Remembering their father: Michael Jackson's children planning to attend UK tribute to King of Pop

Two years after losing their famous father, Michael Jackson's children are making plans to travel to Wales to join the star-studded musical tribute to the King of Pop.

Prince, 14, Paris, 13 and nine-year-old Blanket have decided they want to fly to Wales to attend the upcoming MJ Tribute Concert in person.

But not every member of the Jackson family thinks it's a good idea.

Remembering their father: Michael Jackson's children Prince, Paris and Blanket plan to join the star-studded tribute to the King of Pop later this year in Wales

According to TMZ, Jackson's children are getting push back from two of their famous uncles.

 

A Jackson family rep told TMZ: 'Paris, Blanket and Prince have been asked to attend the MJ Tribute in Wales and they have decided to go.'

The rep added: 'They are extremely excited and they're hoping they will have the opportunity to contribute in some way by making a speech.'

Artistic tribute: Jackson's children donated drawings by their father to Children's Hospital, Los Angeles on Monday

Icon: Celebrity singers have lined up to honour Michael Jackson

However, the rep says: 'Jermaine and Randy are fighting it,' because the brothers believe the timing of the tribute is 'inappropriate' because it will take place during the criminal trial surrounding Jackson's death.

Earlier this week, the children paid to tribute to their father in Los Angeles.

They were joined by their aunt LaToya and grandmother Katherine where the group unveiled artwork by the singer and donated it to the city's Children's Hospital.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that British singer Leona Lewis will take part in a star-studded musical tribute concert later this year in Wales.

Leona will be taking to the stage at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium on October 8th as part of the Michael Forever Tribute Concert.

She will be joined by musical stars including Christina Aguilera, JLS, Cee Lo Green, while singers including Jay-Z, Kanye West and Justin Bieber have apparently been approached for the occasion.

Musical tribute: Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera and Leona Lewis are all scheduled to take part in a concert honouring Michael Jackson in Wales

A statement from the promoter Global Live Events read: 'The organisers of the Michael Forever Tribute Concert are very mindful of the expectations of the fans, who have waited over two years for an event that will do justice to Michael's musical legacy. 

'Some of the greatest names in music are already signed, and more are trying to shuffle other commitments to come on board.'

It is not yet clear if Jermaine and Randy will put their concerns aside to attend the concert.

Liz Hurley and Shane Warne share a kiss for the cameras as they leave Edgbaston after England win

If she's getting fed up with his metrosexual ways, then Liz Hurley certainly isn't showing it.

In fact, the model cosied up to her cricketer beau Shane Warne in a very public display of affection at Edgbaston yesterday.

Hurley and Warne were snapped sharing a kiss on the pitch at the cricket ground in Birmingham yesterday.

Puckering up: Liz Hurley and Shane Warne share a kiss for the cameras as they leave Edgbaston after the cricket yesterday

The couple couldn't contain their affection as they left the ground after the third match of the four-match Test series in which England beat India to take a 3-0 lead.

Clearly delighted at the home win, Liz showed her happiness with a smacker for her Australian, who was commentating on the match for Sky Sports.

And she took to her Twitter page a few hours before to write: 'Standing on the pitch watching SW spouting pearls of wisdom for Sky.....loving it. Bit nippy though.'

Bye bye Birmingham: Liz and Shane take a stroll across the pitch

The actress, 45, has been slammed in recent weeks for 'emasculating' Warne in a slim, shiny-faced metrosexual.

But according to her friends, the overly-groomed new Warne is all his doing and Liz is starting to get fed up with it.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Liz was encouraging at the start and was pleased at his weight loss and that he wanted to take better care of himself.

The happy couple: Shane and Liz beam as they stop for a photo

But she has told her pals that she is now getting sick of him constantly asking her for beauty tips - and fears it's getting out of control.

A friend told the paper: 'Shane’s been asking Liz about age-defying procedures like fillers and botox and she’s found it all rather bizarre.

'He’s taking advice on moisturisers and skin peels and researching juicing diets.

Another one? But Liz and Shane didn't need any encouragement to have another smooch

'Liz doesn’t want to lose the man she’s fallen in love with but all the girly chat is getting a little tiresome. Her friends are ­finding it all highly amusing. 

'Liz is still head over heels about Shane. She just wants him to calm down a little.'

Pass the Punch: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt can't get enough of UK life as they take children to puppet show on barge in Surrey

With all their millions in the bank, they could afford to fly a host of Broadway stars to their home and put on a special performance.

