Say what you will about the man’s acting abilities (after all, he wasn’t all that great in Terminator: Salvation and was only marginally improved in Public Enemies … and don’t get me started on that voice he uses in the Batman films), he really outdoes himself physically when he prepares for a role. Christian Bale looks like a bona fide crack head in this new photo:

Yikes doesn’t even seem to encapsulate my feelings on this photo. I can deffo appreciate the mans commitment to his craft but I’m very much looking forward to the wrap of this movie so that Bale can go back to lookin’ hawt again. Yeesh.

[Photo credit: Fame]

I love that this photo of Marky Mark reminds me of his infamous pants-dropping days back in the 90’s when he was a model for Calvin Klein underwear. Additionally, these new photos of Christian Frail remind me a lot of Jennifer Lopez’s husband Marc Anthony. I really hope the Skeletor-look doesn’t become a new thing in Hollywood. I like a little muscly meat on my men, don’t you?

[Photo credit: Splash News]

Yeesh … Christian does look really gaunt and really frail. He deffo has that cracked out druggie look going for him. But, in case you’re not familiar with his film The Machinist, he slimmed down a lot more for that film:

Christian’s bone-thin appearance was not due to special effects … he actually lost all the weight to look this painfully thin for the role. You gotta respect an actor that will go to such lengths for a movie role. He looks terrible but it’s clearly the look he is going for. Yikes!

[Photo credit: Fame]

Both began their careers in the mid-’80s with instant classics (”Empire of the Sun,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street”), matured as actors with critically acclaimed roles in the ’90s (”Ed Wood,” “American Psycho”) and broke through with iconic characters in recent years (the “Pirates” and “Batman” films). Both possess the rare quality of making women want them and men want to be like them — and the even rarer skill of being indie-minded actors who lose no credibility when they delve into blockbuster territory. And on Tuesday evening, the remarkably similar career trajectories of Johnny Depp and Christian Bale converged on a red carpet full of gals, guns and gangsters at the premiere of “Public Enemies.” “We are both fellas, and both dads, and both in the same profession,” Depp, who plays notorious outlaw John Dillinger in the flick, explained of his similarities to Bale. “He’s very good, and tremendously talented.” “He’s a very unique actor,” returned Bale, who spends “Enemies” in hot pursuit of Depp’s Dillinger as FBI agent Melvin Purvis. “And I admire his work.” “Both are so intense and so committed and generous,” marveled Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, who plays Depp’s love interest in the Michael Mann flick. “It’s a really hard question: How do you compare something unique to something unique?” Another unique pop-culture phenomenon is our continuing fascination with the American gangster. Although Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Frank Nitti, Baby Face Nelson and other “Enemies” characters saw their real-life glory days some 70 years ago, we’re still enamored with them. So, what is it that makes gangsters so timeless? “Dillinger, you see, he was a bit more of an outlaw,” Depp explained. “The best thing about being an outlaw was the machine gun — and unlimited ammunition.” “The finest cars,” Bale said of the gangster life. “[Their] cars have this artistry, and they have a sense of the character.” “You can make your own rules, and bend the rules,” reasoned Leelee Sobieski, who plays another Dillinger flame in the film. “[When you're a gangster], crazy things will happen.” “Just saying the name ‘gangster’ — the hats, women and cars,” agreed Jason Clarke, who works alongside Depp in the film as fellow outlaw “Red” Hamilton. “They were guys that did what they wanted.” And speaking of people who can do whatever they want, it was hard to not notice the gangster-like power wielded by Depp and Bale as they walked the red carpet, greeted by shrieks of adoring fans. “I had a crush on Johnny when I was 6 years old,” Sobieski gushed. “I loved him in ‘Cry-Baby’!”

Yeah, I don’t know what it is about the romantic nature of gangsters but I feel that this impressive cast of actors will do a great service to that romantic notion and will do much to revive their appeal. I think the casting for this film is genius … as long as the writing in the film is decent, I suspect this movie will do very well. After the jump, check out a short video interview with Johnny Depp conducted by MTV News — the questions are kinda inane but Depp does a great job responding …

