First trailer for Jack Black's Bernie

Bernie, Richard Linklater's latest collaboration with Jack Black, has released a first trailer for the documentary-style film, in which Black's eponymous hero is pushed to breaking point by mean old Shirley MacLaine.Black plays Bernie, a funeral director who just happens to be one of the most popular residents of a small, rural town. When he becomes companion to a sour old widow (MacLaine), the townsfolk are stunned as to how he can put up with her... until she turns up dead.Was nice, unassuming Bernie pushed too far by the old buzzard? Or is there some other explanation for her mysterious passing? Check out the new trailer below, and make your own mind up...Happily, this looks like something of a return to form for Black, after a series of blockbuster flops have seen his star on the wane in recent years. Could this be the truly black comedy Jack's been waiting for?We also like Matthew McConaughey's input as the town's one dissenting voice, while MacLaine looks suitably shrewish as the deceased. Bernie opens in the US on 27 April 2012, with a UK release date yet to be confirmed.

Frances Fisher Joins The Host

Modified from Stephenie Meyer's novelFrances Fisher has a tendency to specialize in tough, no-nonsense matriarchs, and that is just what the Host's director Andrew Niccol is searching for using the Stephenie Meyer adaptation. Therefore it is not really a shock to understand that Fisher has became a member of the cast. The Host finds the Twilight author in alien mode, chronicling the aftermath of the invasion by parasitic extra-terrestrial intruders referred to as Souls. These sneaky types merge with human minds and drive them over, departing a rag tag number of non-converted Earthlings to mount a resistance.Saoirse Ronan is starring as Melanie, a youthful lady taken and lived on by a skilled Soul named Stryder, but who proves more powerful than the creature's previous hosts. She eventually ends up mixing her very own ideas with this from the enemy, and heads to reside having a human resistance cell where Melanie's real love still lives.One of the children are the kind of Uncle Jeb (William Hurt), and the sister, the stern Maggie (Fisher). The actress is joining a cast which includes Diane Kruger and Mike Abel. Niccol just began filming in Louisiana and also the movie is scheduled for release on March 29 the coming year.Fisher, meanwhile, was last observed in The Lincoln subsequently Lawyer, and can next display in the Quiet Crook and Retribution.

The Dictator's Oscar Victory: Sacha Baron Cohen Invited to Attend in Costume

Paula Deen, the butter queen, will continue to spread her Southern style on television... but perhaps not as thick. After revealing that she has Type 2 diabetes in January, Deen is ready to move on and promote her slightly less fatty cuisine. Just don't expect her to throw out that tub of butter completely. "I am who I am. But what I will be doing is offering up lighter versions of my recipes," the Food Network star told The Associated Press at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival on Friday. "I will have a broader platform now, trying to do something for everybody. But you know, I'm Southern by roots. I was taught [to cook] by my grandmother and nothing I can do would change that." Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Paula DeenAnthony Bourdain

Keck's Exclusive: Sarah Michelle Gellar Strips on Ringer

Sarah Michelle Gellar "Stripper Bridget is coming back!" Ringer's Sarah Michelle Gellar told me at the Golden Globes. And now this exclusive First Look photo proves it. TheMarch 6 episode of the CW thriller flashes back to Bridget's Wyoming strip club years, as she soliciting a customer for a lap dance. Executive producer Pam Veasey says Sarah loves getting to show off this seductive side of her character. And in case any obsessive SMG fans are wondering, yes, Pam says the writers are indeed planning to eventually show Bridget on stage working her pole. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