But instead, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt took their children to a low-key event in Richmond to watch a puppet show.

The A-list elite are on UK shores in Surrey while the Fight Club actor shoots his latest film World War Z. 

Day out: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie take their brood to The Puppet Theatre Barge in Surrey where they are staying while the Fight Club star films World War Z

Three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne were treated to a performance of The Three Little Pigs and the Wolf at the Puppet Theatre Barge.

Shiloh, 5, was also in attendance, walking ahead of her parents as they kept their youngest tots close by to prevent anyone going overboard.

 

As the name suggests, the unique fifty-seat auditorium floats on water. 

The shows are aimed at children and adults, with the boat moored in Little Venice throughout the year and in Richmond during the summer.

Happy families: Shiloh plays ahead of her parents as they keep the youngest of the brood close to them

The eldest boys Maddox, 10, and Pax, seven, seemed to be absent, along with sister Zahara, six.

The family have taken full advantage of their time across the Atlantic n the UK, with various shopping trips, a trip to the West End to see the musical Wicked and even a visit to the rather unglamorous Halfords.

It was rumoured that Maddox was set to make his film debut in a Battling Boy, a film produced by his father, but a spokesperson has just denied it.

All aboard: Brangelina keep a watchful eye on the kids so they don't fall overboard

Ship ahoy! Angelina clutches Vivienne's hand while Brad holds Knox

The movie, set to be released in 2013 under Pitt's Plan B production company, follows the son of a god, thought to be played by Maddox, as he fights a city of monsters.

But while his career isn't quite ready for launch, Angelina says hers isn't quite ready to stop.

She said: ‘The funny thing about having children is that now I am twice as motivated to do a cool stunt because my kids will like it.

‘I’m very responsible these days not to be self-destructive because of my kids, but at the same time I have all the more reason to do all the cool things possible because I want to try and make my kids proud.’

Brad's latest film is a post-apocalyptic horror film based on the novel of the same name by Max Brooks.

Marc Forster, who directed Bond classic Quantum Of Solace, is the man behind the lens, while Mireille Enos, who plays leading lady Sarah Linden in The Killing, will play Brad's wife.

Not exactly the red carpet: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt visit Halfords in Isleworth with three of their children

Can't we go to the park? Maddox, Zahara and Pax don't look too happy to be dragged around the shops

 

Source: Dailymail

Vogue magazine dedicates September issue cover feature to Kate Moss' wedding

Recently married supermodel Kate Moss appears on the September cover of Vogue magazine, which features an exclusive look into her wedding to musician Jamie Hince.

Arguably the most famous model of her time, Moss, 38, has been a fashion tour-de-force over her decades-long career. Reading like a love-letter to Moss’ career, Vogue writers took a look at what exactly has fascinated the world about fashion’s it-girl.

“The simple fact is that Kate is irresistible,” the article reads. “There is vulnerability and there is strength, and when she turns on the klieg light of her flirtatious, giggly life force, it is impossible not to fall just a little bit in love.”

But despite the writer’s fascination, along with the rest of the fashion world, Moss opened up about the man who finally caught her eye for the duration, her new husband, Hince.

“We were just so loved up, and he asked me to marry him every day,” Moss gushes of their courtship.

With Hince being a celebrity himself (a guitarist for the band The Kills), the guest-list for the wedding reads as a who’s-who in fashion. Her dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses were designed by embattled designer John Galliano, fresh off of his rehab stint after an anti-Semitic rant earlier this year, her wedding images for Vogue were shot Mario Testino and her wedding planner is Sam Gainsbury, the same woman who co-produced the mega-successful Metropolitan Museum exhibition “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.”

Testino, who has known Moss since she was 16 years old, recalls a time when she wasn’t the powerhouse she is today and she was worried that she wasn’t being seen enough in a Paris fashion show.

“You know, in life there’s perfume and there’s cologne,” he told her. “Cologne, you have to spray every fifteen minutes. Perfume, you put a drop and it lasts a week. You’re perfume.”


The September issue of Vogue hits newsstands August 23.

Cheryl finds Glee: Miss Cole lands cameo role on hit US TV show

Simon Cowell may have thought she wasn't good enough for American audiences but Cheryl Cole has reportedly landed a role in Glee.

