Mark Logue Reveals the Real 'King's Speech'

Mark Logue never met his grandfather, but his legacy prefaced Mark's entire life. As the grandson of Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helped George VI overcome a stammer (played by Geoffrey Rush in 'The King's Speech'), Mark is learning about his grandfather's crucial role in the King's life alongside moviegoers.

In 'The King's Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy,' Mark and co-author, Peter Conradi, delve into Lionel's diaries and records to discover more about the relationship between the speech therapist and the King.

There may be incredible Oscar buzz surrounding the film, but Mark isn't convinced his grandfather would enjoy the spotlight. "If he were alive, I don't think the film would have ever been made. He was incredibly secretive and respectful of the Duke of York, well the King's privacy, that confidentiality," said Logue.

Sit down with PopEater and Mark Logue to examine the only physical copy of the King's Speech after the jump!

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=847080&pid=847079&uts=1268007098http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/movies/?s_channel=us.moviespop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swfSandra Bullock walked the Oscars red carpet as the front runner and a fashion favorite. See all of the nominees arrive >>>Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty ImagesoKExp.start("popeatermovies-awards_celebs_oscars");

View the original article here

Read more...

Oscar Preview: Can 'King's Speech' Be Dethroned?

If the 83rd Academy Awards had been held a month ago, shortly after the critics groups had doled out their prizes and the final glasses of champagne had been drained at the Golden Globes, "The Social Network" would almost certainly have nabbed Oscar's Best Picture statue. After all, David Fincher's film about the salacious founding of Facebook hardly encountered a critics group it didn't woo and win over, before going on to earn four Globes, including Best Motion Picture - Drama. What could possibly stand between "Social Network" and the Academy's top honor?

As it turns out, another month. And another biopic, this one telling a story that begins some 80 years ago and resembling a far more traditional Oscar film than Fincher's exploration of youth and digital beauty. "The King's Speech" bounced back from its Globe defeats (it nabbed just one of seven nominations, with Colin Firth taking top dramatic actor) and secured important wins from the Producers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild.

So much for creating a big tent with the inclusion of 10 Best Picture nominees. Like last year, we find ourselves watching a two-horse race that, at this point, might not be all that close. Kudos to "Toy Story 3," "Winter's Bone" and "Inception," but their nominations are kind of the equivalent of pity invites to a kid's birthday party: Sure, the birthday boy was forced to request the pleasure of your company, but he's not going to pretend you're anything more than a seat-filler. Our man Oscar holds the most exclusive birthday party in Hollywood, and its voters like it that way.

What's interesting this year is the nature of the two-horse race. In 2010, it came down to a decision between a populist fave in "Avatar" that made a gazillion dollars at the box office and a critics' darling in "The Hurt Locker" that maybe six people saw in the theater. Both "Social Network" and "King's Speech," meanwhile, have almost identical box-office grosses and high-90s ratings at the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregator. The difference between the two is that "King's Speech" is the kind of film that could have been an Oscar nominee a decade ago — or a half-century ago — whereas "Social Network," in everything from story line to subtext to soundtrack, is directly plugged into 2011.

That's not to suggest "King's Speech" is some musty relic of yesteryear, nor that contemporary relevancy is a requirement for Oscar glory. The key, rather, is that the best film should win. And if you ask us, the finest film of the year is "Social Network." But as in so many years past — from how "Gladiator" bested "Traffic" to the way "Shakespeare in Love" beat out, well, geez, take your pick! — the best film of the year doesn't always receive that Oscar honor.

We can talk about momentum, we can indentify vital precursor wins, we can cite all manner of historical facts and we can lament fuddy-duddy voters. None of it seems to matter. On Sunday night, it appears, a very good film but hardly the year's best will win Best Picture. Let's offer our early congratulations to "The King's Speech."

Which Oscar contender should take Best Picture? Share your pick in the comments!

Will it be a regal evening for "The King's Speech"? Can "The Social Network" dial up Oscar gold? Don't miss MTV News' "2011 Oscars Live" at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 27, when we'll be chatting with your favorite Hollywood stars live from the red carpet on MTVNews.com, and stick with us all Oscar night for winners, interviews, photos and more!

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.


View the original article here

Read more...

Jay-Z, LeBron James Talk Two Kings Charity, Doing 'Good All Over'

Jay-Z and LeBron James don't just want to hold a can of soda and smile for the cameras. The two men prefer to be hands-on when it comes to giving back to the community. So during NBA All-Star weekend festivities this past Saturday, Hov and King James personally greeted children at the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles and unveiled a newly renovated gymnasium at their facility.

