Hollywood Popular Artists

Jul 5th 2013, 19:24, by Alexandra Govere

The Disney Channel will reach a historic milestone early next year with the introduction of the network's first same-sex couple. The couple will appear on the final season of "Good Luck Charlie" as the lesbian parents of one of Charlie's new preschool friends.

"This particular storyline was developed under the consultancy of child development experts and community advisers," says a Disney Channel spokesperson. "Like all Disney Channel programming, it was developed to be relevant to kids and families around the world and to reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness." As our nation celebrates the Supreme Court's recent decisions in favor of same-sex marriages, here are a few Disney characters we think are partying it up as well:

+ Timon and Pumbaa

Timon and Pumbaa were totally Simba's adoptive gay dads...or maybe they were just BFFs. Either way, two men raised Simba, and he turned out just fine. Actually, he turned out better than fine. He became the king of Pride Rock, which would make an awesome name for a gay club in West Hollywood.

If Timon and Pumbaa are lookin' to walk down the aisle, they can now do it in California and receive all of the federal benefits granted to same-sex couples, thanks to the Supreme Court saying buh-bye to Prop 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) yesterday.

+ The Little Mermaid

Ariel was a fish and the love of her life was a man, but she wasn't gonna let a little biological barrier get in her way! The redheaded princess fought for her right to interspecies love-makin', defying haters, protesters, and even her own father. The Supreme Court has yet to make a decision on the Defense of Mermaid Act, but a ruling is expected soon.

+ Pocahontas and John Smith

Historically accurate? Maybe not, but Disney's "Pocahontas" was the tale of true love conquering hatred and bridging clashing cultures. If you're all about the power of love, check out Love is Louder -- a movement of hundreds of thousands of young people who believe that love can conquer all fear, hatred, and tragedy...much like it did yesterday. Go Amuuurca!

 

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Jul 5th 2013, 18:00, by MTV Movies Team

By Tara Fowler

For those of you who didn't know, "The Lone Ranger" had a rough ride into theaters. Back in August 2011, the film was placed on hold due to budgetary concerns, prompting stars Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, as well as director Gore Verbinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, to accept a 20 percent salary cut in order to see the movie made. Was it worth it? Only this weekend will tell. In the meantime, here are six facts you may not have known about the making of "The Lone Ranger":

Depp was almost trampled by his horse: While shooting a scene in the movie, the actor slipped off his saddle and was dragged by his horse for almost 25 feet, suffering only minor bruises. Depp credits the horse with saving his life—as can be seen in the clip below, the horse instinctively jumped over Depp to avoid stepping on him.

The film was originally rumored to feature werewolves: In fact, these werewolves were reportedly one of the reasons the film was put on hold in 2011—the cost of the wolves (among other CG effects) was simply too high. However, Verbinski has denied this rumor, claiming that no draft of the script featured werewolves of any kind. "I don't know where this idea of werewolves came from," he told The Playlist last year. "It's never been in any draft I've worked on. But there's a kind of Native American overlay of omens and other things happening that we don't fully understand."

This is the first movie to feature Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp: That wasn't directed by Tim Burton. The two have previously appeared in five movies together: "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Corpse Bride," "Sweeney Todd," 'Dark Shadows" and "Alice in Wonderland."

Depp's costume was inspired by a painting: Specifically Kirby Sattler's "I Am Crow." "I'd actually seen a painting by an artist named Kirby Sattler, and looked at the face of this warrior and thought: That's it," Depp told Entertainment Weekly in 2012. "The stripes down the face and across the eyes... It seemed to me like you could almost see the separate sections of the individual, if you know what I mean." Oookay.

Verbinski first talked to Depp about playing Tonto while they were shooting "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest": But the director didn't get around to starting on the project until 2010, when Depp sent him a photo of himself dressed up as the Native American sidekick. "I think he's really struggled to keep it authentic, but also a very entertaining character," Verbinski told The Hollywood Reporter of Depp's performance.

Almost everything you see is real: Verbinski is notorious for hating visual effects, so while many of the film's more impressive sequences may appear to be the work of a green screen, they're not. "Gore doesn't like to do it with the visual effects, so those guys are really on the train, the train is actually moving, it's not a CG shot—so everything you see here is real," producer Jerry Bruckheimer told CNN. "So it had to be built. You can't imagine how many people it takes just to keep the train running; to get the stunt guys to keep the guys on top of the train; the rigging so they're all safe and the amount of extras [to be] the people in the background; it's just a lot."