The Girls Aloud singer has allegedly managed to bag herself a cameo role on the hit TV series following in the footsteps of Gwyneth Paltrow and Britney Spears.

Her management team, led by Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, have been busy negotiating possible roles for the Parachutes singer in both Glee and the E4 comedy How I Met Your Mother.

Cheryl goes to Hollywood: Chezza, pictured here at her birthday party in July at The Sanderson hotel, has secured two cameo roles in the US

Since Simon and the producers of X Factor US gave Chezza the boot, Will.i.am has been in regular contact with American television networks CBS and Fox in a bid to help get the deposed judge more exposure.

 

Glee is aired in 44 countries world wide and will open up options for the 28-year-old in the lucrative Asian market as well as the rest of Europe where she is already a household name.

Matthew Morrison may be the man to thank for Cheryl's big break as the Glee star told Reveal in June that the Geordie-lass could make it in America if she appeared on the show.

Off key: Lets hope Cheryl doesn't sing out of tune and come under criticism from Glee's Sue Sylvester 

He said: 'Cheryl is on the front of every newspaper and magazine in the UK. It’s not the same in America, but I still think she can crack it over there. She is a talented girl.'

Morrison, who plays teacher Will Schuester in the hit TV show, added: 'Appearing in Glee would be a good way for Cheryl to crack America.

'She was part of Fox when she was involved in US X Factor – they also make Glee. Maybe she will get an appearance – you never know!'

Success: Cheryl and manager will.i.am were seen looking happy in Cannes earlier this month

The good news keeps on coming for Cheryl as yesterday the Mail Online revealed that she would also appear alongside Hollywood superstars Cameron Diaz, 38, and Jennifer Lopez, 42, in forthcoming film What To Expect When You’re Expecting.

The film, which is an adaptation of the successful pregnancy guide, is being made by Lionsgate and is due for release next May.

It began shooting in mid-May and Cheryl, who is in ‘advanced talks’ to appear, will shoot her scenes in the U.S. later this month.

Lights, camera, action: Jennifer Lopez on the set of 'What To Expect When Expecting' last week

In what will be seen as a clear side-swipe at Cowell, Chezza will play a TV talent show judge for her cameo role in the film.

The film –whose cast also includes actors Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock and Matthew Morrison - chronicles the lives of four couples as they prepare to become parents.

Diaz plays Jules who auditions in an X Factor-style contest in front of the TV talent show judge - Miss Cole’s character.

Extra-curricular: Matthew Morrison and Gwyneth Paltrow get to grips with each other in Glee

Cheryl is said to have initially impressed Hollywood film bosses during a four-day appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

In recent weeks, the pop star has been in Los Angeles enjoying some extended time off – following her early axing from Cowell’s US show.

A film source revealed: ‘This is a bit of fun for Cheryl. She will film the scenes imminently and is really looking forward to it.

The source went on: ‘It doesn’t mean she suddenly wants to become actress.

'It was just an opportunity that has come up while she has been having some down time and she thought it would be great fun to take part.'

Back in the game: Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A Reid, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole at the launch of American X Factor in May

Source: Dailymail

Emma Watson is "perfect" for Beauty and the Beast

Director Guillermo Del Toro has said that Harry Potter star Emma Watson will be "perfect" as the female lead in his adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

Last month, it was confirmed that Watson had been cast in the future project, and Del Toro revealed that he can't wait to begin work on the film.

"It's one of those landmarks, one of those holy grails, and I really hope to do it. We're just starting the process," he told MTV News. The director is currently working on alien sci-fi epic Pacific Rim, but has already begun on a first draft for Beauty and the Beast.

"It's a move that you have to make in the next few years for Emma to be perfect for the part," Del Toro added. "I think she is the perfect character to do that movie."

He also confirmed that unlike this year's Beastly, his adaptation of the classic fairy tale will retain its period setting.

Watson recently wrapped filming on The Perks of Being a Wallflower opposite Logan Lerman, Nina Dobrev and Paul Rudd.

Can't I expect little respect, asks upset Katrina

Actress Katrina Kaif is upset with a report that she cancelled the shoot for Yash Raj Films' "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" because her favourite make-up man Subhash was unavailable as he had booked his dates for Anushka Sharma.

Katrina, 27, said people should not pull her down by writing such false stories and should give her respect considering her contribution to the industry.

"That was something really disheartening. I am not that kind of person who ever stood up and says, 'Look what I have done, look at me' or asked for any kind of respect or recognition or walked around with any kind of ego.

