Entertainment

Two African films compete for Foreign Language Oscar.

2011-02-03T00:12:00.000-08:00

Two African films, Outside the Law from Algeria and Life Above All from South Africa are among the 9 films that will advance to the next round of voting in the Foreign Language Film category for the 83rd Academy Awards. They were selected from 66 films that qualified in the category.Notably is Rachid Bouchareb’s “Outside the Law,” the French-Algerian film that annoyed French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy’s political party, who wanted the film banned at the last Cannes Film Festival, because “it denigrates France and the French military.”
“Outside the Law”, tells the story of three brothers who fought for Algeria’s independence from France after World War II. After losing their family home in Algeria, three brothers were scattered across the globe. Messaoud joined the French army fighting in Indochina; Abdelkader became a leader of the Algerian independence movement; whilst Said moved to Paris to make his fortune in the shady clubs and boxing halls of Pigalle. Gradually, their interconnecting destinies reunited them in the French capital, where freedom is a battle to be fought and won.
“Life, Above All” an emotional and universal drama about a young girl who fought the fear and shame that have poisoned her community. It was directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Schmitz who adapted the international award winning novel “Chanda’s Secrets” by Allan Stratton.
Chanda, 16, is a smart and determined South African girl on track to win a scholarship – but she’s suddenly thrust into an impossible situation, forcing her to adopt maturity beyond her years. When we first meet her, she’s making funeral arrangements for her year-old sister, Sara. If people begin to suspect Sara’s death was due to more than a passing flu, Chanda will be faced with shame and stigma, not only for the victim, but also for their entire family.
When Lilian’s (Chanda’s mother) illness becomes impossible to hide, their nosy, eccentric next-door neighbor, Mrs. Tafa, engages a spirit doctor to perform a startling ritual. The spirit doctor determines that a curse is hanging over her and her children. In order to lift it,
Lilian must return to the village from where she was banished decades before, leaving Chanda alone to care for her siblings.
Meanwhile, Chanda’s best friend, Esther, has turned to prostitution in a desperate attempt to survive and reunite her own family. Though the community shuns Esther, Chanda refuses to reject her friend. To the horror of those around her, Chanda opens her house to Esther at her friend’s moment of greatest need. That’s just the beginning of Chanda’s fight against convention.
When Chanda discovers that her mother may have gone away to die in order to spare her children shame, she ignores the cautions of the meddling Mrs. Tafa, and embarks on a fateful journey to bring her mother home. And in doing so, challenges the people around her to reject their prejudices and embrace the truth.
The 9 films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
Algeria, “Outside the Law”), Rachid Bouchareb, director;
Canada, “Incendies,” Denis Villeneuve, director;
Denmark, “In a Better World,” Susanne Bier, director;
Greece, “Dogtooth,” Yorgos Lanthimos, director;
Japan, “Confessions,” Tetsuya Nakashima, director;
Mexico, “Biutiful,” Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, director;
South Africa, “Life, above All,” Oliver Schmitz, director;
Spain, “Tambien la Lluvia” (“Even the Rain”), Iciar Bollain, director;
Sweden, “Simple Simon,” Andreas Ohman, director.

‘If I Choose To Marry A Man, Its My Business’- Denrele Edun and charly boy

2011-02-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

Don’t bother to schedule an interview appointment with one of the best and outstanding VJs of this time Denrele Edun, if you are not ready to be playful. If you won’t be able to tolerate his humour and eccentricity; don’t just bother!
‘I was sick of the whole Charly Boy saga, everybody just kept buzzing me and talking about it. Different men were calling me non-stop and asking me out on date’.
‘Soundcity is the kind of work that swallows you up, you can’t have time to do anything else but I just said to myself, I’m a brand and would have to move on; I can’t be with Soundcity for ever’.
‘People have labelled me bisexual, heterosexual, transexual, and all that. If I answer that right now, what’s the point in clearing it. I want to be as mysterious as I want to. If I choose to marry someone of the same sex, it’s my business.’

