The Rock sells his rockin’ 9,000-square-foot mansion

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Dwayne Johnson (Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Nothing will make you want to quit your job, become a professional wrestler, and then quit wrestling to becoming a major motion picture star more than seeing the 9,153-square-foot home Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson just sold for nearly $5 million. (Reports say he indeed got close to his $4.9 million asking price.)
[Related: Why Dwayne Johnson's Tentpole 'G.I. Joe 2' Was Moved to 2013
The six-bedroom, seven-bath sprawling mansion is in the swanky gated community of Hidden Hills, outside Los Angeles, and includes luxurious features the rest of us little people can only dream about. There's the plush home theater with a big screen, leather seats, and surround-sound; a slate-rock waterfall in the yard; sweeping tree-top views; an outdoor kitchen; infinity pool; a ridiculously huge master bedroom with a fireplace; a pastel-decorated bedroom fit for a princess (that would be Johnson's lucky 10-year-old daughter, Simone) a two-story foyer; and a gourmet kitchen with stainless-steel everything, including a commercial-grade range and at least three ovens (it's hard to count them all). The home even boasts a room the 40-year-old has turned into his own personal barber shop with a hydraulic barber chair, a flatscreen TV and floor-to-ceiling windows. Hey, the guy's gotta make sure he's properly coiffed in order to keep getting those big-budget roles coming…The 9,153-square-foot mansion Johson just sold. (Zillow.com)

[Related: Dwane Jonhson and Others Seen on Set (photos)]

So where's Johnson going? Feeling a little cramped in the 9,000-square-foot L.A. pad, the actor has purchased a 13,153-square-foot estate in South Florida for only $3.45 million from Miami Dolphins player Vernon Carey. That means he gets a bigger place and gets to pocket more than a million in profits, even after you include realtors' commissions.

No word on who the "businessman" is who bought The Rock's L.A. home, but sounds like business is going pretty well for him these days.
The private home theater. (Zillow.com)
The Rock's daughter's very pink bedroom. (Zillow.com)
The Rock's personal barber shop. (Zillow.com)

‘Django Unchained’: Jamie Foxx was second choice for role

 

Now that the first trailer for Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" is out (see below), we'll get you up-to-date on the facts.

Some have dubbed the film Tarantino's "Southern" -- a play on the fact the film's title borrows from 1966 Italian spaghetti Western "Django," includes Western film elements, but is set in the South. In the revenge-themed "Unchained," Jamie Foxx plays Django --a freed slave who becomes a bounty hunter and faces off with an evil plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio), all the while seeking the whereabouts of his slave wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington).
Foxx, however, was not the first actor envisioned for the role. Tarantino originally wrote "Unchained" with Will Smith in mind. (One can imagine why Smith -- a major box office draw who attracts audiences of all backgrounds -- turned down the opportunity to play a character who expresses pleasure in getting paid to "kill white folks.")

Talks devolved and Foxx was eventually cast in the leading role. He recently said what drew him to the role:  "This is a love story. He's not trying to stop slavery. He's not trying to do anything but find the love of his life — which is like trying to find a needle in a world of haystacks."
Foxx and Smith are friends in real life and both appeared in 2001's "Ali," for which Smith was nominated for an Oscar. The two were later said to be vying for the role of President Barack Obama in a biopic -- but that never happened.
Foxx went on to win an Oscar for 2004's "Ray," in which Washington also plays his wife.
Here are more interesting details around "Django Unchained":

• Tarantino has been courting DiCaprio for a while: He had written the role of one of the villains in 2009's "Inglorious Basterds" for him. It was the role of Hans Landa played by Christoph Waltz -- who is also in "Unchained" -- that eventually won him a best supporting actor Oscar. Perhaps DiCaprio is avoiding making the same mistake twice.
• This is the first time DiCaprio has played a villain in a major motion picture. And in this one, he is said to be evil.
• Brad Pitt, who too appeared in "Basterds," is said to have turned down many "juicy" roles in "Unchained." But don't count him out yet -- Harvey Weinstein says surprise actors are in store.
• The film also stars Don Johnson (you heard correctly) and Samuel L. Jackson and opens on Christmas Day -- pitting DiCaprio against himself as he also stars in Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby," out the same day.