"But when I see people stoop down to that level and write these kind of stories, that's the only time I feel that I am not asking for recognition, but a little bit of respect after these years I have worked in the industry. Please don't pull me down to this level," Katrina told.

The actress entered Bollywood in 2003 with "Boom". Though her debut film was not a hit, she went on to deliver hits like "Namastey London", "Singh Is Kinng", "Race" and "Raajneeti".

Releasing Sep 9, the directorial debut of Ali Abbas Zafar, "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is a comedy where Katrina is teamed up with Imran Khan and Pakistani singer-turned-actor Ali Zafar.

The current favourite of YRF, Katrina, will be also seen in their "Ek Tha Tiger" opposite Salman Khan and Yash Chopra's next undeclared directorial venture opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan. She has teamed up with Anushka in the latter.

"Anushka is a lovely girl, starting off her career now," she said.

What's cooking between Anushka and Arjun Kapoor?

Arjun Kapoor Ranveer Singh has competition. His 'close pal' Anushka seems to be bonding with debutant Arjun Kapoor these days If the recent developments are any indication, it looks as if a new 'friendship' is blossoming in B-Town. We're talking about Anushka Sharma and veteran filmmaker Boney Kapoor's son Arjun. In fact, there's a strong buzz that she may be cast as his heroine in his debut movie, a Yash Raj production, given that she herself is an YRF protege. Needless to say, Ranveer Singh may have cause for concern over his kabhi on/kabhi off girlfriend's special bond with her newest pal. The two apparently couldn't be kept apart at a recent dinner. Says a source connected with the studio, "Even though Aditya Chopra, Habib Faisal (director of Arjun's debut film Virus Diwan) and a few other friends were present at this outing, Arjun and Anushka were chatting and laughing as if they've know each other for years." He further informs that the two young actors were introduced to each other by Faisal. "Habib was involved in the writing of Band Baaja Baarat, so Anushka knows him well. Arjun has also become very friendly with him since he is directing Virus Diwan. So he's like a catalyst in their friendship, " explains our source, adding that even otherwise, the two actors connect regularly over the phone. So where does that leave Ranveer Singh? Our source tells us that he would be only too glad if Chopra casts a new girl opposite Arjun in Virus Diwan. He elaborates, "That's also because some girls have already been screen-tested for the part. But if Aditya and Habib aren't too impressed with them, it won't be surprising if they cast Anushka opposite Arjun in their new movie." Habib declined to comment on the casting. While he conceded that he's making a film with YRF, he maintained that it was for the studio major to make the official announcement. Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

The stork comes visiting B-town hotties

Some are busy changing nappies, others are preparing to welcome their first child: motherhood is the buzzword in tinseltown!

While Aishwarya Rai and Lara Dutta are in the family way, Konkona Sen Sharma, Mandira Bedi and Preeti Jhangiani are relishing playing hands-on moms to their newborns.

The much-awaited news of Aishwarya's pregnancy was broken to the fans and film fraternity by her father-in-law, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, in June.

The Bachchan household was overjoyed with the news - with papa-to-be Abhishek thanking everyone for their "love, support and blessings".

In a recent interview, Abhishek said: "I want a daughter who will look like Aishwarya".

Meanwhile, work has taken a backseat for Aishwarya, who was been replaced by Kareena Kapoor in Madhur Bhandarkar's ambitious project "Heroine".

Lara, who married tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi in February, is the latest to confirm her pregnancy.

"We are excited about the baby," tweeted Lara, who had tied the knot in a church wedding in Goa amid close family and friends.

In the meantime, it's celebrity mothers like actress-turned-TV host Mandira, Preeti and Konkona, who are making the most of the joys of motherhood.

Married to filmmaker Raj Kaushal, Mandira had a son on July 17, after 12 years of marriage. They are proud parents of a baby boy, whom they have named Vir.

The excited father had taken to Twitter to share his joy. He posted: "Ladies and gentlemen..the czar of our lives Mr Vir Kaushal has arrived," while Mandira wrote: "And here starts an exciting new chapter of my life! "

Preeti and her husband, Parveen Dabbas, who are gearing up for the release of their debut production and direction venture "Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande", respectively, also joined the list of new celebrity parents with the birth of their son in April.

Another celebrity couple sharing parental responsibilities these days are Konkona and Ranvir Shorey. Within six months of their marriage, Konkona gave birth to baby boy Haroon in March. They were in a relationship for over three years, and solemnised their wedding in a low-key, private ceremony.