For the third year in a row, Jay-Z and LeBron's Two Kings charity teamed up with Sprite to promote a worthy cause at All-Star Weekend. MTV News spoke to James and Jay about their participation.

"If you stay focused and you follow your dream, stay in school, you can be ... well, you might not be this tall," Jay told the club members, gesturing at James as wife Beyoncé looked on. "But you can definitely make it in life."

Although the duo are longtime friends, they're also technically rivals of sorts. James, of course, now plays for the Miami Heat, while Jay is a minority owner of the New Jersey Nets. Nevertheless, the pair are close and have used their popularity for philanthropic purposes.

"You've seen LeBron James on TV," Jay-Z told MTV News of why someone like the Heat star is an effective role model. "Just that thing that's tangible, that they can touch him and shake his hand and know that this is a young man who comes from the same areas as they do, and look where he's made it to. So it makes it real."

James, who was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, echoed the Brooklyn-born MC's sentiments.

"Could you imagine if Michael Jordan showed up to your community?" James said. "Or whoever that you just dreamed and loved and watched every day on TV and you thought that was superhuman, just showed up to a community [center]? That one moment right there could be the difference between you making a left or making a right."

In addition to making renovations to the Boys & Girls Club gym, Jay and LeBron also unveiled a mural by famed graffiti artist and designer Mr. Cartoon, who was also present at the event.

"Whenever I'm doing a big mural like this, I gotta think about, 'It's there for the youngsters, it's there for the kids, but I want it to be on a hard-core graffiti website," the Los Angeles native told us. "I want to motivate and inspire the youngsters. I want kids to look at it like, 'Man, I want to do that!' "

According to Jay-Z, actively participating in events like these, as opposed to just posing for pictures, is essential.

"We wanted to just have a further dialogue with the people we were doing business with," Jay explained. "To let them know we weren't just paid endorsers and gonna sit there and just be smiling with a can in our hand or something. We wanted to take this [business] relationship and do some good. Take all these people, put them in a room, take their power and influence, and use them. But use them in a good way. Use them to affect good all over."

That same evening, the Two Kings charity held its fifth annual dinner, which was sponsored by Microsoft's Bing search engine. Some of the heavyweights in attendance included Ne-Yo, Miami Heat player Chris Bosh, Kanye West, Leonardo DiCaprio and Drake.


View the original article here

Read more...

Jay-Z, LeBron James Attend 'Two Kings' Charity Event In L.A.

LOS ANGELES — On Saturday afternoon, many of the kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles had the opportunity to meet and greet Jay-Z and NBA superstar LeBron James. More importantly, however, those same children will now be able to enjoy a completely renovated gym featuring a mural by esteemed artist and L.A. native Mr. Cartoon — and, hopefully, received some added inspiration to achieve their dreams — thanks to Jay and LeBron's Two Kings charity and its co-sponsor, the Coca-Cola Company's Sprite brand.

The renovation was the first under Coca-Cola's Sprite Spark Parks Project, which plans to completely renovate more than 100 neighborhood spaces, including parks, fields and basketball courts.

MTV News caught up with the rap icon and the basketball superstar at the gym's unveiling, which was held in conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend. Jay said he and James continue to give back because they were once just like those children in the room.

"We are those kids that didn't have those opportunities, and luckily lightning struck for us," explained Jay. "We happened to be in the right place at the right time, with God-given talent. ... Some other people need help and opportunity, so it's empathy. I am you. I've been in the same place that these kids have been."

Jay said the Two Kings charity started out because he and James wanted to utilize the financial clout of some of the people with whom they were doing business. They wanted to be more than paid endorsers smiling with a soft-drink can. They wanted to use their opportunities to achieve something positive.

"We wanted to take this relationship and do some good," maintained Jay. "Take all these people and put them in a room. Take their power and influence and use them, but use them in a good way to effect good all over."

This is the third consecutive year that Jay-Z and James' charity has hosted such an event during NBA All-Star Weekend. In 2009, Two Kings donated 150 instruments to the music program at Mesa Arts Academy in Mesa, Arizona. And last year, the two celebrities led a mentoring session at the East Dallas Club of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas in Texas.

In addition, Sprite has provided scholarships to top-performing students on their behalf.


View the original article here

Read more...

From Salvia Jokes to Kings' Sneers, Grammys Aren't a Good Night to Be Miley Cyrus

Feb 13th 2011 11:00PMEmail ThisMiley Cyrus has been trying to bounce back during a scandal-filled winter. But anyone watching the Grammys can agree that the awards weren't that kind to the teen star.

First, the dress. Cyrus wore an ill-fitted Roberto Cavalli gown on the red carpet. She flirted with a wardrobe malfunction with each turn towards the camera.