Christian Bale was all smiles during his red carpet walk for the premiere of his latest action film “Terminator Salvation” held at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood on Thursday, May 14. No sign of that angry actor who so famously went off on the film’s director of photography; instead, he hugged his wife Sibi Blazic to his side and behaved. Perhaps that’s because it isn’t Bale who is getting all the attention for this fourth installment in “The Terminator” series that began way back in 1984. That honor goes to Australian actor Sam Worthington, who breaks out in a big way in the massive action flick. The former bricklayer from Perth is the man of the hour, as was obvious at the elaborate after party set up in a parking lot across Hollywood Boulevard. As spotlights swept the scene and massive robots loomed over the revelers, Worthington was mobbed by excited new fans. He hung on tight to girlfriend Natalie Mark, and seemed to take it all in stride. “I think I’m in a lucky position to be getting offered roles that I find interesting,” said the 32-year-old actor who spent ten years working in Australian film, television, and theater before taking the leap to Hollywood. “I’m working with some very talented people and hopefully telling some good stories. And hopefully my work isn’t going to let those people down.” His co-stars on hand seemed happy with his performance as they did the meet-and-greet at the premiere. Moon Bloodgood, Jane Alexander, Anton Yelchin and Bryce Dallas Howard all made the star-studded scene, along with “Terminator” fans like Rose McGowan, Eric Dane, Anil Kapoor, Tyrese Gibson, Kathryn Morris, Brook Burke, Eric Mabius, and Kelly Osbourne. But despite the rumors swirling around the party, it turned out that California’s governor and the original star of “The Terminator” Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver did not make the premiere. They did, however send three of their children to the celebration. Katherine, Patrick, and Christopher Schwarzenegger represented the family, and watched their dad’s robot character return to the role that made him a household name 25 years ago.

It is a huge compliment to get top billing with a star like Christian Bale so it seems that Sam Worthington is really making his mark in Hollywood. You will note that both of their names are listed on the poster artwork for this film. I am not familiar with any of Worthington’s previous work but something tells me that we will be hearing a lot more about him soon. I understand that he has signed on to appear in the new James Cameron big budget blockbuster Avatar and he will be starring in the updated remake of Clash of the Titans. I am really anxious to see Terminator: Salvation cuz I’ve been hearing really great things. Here’s hopin’ the Aussie can keep up with the superstar Welsh Brit and hold his own as a leading man in this much anticipated action flick.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

I used to be fascinated with the notion that bank robbers could become celebrities in this country but never quite could believe it … of course, this was in the days before the Internet and Reality TV took over the public consciousness. Now I can understand how something like that could happen very easily … tho, it still amazes me that this celeb status could so easily spring up back in the 1930s. I can’t wait to see this film … I hear it’s going to be amazing. After the jump, check out two more posters from Public Enemies — one which features Christian Bale (as Melvin Purvis) and one which features Marion Cotillard (as Billie Frechette) …

In this film Bale plays FBI Bureau Chief Melvin Purvis and, in some respects, could be seen as the “bad guy” of the movie since the stars of the film are the bank robbers. I can’t wait to see how they pull off this period piece. I normally hate “old fashioned” movies but I can’t wait to see this one!

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Batman movie “The Dark Knight” soared away with five People’s Choice Awards on Wednesday including favorite movie and on-screen pairing for stars Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger to kick off Hollywood’s annual awards season. Country singer Carrie Underwood, who rose to fame on television talent show “American Idol,” was another big winner, hauling in three People’s Choice Awards for favorite female singer, country song “Last Name,” and star under 35 years-old. “Fans and people voting for me are what gave me a career in the first place,” Underwood said, acknowledging the voting by music lovers. “This is an amazing night.” The People’s Choice Awards, in its 35th edition this year, are a widely watched measure of popular appeal for Hollywood stars and they mark a starting point for the industry’s annual awards season which runs through the Oscars, the world’s top film awards, that take place in February. Adam Sandler was named funniest male star, Reese Witherspoon favorite female movie star, and Kate Hudson top leading lady among winners in more than 40 categories covering film, television, music and even online entertainment.