MOVIES TO SEE THIS WEEKEND!!!

Weekend Picks: ‘Snow White and the Huntsman,’ ‘Battlefield America,’ & ‘Piranha 3DD’sonti88.blogspot.com

photo by Universal Pictures/Brian and Barrett/Dimension

I believe it was William Shakespeare who said, "Uneasy is the head that wears the box office crown." While he may not have specifically been referring to "Men in Black 3," which took in good loot to unseat the Avenging champion last weekend, the Bard is as poignant as ever in describing MIB3's tenuous title. That's because there's likely to be a new queen in town after "Snow White and the Huntsman" fills up theaters this weekend.
But "SWATH" isn't the only film opening on Friday. You have three very different options to add to your movie-going agenda this weekend, and each one of them is likely to please a very different demographic. So how do you decide which films are for you? Read on for a breakdown of what each new film is about, and what audience segment it's likely to please.

Universal PicturesSnow White and the Huntsman
PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and brief sensuality.
What's the story?
In this dark and epic telling of the old Grimm fairytale, the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) is in danger of becoming the second fairest of them all, behind her stepdaughter and prisoner Snow White (Kristen Stewart). The Queen sets out to rid herself of the Snow White problem, but Snow White escapes into the Dark Forest, so the Queen sends the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) after her. The Huntsman finds Snow White, but ends up becoming her ally, as do a septuplet of dwarves. Eventually an army rallies to the cause and Snow White leads them all against the dark forces of the Queen.
Who will dig it?
While it is still a fairytale, this version of Snow White may be a smidgen to dark for the kiddies. However, fans of medieval epics, impressive sets, glorious scenery, and big name talent in beautiful costumes should find this selection to be the fairest of them all.

Brian and BarrettBattlefield America
PG-13 for thematic elements involving some drug material, and for some language.
What's the story?
To fulfill his community service obligations, egocentric and successful businessman Sean Lewis (Marques Houston) is forced to become the mentor of a youth hip-hop dance troupe failing at competing in the tense battle dance scene of Long Beach, California. The troupe initially rejects Sean as much as Sean initially rejects them. But when Sean falls for Sara (Mekia Cox), who runs the community center where the troupe practices, his priorities realign. Suddenly, winning the dance battle takes on a lot more importance.
Who will dig it?
While it's billed as the place "where kids rule," not all children will be ready for this one, thus the PG-13 rating. However, fans of fancy dancing, kids doing the darndest things, battle dance culture, and underdogs should bop along to this film from the same creative team who brought us "You Got Served" (2004).

DimensionPiranha 3DD
R for sequences of strong bloody horror violence and gore, graphic nudity, sexual content, language, and some drug use.
What's the story?
The school of prehistoric, saw-toothed piranha who terrorized Lake Victoria in the first film "Piranha 3D" (2010) have found their way into the drainage system of The Big Wet Water Park, where water-certified strippers and David Hasselhoff fill the lifeguard chairs. When the flesh-hungry fish find their way into the park, blood, gore, nudity, and a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek laughter ensue.
Who will dig it?
The MPAA warning pretty much says it all, so if you're into flesh, gore, and frights, all served with a dash of campy comedy, climb on board the Hoff Train and check it out, either in theaters or On Demand.

POLL

Which film(s) are you going to see this week?

• "Snow White and the Huntsman"
• "Battlefield America"
• "Men in Black 3"
• "Piranha 3DD"
• "The Avengers"
• "Battleship"
• "The Dictator"
• None

See results

Should Diddy's Son Return $54,000 College Scholarship?

sonti88.blogspot.comLess than a year after Diddy's son, Justin Combs, committed to play football at UCLA, some consumers are raising questions over whether the well-heeled freshman should turn over his $54,000 scholarship to students who need it more.

In an interview with CNN, education contributor Dr. Steve Perry defended Combs' merit-based scholarship, saying he earned it fair and square. At the Upstate New York prep school where Combs recently graduated, he maintained a 3.75 GPA while playing cornerback for the football team.

