New Releases: 'The Iron Lady,' 'A Separation' and 'Pariah'

It's almost 2012, which -- depending on your level of interest in Mayan civilization -- either means the start of the apocalypse or the start of a new year. (Fingers crossed for the latter!) Whether or not you're preparing for the end days, there are still plenty of good movies to check out in the theaters (don't worry, you won't have to spend your final hours watching 'Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked'). From 'The Iron Lady' to 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' to 'Hugo,' let's take a look at this week's new releases, along with some films that are already on the big screen. LIMITED RELEASES 'The Iron Lady' What's the story: With no new nationwide releases this week, we turn to former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. 'The Iron Lady,' which you may have already heard about if you're following this year's Oscar race, features Meryl Streep as Britain's conservative icon. While Streep's portrayal of Thatcher has riled some across the Atlantic, many have lauded her performance. Not to be completely outdone, critics have also praised actor Jim Broadbent's role as Dennis Thatcher, Margaret's husband. The movie focuses on the days leading up to England's involvement in the Falklands War. Box office projection: Since 'The Iron Lady' is only in limited release this week, we're going to wait to make a box office projection until Jan. 12, when the film hits theaters nationwide. [Showtimes & Tickets] 'A Separation' What's the story: This Iranian film tells the story of a married couple who end up separating. Eventually, the husband is accused of attacking his father's elderly caretaker, and possibly causing her miscarriage. Iran's official candidate for the Best Foreign Language film at next year's Oscars, 'A Separation' has received critical acclaim from film festivals around the world -- pretty impressive for a movie with a reported budget of only $500,000. [Showtimes & tickets] 'Pariah' What's the story: Another film critic favorite, 'Pariah' follows Alike, a 17-year-old African-American coming to terms with her identity as a lesbian. Adepero Oduye, who plays Alike, has been nominated for Best Female Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards. Earlier this year, 'Pariah' won the Excellence in Cinematography award at this year's Sundance Film Festival. [Showtimes & Tickets] IN THEATERS NOW If any of the limited releases aren't up your alley (or aren't being shown in your hometown), fear not: there are plenty of movies already out in theaters. Fresh off last week's $44 million opening is 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol,' the fourth film in the Tom Cruise film franchise. This time around, the mission deemed impossible features a jaw-dropping sequence where Cruise hangs from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Those looking for something a little more serious may want to check out 'War Horse,' the Steven Spielberg-directed flick based on the award-winning stage production, which follows the path of a horse during World War I. Speaking of Spielberg, there's also 'The Adventures of Tintin,' the animated film he directed and co-produced with 'Lord of the Rings' master Peter Jackson. Also for the kids, you have a choice of 'Hugo,' 'Arthur Christmas,' 'The Muppets' or (sigh) 'Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked' (we'd go with 'Hugo,' our pick for best movie of the year). The dark murder mystery of 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' will attract adult audiences, while 'We Bought a Zoo' is good fare for the whole family. And, if you really want to go all out and celebrate the 2012 apocalypse, there's always 'New Year's Eve.' [Photo: TWC] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Biebers Grandmother and grand daddy Fine After Vehicle Crash

First Launched: December 28, 2011 5:56 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium STRATFORD, ON -- Caption Attacking Youthful Boys works onstage at FOXs The X Factor Live Finale Show in Hollywood, Calif. on December 22, 2011Ontario police confirmed Wednesday that pop star Justin Biebers grandmother and grand daddy were in the vehicle crash but appear in the beginning sight both fine. Constable Kees Wijnands mentioned Bruce and Diane Dale drove in to a ditch Tuesday mid-next day of striking a place of slushy snow on the highway near Stratford, Ontario, Biebers hometown. Wijnands mentioned the automobile folded over and struck just a little tree before landing back on its wheels. He mentioned Bruce Dale was treated inside the hospital which are both fine. Biebers mother, Pattie Mallette, broke what is the news on Twitter on Tuesday mid-day, departing an outpouring of support online. My parents experienced an automobile accident today. They switched in to a ditch&totaled the automobile but fortunately they are alive! My dad has broken ribs. Plz pray 4 him 4 quick healing! Count your benefits&forgive ur parents always. U have no idea what tomorrowholds!!! she tweeted. Bieber did not discuss the incident. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Steve Jobs To Receive Posthumous Grammy