Will you be checking out "The Lone Ranger" this weekend?

Jul 5th 2013, 17:00, by Alexandra Govere

Summer 2013 is a serious 90s time warp. First the Backstreet Boys came back (alright!), and now Hanson's "Get The Girl Back" is gaining major traction on the airwaves. I ain't mad at it! Here are a few ways to "Get The Girl Back" (or just get her in the first place) using that big heart of yours:

+ Group Date

Arrange a group outing to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, and invite your crush to come along with you and your friends. Group settings are a great way to get to know someone, and you'll score major brownie points for planning something so kind. You also won't have to drop the big bucks on dinner and drinks. Winning.

+ Charity Party

Throw a summer pool or beach party, and ask attendees to come dressed in clothes they'd like to donate to charity. Collect 'em at the door, and enjoy the sight of your crush in a swimsuit all day long. You're welcome. And the guy who throws the party is always the life of it, so even if your lady-friend doesn't fall for you, someone will!

+ Date Auction

Get a group of your boldest friends together and hold a date auction for your favorite charity. Since you can't really control who bids on you, try to single your crush out while you're on stage. It's all about the eye contact, man! She'll either get super creeped out, or spend her entire paycheck on you!

+ Play Hanson's "Get The Girl Back"

Eff being discreet. Play her the damn song!

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Jul 5th 2013, 16:00, by Kevin P. Sullivan

The big holiday weekend has two big summer movie to keep you entertained, but what if you're looking for a little something more to enjoy your holiday weekend with? On Double Feature Friday, we offer suggestions if you're looking for something similar to either "The Lone Ranger" and "Despicable Me 2" that you can watch back-to-back or instead of.

Check out our recommendations after the jump!

"The Lone Ranger" & "True Grit"
Having not seen "The Lone Ranger" myself, I cannot speak from experience, but many reviews of the Johnny Depp tentpole have complained about the graphic violence in what is supposed to be a family film. (The villain eats a character's heart in front of his victim's brother.) If you're looking a Western that the entire family can watch and enjoy, check out one of the last financially success films in the genre — not "Django Unchained." "True Grit," while not without its scarier scenes, is a Western in the style of the Coen Brothers, but one that feels classic at the same time. Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges, and Matt Damon all do stellar works at the leads of this faithful adaptation of Charles Portis' classic novel.

"Despicable Me 2" & "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog"
Everybody loves a villain that's not actually a villain, and that's why I can think of no better pairing for "Despicable Me 2" than Joss Whedon's brilliant "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog." Even though the "Avengers" mastermind has been trying to mount a sequel to this web-only gem, but part of me hopes the schedules never line up, as this ode to the supervillain ends on such a pitch perfect, unexpected note that any further comment could diminish its power and brilliance. But in the hands of Joss Whedon, how bad could a sequel really be?

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" is available on Netflix Instant Watch.

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Jul 5th 2013, 15:00, by MTV Movies Team

By Amelia Mularz

Ah, the sports flick. "Rocky," "Miracle," "Field of Dreams," "The Blind Side"—nothing inspires us like good ol' American athletics on the big screen. That's why we were overwrought with enthusiasm this week to see the release of "An Unfortunate End," the silent film version of Mark Sanchez's now infamous buttfumble play.

The 30-second movie lets us relive the agony and the ecstasy...scratch that...just the agony of that time Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez ran straight into another dude's butt. It was Thanksgiving night; the Jets were playing the Patriots, and Sanchez fumbled the ball after a head-on collision with Brandon Moore's rump. The Patriots then returned the loose ball 32 yards for a touchdown.

In a genius display of artistry, the folks at Silly Burrito have now created a silent film version of the epic foible. The piano music, the old-timey filter and the title cards between shots—all the elements of a vintage flick are there. And we think this movie is going places. Let's not forget that just a year ago a silent film won the Oscar for Best Picture. Certainly Sanchez's buttfumble is on par with "The Artist. "

Plus, we're thinking old sports bloopers may be a gold mine of untapped movie potential. What about a film noir version of that time the Toronto Raptors mascot totally wigged out?

Or maybe a sci-fi take on an incident involving a Mets fan and some slippery bleachers?

The possibilities are endless...