Annie Macaulay - Tuface and I Never Did Any Secret Wedding..(interview)

2011-02-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Annie Macaulay

She ventured into the movie industry not too long ago and from the look of things; she is already making a statement in the industry. Annie Macaulay, one of the women who had kids for Africa’s hip hop singer Tuface Idibia is a Computer Science graduate of the Lagos State University. Speaking with MURPHY FADAIRO on various issues such as her career, relationship with Tuface Idibia, being a single mother and other sundry issues, the pretty mother spoke at lenghth. Excerpts.
Q.You are one of Tuface’s baby mamas; do you think you are lucky to be part of the lucky ladies who bore children for the hip hop star?
A.I cannot categorically say if I am or not lucky to have had a baby for Tuface Idibia. All I know is that I am happy that I am lucky to have a beautiful baby in this world and she is Isabella. She turned two last December and I tell you it was a wonderful time. Her dad was also around to make the day a loving one; not all dads most especially for a guy like Tuface find time for this but he was still here for the party and with his daughter. All I can say is that I have a baby for one of the best daddies in the world.
Q.So you are saying the relationship between you and Tuface is perfectly okay just for the sake of your daughter and nothing more.
A.He is a wonderful and loving dad to his kids and mine is not an exception. We have a fantastic relationship; we are happy parents.
Q.Is it true that you are the favourite of the many women in Tuface’s life and that you guys actually contacted a secret wedding last year?
A.Where did you hear that (laughs in between). I don’t know ooo. I am not married to Tuface or any other man, I am a single hardworking mother and my only joy is that I am proud to have my baby; Isabella is my world.
Q.If you are not why is there no love lost among the three of you I mean yourself, Pero Adeniyi and Sumbo Ajaba?
A.I don’t have any problem with any of Tuface’s women; we are all cool with one another. I am cool with all of them and I love my baby’s brothers and sister. It is all love.
Q.But this is not what is been speculated out there. What about the confrontation you had with Pero Adeniyi sometime last year at the after party of the Tuface’s live in concert and another confrontation that happened at Airport hotel?
A.All these accusations are the past and happened a long time ago; I don’t want to say anything about it again. And please don’t ask me anything concerning this again; let’s moves to another question.
Q.Why; do you have something to hide? You need to clear your name.
A.I don’t have anything to hide; I am innocent. OK I said i don’t want us to talk about this.
Q.Okay then tell the world who the real Annie Macaulay is and what is it that the public do not know about you?
A.Well as you know my name is Annie Macaulay, am from Akwa-Ibom state from Ifiki local government. The only girl of a family of four studied Computer Science at the Lagos State University LASU. I did Theatre Arts at UNILAG. I have a fantastic beautiful lady Isabella and a full time Actress. It is what I have always wanted to do and i am working on several other projects coming out soon.
Q.Talking about your acting career; when did you actually debut in Nollywood professionally and how rewarding has it been financially? How rich are you.
A.I have always acted all my life; while in school I have done a couple of productions but now that i am done with my studies I will say professionally it is 2008. 2010 is one of my best years and I know it will only get better by the day. In the money aspect now, o boy it hasn’t really paid off oo but I thank God that I am comfortable.
Q.So how soon is marriage coming in, as you can see that seem to be the new trend in the entertainment industry now looking at the number of celebrities that have wedded of late?
A.For now I don’t think am ready for marriage. I want to focus on my career and build the brand Annie Macaulay so that I can make more money. Right now what I am concerned about is my baby and my career. There is no man in my life right now; he would come when God says he will. It’s never too late. I don’t have to follow the trend.
Q.Have you ever been sexually harassed?
A.A capital No is the answer. Never been and doubt if I will ever be because I don’t walk in that direction. I know what I want and believe in myself. One other thing that must be considered is the way you present yourself. If you dress provocatively and expect not to be sexually harassed then you are wrong. The way you dress has a lot to do about this. Moreover it has become a menace to our society. It is everywhere in the banking, telecoms, insurance, entertainment and what have you.
Q.And what is this story about Lesbianism cabals in Nollywood; are you aware of this?
A.I don’t know anything about that; wouldn’t know if such a thing exist because I have never experience it and don’t if I ever will. I am straight and have never believed in such things.
Q.Do you see yourself as an A-list actress?
A.I don’t know what you mean by an A-list actress or what have you. All I can say is that I am an actress and I do my work as professionally as possible. So far my producers or directors have never been disappointed.
Q.What about mentors in the industry?
A.Well I respect the elders in the industry. I am not too much of a mentor person but no doubt there are legends in the industry I hold in high esteem. I wouldn’t want to mention names.
Q.You look very pretty even after a kid; can you tell us your beauty routine?
A.Well I will say that I do a lot of exercise and workout at the gym. I watch what I eat; I do a lot of fruits as you may know it helps nourishes the body. Apart from all these I don’t any other special thing I do to keep fit. I eat well, exercise and don’t want to be on the fat side. That is why you see that I have lost so much weight. I am very happy about the way I look now and am so glad that you like it.
Q.Your baby Isabella is still very young and considering the fact that you are a single mother; how do you combine having to raise a baby and the rigours of acting which requires travelling all the time?
A.Remember that she is over two year old now. It was not easy at first because I had to take her everywhere I go but right now she is of age now and has started school. The Nanny is always there for her while I don’t abuse her motherly privileges too. I am always with her no matter what and my Mother is still very much around and available to take care of her too. She couldn’t have been in better hands. So i have time for my career and can spend weeks, months in location if I have to just the job to be done. If you look you will see that i have lose a lot of weight, it’s all because of having to be there for my baby and at the same time do my job as an actress. God have been my pillar and strength.
Q.Give us an insight into some of the movies that you have featured in and some that you are presently working on?
A.I have done some that I can’t start counting now. And I tell you in the next couple of weeks you will be seeing more of me on the screen now ever than before. Just watch out for Annie Macaulay.
Q.I saw this advert on TV about a show which you are planning; what is it all about?
A.It is just the other artistic side of Annie that my fans will be seeing. It will be coming out soon. Just like you have seen it is called Unwind with Annie Macaulay and the advert is everywhere. We are already shooting and in just a matter of weeks you will start seeing it run on TV station across the country. That is all can say for now.
Q.What is this misconception that people have about you and when you hear all these stories about you that are not true, how do you react?
A.People think that I am a snub; it is what i have been trying to be with over the years. All I will say is that they should get to know me and am sure they will have a change of heart. It is never good to judge a book by its cover. I am easy going person, they will see. And about bad stories, before I used to be very down when I read this and that not true about me but now I have developed a thick skin to it. They don’t move me as I have realized that it is one of the prices you have to pay for being in the limelight.
Q.What does it take to make a head way in this industry; it is not as easy as it seem I suppose?
A.I would say if you have got the talent, believe in yourself and go for your goal. You will get there.

