! Started her career opposite Abhishek Bachan in the film Refugee (2000); which became a success! She was originally meant to be the heroine of Rakesh Roshan’s film Kaho Na Pyaar Hai however, many days into the shooting she had left the project. Sources say she had stated: “It was probably destined that I was not to be in the film. After all, it was a launch for his son. The whole focus was on the boy. Now I am glad I did not do the movie“ .

During the shooting of the film Fida (2004), Kareena and Shahid Kapoor had started dating. They were in the limelight for the obvious reasons that they were dating as well as  for their constant attempts to get the audience to like their “Jodi”. . . I guess that was just not meant to be – 3 years after being together they had a break-up.

According to Shahid they had broken up on good terms, he had said in media reports: “I wish her all the happiness in the world. I have great respect for her. She is a wonderful girl.”  – Whoever said that you can’t be friends with your ex?!

Shahid and Kareena had many attempts at movies together but all were flops, some of which can be named are Chup Chupke, 36 China Town and a few others! They may have not got the success they wanted whilst together but they sure did reach the peak of their careers with them being paired opposite each other in Imtiaz-Ali’s Jab We Met (2007). It won Bebo Filmfare Award for Best Actress and had Shahid nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actor. The Jodi was just meant to glisten after their break-up! There were many stories about them not getting along, but hey we have live proof of their good gestures!

The Perfect Two

They met in 2007 and fell in love. . . Before this Bebo wouldn’t have even imagined him as her life partner; he has been a co-star to her sister Karishma and has seen the two (Saif and Karishma) work on sets together. . . That was all she knew of him until destiny bought them together!

As Saif once told the Times of India “Kareena and I are extremely compatible” – I couldn’t agree less. . . It has now been 4 years since they have been in this ever beautiful bond, each and every day we see them growing stronger as a couple. What would have seemed to be an “unusual” pairing is now classed as Bollywood’s HOTTEST couple! Since the two have been spotted together, they have been the apple of the media’s eye; constantly in the limelight for stories varying from their “so-called” arguments, their rumoured “secret wedding” or their plans for an official wedding. . .These two have been in constant media attention but unlike other past Bollywood couples these two had the maturity to not let anything affect them. They made one simple clarification for each story and moved on with their lives. . . I guess that is why they have remained so strong and are still together today. I am sure that anyone who sees these two would say “I want a love story like Saif-Bebo” and why not?

They are the perfect two. . . Not just for the media but for each other! Let’s just say they go together like “Strawberry and Crème”!

In 2009 for the very first time Saif had publically talked of his and Bebo’s relationship. Before this they had not spoken of it in the open but had neither denied any reports of them two being together. . . I guess they were waiting for the right time for them to announce it, and why not? It isn’t a bad thought keeping it to oneself till you know for sure its going to last. . . What say?!

Saif and Kareena have tried to work their pairing off in the world of cinema, through films like Omkara (2006), Tashan (2008), they also got their voices used for the Bollywood cartoon Roadside Romeo (2008), Kurbaan (2009) and are now currently working on their new venture together Agent Vinod which is still being filmed and set to release early in 2012! Their pairing didn’t seemed to have worked for their early films; which is probably why Bebo is having to go through so a rollercoaster ride for Saif to make this movie a hit! Saif has reportedly said to Bebo that he would slap her if the movie is a success because she has been constantly nagging him throughout the shootings saying “No I don’t want to run, I don’t want to do action” – Looks like we are going to be seeing Bebo at her level best for her former boyfriend. . . We’ve seen the two in a love story, now its time to see the two doing an action movie together. . . Yes, we have seen Saif do it before but this time we’re going to be seeing the feminine beauty come out of her comfort zone and show us what she’s made of! Will this movie be a hit or not only time will tell; for now they are working really hard on the shooting of this film. . . We can only wish them the best of luck for their venture, hoping that this one will create the big bang they need. Considering Bebo is at the peek of her career right now, she would be wanting to see more hits to keep her at Bollywood’s number one!