The stork also visited other Bollywood celebrities in the first half of this year!

Actor Manoj Bajpayee's wife, Neha (real name Shabana Raza) had a daughter in February. They named her Ava Nayla. It was the "most memorable day" for Manoj, who will soon be seen in Prakash Jha's "Aarakshan".

"It is the most memorable day for me and my wife. First time, I am getting the happiness of fatherhood and also the feeling of responsibility.

First time, I am getting emotional about how life will turn," the actor had posted on his blog.

Actor-filmmaker Sohail Khan became father for the second time with wife Seema giving birth to a second son June 16. Their older son Nirvaan is 10 years old.

Sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar also became mother of son Zubin Shankar Wright in February. She is married to British director Joe Wright.

Already Bollywood has had a string of yummy mummies like Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Sonali Bendre, Kajol, Twinkle Khanna and "Munni" girl Malaika Arora Khan. Hope the new bandwagon of mothers in tinseltown keep the trend going!

Kareena wants her song to be hotter than Kat's

Is she upset over Salman's decision to rope in Katrina for a song in 'Bodyguard'?

Katrina Kaif might be the reigning item queen of Bollywood, but Kareeena Kapoor's not the one to feel cornered in her own film.

Apparently when Kareena got to know about this much hyped song shoot with Salman and Katrina, she stepped up and demanded a hotter number.

A source says, "When both Kareena and Katrina's songs will be released, there is definitely going to be comparison between the two. So Kareena wants to be prepared.

The song 'Teri meri prem kahani' that has been shot over the past few days in three different locations is one of the sexiest songs Kareena has ever shot and she wanted it to be that way."

The song is quintessentially Bollywood as it gets the heroine dancing under the rain in a translucent sari. Interestingly, Teri Meri Prem Kahani is the theme track of the film.

And though it's hardly an item number, there are portions of the song, which have now been designed to look like one.

This is the first time Kat and Bebo's professional rivalry is out in the open, though the two A-listers have always been pitted against each other in some way or the other.

According to a source, "Apparently Salman's decision to rope in Katrina for a song in Bodyguard did not go down well with Kareena from the very beginning.

Even on Katrina's birthday, she dropped in to meet Salman only after Bebo left the scene." Both Kareena and Katrina denied the story.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Geeta Basra takes a romantic break to cheer up her beau Bhajji

Geeta Basra took off to London to tend to cricketer beau Harbhajan Singh It's said that love makes the world go round.

So it's no surprise to hear of someone going half-way around the world for the sake ofher beloved. Starlet Geeta Basra is believed to have flown down to London to tend to beau Harbhajan Singh.

Harbhajan, who's a part of the team at the ongoing England-India test matches, has been asked to rest due to a stomach muscle pull.

It's another thing that after she landed in London on Saturday, came the news that the off-spinner has been dropped from the team for the Twenty20 match and One-Day International series.

A source says that Geeta seemed worried for Bhajji's health before deciding to take the flight.

"She was worried, so she decided to head to London to tend to him. Even otherwise, he was disturbed about his form in the ongoing tour. And the muscle pull only worsened the matters for him."

The source also said that Geeta's presence should cheer Bhajji up.

"Being dropped from the sole T20 match and the ODI series must have further distressed Bhajji. So while he recovers from the stress, Geeta will be around to take care of him."

Reportedly, the Indian team manager, Anirudh Chaudhary had said that Bhajji and Yuvraj Singh, who's also down with a fractured left index finger, will be coming home shortly.

However, Geeta Basra denied the story saying she was in Dubai. Nonetheless, our source stood by the story, asserting, "Late Friday evening, Geeta told a couple of her friends that she was going to London."

Now, it remains to be seen if Geeta will be accompanying Bhajji on his return or will the two lovebirds opt to fly back home separately?