Next, the ambush. Ryan Seacrest was just settling into an inteview with Willow Smith when Miley came up along side them. Within the blink of an eye, Cyrus jumped into their space, gave Willow a hug and took over the interview. Willow appeared to evaprate as Seacrest took over asking Cyrus questions.

Then, the blowoff. Cyrus and Kings of Leon were brought on to announce the Best Country Album. The coincidence? They all hail from Tennesse. But that wasn't enough to make them bond. Caleb Followill looked like he's rather be anywhere else as Miley kicked off their scripted banter.

Last, the lowblow. Seth Rogen came on to introduce Eminem and Rihanna. "I've seen things I've never seen before. I heard things I've never heard before. And that wasn't even watching the show. That was just backstage getting high with Miley Cyrus." The crowd howled and gasped at the same time, but Usher -- seated next to Justin Bieber -- appeared quite amused.
Was Rogen Too Rough on Miley? Talk on FacebookWith Willow Out of the Way, Miley Settles in with Seacresthttp://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=792368&pid=792367&uts=1297655216http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/movies/?s_channel=us.moviespop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swfMiley Cyrus PicsMiley Cyrus, far left, and Caleb Followill, second from left, Nathan Followill, third from left, and Jared Followill, of The Kings of Leon, present the award for best country album at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)APAPMiley Cyrus SnapshotsMiley Cyrus, far left, and Caleb Followill, second from left, Nathan Followill, third from left, and Jared Followill, of The Kings of Leon, present the award for best country album at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Actress-singer Miley Cyrus arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Actress-singer Miley Cyrus arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Actress-singer Miley Cyrus arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Singer/actress Miley Cyrus attends The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Singer/actress Miley Cyrus attends The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Actress Miley Cyrus attends The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

Actress-singer Miley Cyrus arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Singer Miley Cyrus arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Singer Miley Cyrus arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Miley Cyrus Snapshots

oKExp.start("popeatermusic-celebs_miley_cyrus");

View the original article here

Read more...

'The King's Speech' Dominates at the 2011 BAFTA Awards

The King's SpeechThe British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs) are announcing their annual prize-winners at this very moment. Oddly, the presentation is on a tape-delay (even in the UK!) so you'll have to rely on us for the facts. Well, us and several great Brits on twitter. Thanks also to our pals at HitFix and IndieWire for being on the BAFTA ball!

A full list of all the winners resides beneath the jump, but some other noteworthy prize-getters include Helena Bonham Carter for 'The King's Speech,' Geoffrey Rush for 'The King's Speech,' Colin Firth for 'The King's Speech,' David Seidler ('The King's Speech') for Best Original Screenplay, and Natalie Portman ('Black Swan') for Best Actress because 'The King's Speech' didn't have a female lead.

Snark aside, congrats to all the winners and especially to the great (brave) comedy known as 'Four Lions,' which won "Outstanding British Debut" for writer/director Chris Morris.

Brace yourself for the shocking Best Picture winner...


Best Film
The King's Speech

Outstanding British Film
The King's Speech

Director
David Fincher - The Social Network

Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer
Chris Morris - Four Lions

Leading Actor
Colin Firth - The King's Speech

Leading Actress
Natalie Portman - Black Swan

Supporting Actor
Geoffrey Rush - The King's Speech

Supporting Actress
Helena Bonham Carter - The King's Speech

Original Screenplay
The King's Speech - David Seidler

Adapted Screenplay
The Social Network - Aaron Sorkin

Film Not In The English Language
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Animated Film
Toy Story 3

Original Music
The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat

Cinematography
True Grit - Roger Deakins

Editing
The Social Network - Angus Wall, Kirk Baxter

Production Design
Inception - Guy Hendrix Dyas, Larry Dias, Doug Mowa

Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland - Colleen Atwood

Sound
Inception - Richard King, Lora Hirschberg, Gary A Rizzo, Ed Novick

Special Visual Effects
Inception - Corbould, Franklin, Lockley, Bebb

Make Up & Hair
Alice in Wonderland - Valli O'Reilly, Paul Gooch

Short Animation
The Eagleman Stag - Michael Pleas

Short Film
Until the River Runs Red - Paul Wright, Poss Kondeatis

Orange Wednesdays Rising Award
Tom Hardy

Get more at Moviefone>> http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=691977&pid=691976&uts=1273167996http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/music/?s_channel=us.musicpop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swfGabourey Sidibe attends The American Cancer Society's Choose You luncheon on May 5th in New York City.oKExp.start("popeater3-popeater_music_popscene");

View the original article here

Read more...