TOP ACTOR CAUGHT IN THE ACT WITH GAY LOVER IN HOTEL ROOM

2011-02-02T23:47:00.005-08:00

Talks about homosexuality becoming so entrenched in the Ghanaian society has been rife in the recent past months, with the fear that the rate at which guys and babes, especially in the showbiz sector are turning into gay practice has become so alarming. This incidence that took place last week, might just have lent credence to that fact.
The incidence carries more weight considering the personality of the person involved. It is the story of a popular top actor who was caught in the act with his gay partner inside a hotel room. The tall, dark-skinned actor, who is well loved by ladies got all those who got wind of the story shocked, because no one expected him to be involved in such acts.
The actor, who is fast becoming one of the biggest actors in Ghana was said to have excused himself from a movie location at Spintex area in Accra to attend to an urgent meeting, but unknown to them he was going to meet with his gay partner. Unfortunately for him, the producer of the movie being shot at the location from where the actor had excused himself and some upcoming actors had to visit the hotel where he and his gay partner had gone to have a private session, to make some enquiries.
It was while one of the workers of the hotel was opening the rooms in the hotel for the visiting crew to have a view of the facilities they have that he mistakenly opened the door of the room where they were both seen in a compromising position. Meanwhile, to save the face of this popular actor, the producer had decided to keep the story under the rugs. The hotel, where the gay lovers were caught in act is located close to Coca Cola junction on Spintex Road.

TOP ACTOR CAUGHT IN THE ACT WITH GAY LOVER IN HOTEL ROOM

2011-02-02T23:47:00.003-08:00

Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon expecting girl, boy

2011-02-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

Taking a page from the JLo and Marc Anthony pregnancy playbook, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are expecting a boy and a girl.

"Even before we announced it was twins, I was trying to keep everything gender neutral because I didn't want to impose an identity on them too soon," Carey tells Life & Style. She links to the story from her Twitter page.

The twin babies are due to arrive in April, reports Life & Style. "It's been a long journey—but a happy one," says Carey, 40.

We'll be able to see how Mariah's doing at midnight on Feb. 11, when she broadcasts live from her home in Los Angeles on HSN to unveil her newest collection of footwear, jewelry and fragrance.

Charlie Sheen's health info to remain private.

2011-02-01T00:07:00.000-08:00

If you were hoping for a play-by-play of Charlie Sheen's latest stint in rehab, sorry, you're out of luck.
The Two and a Half Men star's rep Stan Rosenfield released a statement to USA TODAY's Alison Maxwell announcing that no further information about the actor's health or his stay in rehab will be released without Sheen's written consent.

In compliance with the national health privacy laws (HIPPA), no further information relating to Charlie Sheen's health or his rehab experience will be released without his written permission. I can say that all of us who know Charlie care about him very much. We will support him in any we can in this journey, beginning by respecting his privacy.

