Brad Pitt, 'Moneyball' take Oakland out to the ballgame

Brad Pitt's new movie, "Moneyball," played to a hometown crowd for its U.S. premiere, as the red carpet show — including stars Pitt, Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and more — came to Oakland to screen the story of A's general manager Billy Beane and his renegade bases-on-a-budget approach to baseball.

"This is a special screening for us," Pitt told the Mercury News on Monday. "The people of Oakland gave us such a great response. They stayed up with us for hours on end to tape the baseball scenes [for the film] and never lost energy."

Photos: "Moneyball" premiere in Oakland

"Moneyball," based on Michael Lewis' book about Beane's system-bucking strategies in the early 2000s, was adapted for the screen by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, the latter of whom made it to the Paramount Theatre of the Arts event, as did Lewis.

Beane — whose GM contract with the A's runs through 2012 — was on hand, the Mercury News said, along with retired catcher-first baseman Scott Hatteberg, portrayed in the film by actor Chris Pratt. Though Angelina Jolie didn't make it, A's designated hitter Hideki Matsui managed to pose for a few shots with Pitt.

Also spotted from the cast were Casey Bond, Stephen Bishop and Art Ortiz, who play A's Chad Bradford, David Justice and Eric Chavez; Reed Thompson, the face of the younger Billy Beane; and Kerris Dorsey, who plays a persuasive guitar as Beane's daughter.

Separate from the premiere, Bishop threw the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday at Oakland's game against the Texas Rangers.

"Moneyball," which had its world premiere Sept. 9 at the Toronto International Film Festival, opens Friday in the U.S.

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Photo: Brad Pitt arrives at the "Moneyball" premiere at the Paramount Theatre of the Arts in Oakland on Sept. 19. Credit: Robert Galbraith / Reuters.  

 

'Abduction': Taylor Lautner gets a leading-man premiere [Video]

Taylor Lautner is no stranger to red-carpet fanfare. As a veteran of the "Twilight" franchise, he's become accustomed to girls lunging toward him, desperate for autographs or photographs. 

But at the premiere of each "Twilight" film, all of the attention isn't centered on the 19-year-old — fans also go wild for his costars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. That wasn't the case Thursday night, when Lautner's new film, "Abduction," premiered in Hollywood.

Pictures: 'Abduction' movie premiere in Hollywood

The John Singleton-directed film is the actor's bid to become an action star and leave his identity as a young heartthrob behind. But if the reception Lautner got outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre was any indication, it'll be a while before he can entirely abandon his teen pinup reputation.

Hundreds of girls lined Hollywood Boulevard, chanting "Taylor!" repeatedly in unison as Lautner made his way down the street, stopping to greet fans for nearly 40 minutes. Though "Abduction" is Lautner's first major role on the big screen, he came across as a veteran movie star, looking polished in a tailored suit and waving to those he didn't have the time to meet. 

It's no coincidence that Lautner exudes the presence of a Tom Cruise or a Matt Damon, said Singleton: The director asked the actor to watch the films of such stars to prepare for "Abduction."

"We studied Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon — I mean, we even studied James Dean — because I wanted him to see people that were kind of in his position when they were young and how they evolved and changed as artists, just so he could get a sense of what his own path would be," the filmmaker said.

Lautner, who said he was dazed by the "surreal" scene unveiling around him, said Singleton's suggestion helped him to "get the tone" for "Abduction."

"For Harrison Ford, we chose 'The Fugitive,' for Tom Cruise, 'Minority Report' — like, leading man on the run," he said. "And we got that tone right before we went to film."

In the film, Lautner is Nathan, a high schooler who discovers his face on a missing-persons website and begins questioning his identity. Nathan's psychiatrist is played by Sigourney Weaver, who said she believes Lautner will have a long career in Hollywood.

"He wants it, and I think that's the most important thing," Weaver said on the red carpet. "I always thought he was very good as the Indian-slash-werewolf or whatever he is [in the 'Twilight' films]. I actually think that's a harder role. Because this is in a way — he's playing a normal kid who's thrust into this incredible adventure. So I think actually you get to see more of who Taylor is in this."

For more on Lautner's transition from teen hunk to leading man, check out the profile of him that will be published in Sunday's Los Angeles Times print edition. Yes, ladies, with pictures.

"Abduction" opens Sept. 23.

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Photo: Taylor Lautner at the premiere of "Abduction." Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press.

Melissa Rosenberg's OMG moments from the 'Breaking Dawn' trailer

Upon release of the full "Breaking Dawn" trailer, the Ministry had a tough decision to make: Let our heads explode with all the Edward-Bella-Jacob shenanigans, or call our friend Melissa Rosenberg for some insight.

We chose the latter. "The Twilight Saga" screenwriter, entrusted to adapt Stephenie Meyer's vampire series for the big screen, clued us in on her favorite moments from the new clip. Such as:

Ever after: Rosenberg was pleased that the trailer in part indicated that this film is about a marriage. "It teases the fact that this a story about ... a marriage going through some unusual stresses ....  At one point in the movie there's a line where Edward says, 'They say the first year is the hardest.' It's very funny."