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Death Of The Item Girl

With A-list babes no longer afraid to shake their booty to item songs, the original dancers are feeling the pinch If it's not Munni, it is Shelia who is making it her profession to dance all the way to the bank, never mind the girls she's putting out of a job in the bargain. Item girls, defined as dancers who do the one-off raunchy number in a movie, are now finding their craft being 'craftily' stolen from right under their noses. And sadly, there's nothing they can do about it. B-Town's creme de la creme actresses taking on item songs are rocking it and how! Here's what the original dancing queens have to say... Yana Gupta I think it is not about who the original item girl is or who is an actress. It is about who can do justice to the song. So whoever doesn't the job best, should get to play the item girl. The actresses who are playing Munni or Sheila or any other item girl may be doing a good job, but that does not been other performers can't. After all, the item girls have made their mark because they have the skill to perform. Gauhar Khan Performing on stage is a different high for different actors, and I think that they are doing a great job with the item numbers, be it Katrina or any other actress. Yes, there was a time when only a certain set of girls could play the item girl. For those who may have lost out on work because of this, I guess it's not great news. I think the more the merrier. Sambhavna Seth Item girls are a breed. No one can replace them. In fact, a lot of these heroines should thank us item girls for this opportunity they are getting to show off their dancing because of an item number. But that does not mean item girls are less in demand. We still get work. Mink Not everyone can dance and be an item girl. When people would call me specifically for a song, I would feel very proud because I would be adding that oomph element to the film. These days, every actress wants to be an item girl or dance to one. In a way, it's great because it is becoming a mandate in every film, but that does not mean all of them are doing justice to it. Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Movie Review of The Smurfs Movie

Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayme Mays

Voiceovers: Jonathan Winters, Anton Yelchin, Fred Armisen

Director: Raja Gosnell; Rating: ***

There are films which smack in the beginning, often even before the crisis is established, and make you predict the end. As an experienced viewer, you are aware this is the case with 95 percent films and that it is not the destination, but the film's journey that truly matters. The journey through Smurf land is filled with clean, well humoured moments that will charm families.

Trying to escape the stupidly evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) six little, blue, happy creatures called The Smurfs are transported from their magical land to New York. They land in the home of marketing executive Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris). With the wizard close on their heels, the Smurfs have to find a way to get back home, and quick.

One of the strongest elements that a film with a predictable story needs to have is some unbelievably adorable characters. This film has a 'Smurf' full of these cuteness.

The usual suspects, the six Smurfs are obviously cute. Yet, the funniest one of the lot is the evil, laughing kitty. Never after the cute cat in Shrek, has there been such an adorable feline in filmdom. Pair him with a dumb-witted master who is supposed to be a wizard, and you have a laugh riot blowing.

The sub-plots and twists in the tale are expected and though there is a very high overdose of 'smurfy' terms, its delicate handling by director Raja Gosness ensures this does not get to you.

Though a film that stays literally true to the one created by the writer of Smurfs, Peyo, (like in a popular animated series of the '80s and a film) would have been wonderful, this one - a mix of live action and animation - works as well.

There have been a decent number of films with the mix of live action and animation in recent times like "Alvin and the Chipmunks", "Garfield", and "Hop", all three directed by one man - Tim Hill. Yet, this is the best of the lot and a welcome addition to a sub-genre that saw its peak in the '50s but seems to have lost its sheen in recent times despite advances in CGI.

"The Smurfs" is a fun film meant purely as a family entertainer with the cuteness of a "Home Alone" and "Babe" where everything is gimmicky and beyond proportions. And just like in these two films, the director knows his limits and 'where' and 'why' and most importantly, 'how' not to cross over those limits.

'Captain America: The First Avenger' - linear, predictable but fun

Cast: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci

Director: Joe Johnston

Rating: ***1/2

The powers that maybe in the US have always understood the hold of the arts over its citizens and so used it for their own benefit. A comic book superhero was thus born in the 1940s, whose name had the name of the country and who almost wore the nation's flag.

The superhero, Captain America, featured in many comic books, short films and other promotional materials. He served patriotism on a star-spangled red and blue shield platter, sold war bonds and was thus actually instrumental in winning the war for America.

Quite coincidentally of course, as the debt-ridden US is going through financially warring times, Captain America marks his resurrection, for the umpteenth time, this time on the silver screen.

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is a lanky and weak young man who is perennially bullied. Yet he desperately wants to serve the country by enlisting in the army during the Second World War. He is rejected, till a scientist recognises his good heart and injects him with a serum that turns him into, well, literally a superhero.

It's but a matter of time before our lad saves the world.

The original character of Captain America had some interesting but predictable metaphors injected into it.

The skimpy little boy perennially bullied was supposed to be the world terrorised by fascism. The serum was America joining the war. And obviously, Captain America wearing the star spangled banner and winning the war was meant to depict America finally leading the world to victory.