Rep: Halle Berry in custody battle with ex

2011-01-31T19:09:00.000-08:00

Halle Berry has pulled out of the movie New Year's Eve so that she can take her ex Gabriel Aubry to court in a custody battle that could turn ugly. Her rep revealed to Us Weekly that the Oscar-winning actress is seeking "swift judicial intervention" where the custody of their 2-year-old daughter Nahla is concerned.

Last month, Aubry asked the court to formally recognize him as Nahla's father and grant him joint custody.

Here's the lengthy statement concerning the custody fight.

    Halle Berry was forced to pull out of a film production in New York this week due to pending custody litigation involving her daughter. She has attempted to resolve these custody issues amicably with her daughter's father, Gabriel Aubry, directly, but given his lack of cooperation, Halle has no choice but to seek swift judicial intervention.

    Halle has serious concerns for her daughter's well-being while in the care of her father for any extended period of time and is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect her.

    Halle has always made the needs and safety of her daughter her first priority and, both while Halle and Gabriel were a couple and since their break-up, Halle has only acted in her daughter's best interest.

No more flights to Abuja: Rita bans self

2011-01-30T05:36:00.000-08:00

As May 29 inches nearer and political tension heightens with explosions rocking even the safest of places – like the Abacha Military Barracks, Abuja, celebs are beginning to take safety measures while going about their daily activities.

Perhaps after pondering on the Abuja New Year eve explosion for a few days, Imo state beauty, Rita Dominic has decided against traveling to Abuja by air citing the desperation of political powers as cause. The actress said on Wednesday that she’d rather drive.

Rita Dominic

“As elections get closer I will only be driving to Abuja. No flights for me cos some of these people are 2 desperate for power” — @ritaUdominic

Now don’t ask me if it’s safer to drive such long distance than to fly. Or if our Nollywood beauty can survive driving through our beautifully tarred inter-state roads.

By the way, who says she must drive herself? But even with a driver can Rita withstand the road bumps and sudden traffic deadlock situations? Uhmmm, I’m really thinking.

Well, I’ll agree with Rita to some point. Everyone knows that our public figures will not drive across states that have airports especially with their busy schedules.

So I guess Rita would not like to be caught air bound in any cross fire, as there are no sudden stops to alight. Go on Rita: Seek caution and apply safety. But while you’re on that road trip to Abuja, a security convoy may come in handful. Good luck!

I Told My Girlfriend To Quit Bank Job Because Of Men- Timaya

2011-01-30T04:37:00.000-08:00

Sensational singer and one of the top reigning musician in Nigeria,has revealed in a recent interview that he told his girlfriend to quit her banking job because of the way male customers harass female bankers.
Timaya in a chat with entertainment magazine, Encomium said,"I have a new lover but I don't want to disclose her name. She is a graduate of Madonna University. She's a banker. She's good, beautiful and the best thing that ever happened to me. She was a model before. She worked with Oceanic Bank before in Port Harcourt, but I told her to quit because men usually harass female bankers. Because of that I pay her salary every month.
I met her through a friend, Austin, in Port Harcourt. He had always been telling me to come to Port Harcourt to meet this lady. Once again, this girl is everything I want in a lady. I'm not afraid if anybody is reading this. The three things that keeps a woman is - good sex, money and attention. I give her all that" he said.

Reviews: The Lightning Thief a Herculean Bore

2010-02-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Greek gods may be cool right now, but even hardcore mythology geeks—and fans of the popular Percy Jackson kids' books—will have a tough time putting up with this flick's bland CGI and even blander cast.

The Bigger Picture: For the uninformed (most of us over the age of 12) the Percy books are said to be the next Harry Potter series. Except that Harry—on screen, at least—has an interesting hero, fun sidekicks and a fully realized fantasy world. Judging from this film, the most Percy has is a few scenes with computer-generated Greek gods that fare worse than the old stop-motion ones.
See, Percy Jackson is an average teen who has a Greek god for a daddy (but doesn't know it). And when someone steals Zeus' prized lightning bolt, all signs point to the boy who lives like a human but is actually a demigod.
Truthfully, the cheesy FX actually make the film more tolerable, as Percy's quest involves a three-headed Hydra, a psychedelic trip to Vegas that's accompanied by Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," and more. But even then, it's really only bearable, never really inspired.
So this quest Percy and this mates must go on involves going to the underworld to save Percy's mother (Catherine Keener). Hades (a funny Steve Coogan) believes Percy stole Zeus' lightning bolt and will trade the kid his mom for this "ultimate weapon." Since Percy doesn't have said bolt all he can do, with the help of fellow demigod pals, is sneak past Hades, grab his mom and maybe find the real lightning thief.
This is certainly a decent setup for a new fantasy series, but Logan Lerman (Gamer) plays Percy as the most generic young adult since the Narnia kids. This is unfortunate, since he and his co-stars Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson have been saddled with roles that need charming and charismatic performances. Having to watch Percy go from mopey teen to angsty demigod teen just isn't very interesting.
Director Chris Columbus might not be the most subtle of filmmakers, but in the past he's had a knack for casting strong kids in big roles (the first two Harry Potter movies, Home Alone). This cast is simply too generic. None of the young thespians stick out.
Thankfully, Columbus' other talent has been getting veteran actors to play important parts in his films. So while the main characters are a wash out, things get fun when Uma Thurman shows up...as Medusa! Her big eyes, porcelain skin and great hammy energy hit just the right note as she tries to turn our heroes to stone.
Also along for the ride: a siren temptress in the form of Rosario Dawson and Pierce Bronson as a centaur. Props to Pierce for completely going with it and making it work.