SAG, AFTRA post merger docs

Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have posted their proposed merger documents online on their respective web sites. SAG's board approved the proposal Friday and AFTRA followed on Saturday. The documents went live Tuesday night. The proposal will be sent on Feb. 27 to 120,000 SAG members and 70,000 AFTRA members, who include actors, broadcasters, DJs, singers and dancers. To pass, the referendum would need a 60% approval margin from both orgs among votes cast. The new union will be called SAG-AFTRA, should members approve the merger vote. SAG members defeated merger proposals in 1999 and 2003 while AFTRA members supported both. In 2003, the merged union would have been called the Alliance of Intl. Media Artists, which may have been a factor in the defeat. Each site -- www.sag.org and www.aftra.com -- also contained the following message: "As you know, merger referendum ballots are scheduled to be mailed on or about February 27 - but members of both unions now have access to the complete merger documents online. Full printed merger documents will also be mailed to each voter with the referendum ballot, which will be due for return on March 30. This will give each member ample time to make a thoughtful and well-informed decision." The sites also contain links to view the SAG-AFTRA Merger Agreement, SAG-AFTRA Constitution and the Pension & Health / Health & Retirement Feasibility Review. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Slater, Portofino seem like a 'Million'

Marshall Slater Bros. Entertainment and Portofino Pictures are joining to invest in and convey sports comedy "The Billion Dollar Guy," with Scott Marshall aboard to direct.Companies introduced the project Tuesday at Sundance. Producers are Todd Slater of Slater Bros. Entertainment, who lately guaranteed funding for any slate of films resides in Connecticut, and Portofino Pictures principals John J. Gatpandan, Anderson M. Hinsch and Alexander Schrader. Script, composed by Schrader, may be the underdog story of the guy who finds an enchanting chance to show his existence around as he is selected to do in the Super Bowl. Marshall lately labored together with his father, Garry Marshall, on New Line-Warner Bros.' "New Year's Eve." His credits include "All's Faire for each other,Inch "Blonde Ambition" and "Maintaining Using the Steins." "I was raised around the group of Television shows and films watching my father work, but all I truly thought about being would be a football star," Marshall stated. "The primary problem was I had been really small. Obviously I went into show business and after pointing several films, I am very excited to finally be engaged having a football project." Slater lately wrapped production on horror film "House of Dust" and "The OverallInch and it is mounted on produce Elvis biopic "Fame & Fortune." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

iCarlys Miranda Cosgrove: Michelle Obama Has Good Comic Timing

First Released: The month of january 18, 2012 4:03 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Access Hollywood Live: Miranda Cosgrove Talks Dancing With First Lady Michelle Obama On iCarly & College Plans La, Calif. -- First Lady Michelle Obama just made an appearance on Nickelodeons iCarly and series star Miranda Cosgrove had great praise on her once co-star. Shes really funny in tangible existence, so she's good comic timing, Miranda told Billy Rose bush and Package Hoover on Wednesdays Access Hollywood Live. Miranda stated regardless of the First Ladys moment limited, they bumped out the episode effortlessly. She was most likely there for 2 hrs and that we had a lot of things to film therefore we needed to go type of fast, however it only agreed to be fun dealing with see her dance and stuff. She stated that part was her favorite, Miranda stated. Getting the Presidents wife on set did include added security concerns. There have been a lot of Secret Service people plus they come a few days before just to look into the area plus they meet everyone and you've got to provide them your data and stuff, Miranda described. After which when she found the set, shes so relaxed and nice she loved dancing and merely speaking about fashion. She really was awesome. It had been her very first time acting too. Miranda is presently focusing on her very own new adventure college existence. I acquired into NYU and USC and Ive been trying to puzzle out which to visit because I deferred for any year since Im doing my show, now its really reducing to the stage where I've to make a decision, she stated. And theres been just a little pressure for that actress to remain local from her family My father loves USC while he visited and my parents dont want me to visit NY, however i love NY, she stated. iCarly airs Saturday nights at 8/7c on Nickelodeon. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Weather Funnel flies into 'Hurricane'

The Sun And Rain Funnel has greenlit four halfhour cases of ''Hurricane Potential predators,'' getting a premiere searching for This summer time. ''Hurricane'' is really a character-driven nonfiction series devoted to aircraft aircraft pilots in the Mississippi-based Air Pressure squadron who fly into tornados to gather meteorological data. For the majority of the aircraft aircraft pilots, it is a moonlighting job among complicated day-to-day lives. ''The advantage of shows similar to this for your Weather Funnel is always that they're real people, and also the type of work they're doing helps safeguard people and potentially saves lives,'' mentioned network and content EVP and g.m. Bob Master. Christian D'Andrea, Aleco Bravo and Wealthy Battista will produce in colaboration rich in Noon Entertainment. The next premieres for your Weather Funnel are available in March: ''Lifeguard'' and ''Braving sun and rain.'' Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

James Badge Dale Back On Lone Ranger?