"He's done what he needs to do to be successful and in 'Ameritocracy' we have to accept that no matter who your father is, whether he be rich, poor or absent, that you can in fact be successful on your own merit," Perry said.

There's no denying Diddy can afford to send his son to college. The entertainment mogul was recently named the wealthiest artist in hip hop by Forbes Magazine, so far adding $45 million to his empire in 2012 alone.

But Combs' scholarship, which is awarded to student athletes specifically, is one of about 285 full athletic scholarships UCLA awards each year, according to a statement issued Wednesday.

Still, some students are balking, calling on the athletic department to reconsider the scholarship altogether.

[Related: Wiping Out $90,000 in Student Loans in 7 Months]

“UCLA’s athletic department needs to consider the fact that perhaps there is another athlete on the football team, who could perhaps really use this scholarship,” UCLA student Neshemah Keetin told CBS Los Angeles.

In its response to criticism over the award, UCLA stressed its "robust financial aid program," 30 percent of which it said is funded by tuition and fee revenue:

"Unlike need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships are awarded to students strictly on the basis of their athletic and academic ability — not their financial need. Athletic scholarships, such as those awarded to football or basketball players, do not rely on state funds. Instead, these scholarships are entirely funded through UCLA Athletics ticket sales, corporate partnerships, media contracts and private donations from supporters," the statement said.

College tuition has been a hot-button issue amongst consumer advocates in recent years, as the average tuition rate has swollen to $50,000 per year and the nation faces a trillion-dollar student loan debt bubble.

UCLA became a focal point in the Occupy Wall Street protests, with students rallying against a planned 16 percent tuition fee hike. In April, the school was forced to clawback $27 million in financial aid accidentally deposited into students' accounts.

Combs has made no announcement regarding plans to give back the scholarship at this time.

Roger Federer was awarded a ‘Men in Black’ suit by Will Smith after winning Madrid

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Sure, Roger Federer won his 20th Masters 1000 title with his 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Tomas Berdych at the Madrid Open. And, yes, it was his 45th win in his last 48 matches, gave him seven titles in his last 10 events, made him the first player to ever win at least 10 championships on each major surface and earned him that bizarre Ion Tiriac trophy. This doesn't even mention that he moved past Rafael Nadal to regain the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings, made a huge dent in Novak Djokovic's lead for the No. 1 ranking and came out on top in a week that was defined by childish whining and threats from the former top two. But all of that pales in comparison to receiving a framed "Men in Black" suit from Will Smith.

(Getty Images)
Smith is in Europe doing press for his new film, "Men in Black 3," and watched Sunday's final with his wife, Jada. After the match, Smith spoke to the crowd in surprisingly-good Spanish, then brought out a framed costume from the movie as a gift to Federer.
Serena Williams dominated the women's final earlier Sunday, defeating world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, 6-1, 6-3. The American hasn't lost on clay all year, but that will bring little consolation since Will Smith didn't bring her anything from "Bad Boys 2."

 sonti88.blogspot.com

Reinvention 101: 5 Lessons From Robert Downey, Jr

Robert Downey, Jr. in The AvengersThe record-shattering opening success of The Avengers, which sold more than $200 million in theater tickets in the United States and did about $640 million in business worldwide during opening weekend, is further evidence of an amazing fact: Robert Downey, Jr. not only rules Hollywood, but he's staged an even more impressive turnaround than General Motors.