First Published: December 22, 2011 5:49 PM EST Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at an Apple Special Event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, Calif. September 1, 2010 Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is receiving a posthumous Grammy for his technological innovations in the arts. Jobs is among a dozen people, music groups or companies receiving honorary awards Feb. 11, the day before the Grammys. He died of cancer in October. The Grammys are honoring Jobs with one of the groups Trustees Awards, citing the late Apple boss advancements that transformed the way we consume music, TV, movies, and books. Grammy organizers called him a creative visionary for Apple Inc. innovations that include the iPod, iPhone and iPad. Others receiving honorary awards the day before the Grammys include Diana Ross, the Allman Brothers, Glen Campbell, Antonio Carlos Jobim, George Jones, the Memphis Horns and recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'American Horror' finale nabs 3.2 million audiences

FX's "American Horror Story" may have scared people, nevertheless it hasn't scared them -- the newcomer horror drama handled to sustain its viewership all season. Wednesday night's season finale in the Ryan Murphy-produced skein attracted in just over 3.2 million total audiences getting a proper 2.19 million inside the demo, evaluating positively for the just-under 3.2 million pairs of eyeballs drenched due to its first seg, in October. The show has furthermore added plenty of all-important demo audiences its initial air only attracted 1.6 000 0000 18-49-year-olds.It's a series that pulls in plenty lately audiences -- people amounts for your series premiere later broadened to 4.2 million with 2.8 million demo audiences when 3-day Dvr viewership was incorporated later -- so expect an effective section of "Horror" fans to remain updated Thursday, Friday and also on Christmas Eve. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Andrew Walker journeys 'North'

WalkerAndrew Walker, who recently co-starred on Lifetime's "Against the Wall," has joined the cast of Dimension Films' thriller "Penthouse North." Joseph Ruben directs the genre pic starring Michelle Monaghan as a blind photojournalist who gets caught up in a game of cat-and-mouse with a sadistic criminal, played by Michael Keaton. Walker, repped by ICM and Thruline Entertainment, will play Monaghan's boyfriend. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

Jessie J: If Only To Achieve In Weight

First Launched: December 19, 2011 9:07 AM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Jessie J arrives for your Giles show at London Fashion Week Spring/Summer season 2012, London, on September 19, 2011Most Year resolutions include a diet. Not for Jessie J. The British singer states her goal for 2012 is always to grow in weight. Jessie J states shes been investing a lot time this year which its crucial that you know if you wish to achieve weight, or if you wish to shed weight and be healthy. The 23-year-old is famous on her slim figure and skin tight clothes. She released her debut Compact disk Who We are taken. Its double platinum inside the United kingdom, where she's four Top hits, like the No. 1 tune Cost. That song has showed up at the most effective 40 in the united states. The singer also expects to shave her mind for charitable organization. States Jessie J: If only to actually really make a difference in the world. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Mission Impossible': Five J.J. Abrams Regulars We Wish Employed Next