The finances are sorted...This isn't precisely the greatest surprise, since he was from the role back prior to the film got shut lower over budget worries, but James Badge Dale has become in the frame to experience Armie Hammer's brother within the Lone Ranger.If he signs on, Dale is going to be Serta Reid, an old Texas Ranger themself then one of the hero within the old West.Ranger, modified in the classic TV series, is placed to prepare correctly the following month with Gore Verbinski within the director's saddle, and sees Hammer because the titular hero and The Actor-brad Pitt as partner Tonto. The present cast includes Luther's Ruth Wilson (playing Dale's wife), Tom Wilkinson, Craig Pepper, Helena Bonham Carter and Dwight Yoakum.Dale makes a reputation for themself around the small screen as opposed to the large one, with meaty roles in series like the Off-shore and Rubicon. But this season is shaping as much as be the one which could see him bust out in movie theaters, between showing up within this month's Shame alongside Michael Fassbender, getting a vital role in World War Z and finishing focus on Robert Zemeckis' lately-wrapped go back to live action, Flight.

Jennifer Lawrence to unveil Oscar noms

LawrenceJennifer Lawrence will present the nominations for the 84th Academy Awards with Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences president Tom Sherak at 5:30 a.m. PT on Jan. 24.Sherak and Lawrence will unveil the nominations in 10 of the 24 categories at a news conference at the Acad's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, where hundreds of media representatives from around the world will be gathered. Noms information for all categories will be distributed simultaneously to news media in attendance and via the Internet on the official Academy Awards website, Oscar.com. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