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Jul 5th 2013, 14:55, by Danica Davidson

In the past year Malala Yousafzai has become an icon for girls' rights in her crusade to make sure every girl has access to a quality education. In order to better understand the situation of schoolgirls in her native Pakistan, I interviewed Huma Naz and Sajda Khan, two Pakistani girls who are currently in eighth grade.

Both girls are attending DIL Mehran School, where there are 242 students and 12 teachers. DIL, which stands for Developments in Literacy, opens schools in Pakistan and concentrates on making sure girls get an education. DIL also partners with Girls Learn International, a group that pairs US middle and high schools with schools in countries like Pakistan where girls might not get the same shake when it comes to their education. GLI lets US students communicate directly with students from the other school to get a better idea of what's going on and help them in their progress for women's equality.

While help and support is always appreciated, real change comes from the inside, and Huma and Sajda are showing the great changes going on in Pakistan. In a country where only 38% of women can read, Sajda and Huma are calling for change and a bettering of women's lives.

ACT: What is the typical life for a girl in Pakistan? How would you like your life to be different?

HUMA: Girls in Pakistan do not have permission to do anything by themselves, and most are denied the opportunity to pursue their education. I really want a different life from them. I want freedom, so I can do all the things I want to do by myself. I also want my family to support my dream to become an engineer.

SAJDA: Girls in Pakistan are not allowed to pursue an education due to cultural restraints. I want a different life from these girls. I hope that my parents allow me to pursue higher education and continue to support me with words of encouragement and prayers.

ACT: What is the typical school day life for you? How do you get to school? What classes are you taking? Do you get homework?

HUMA: I get to school very easily because my house is very close to my school. I am in class Eight. I get some homework from my teacher, but it is not very difficult for me.

SAJDA: My parents believe that education is the key to success. They have enrolled me in school because they want me to be successful. It is very easy for me to go to school because of my family's support and assistance. I am currently in Grade 8, and am very successful in school because my family supports me and gives me sufficient time to complete my homework.

ACT: Do you have a favorite subject?

HUMA: My favorite subject is science because I love to conduct experiments. I want to pursue higher education in the field of Engineering, because I believe that engineers do hard work for the progress of our country.

SAJDA: I enjoy all subjects in school, but I am especially interested in Chemistry and Biology because I like to be creative and participate in experiments.

ACT: What do you think of Malala?

HUMA: I believe that education is the life of a person. I think Malala is a good girl because she is struggling for gender equality in education. I think she will succeed. I would love to salute her and help her in her struggle.

SAJDA: I think that Malala can change our Pakistan. She does a lot to promote education for Pakistani girls. She is a brilliant student and hard worker, too. If every Pakistani girl thinks like Malala and is as bold as her, no one can deny girls the opportunity to pursue their education.

ACT: Does your family support you to going school? What sort of reaction have you had from people about continuing your education?

HUMA: Some members of my family still have a problem with me going to school, but my mother supports me. Except for some of my family members, nobody seems to have a problem with me going to school.

SAJDA: Yes, my family supports my education. However, local people still resist the idea of girls receiving an education and sometimes pass a rude remark as I walk to school.

ACT: What can people do to help girls receive an education in Pakistan?

HUMA: Gender equality in education is so important -- we need to fight for it. It is the best way.

SAJDA: People should promote gender equality in Pakistan so girls can also have the opportunity to pursue their education.

ACT: Do you know what you might like to do for a career?

HUMA: I want to become an engineer. I know that in order to have a bright future, I have to study hard.

SAJDA: I want to become a doctor because I like subjects like Chemistry and Biology, and also because I think it will be good for my future. I am scared for financial reasons. I hope I will be able to fund my education, and I hope God will help me.

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Jul 5th 2013, 13:00, by MTV Movies Team

The Fourth of July may have split the weekend up for new releases, but if you were outside grilling up hot dogs and burgers and didn't make it to theaters on America's birthday, you have a big choice to make for Saturday and Sunday.

Two big tentpoles, one stand-up film, and an indie charmer are making their way to the big screens this weekend, and we were a little curious about which one will earn your hard-earned bucks.

So what will it be? Will Gru and his minions win over your heart again, or are you setting off on a high plains adventure with the Lone Ranger and Tonto?

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Jul 5th 2013, 13:00, by Danica Davidson

Leonardo DiCaprio is out there to save the world, but he can't do it alone. "The Great Gatsby" actor was thrilled to learn that President Obama has also stepped up his game to do more work for wildlife.