Producer J.J. Abrams has generated a great tradition within the "Mission: Impossible" franchise: in the last two "M:I" obligations, Abrams has approached fan-favorite stars from his television past in a nutshell but awesome roles. First Keri Russell sprang into "Mission: Impossible III" in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it dying scene, and offer day latest movie "Ghost Protocol" introduces "Lost" veteran Josh Holloway for the franchise. Just what purpose the first sort James "Sawyer" Ford plays inside the new "Mission" remains to look, but no matter how small or large his role, we're psyched to own him aboard. With Holloway following Russell's lead, we started wondering which other Abrams vets we'd need to see afterwards "Mission: Impossible" movies. Our wish list is past the jump! » David Anders: If there's a cooler Abrams villain than Julian Sark, I have not met himand I've come across plenty of Abrams television! Anders' infinitely badass "Alias" assassin would actually be described as a perfect easily fit into the "Mission: Impossible" world completely on his ownassuming he leaves every Rambaldi baggage in, clearly. » Kyle Chandler: His J.J. connection comes through "Super 8," so technically, he is not an Abrams TV vet. Though "Friday Evening Lights" inside the rearview mirror, we'll take Coach Taylor in any manner we could get him. We're wanting to look for the actor around the future "Mission," possibly just like a new IMF director to train some sense into Ethan Search. » Amy Jo Manley: "Felicity" fans remember her best as insecure sweetheart Julie Emrick, but kids from the 1990's know better: AJJ will forever and then try to be Kimberly Hart, the first Pink Ranger. We'd want to see Amy bring some mighty morphin' "Mission" mayhem, only once the Putties come too! » Lance Reddick: The "Lost" alum and current "Fringe" star can be a natural fit for just about any "Mission" movie similar to Chandler, he'll be an excellent IMF foil for Ethan Search, especially taking into consideration the various law-enforcement figures he's carried out over time. But Reddick also shown his ease of creepiness since the enigmatic Matthew Abadon on "Lost," which makes them a great candidate with an "Impossible" villain. » Ron Rifkin: Is he good? Is he evil? It needed a while for people to acquire a concrete answer, since the enchantingly devious Arvin Sloane saved us taking a chance on his allegiance until the "Alias" series finale. Rifkin, an incredibly gifted actor, brings the same amount of ambiguity just like a new "Mission: Impossible" antagonist. Like Sark, Rifkin's Sloane might be greater than welcome inside the "Impossible" world. And fine, sure, they can bring Rambaldi inside it if he wants to. Which J.J. Abrams veteran would you like to see afterwards "Mission: Impossible" movies? Reveal inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Total Film has a bit of the Hunger Games poster puzzle

[brightcove]1275910811001[/brightcove]Total Film has its on the job a unique puzzle bit of the brand new poster for that Hunger Games.To celebrate the truth that there's 100 days to visit before the discharge of the film, the #HUNGERGAMES100 Poster Puzzle Search is going ahead. So, once someone has collected all 100 pieces and solved the puzzle, the poster is going to be revealed.We have got piece #49, take a look here:Keep close track of the progress in the Hunger Games Facebook page.For more information around the puzzle, take a look here.The Hunger Games opens on 23 March 2012.

Digital Domain Media Group eyes Chinese market

Digital Domain Media Group, parent company of visual effects studio Digital Domain, has struck a partnership with Beijing Galloping Horse Film Co. to set up a new vfx studio in China, aimed specifically at the Chinese market.The two companies will each own 50 percent of the new Digital Domain-Galloping Horse studio, which will provide visual effects, animation and production services.DDMG will provide technology and expertise in vfx and digital production. Galloping Horse will handle land, construction and build-out costs, as well as leading funding in China's capital markets.DDMG topper John Textor said government grants and partner contributions have mitigated his company's risk on the project.Textor told Variety that while eventually the new facility may become part of DD's global pipeline, DD already has facilities in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Florida, and a deal with Reliance, which has facilities in London and Mumbai."We're trying to upgrade the production values of the local (China) market which is huge and growing and may some day be bigger than our own," he said.Textor said it will take years to train up local artists to Western standards. "Producing a Western film in that studio," he said, "is the least of our concerns. Contact David S. Cohen at david.cohen@variety.com