Jacob's heartbreak: We were struck by Jacob's emotional goodbye to human Bella, as he knows she'll soon be promoted to Edward's immortal beloved. Rosenberg says that scene resonates more than we know. "It's a really sweet moment, and it's the moment the film turns. It turns into a horror film," she said. Speaking of which ....

The horror: Robert Pattinson's previous comments that Bill Condon was making a horror movie were ominous, and the trailer in fact reflects terrible times ahead for the residents of Forks, Wash. "We're beginning to get into the second half of the film, which turns more into a horror story. The images of Bella -- trust me, it only gets more intense," Rosenberg says.

What you never expected to see: If some footage surprises fans, or doesn't conjure memories from Meyer's books, Rosenberg understands. "I think fans may be a little freaked out. There's some conflict with the wolves that they may not remember -- there's a lot of conflict in the book that's resolved with a conversation and we only hear about it. For this movie I was able to play off of that," she said.

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Photo: "The Twilight Saga" screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, right, has been busy putting Stephenie Meyer's words in the mouths of actors Robert Pattinson, left, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. Credits: Matt Sayles / Associated Press, left; handout

 

Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lopez wine and dine in New York

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez know how to lend a prix fixe meal some heat a la carte — by simply enjoying such a dinner date together.

The two single actors broke bread at New York City's Per Se, a swanky upper west side eatery that boasts a $295 prix fixe chef's tasting menu. Saturday night also saw them indulging in an hours-long conversation.

The outing was described as "romantic" by a TMZ source, and news of a Lopez-Cooper hookup would be both unexpected and sexy. But don't look for a save-the-date card soon: Others said it was all business, with the two talking about a possible project on which to collaborate, according to E! News. 

Lopez, 42, is divorcing Marc Anthony, her husband of seven years, after their union imploded this summer. Cooper, 36, had a serious go at it a while back with Renee Zellweger, but that fizzled after a year ending in September 2010.

On screen or off, what would you think of Jennifer and Bradley as a couple? Tell us in comments. 

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Photos: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez. Credits: Chris Jackson / Getty Images, left; Mario Anzuoni / Reuters, right.

Stacy Keibler, George Clooney take it public in Toronto

Stacy Keibler, retired professional wrestler, and George Clooney, continuing heartthrob, appeared side by side at the Toronto International Film Festival over the weekend. Clooney brought Keibler to the Vanity Fair-Fox Searchlight party for "The Descendants," one of two films that the actor has at the Toronto festival, and tongues wagged.

Perhaps it was wrestling-themed fate: Gorgeous George and the Legs of WWE. Keibler, 31, ambled alongside Clooney, 50, on her famed 42-inch-long gams, which earned her that World Wrestling Entertainment nickname. Keibler and Clooney see just about eye to eye; they both stand about 5-foot-11. That's in stocking feet, of course, not the heels that Keibler was wearing with the little black dress that revealed a long stretch of aforementioned leg.

As wags wonder about the possible success of this winsome twosome, film fans will be wondering about the possible success of the latest Clooney films.

Over the last few years he's had plenty of cinematic disappointments -- "The Men Who Stare at Goats," "The American" -- mixed in with such winners as "Up in the Air" and "Michael Clayton." Now he's trying his luck with the political drama "The Ides of March," for which he also served as director, and "The Descendants."

"Ides" premiered Friday in Toronto; "The Descendants" first screened Saturday. Clooney most recently dated Elisabetta Canalis, who will be seen this season on "Dancing With the Stars."

As the Los Angeles Times' noted in a recent post, "The Descendants" is fall's big wild card.  You could say the same of the Clooney-Keibler romance.

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Photos: Stacy Keibler at "The Ides of March" premiere in Toronto on Friday. Credits, from left: Mike Cassese / Reuters; Evan Agostini / Associated Press

'Warrior' premiere: Nick Nolte lays out what keeps him fighting

The Joel Edgerton-Tom Hardy movie "Warrior" pits brother against brother in the world of mixed martial arts fighting. But at the film's premiere Tuesday night, Nick Nolte was the one who had the fighting words.

Asked on the black carpet about "what he fights for," the 70-year-old actor replied: "Everything. Just about everything. For a breath, primarily. If I can get my breath, then I'm set. There's not much more than that."

Photos: The "Warrior" premiere

In "Warrior," Nolte plays a recovering alcoholic struggling to regain a relationship with his two sons — a supporting performance that's garnering early awards buzz. 

Edgerton and Hardy showed on the carpet outside the Cineramadome as well, joined by writer-director Gavin O'Connor and fellow cast members Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Kevin Dunn, Kurt Angle and Denzel Whitaker.

Whitaker, incidentally, is named after Denzel Washington though not related to Forest Whitaker — and at age 21 has already had the opportunity to work with both of those Oscar winners. In addition to the "Warrior" actors, Brooke Burns, Rene Russo, Ana Alexander, Jesse Metcalfe and Ana Ayora were spotted.

Inside the theater, O'Connor gave a lengthy pre-screening speech, during which he became extremely emotional. Through tears, he expressed his gratitude to a number of people in the room, referring to the film and the studio behind it, Lionsgate, as "underdogs."