Leo Tweeted:

Good News! President Obama Pledges Support to #StopWildlifeCrime in Africa: http://t.co/tCrmA1eNCE

— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) July 2, 2013

The Prez and First Lady have been in Africa (remember that cool "MTV Base Meets Michelle Obama" livesteam we told you about?) and POTUS used his time in Tanzania to get real on the dangers of wildlife crime.

"Poaching and trafficking is threatening Africa's wildlife, so today I issued a new executive order to better organize U.S. government efforts in this fight so that we can cooperate further with the Tanzanian government and others," he said. "And this includes additional millions of dollars to help countries across the region build their capacity to meet this challenge, because the entire world has a stake in making sure that we preserve Africa's beauty for future generations."

This came days after the President spoke out on climate change, so methinks Leonardo's approval rating of the prez is quite high. And I think it's also fair to say Leo would be psyched if you joined him in helping World Wildlife Fund. Leo's link has the deets on the president's announcement, but it also has suggestions on how you can take action right now, like signing up for WWF's newsletter or sending a special e-card to friends and fam that teaches them about endangered rhinos. It's always a good time to join Leo in saving the world.

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Jul 4th 2013, 19:00, by Alexandra Govere

P!nk's new "True Love" video, featuring Lily Allen, is a soft departure from her normal tough-girl persona. In it, we see her having a good time with her husband, Carrie Hart, and daughter, Willow, before being swept away by a happy whirlwind of fruits and veggies. Seriously. She's that happy. Watch the feel-good, summery vid, then check out P!nk and Lily's awesome mutual love for the lil ones.

+ Watch P!nk's "True Love" Video.

+ P!nk Loves Children

P!nk is a supporter of March of Dimes — an organization devoted to keeping newborns and their mothers healthy. Supporters have raised over $2 billion for their cause since 1970, helping countless premature babies and their families. "Help support the March of Dimes! Do it for a baby you love," P!nk recently Tweeted. Over 900 communities around the country hold annual March of Babies walks to benefit the org. Find one in your area to get involved!

+ Lily Allen Loves War Children

According to UNICEF, 10 million children have been traumatized by war in the past decade. Lily Allen is one of many celebrity spokespeople for War Child International, a family of humanitarian organizations that works to help children growing up in war zones. She recorded a cover of The Clash's "Straight to Hell," for War Child's charitable Heroes album. Donate to the org to grant all children the lives and futures they deserve.

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Jul 4th 2013, 17:30, by Danica Davidson

The Fourth of July is here and Lance Bass's dog is more than ready for the big day! It sounds like his dog is also a mega supporter of marriage equality — but of course Lance would teach his dog well!

The former 'NSYNCer Tweeted this adorbs pic:

Foster is getting ready for the Fourth w his bow tie. I'm seeing a new line for @tietheknotorg @jessetyler and … http://t.co/LoCn2X7X4r

— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) July 2, 2013

Aww, that is one patriotic pooch!

You might have noticed Lance's reference to Tie the Knot. This org was started by actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his fiancé, Justin Mikita, and it pledges to "advocate for the civil rights of gay and lesbian Americans throughout the United States and to look damn good while doing it." That pretty much sums it up. Tie the Knot releases artistic and limited-edition neckties, and all proceeds go to LGBTQ orgs. And "tie the knot" not only refers to the neckties, but also the right to marry. OMG, this is perfect on so many levels.

But getting back to Lance ... he might be on to something with the idea of making a line of pro-equality neckties for dogs. Dogs are already used to wearing collars, and this way your furry family member can join the rest of the fam in the fight for marriage equality. OK, so your dog might not understand what "marriage equality" means, but your dog loves everyone, and you know if he could understand human affairs he'd all be for equal treatment, amirite? And Lance's dog has a reason to celebrate this Independence Day, after the recent Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop 8!

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Jul 4th 2013, 16:00, by Joey Parker

The 4th isn't just about fireworks, family and fun — it's about feelin' the love for our great country! And nothing's more patriotic than listening to a great rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" — or five. So we rallied our fave celebs who have sung the National Anthem through the years for your listening pleasure!