'Grey's Anatomy' strong in return

ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy' drew 12.0 million viewers on Thursday and was the night's No. 1 broadcast program in all key demos. It will face tougher competition in coming weeks, but ABC's ''Grey's Anatomy'' returned from a two-month break with a strong showing Thursday and helped the net win the night over mostly repeats on the rivals. ''Grey's'' and lead-out ''Private Practice'' hit season highs, while CW's ''The Vampire Diaries'' also came back nicely.According to preliminary national estimates from Nielsen, ABC started the night with a pretty good debut for ''Winter Wipeout'' (2.8/8 in 18-49, 8.5 million viewers overall), which placed second to CBS comedy repeats for its hour but was down about 25% from its premiere on the same night a year ago. ''Wipeout'' is a big upgrade in the timeslot for ABC, easily outperforming former slot occupant ''Charlie's Angels.''''Grey's Anatomy'' then surged from there (4.5 rating/11 share in adults 18-49, 12.0 million viewers overall), standing as the night's No. 1 broadcast program in all key demos and rising 10% from its most recent episode on Nov. 10 to post its best demo score since late March; the vet medical drama went up against repeats on CBS, NBC and Fox, with those nets bringing back their Thursday shows in originals next week. Closing out the night for ABC, ''Private Practice'' (2.8/7 in 18-49, 7.8 million viewers overall) hit a season high and was the clear broadcast leader in demos, though it likely placed behind MTV's season premiere of ''Jersey Shore.''For the night, ABC prevailed in 18-49 and 25-54 and also edged out CBS in total viewers. The 3.3 rating in 18-49 marks the best for a regular ABC Thursday lineup this season.CBS placed second in demos, led by comedies ''The Big Bang Theory'' (3.5/10 in 18-49, 11.6 million viewers overall) and ''Rules of Engagement'' (2.6/7 in 18-49, 8.7 million viewers overall). The net also did decent numbers with repeats of crime dramas ''Person of Interest'' (1.9/5 in 18-49, 8.7 million viewers overall) and ''The Mentalist'' (1.9/5 in 18-49, 9.2 million viewers overall).NBC aired an all-repeat comedy night: ''Community'' (0.8/2 in 18-49, 2.6 million viewers overall), ''Parks and Recreation'' (0.9/2 in 18-49, 2.4 million viewers overall), ''The Office'' (1.1/3 in 18-49, 2.6 million viewers overall), ''Whitney'' (0.9/2 in 18-49, 2.3 million viewers overall), a special 10 p.m. airing of ''The Office'' (0.7/2 in 18-49, 1.8 million viewers overall) and then ''Up All Night'' (0.7/2 in 18-49, 1.9 million viewers overall). And Fox aired a pair of ''Bones'' repeats, earning a 1.2/3 in 18-49 and 4.8 million viewers overall at 8 and a 1.1/3 in 18-49 and 4.3 million viewers overall at 9.Over at CW, ''The Vampire Diaries'' returned from an eight-week break to good numbers (1.4/4 in 18-49, 3.2 million viewers overall), matching its best women 18-34 score of the season (2.3/7) and rising 14% in 18-34 vs. its last original (1.6 vs. 1.4). Also back was rookie drama ''The Secret Circle'' (0.8/2 in 18-49, 2.1 million viewers overall), in line with its recent deliveries.Next Thursday will see the series premieres of CBS comedy ''Rob'' (in for ''Rules of Engagement'') and Fox drama ''The Finder'' (replacing ''Bones'') as well as the return of NBC's ''30 Rock'' in its new 8 o'clock timeslot and the new-night debut of the net's ''Up All Night'' (replacing ''Whitney'' at 9:30).Preliminary 18-49 averages for the night: ABC, 3.3/9; CBS, 2.3/6; Univision, 1.5/4; Fox and CW, 1.1/3; NBC, 0.8/2.In total viewers: ABC, 9.5 million; CBS, 9.3 million; Fox, 4.6 million; Univision, 3.6 million; CW, 2.6 million; NBC, 2.3 million. Contact Rick Kissell at rick.kissell@variety.com

Christopher Lee's Saruman Is 'Good And Noble' In 'The Hobbit'

In a video message to his fans, Christopher Lee sounds as he ever does. "We are coming to the end of 2011," he intones in his trademark baritone. "I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, a happy Christmas, and the family's gathered together." Proceeding from there, he begins to talk about the state of the world, and how the state of things are in bad shape. It's heavy talk coming from the long-time actor, but with his 90th birthday approaching, it would be weirder if he didn't have thoughts of mortality on his mind. Lee spends much of the video discussing "The Hobbit," the two-part prequel to "Lord of the Rings" that sees the actor returning to the role of Saruman the White. According to Lee, he's finished filming his scenes for both movies, scenes he hopes to live long enough to see again. That may sound macabre, but at his age, Lee says he takes smaller roles that don't require as much time on set. "What is extremely important is that in these two films, which of course are long before 'Lord of the Rings,'" he says. "Saruman, who I play again, is indeed still Saruman the White, but he is a good and noble man, and the head of the Council of Wizards, as he always was." When "The Hobbit" drops, it'll be a joy to see Lee on screen, as it always is. Lee also spoke about his other movie projects, such as "Hugo," "The Wicker Tree," and "The Hobbit." After lauding Martin Scorsese's directorial skills with "Hugo," he stresses that "Wicker Tree" is not a sequel to "The Wicker Man" -- it's more of a spiritual successor. Lee was the villain in the original "Wicker Man" -- not the Nic Cage remake, unfortunately -- but his role in the new film, listed as "Old Man," would seem less involved. Tell us what you think of Lee's "Hobbit" update in the comments and on Twitter!

