Movie News & Gossip

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Director Paul Wendkos, whose career spanned 50 years and covered some 100 films and television shows including the 1959 surf movie "Gidget," has died due to a lung infection that followed a stroke. He was 84.

Family representative C. Christie Craig said Wendkos died on Thursday in Malibu, California.

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - There's still some life in the "Saw" horror franchise, despite the disappointing performance of the latest installment.

Indie Hollywood studio Lionsgate said on Thursday it was moving ahead with "Saw 7," which will be in 3-D.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The International Documentary Association on Thursday unveiled nominees for its widely-watched awards, putting its spotlight on non-fiction films that might also compete for Oscars early next year.

The key category of distinguished documentary achievement finds five nominees ranging from a film about four people competing in a television talent show in Afghanistan, "Afghan Star" to the story of a pair of faded rockers hoping for one last grasp at stardom, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil."

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Featuring a protagonist who outdoes even Philip Roth's Portnoy in terms of his fascination with pleasuring himself, "Turning Green" is an odd little comedy-drama set in Ireland that boasts more onscreen talent than it deserves.

It's hard to imagine who the audience is for this 1979-set tale of a teenager who resorts to selling pornography to pay his and his younger brother's way to America. But whoever they are, they're bound to be few in number. The film opens Friday (November 13).

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The end of the world starts Friday.

Sony's apocalyptic actioner "2012," toting a $200 million production cost and hefty marketing expenses, is opening in 105 global territories simultaneous with its domestic debut.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Michael Jackson's concert movie "This Is It" has taken more than $200 million at box offices worldwide in the first two weeks of release, the studio behind the movie said on Thursday.

Sony Pictures Entertainment said the movie had grossed $61 million in North America and more than $140 million internationally. Japan ($27.2 million) and the UK ($14.3 million) were particularly strong markets.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Golden Globe organizers on Thursday said they will honor director Martin Scorsese with their Cecil B. DeMille award at their upcoming ceremony, signifying his contribution to entertainment.

Scorsese, director of classic films such as "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas" and Oscar and Golden Globe winner "The Departed," is widely considered among the best directors of his generation which gained notoriety in the 1970s.

LONDON (Reuters) - Richard Curtis is better known for the films he wrote than the films he directed, but he sees himself working behind the camera more and more.

His writing credits include the English romantic comedies "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and he both wrote and directed 2003's "Love Actually."