You’d expect that someone who has a past life would want to keep it away from their current life; never the less in this love story, the two share literally EVERYTHING with one another. . . Even their past lives! Saif-Ali Khan has said to have introduced his children Sara and Ibrahim to his wife-to-be Kareena during many occasions. On a Coffee With Karan episode Bebo had talked about how she got along really well with the two children especially Sara; she had said that she was like a buddy to them, a friend. . . In the show to be exact “They already have a mother, they don’t need another mother. . . I think they just need a friend which I am” – It isn’t everyday we get to see someone wanting to be a friend to her boyfriend’s ex-wife and kids! Kareena truly has a heart so pure. Saif had also added during the show that sometimes the kids and Bebo tend to get together and take down Saif – the smiles on the two’s faces clearly showed how happy they were with the way things are now.

So we have seen that our Kareena gets a long pretty well with her boyfriend’s children but did you expect her to be just as easy with his ex-wife? Bebo was asked in an interview whether her and Saif talked about past relationships, her reply was “Not really. I respect the fact that Saif was married before and has two lovely children. I have been a fan of Amrita Singh. 

I haven’t met her ever but I know her through her films. For me, she’ll always have a place of importance in his life because she is Saif Ali Khan’s first wife and the mother of his children. And, I’ve told Saif this. I would want her to have that kind of respect always. This is what my parents have taught me. At the end of the day, it was just a marriage that didn’t work out. I have always encouraged Saif to be friends with her because I think that would be great. I guess they will just need time but that’s something that they would need to deal with. I will always respect her. As far as any other relationship of Saif is concerned, I don’t think they really mattered.” – Atleast we know that Bebo is not amongst those who selfishly want to keep their boyfriends to themselves neglecting their past lives and current responsibilities.

This coming 2012 is going to be having ringing wedding bells for the Kapoor’s and Nawaab’s. . . The couple have confirmed that after the release of their movie Agent Vinod they will be getting married; supposedly late February or early March, hopes are that there will be no delays for the release of their movie. Saif’s Mother Sharmila Tagore has also reportedly told the media that Saif-Bebo will be getting married “very soon”. . . If that isn’t enough than Soha-Ali Khan (Saif’s sister) has also told the media about the two tying the not in 2012 February/March! The 4 year long relationship is finally going to be bound together by the beautiful name of marriage! This looks like a wedding that the whole of India is waiting to see; grand it shall be. . . Now all we wait for is to see Agent Vinod released (hoping for its success) and then wait for the big announcement date of their wedding! Excitement galore. . . May God bless these two and help their strong relationship to be maintained as it is – Ameen!

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Siddique signs his next film

MUMBAI: Siddique, the director of one of Bollywood’s most successful film Bodyguard, has signed his next film. Siddique will direct a film for producers Shyam Bajaj and Narendra Bajaj.

A lot of proposals came his way post the huge success of the Salman Khan starrer, but he chose to direct a film for Shyam and Narendra Bajaj.

Shyam Bajaj and Narendra Bajaj had produced Salman Khan starrer Love and are very close to the actor. Apparently, last year when Bodyguard was being shot, Bajaj who was looking for a good director asked Salman Khan about Siddique, who was directing the actor then. Salman had all good things to say about Siddique even before the release of the film.

Shyam Bajaj confirmed, “Yes, I asked Salman about Siddique and since he was happy the way Bodyguard was shaping up he told me I should work with him.”

Post the huge success of Bodyguard, Siddique had offers from almost every banner possible but since this was a commitment made even before the release of Bodyguard, he kept his word and told all the producers that he will first fulfill his prior commitment of making the film with Shyam Bajaj and then may consider other offers. Siddique said “It was nice of Salman to recommend me to Shyam and Narendra Bajaj, I immediately agreed. I also had to keep my word and I am happy that I will be directing a film for them. There is no doubt that it will be a commercial entertainer.”