Sandler, Witherspoon and Hudson all echoed a familiar theme of the night by saying People’s Choice honors were special because they were voted on by fans, as opposed to critics or members of industry groups. The ceremony also has a more casual atmosphere compared to TV’s Emmy’s or the film industry’s Oscars, where black ties and ball gowns are mandatory. Noting that difference, Katherine Heigl, who accepted the trophy for best comedy movie for her “27 Dresses,” told reporters backstage that she wore a pants suit because “it was after the holidays, so I didn’t want to wear anything strapless or anything I had to suck in my stomach for.” Among film honors, “Dark Knight,” which was 2008’s top film at box offices with global ticket sales of nearly $1 billion, also proved to be the No. 1 movie of the night. Along with best film and on-screen match-up, it hauled in awards for favorite action movie, superhero for Bale as Batman, and for its cast. “The Secret Life of Bees” was the winner of best film drama and favorite independent film, and animated “Wall-E” was the No. 1 family film for People’s Choice voters. In the TV arena, medical show “House” was named favorite TV drama, and “Two and a Half Men” was best TV comedy. “The Mentalist” was top new TV drama while “Gary Unmarried” was the No. 1 new TV comedy. “House” star Hugh Laurie took home the trophy for favorite male TV star, and Christina Applegate took the honor of top female TV star for “Samantha Who?” Applegate, who revealed earlier this year that she underwent surgery for breast cancer, said the award meant a lot to her after a difficult year.” “I feel great. I really do,” she told reporters backstage. “Each week gets easier and each week gets better.” Ellen DeGeneres was named best TV talk show host and “Dancing With the Stars” was the people’s pick for No. 1 competition or reality TV show. Along with Underwood, top winners in music included Kid Rock for favorite rock song “All Summer Long,” Rascal Flatts for favorite group, Chris Brown best male singer and Katy Perry with best pop tune “I Kissed a Girl.”

I love the People’s Choice Awards primarily because the winners are determined by the people … which is unlike any other major award show. I had tickets to attend last night’s show but couldn’t make it because of a last minute meeting I had to attend late yesterday afternoon. As much as it bums me out that I couldn’t attend, I’m very happy with the way other things are going in my personal life right now … but I’m digressing. Much congrats to the winners of the PCAs this year. Let’s see if The Dark Knight is able to secure any other nominations and awards as the Awards Season carries on. Click HERE to see a full list of this year’s People’s Choice Award winners.

[Photo credit: Wireimage, Splash News; Source]

She may be the most photographed woman in the world. But even Angelina Jolie can fly under the radar. The actress – who recently returned from a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan – made a surprise appearance at Monday night’s Hollywood Film Festival Awards Gala, where she payed tribute to director Clint Eastwood. In fact, Jolie’s appearance was so unexpected, the A-list crowd gasped audibly when she was introduced. The mother-of-six took time out of her busy schedule to present Eastwood – who helmed her most recent move, The Changeling – with the director of the year award. “There are some people in this business that are icons, and we often wonder if, when we meet them, they’ll live up to what we imagine them to be,” she told the audience. “And Clint Eastwood in person is even better. Clint is what every great director should be,” she continued. “He is a great leader. And I certainly would follow him anywhere.” … As he accepted the honor, Eastwood noted, “Working with someone like Angelina Jolie is a great privilege, because you get to look on that gorgeous beauty every day. And she’s a great talent.” The two walked arm-in-arm from the stage. Then Jolie, wearing a floor-sweeping black gown and minimal makeup, slipped out of the event as stealthily as she’d arrived.

It’s unclear if Angelina flew to the States unaccompanied by any of her family members (who were last seen in Germany where daddy Brad Pitt is bizzy working on a new Tarantino film) but my guess is that she’s prolly already back with her family by now. Clint Eastwood wasn’t the only actor who was honored at last night’s gala event … Dustin Hoffman was presented with the Hollywood Career Achievement Award, Josh Brolin was presented with the Hollywood Actor of the Year Award and Kristin Scott Thomas took home the Hollywood Actress of the Year Award. I believe that Ryan Gosling was on hand to present Hoffman with his trophy but I, personally, would be much more excited about having Mr. Gosling doing the presenting rather than the award itself. Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson … the Hollywood Film Festival Gala brought out all the hotties. Sounds like it was a fun event.

[Photo credit: Wireimage, Bauer-Griffin; Source]

Batman star Christian Bale will not face charges relating to an alleged assault last month on his mother and sister, prosecutors said Thursday, suggesting their decision was based in part on the family members’ wishes. Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence to afford a “realistic prospect of conviction,” and ordered police not to take any further action. The service said in a statement that while it “treats all incidents which take place in a domestic context seriously, it is important that the views of complainants are also taken into account when making decisions in such cases.” Bale, who denies the allegation, said through his spokeswoman, Jennifer Allen, that he was relieved the issue had been settled. The actor “hopes to put the matter firmly behind him” and will be providing no further comment, Allen said in a statement released by Bale’s lawyers.

Whew! This is great news for Christian Bale. I was wary of him admitting guilt in open court just to have the issue resolved without criminal prosecution but that is no longer an issue … the case has been dropped, there is nothing further to be said on his part. At least this ugly incident has been resolved and he can carry on. What do y’all think? Was this the right course of action?

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