Celluloid's Sexiest Swimsuits

America's latest sweetheart commands up to $20M per movie

(NEWSER) - Rendition was a dud, but Reese Witherspoon's peachy $15 million to $20 million fee per movie puts her atop this year’s highest-paid actress list. But she and other leading ladies—such as runner-up Angeline Jolie—often accept lower payoffs to keep their schedules packed, the Hollywood Reporter observes. More»

With the Evil Empire as the bad guy, Hollywood made some great flicks

(NEWSER) - Maybe the reason Betsy Sharkey is feeling nostalgic about Cold War flicks is that the era offered a clear, if flawed, idea that we were the good guys. Regardless, it made for some good movies. The Los Angeles Times critic's faves, by "capricious category":

• Aliens: With "subtexts rich in what the 'aliens' might be capable of," films like the original Day the Earth Stood Still shine. Also of note is the ghetto freakout Brother From Another Planet (1984).

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.

The top ten real hotels featured in Hollywood

(NEWSER) - People usually use movies for escapism, but if you’d like to flip the tables and relive a classic film moment, just check into the hotel where it was shot. The Telegraph runs down some of the most famous, from around the world.

• Beverly Wilshire, Los Angeles: Get a room and put on your favorite spandex mini-dress and boom! You're Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
• Timberline Lodge, Oregon: For a spookier trip, visit this hotel where the exteriors for The Shining were shot. Don't worry: there are amenities year-round.

Ex-husband makes the list, too

(NEWSER) - With an ignominious 1:1 ratio of salary to receipts, Nicole Kidman snags the top spot on Forbes’ list of most overpaid movie stars. In other words, her films make a mere $1 for every dollar she’s paid, an average $15 million per flick. Ex-husband Tom Cruise is close behind at No. 3, with Jennifer Garner in the runner-up slot. More»