Consider this: Since 2008, nine movies featuring the 47-year-old actor have grossed more than $1.5 billion in the U.S. alone, and his name on the marquee is perhaps the surest guarantee of a box-office smash. That's an astonishing run, especially because it wasn't that long ago -- 2001, to be precise -- that Downey seemed destined to become fodder for those "Whatever Happened To...?" articles in the supermarket tabloids. His drug addiction and erratic behavior earned him a prison stay and led producer David E. Kelley to fire him from what seemed like his last chance for resurrecting his career, a supporting role in the hit TV series Ally McBeal. Downey sank so low that despite his enormous talent, he was virtually unemployable.
But that was then. Today, if Robert Downey, Jr. was a company, he might be leading the Dow Jones index. It's not just that he revived his career; he's actually far bigger than he was at the apex of his youthful climb to stardom 20 years ago, when he earned an Oscar nomination for best actor in the critically acclaimed box office flop Chaplin. That makes Downey's self-reinvention a great case study for anyone who's attempting a midlife second act -- whether you're an entrepreneur starting a new business, or someone who is struggling at 40 or beyond to overcome past mistakes.
Here are five Downey-esque lessons that can help you mount your own comeback.
1. Concentrate on getting ahead one step at a time. Whether you need to vanquish some inner demons or escape from a bad stretch in your life, as Downey endured in the late 1990s and early 2000s, or you're simply trying to find a new passion in life, you're more likely to get there through patient plodding rather than big, sweeping dramatic gestures. Remember that Downey's comeback, from rock-bottom to superstar, took a good seven years of struggle, in which he had to work long and hard to prove his commitment to sobriety and regain his credibility as a professional. As he explains in this Esquire interview, "I found my way out of the woods by a subtler and subtler trail of bread crumbs."
2. Don't be too proud to accept help. Even after Downey seemed to have his drug addiction in check, producers were reluctant to hire him because insurance companies didn't like the odds that he would flake out and not finish a movie. That's when Mel Gibson, an actor who's had a troubled life lately but was flying high in 2003, stepped in. Gibson, who had co-starred with Downey in the 1990 movie Air America, offered to put up Downey's insurance bond, enabling him to get the lead role in the 2003 movie The Singing Detective. Downey not only did his work as promised but also turned in an excellent performance -- proving to Hollywood that he still had the chops to be a star. If he had been too proud to accept Gibson's generosity, who knows what would have happened to him?
3. Believe that in the end, your talent will enable people to overlook your past mistakes. The tipping point of Downey's career comeback was Iron Man, the 2008 blockbuster that firmly established him as a marquee attraction. But in many ways, Downey was an unlikely choice for the role of a costumed superhero, even one whose alter-ego was playboy industrialist Tony Stark. Not only was he a recovering addict with a lurid dark side, but as an actor, he'd spent much of his career playing off-center, irony-drenched supporting roles. But as director Jon Favreau explains in this GQ article, Downey's acting skills made him overlook those negatives, and the director worked hard to persuade Marvel Comics -- which owned the character and was dead-set against Downey -- that he was the man for the part. "Here was this force of nature, who I think was living with this frustration that he wasn't able to really show what he was great at, because nobody was willing to take that leap and say, 'This guy could carry my movie.' Nobody was willing to jump in the pool. I was."
4. It's never too late to develop self-discipline. As an addict, Downey was in such despair about his inability to stay away from drugs that he actually told a judge in 1999 that "It's like I've got a shotgun in my mouth, with my finger on the trigger, and I like the taste of the gun metal," according to this ABC News story from that period. Nevertheless, the actor has managed to stay sober since 2003. As this Men's Journal article details, he developed the discipline to do that in large part by taking up Wing Chun, a Chinese martial art that emphasizes close-in hand-to-hand combat, and demands intense focus and inner calm. "Wing Chun teaches you what to concentrate on, whether you're here or out in the world dealing with problems," Downey explains. "It's second nature for me now. I don't even get to the point where there's a problem." He's become so dedicated to the art that he takes lessons three to five times a week, sometimes bringing his instructor to the set when he's shooting a film.
5. Don't be afraid to play in an ensemble. It's easy to think of success -- or salvation -- as an individual endeavor. But one of the reasons The Avengers -- which brings together a pantheon of Marvel costumed icons ranging from Captain America to Spider-Man -- has been getting overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics is that Downey resists the temptation to take over the movie. Instead, he has the discipline -- and the self-confidence -- to hold back and fit into director Joss Whedon's vision, in which Tony Stark's snarky running commentary is the glue that holds together the action sequences. As Paste magazine critic Michael Burgin writes: "Thanks in large part to the Downey, Jr.-powered snark-generating machine, the friction between the heroes actually makes sense." Similarly, if you can find a way to harness your talents and fit into a team of other strivers -- even if it means trading riffs rather than being the lead soloist -- you may have an even better shot at a successful second act.