Tom Cruise Describes His Impossible 'Mission' In Dubai

Forget Daredevil Tom Cruise may be the guy without fear. The "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" star continues to be suspended from wires, high cliff-sides and much more in the day, but Hollywood's most well-known thrill-seeker has capped themself together with his latest "Mission." We are speaking, obviously, about Cruise's now-famous Burj Khalifa stunt, the Dubai set piece that sees the actor dangling in the highest building on the planet. Precisely what IMF agent Ethan Search and the crew of disavowed spies do breaking through your building remains to appear, but Cruise credits director Kaira Bird for approaching using the idea. "Bird designed it," Cruise told MTV News in the "Ghost Protocol" press junket locked in Dubai. "After I first viewed it, I stated, 'Man, this really is incredible. I have gotta put this on the watch's screen.AInch Cruise spoke concerning the nuances of obtaining the stunt approved, a procedure that wasn't easy by any stretch. "After I saw the animatic from it, we spent considerable time determining how we are going to get it done, how you can convince the Burj Khalifa to drag the home windows out. These were concerned about the engineering. I'd a security officer in the beginning nevertheless everybody needs to put on parachutes." Cruise's reaction to that mandate? "Well, we gotta customize the safety officer," he chuckled. "We are carrying this out! We want somebody that 'doesn't care just as much.AInch If you are searching to go to the website of Cruise's infamous Burj Khalifa stunt personally, the "Jason Bourne: Global Search" contest is providing you with the possibility. Two those who win is going to be selected for a vacation to visit Budapest, Moscow and Dubai, all locations important to the most recent "Jason Bourne" installment. For additional particulars regarding how to enter and win, click right here. Inform us that which you think about this news within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

HBO Developing Marion Barry Biopic, Eddie Murphy Set To Star, Spike Lee To Direct

In their latest collaboration, director Spike Lee and writer John Ridley have teamed for an HBO biopic of Marion Barry, with Eddie Murphy attached to play the larger-then-life former Washington D.C. mayor. The HBO Films project, first reported by the Washington Post, is currently in development. Ridley is writing the script based on several pieces of source material, including the 1994 book Dream City by D.C. journalists Harry Jaffe and Tom Sherwood who will serve as consultants. Lee on board to direct. The two are executive producing with Murphy. HBO previously developed a Marion Barry biopic a decade ago with Jamie Foxx attached to star and Chris Rock to executive produce, but the project didn’t go forward. Barry, currently a member of the Council of the District Of Columbia, did two terms as a mayor of D.C., from 1979-91 and 1995-99, separated by a six-month stint in federal prison on drug charges that stems from a video of him smoking crack cocaine. Lee and Ridley, who have been developing a movie about the L.A. riots, recently partnered on HBO’s drama pilot Da Brick, which Ridley wrote an Lee is directing. The pilot is in consideration for a series pickup.

Wally Disney Birthday: What's Your Chosen Disney Movie?

Relating to this day, 110 in the past, Wally Disney was produced. To recognition the entertainment icon's birthday, Moviefone desires to know which Disney film you consider a well known. (A hard choice understandably.) After creating their first feature-length film, 'Snow White-colored as well as the Seven Dwarfs,' in 1937, Disney ongoing to produce hundreds of family classics -- 'Cinderella,' 'The Parent Trap,' 'Mary Poppins,' 'Beauty as well as the Animal,' 'The Lion King,' only to title a few. So! Celebrate Walt's 110th birthday by selecting on in the films below. Just in case your preferred film isn't listed, then appear off inside the comments! (There should be one person available who's a diehard 'Shipwrecked' fan.) Happy Birthday, Wally! A (Very Brief) Good status for Wally Disney Movies See All Moviefone Galleries » What's your chosen Disney movie?The Lion KingBambiBeauty as well as the BeastDumboThe Little MermaidMary PoppinsSnow White-colored as well as the Seven DwarfsPeter PanFantasiaToy StoryPInocchio101 DalmatiansLady as well as the TrampCinderellaThe Jungle BookVote Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Real-Existence 'Breaking Bad': Math Professor Billed with Running Meth Lab in Boston