The filmmakers realised that 70 years on this metaphor is no longer valid. Hence, though set during the Second World War the film creates a bigger enemy under Hitler's shadow in Hydra, who becomes Red Skull, a character from the comics.

It's a move that makes the film work.

Though linear, predictable and simplistic in its treatment, much like superhero films of yore, the attention to detail in aspects like special effect, cinematography and steady pace keeps the film ticking along to a decent finale.

Credit goes to director Joe Johnston who turns a simple script into a decent film. He has good experience serving him - having directed "The Rocketeer" two decades back, which besides inspiration, provided a lot of visual reference points to another Marvel film franchisee, "Ironman".

After America had won the war, people overdosed on patriotism, rejected Captain America and the comic book died down.

A resurrection failed miserably, till "The Avengers" comic series in the mid-60s made him the leader of a pack of superheroes. The world, unlike during his first birth, did not need saving anymore. Today however, the world does need a saviour, what with the American economy in tatters.

Thus in this resurrected avatar, the captain's prime job would be to save America. From whom, you'd ask? Well, obviously, from the bully stalking the planet - America itself.

Movie Review of Aarakshan Movie

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar, Manoj Bajpai

Director: Prakash Jha

Rating: ** 1/2

Choose an explosive title for your movie, hire a clever PR agent and then pick up some controversies along the way.

At a time, when politicians and the rest of our moral brigade are just waiting for the slightest opportunity to shout themselves hoarse if they find something or someone 'offending' their sensibilities, there couldn't have been a better way of getting a movie wanted as well as unwanted attention.

When Jha made films like Mrityudand and Gangajal, you could sense a genuine intention behind them. With Aarakshan, I am not so sure.

Do I even need to mention that Aarakshan deals with, or is supposed to deal with, reservation for Dalits and other 'pichchde jaati ke log'? Everyone in India (even those who aren't Bollywood buffs) knows by now what all the noise has been about.

But here comes the twist ”while you go in expecting an explosive movie on the issue of caste-based reservation, you end up listening to a lambi bhashan on the commercialisation of education!

Deepak Kumar (Saif Ali Khan) doesn't use his second name, so you have to assume he belongs to the Dalit community, and Dr. Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan) dotes on him and his brilliance. Anand is the principal of the college and is a strict disciplinarian with rigid rules against corruption.

Some of the trustees aren't too happy with the stubborn principal. Anand, saviour of the downtrodden, gets into trouble when some people take advantage of his generosity.

Anand's daughter Purbi (Deepika Padukone) is in love with Deepak, but breaks all ties with him when he has an argument with her dad. Sushant (Prateik Babbar) is Purbi's college mate and he wants to fight against reservation in education.

This film, which deals with education more than reservation, holds your interest in the first half, but meanders aimlessly in the second half. Some of the scenes, especially the climax, are unwittingly hilarious.

But I must make a mention of a few rare scenes and dialogues that are likeable. Like the scene between Anand and his wife (Tanvi Azmi), when she presents her layman view on reservation.

As for the performances, Amitabh Bachchan is more than excellent. His transition from a person in authority to a helpless teacher shines above everything and anyone.

One can't really imagine anyone else doing that role as well as Mr Bachchan. Saif has made a sincere attempt and is more or less convincing, but his character is sketchy.

Deepika is pretty good, but I wish she didn't deliver dialogues like she has just mugged them up in her dad's classroom. Prateik is a huge disappointment. This guy needs better direction. Manoj Bajpai's mediocre performance as a greedy and power- hungry teacher comes as a surprise.

Given how extensively the film talks about the commercialisation of education, I think someone should take up the cause of commercialisation of inflammatory issues.

While Jha has succeeded in garnering enough attention for Aarakshan as a result, he has failed to give this sensitive issue its due. That, in my opinion, is not a good thing either.

Salman blows whistles for Katrina!

When Katrina Kaif failed to blow whistles for a sequence in her item song in "Bodyguard", guess who came to her aid? Her former beau Salman Khan!

Katrina, who features in the second half of the song "Aaya re aaya bodyguard', was uncomfortable when she was asked to blow six whistles in the song. She couldn't whistle at all!

But Salman helped her out, tells a source from the sets.

In fact, it was Salman, who blew the whistle for Katrina in the song. The two continue to share a warm relationship despite parting from each other.

"Bodyguard", which features Kareena Kapoor as the leading lady, releases Aug 31.