Stars Share New Years Well-Wishes On Twitter

First Launched: The month of the month of january 1, 2012 1:30 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium La, Calif. -- Caption Beyonce works at Hallenstadion in Zurich, Europe on November 7, 2011 Its a completely new Year together with a brand new start as well as the stars are talking about their well-wishes and plans for 2012 on Twitter. Heres whatever they required to Tweet: Beyonce: Thanks 4 makin 2011 an incredible year, filled with many different laughs and tearsMemories produced in either situation,that Ill always cherish #1LOVE HAPPY Year Fanatics!!!!!!!!!!!! #FIREWORKS Katherine Heigl: Happy Year everyone! Wanting everyone an excellent, peaceful, prosperous and healthy 2012 full of great achievements and encounters. Jessica Simpson: Already visited dinner and changed! Might need to ring inside the year while using colonial!! Happy Year!!!!!! J.R. Martinez: New Years Day and Im ready to battle stuff that come my way.Praying for health, strength, and continuing benefits! #NewYearNewYou Christina Applegate: Happy Year everyone. Have a very safe evening. Be kind, dont drive after consuming, but consuming and tweeting is entertainment for individuals. Jennifer Lopez: To all or any the #LOVE?RS your #LOVE made 2011 an memorable year!! Look out 2012 ideas come!! Margaret Cho: happy year everyone~~~ clearly i visited bed mattress at 9pm last evening a year ago Jared Leto: Yesterday is sooooo a year ago. Nicki Minaj: And Happy Year to everyone in the world whos clock ALREADY struck 12!!!!!!! Benefits, benefits & more benefits!!! (F*** did I type?) Maria Shriver: Happy Year to everybody. I am hoping your holidays were a period duration of pleasure, gratitude and awe. Kelly K. Bensimon: Happy Year to my amazing twitter family. You are encouraging, curious, and courageous to put your voice available! Love kelly Peter Gallagher: Happy Year beautiful people, appreciate which causes it to be so fine. Enables do that certain better yet! Peace and prefer to all. Cheers! Carey Hart: Happy New Years 2 my pals. I enjoy throw my happys out when u feel your worst. Enjoy ur hang over. Likely to be an excellent year. Sean Diddy Hair hair combs: I like yall. Happy year!!! 2012 Rainn Wilson: Happy Year! (please print and frame this tweet) Paula Deen: Happy New Years yall! Hopefully 2012 is full of many, benefits for you and your family people. Fran Drescher: Happy Year! Remember when u r feeling peaceful, its a gr8 time 2 manifest what u r redy 4 in 2012! Repeat frequently! F Kim Kardashian: Desire is sooo ready to ignore 2011 and possess the best 2012 ever!!! John Legend: Have a very beautiful, exciting, productive, happy year. I'm going to be delivering a soundtrack for the 2012 soon! Giuliana Rancic: Happy Year!!!! May God be thankful with love, pleasure in addition to coursegood health in 2012!!! Khlo Kardashian Odom: Happy Year!!! Bob Saget: Today is day one in the relaxation from the existence. So when that doesn't exercise to suit your needs, Tomorrow is day one in the relaxation from the existence Take advantage of Robinson: 2011 is finished, its finished with, gone bye-bye! God has given a totally new start! Its 2012, baby! Ashley Tisdale: Happy year :) Lauren Conrad: Happy Year! Kristi Yamaguchi: Welcome 2012! wanting everyone a very Happy Year! Jamie Lynn Warrior warrior spears: Happy Year!!! #loveyall Nancy Sophistication: Happy Year!! Love NG & twins Karina Smirnoff: Wow! The amount of an incredible evening! NYE in NY is totally magical! 2012 started immediately! Hope everyone had amazing time last evening! Olivia Munn: Happy Year to the Troops!!! Appreciate EVERYTHING!!! Have a look at @MaximMag for the next monosodium glutamate from me to the soldiers. XOXOX Brandi Glanville: Happy Year tweeters! Year means new twitter!! Ignore EC or LR in my timeline! also never discuss the kids or I'll go OG on ur ass! Jesse Trump Junior.: Happy year all. Kurt Sutter: A Completely New YEARS RESOLUTION: The Higher In My Opinion I Realize IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONATE For The AMOUNT I STILL Should Find Out. REMAIN F***ING TEACHABLE. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.