Most audience members seemed to find the long introduction moving, though some — including comedian Joe Rogen — whispered that the speech was awkwardly personal and the kind of thing that would go viral on YouTube.

"Warrior" opens Friday.

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Photo: Tom Hardy, left, and Joel Edgerton play around at the "Warrior" premiere in Hollywood on Sept. 6. Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty Images.

Gwyneth Paltrow thrilled for parents-to-be Beyonce and Jay-Z

Gwyneth Paltrow is finally getting her shot at being a famous "aunt," with pals Beyonce and Jay-Z expecting their first baby.

"I think motherhood is the biggest blessing of all time and it gives your life real meaning," she said.

Paltrow, making the rounds for Steven Soderbergh's disease flick "Contagion," touched on Beyonce's baby news and how she thinks it will shape the rest of the superstar's life.

"It's always interesting when you're a woman with success and you've achieved a lot, and then you have a baby and you realize everything you thought was an achievement really is nothing until you have a kid," Paltrow told E! News. "I think that will be [Beyonce's] experience." 

The "1+1" singer announced her pregnancy by turning up at the MTV Video Music Awards rocking a baby bump. Mother-of-two Paltrow more recently joined the parents-to-be aboard a yacht at the Venice Film Festival, where they were celebrating Beyonce's 30th birthday.

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Photo: Gwyneth Paltrow with costar Matt Damon at the "Contagion" premiere during the 68th Venice Film Festival on Saturday. Credit: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

Madonna hates hydrangeas, though not to your face. Obviously.

Madonna accepted a hydrangea from an admirer during a news conference at the Venice Film Festival, but despite her initial smile she obviously wasn't happy about it.

"This flower for you," said the fan, approaching the dais in front of the rest of the gathered media Thursday and presenting the purple-blue blossom. "You are my princess. Thank you so much."

The "W.E." director quickly passed off the offending flora underneath the table, rolling her eyes and making a face to those on her left and then telling actress Andrea Riseborough on her right, "I absolutely loathe hydrangeas. He obviously doesn't know that."

Perhaps it was advance payback for Madonna presenting "W.E." to the festival crowd?

Later on, as Madge walked away, the microphone-equipped flower-giver approached, asking what had happened to the hydrangea he'd given her.

Said Madonna: "Oh, um, my assistant took them."

Well, obviously.

 

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Photo: Madonna arrives by boat at the 68th Venice Film Festival for her "W.E." news conference on Thursday. Photo credit: Domenico Stinellis / Associated Press.

 

Venice Film Festival: Kate Winslet expounds on projectile vomiting

Kate Winslet really has it all: an A-list career, a body to die for and a strong hold on projectile vomiting. 

You heard us. Winslet, sweeping the Venice Film Festival with her adorable dresses and dangerous curves, is a pro at tossing her cookies on camera.

Photos: Scenes from the 2011 Venice Film Festival

In the Roman Polanski-directed "Carnage," Winslet plays a neurotic wife and mother who loses her lunch at a seemingly civilized sit-down between two couples discussing a schoolyard fight between their boys.

"I had to contain a lot of vomit in my mouth which is not possible for a person to do," the actress said Thursday at a press conference for the film. "So without going into too much detail, it was a fairly complex rig, and there was some extremely clever CGI involved."

She really does lead a glamorous life. While the "Exorcist" moment might leave a bad taste in your mouth, consider Winslet's recent act of bravery in helping Richard Branson's mother escape a tragic fire on his luxurious Necker Island. If that doesn't help, there's always sawdust.

"Carnage" also stars Christoph Waltz, Jodie Foster and John C. Riley.

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Photo: Kate Winslet arrives for the Venice premiere of HBO's "Mildred Pierce" at the 68th edition of the Film Festiva on Aug. 2. Credit: Andrew Medichini /Associated Press.

'Shark Night 3D' premiere: Sara Paxton and pals spotted in L.A.

"Shark Night 3D" had a premiere screening Thursday night in Los Angeles, in step with the start of the long Labor Day weekend and — no kidding — a handful of great white shark sightings off the Southern California coast.

"Shark Night 3D" star Sara Paxton was sighted in a great white dress, joined on the red carpet by fellow cast members including Alyssa Diaz, Chris Carmack, Chris Zylka, Sinqua Walls, Dustin Milligan and Joel David Moore.

Photos: "Shark Night 3D" premiere

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Cory Monteith also made the scene, which included an after-party on CityWalk.

Regarding those real-life sharks: Surfers spotted a dorsal fin off La Jolla most recently on Wednesday, resulting in a brief beach closure. There were also a couple of sightings in the San Diego area the week before.

We're betting the only great white shark spotted in the vicinity of the "Shark Night" premiere was Bruce, the one hanging around on the Universal Studios Hollywood back lot.

"Shark Night 3D" opened Friday.

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Photo: Sara Paxton, in white, with costars Chris Carmack, left, Chris Zylka, Alyssa Diaz, Sinqua Walls and Joel David Moore at a "Shark Night 3D" screening in L.A. on Sept. 1, 2011. Credit: Chris Pizzello / Associated Press