It's such an iconic song. and it has been sung by SO many talented musicians throughout the years. We could have chosen about 500, but  we're gonna save you time and give you the best of the best:

+ Beyoncé:

Queen B may be currently taking over America on her massive tour, but her a cappella rendition of the National Anthem at a Super Bowl press conference will surely live on as one of the best ever done. Gurllll knows how to WERK a stage! (This one plays on repeat!)

+ Lady Gaga:

Mother Monster showed her pride recently at NYC's pride rally by taking the stage to belt out the National Anthem to the adoring crowd. She even changed one of the lyrics "home of the brave" to "home of the gay," which I actually really liked (unlike Former Rep. Allen West). Gaga is such an innovative artist, and she's always walked to the beat of her own drum. So much to respect right there.

+ Jessica Simpson:

Jess may have just popped out a baby boy, but we are suffering withdrawal after watching her rendition of the National Anthem from 2009. Gurl, we need you back in the studio ASAP. The blonde beauty performed the song during a AT&T National Golf Tournament that I just can't get enough of. Isn't she the cutest thing ever? We are destined to be BFFs.

+ Matthew Morrison:

"Glee"'s Matthew Morrison is DEF a triple threat in my eyes. Not only can he act and sing, but he can perform the hell out of the National Anthem! Last year, on October 19, he wowed the crowd at the MLB's National League Championship Series. And he was looking as dapper as always!

+ Big Time Rush:

*Cue the screaming girls* The boys of BTR not only have captivated hearts across the world, but got the stadium cheering during the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving football game last year while belting out an impressive version of the National Anthem. The boys even wore matching outfits — so cute!

Who sang our National Anthem the best? Comment below and let us know!

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Jul 4th 2013, 15:00, by Alexandra Govere

They may be rival boy bands (well, one is more like a man band now), but last Sunday, the Backstreet Boys and The Wanted came together to celebrate gay pride. The two super groups performed at London's famous G-A-Y nightclub, hours after thousands of people marched in the Brit capital's 42nd annual Pride in London Parade.

"Getting ready to play club G.A.Y. In London. We are so excited to party with our gays. gay pride," Tweeted Nick Carter right before the show. The London festivities came just weeks after  the Brit government passed same-sex marriage legislation. Stateside, the Supreme Court recently overturned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which restricted the rights of same-sex couples. And here in California, well, everybody's gettin' married now that Prop 8 is no more!

Nick's enthusiasm just goes to show that you don't have to be a member of the LGBTQ community to support it. In fact, tons of straight celebs have come out in support of gay rights. Engaged actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard refused to get married until their gay friends could, and fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff started The Ally Coalition with his sister Rachel to encourage more straight people to stand up for their LGBTQ friends. Follow the action links below to show your pride, gay or straight.

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Jul 4th 2013, 13:00, by Danica Davidson

It's Independence Day, so while you're celebrating the U.S. of A and getting those barbecues going, we thought we'd suggest a Patriotic Playlist for you to jam out to. Bruce Springsteen, Miley Cyrus, Jay Z and Kanye are all singers who know how to make your Fourth celebration really rock!

+ "Born in the USA" — Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" came out in the early days of MTV, and the iconic song has been a Fourth of July must ever since. If you listen to the lyrics, you'll hear the song is actually about the Vietnam War, but most people just remember the catchy "Born in the USA" part.

+ "Party in the USA" — Miley Cyrus

There are def going to be a lot of parties in the USA today, and I wouldn't be surprised if Miley's song gets played at a bunch of them. The music vid shows our girl dancing in front of a big American flag, making this something of a new iconic Fourth of July song.

+ "Made in America" – Jay Z, Kanye, Frank Ocean

Giants Jay Z, Kanye West and Frank Ocean all teamed up for "Made in America," where they sing praises to Civil Rights leaders like Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King. While referencing the importance of the Civil Rights Movement, it also talks about going after the American dream and what it's like to live in America now.

+ "Firework" – Katy Perry

OK, OK, you win — this song might not fall under the category of patriotic. But when you think of Independence Day, it's pretty hard not to immediately think of fireworks, and Katy does sing, "Just own the night, like the 4th of July." And you gotta love that message!

+ "Americano" – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's "Americano" deals with two pressing issues big in the news right now — immigration and marriage equality. Everyone who reads MTV Act knows Gaga's big into LGBTQ rights, but didja know she's also all for immigration reform? Mother Monster def wants to create an America where everyone's accepted ... and that's something to toast to today!

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