AMCBryan Cranston in "Breaking Bad" It seems there is a genuine-existence version of Walter White-colored residing in our midst.our editor recommends'Breaking Bad' Season 4 Finale Makes Record Ratings'Breaking Bad': Just what the Experts Are Saying'Breaking Bad' Spoiled Bastard: Season Finale: 'Face Off''Treme,' 'Breaking Bad' Star Found Dead in Mississippi River A college professor in Boston remains billed with controlling a meth lab from her home alongside her 29-year-old boy. PHOTOS: THR's Emmy Icon Covers With Bryan Cranston, Mary Tyler Moore Irina Kristy, 75, which has trained math more than 2 decades at two Boston schools, will probably be arraigned 12 ,. 21 on charges of "distribution of meth, conspiracy to violate the drug law and drug breach in the school zone," in line with the Boston Globe. Her boy, Grigory Genkin, pleaded guilty for the same charges November. 14, within 24 hrs a summons was filed against Kristy. Genkin, who switched themselves straight into government physiques, was bought being held on $1,000 cash bail. He's due in the court 12 ,. 20. VIDEO: THR's Emmy Roundtable: Drama Stars Kristy, who declined to comment for the Globe, shows full-time at Boston College. She was positioned on administrative leave at Suffolk College, where she's an adjunct profesor, the other day. Kristy and Genkin live about 500 foot from City Hall plus an elementary school. Their property was looked November. 7 by scientists from local, condition, and federal police agencies, and "lots of materials considered to become hazardous'' were removed the residence, police mentioned lately. Q&A: 'Breaking Bad' Creator Vince Gilligan Reflects around the program's Devote TV History The particular-existence situation echoes the plot kind of AMC's Breaking Bad, through which Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White-colored, a greater school chemistry and father of two who finds out he's inoperable carcinoma of the lung and begins cooking very meth getting an old student (Aaron Paul) to be able to secure his family's financial future. Cranston has won three Emmys for your role. Meanwhile, despite his existence in danger due to his illegal activities, Walter White-colored remains a free of charge guy. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery THR's Emmy Icon Covers AMC Bryan Cranston Breaking Bad

The brand new the new sony Delivering ups Adrian Cruz

Adrian Cruz remains upped to professional V . p . and general sales director in the new the new sony Pictures Delivering. Cruz will account to Jim Amos, prexy from the new the new sony Pictures Delivering. Within the new role, Cruz -- together with Amos and worldwide distribution prexy Rory Bruer -- will oversee the domestic sales from the new the new sony Pictures films. He's presently coping with participants to book such game game titles as Columbia Pictures' "The Woman While using Dragon Tattoo," "Ghost Driver: Spirit of Vengeance," "21 Jump Street," "Males in Black 3," "I Personally Don't Like You Father," "The Astounding Spider-Guy" and "Total Recall," additionally to Screen Gems' "Underworld Awakening," "The Vow" and "Think As being a Guy." "Adrian is really a respected part of our sales and distribution team more than 2 decades,In . Amos mentioned. "He's been necessary to our success with a good amount of understanding and experience that handful of can match. After we anticipate 2012 and beyond, our exhibition partners are as excited after we are about our approaching slate of films which we anticipate based on Adrian's capabilities after we bring this high-profile slate for the marketplace. We are thrilled to recognize his effort using this well-deserved promotion and anticipate his leadership in this particular normal part.In . "I really could Not more thrilled to have Adrian in this particular new role," added Bruer. "He's assisted me look wonderful for any very long time at TriStar and also the new the new sony Pictures Western Division, which he continues to be consummate professional who's respected by his peers in exhibition and also the co-employees in the new the new sony Pictures. For me that Adrian and Jim make an incredible team." Cruz can be a veteran of hundreds of release campaigns, getting grew to become part of the studio's TriStar Pictures in 1989 as Western district manager. He later increased being controlling director -- West for that new the new sony Pictures Delivering as well as, since 2000 has offered as SPR's senior V . p . and Western division manager. Right before joining the studio, Cruz held posts at last century Fox and Cannon Delivering. He began his career at Mann's Westwood theaters, then grew to become part of United states . Artists Delivering in 1979, beginning just like a booker before becoming the Detroit branch manager. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com