Rant Just Bale in Character: Producer

Reveals star's troubled childhood

(NEWSER) - Christian Bale's infamous F-word-laced meltdown on a movie set was caused by a hair-trigger temper forged in his childhood, his mom tell the Mirror. The perfectionist actor was repeatedly humiliated as a child by his father, said his 61-year-old mum, Jenny, who accused her son of assault last year. “People might now realize that that is his temper," she added. More»

Roger Corman, Gordon Willis, John Calley share the spotlight

(NEWSER) - A mere 65 years after her unforgettable screen debut, Lauren Bacall has won an Academy Award. The honorary Oscar was a high point of a ceremony last night in Los Angeles that also celebrated the careers of filmmaker Roger Corman, cinematographer Gordon Willis, and producer John Calley. "I can't believe it, a man at last!" the 85-year-old Bacall joked as she hoisted her new hardware. More»

Using guns much easier than using fists, actor says

(NEWSER) - Who would win in a battle between Batman and John Connor? Christian Bale’s money seems to be on the Dark Knight, the Mirror reports. “Batman’s a hell of a lot tougher to do because he’s all physical,” Bale told E! “He doesn’t use guns. He’s completely physical. John Connor uses guns. It’s just a matter of picking somebody off and getting a good shot.” More»

Opinion divided over 'heavy-metal' flick

(NEWSER) - Critics agree on one thing about Terminator Salvation: It’s loud. As to whether quality matches volume, opinion runs the gamut:

• AO Scott, in the New York Times, praises director McG’s “efficient, reasonably swift storytelling” and “mastery of the vernacular of chases, fights, explosions and crashes.” “Comfortable with its limitations and justly proud of its accomplishments,” the film “has a brute integrity lacking in some of the other seasonal franchise movies.”

List of new releases that face criticism

(NEWSER) - Movie fans are fuming for one reason or another about most of the blockbusters out this month, the New York Times reports—and studios find it difficult to discern potent protests from the all-too-common casual boycott. A look at which films, and why:

• Terminator Salvation upset fans because of its tame PG-13 rating.
• Trekkies are petitioning Paramount to donate part of Star Trek revenue for exploration of outer space.