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Harry Potter author Rowling at UK press inquiry

LONDON: Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and British actress Sienna Miller testify about their experiences of media intrusion at Britain’s government-ordered press standards inquiry on Thursday.

Former world motor-sport chief Max Mosley, who won damages in Britain and France from Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World tabloid after it published photographs of him`in a sadomasochostic orgy, will also give evidence.

A mystery witness identified only as HJK and granted anonymity by a court order will meanwhile address the inquiry behind closed doors. The rest of the evidence is being broadcast live.

Rowling, whose books about the boy wizard have sold more than 400 million copies and spawned a lucrative series of films, has previously complained of paparazzi photographs being taken of her children.

Her characters in the Harry`Potter series include an unscrupulous tabloid journalist called Rita Skeeter, played by actress Miranda Richardson in the films of the books.

Miller, the former girlfriend of actor Jude Law, accepted a payout from the News of the World after it admitted she was one of the victims of illegal hacking of mobile phone voicemails.

Prime Minister David Cameron set up the inquiry in July after it emerged the paper had also targeted murdered schoolgirl Dowler’s parents and the mother and fatter of missing girl have given emotional testimony to the inquiry.

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Katrina plays guardian angel for abandoned kids!

MUMBAI: If you thought `Sheila Ki Jawani…` is what goes with Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif, then you are completely mistaken. 

There`s a very different side to the young and pretty Katrina which is kept under wraps.

Indian Barbie doll, Kat is all set to play a guardian angel for a group of abandoned kids. Katrina Kaif is believed to lend her support to a group of under privileged abandoned kids.

Kat is all set to appear in the BIG CBS Love`s India`s Glam Diva as a contender and it will be there that this trait of Katrina get’s revealed.

Glam Diva is a platform that brings the most ravishing, talented and deserving divas to the fore.

Some attribute Katrina’s Good Samaritan act to her genes for her mother is involved in running an NGO, while some give credit to her mentor Salman Khan, who in his own way has touched many a hearts with his good work, of helping those in need.

Pretty Karina will compete with the most gorgeous women from the entertainment industry for the title.

Whatever may be the inspiration, it sure was nice to know about a differential side of the glamorous actress!

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Writer, actor, Rauf Khalid dies in road accident

SHEIKHUPURA: Renowned television writer, director, artist Abdul Rauf Khalid Thursday died in a road accident at motorway while on his way to Sheikhupura.

According to reports, the tyre of his car burst and it crashed into roadside fence, killing Rauf on the spot.

The late actor was son in law of late provincial minister Syed Zafar Ali Shah and brother-in-law of Provincial Minister for Health Syed Zahir Shah. He left behind a wife two sons and a daughter.

According to the family sources the Namaz-e-Janaza of the deceased will be held after Jumma prayer at the residence of Syed Zahir Ali Shah at Shami Road here.

Rauf Khalid was the founder President and Chancellor of the National Institute of Cultural Studies, Lok Virsa Islamabad. He was known for his Kashmir based patriotic plays. He also worked as an actor in TV and film. Besides, Rauf Khalid was a painter, lyricist, speaker and educationist. His paintings have been exhibited in the World Fine Art Gallery at New York and the Omma Art Gallery in Crete Greece. He remained a student Islamia College Peshawar.

In 1989, he wrote and partially directed PTV's thriller, Maddar, a seven-episode serial, exposing drug trafficking, from PTV Quetta centre. In 1991, he wrote Guest House, a 52-episode comedy series that turned out to be a popular comedy series for PTV. In 1995, Rauf Khalid directed, produced and acted in drama serial "Angaar Wadi'. 

In 1998 he directed, produced and acted another 27-episode drama serial 'Laag'.

In 2003, Rauf Khalid released his debut film Laaj, as (writer, director, producer and actor). The film Laaj won 12 Bolan Awards, 14 Graduate Awards, 4 National Film Awards and Luxstyle Award.

In 2008, Rauf Khalid also produced his third television serial 'Mishaal' as writer and director. (APP)

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