HOLLYWOOD … Nicolas Cage’s star is ever on the rise. He’s set to star in two upcoming films. One a 3D action epic titled “Drive Angry,” and the other titled “The Hungry Rabbit Jumps.” Between jobs, he enjoys life with wife and family at his homes all over the planet. One in New York, one in California and one in the New Orleans Garden District, plus a few apartments in the French Quarter. And most of you know he was born Nicolas Coppola in Long Beach, Calif. His uncle is the famed producer-director Francis Ford Coppola.
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There’s a truly WOW book out about Paul Newman that will curl your hair if it is straight, and straighten it if it is curly! The book is titled “Paul Newman, The Man Behind the Baby Blues: His Secret Life Exposed,” by Darwin Porter, published by Bloodmoon Productions. UNBELIEVABLE! The affairs he had with BOTH male and female. … Another out this month is titled “Acting in Young Hollywood” by Frederick Levy (Random House). It’s a billed as “A Career Guide for Kids, Teens, and Adults Who Play Young Too.” Sooo, take your pick for reads about the biz, and what goes on in it.
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George Clooney was a big hit at the Venice Film Festival, but he showed a bit of a temper about his latest movie, “The Men Who Stare At Goats.” “It is definitely NOT a war picture,” declared Gorgeous George, glaring at those who thought otherwise. “It’s a comedy about a reporter who is looking for a big scoop in a war zone.” All the while he was having himself a fine time seeing the sights and DEFINITELY seeing the girls. The film, which also stars Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges, is set for release in early November.
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There are those who were formerly “Oprah” watchers. But now some are abandoning her, saying the show is becoming “too clinical,” what with Dr. Oz and all the mentally ill and sick airing their problems. They claim their own lives have enough problems, and when they watch a show they want to be entertained. Aside from the “critique,” some kiddingly mention the many Winfrey hairstyles: long and straight, long and curly, short and straight, short and curly. But enough of that. Miss Winfrey is still one of the big names in the biz, and a good friend of hizzhonor the president.
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Morgan Freeman will receive a Life Achievement Award at the Zurich Film Festival. No actor deserves it more. He has had a long career of fine work in many films. He is also a gentleman, and a credit to the profession.
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BITS ’N’ PIECES: Agreed. To all of you who dislike Brad Pitt with mustache and beard. I like him clean shaven, and I’m sure he will be that way soon again if not already. … I didn’t know until now that guests on several talk shows get paid for appearing. Where have I been?! … And to those of you who have asked, I don’t know why David Letterman wears those white knee socks. I’ve tried to find out many things about his late-night show, but I can’t spend days on the phone trying to get through. … And finally, did you know the now-governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, displays his rear end in the 1990 film “Total Recall”!
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.