Music for Corporate Entertainment

2010-02-06T01:12:00.000-08:00

For many years I have supplied music for and played in bands that provide music for corporate entertainment. Clients have included Audi, The Evening Standard, Sainsburys, P.C. World, Safeways, Large corporate clients at Henley and Ascot, I.T.V. and H.M. Treasury. Because of this experience I felt it would be relevant in putting down some pointers in helping clients choose the right kind of music for their particular corporate entertainment.

Interestingly enough, most corporate hospitality entertainment work tends to require music as an ingredient to a larger recipe. What I mean by this is a great deal of corporate events are offering a multi service package. Typically an organization may be putting on an evenings entertainment to thank its workforce for a particularly successful year. They may be offering music, food, comedy, a close up magician, a casino and a caricaturist. The corporate client organizing needs to decide what part the music has to play in the days/evenings entertainment.

Questions he or she needs to ask are:
Is the music specifically for entertainment or is the music for background listening?
Do we need one style of music early on in the proceedings and then a change of style later in the days/ evenings entertainment?

Do you expect the corporate clients to be networking and discussing business or are they just there for a good time?

What overall atmosphere do you want to project with the event?
Is there going to be a change of location for the music as the entertainment event unfolds?
Different styles of music bands lend themselves to different corporate hospitality situations. Below are a number of typical corporate hospitality events with music suggestions for suitable music entertainment.
Corporate entertainment model 1.

Evening reception with dinner and speeches.

In a situation such as this you will typically need music from the outset as part of the meet and greet of the corporate evening. A four-piece swing or Latin group is ideal with a larger ensemble for particularly large gatherings. A professional outfit can pitch the music at just the right decibel level so your guests can talk and enjoy the entertainment without it encroaching on conversations. The musicians would typically be dressed in Lounge Suits or Tuxedos (or the female equivalent) to mirror what the guests are wearing themselves. The music portrays an atmosphere of sophistication, which again hopefully reflects the evenings overall ambience.
It is rare for corporate clients to want to dance especially as clients there relationship is business not pleasure! In most cases it is more important that the band is flexible in when it is needed over the course of the evening i.e. At the top of the night for the reception, a smaller version of the band (The pianist maybe for the dinner), stopping for speeches and then after the speeches to play until other entertainment is put on for the corporate clients. In this situation give the band a clear idea of how you expect the evening to go. What to wear, when they will be needed, when they need to get their instruments in the building and be set up, when breaks will be required, let them know if it is convenient or not to feed them and then finally how they can leave when finished so as not to disrupt the rest of the entertainment.
Corporate entertainment model 2.

Company Party.

Still corporate entertainment, still corporate hospitality but a totally different set of requirements for the music. Ask yourself these questions: Are your work force the type of workforce who will want to dance at some point in the proceedings? If they are, then a professional band with flexibility is essential. My experience is that people of all ages will join together to dance to music from the sixties and seventies. Whatever background music you require earlier in the day/evening be it Latin, Swing, Rat Pack or Lounge, if you are hoping to provide entertainment that will get people dancing remember this fact. Sixties and Seventies. For some inexplicable reason this is the music that gets people up on their feet.
When choosing your music ask the band if they can cover this part of the corporate entertainment requirement. Get samples of their music if need be. There is nothing worse than an ill equipped band struggling through alien repertoire. However good the band is, if they do not play the right repertoire, the right style of music then the corporate entertainment will fall on deaf ears.
Let me at this point provide a caveat. Your workforce work together They are not always going to be the best of friends however professional their relationships are at work. Answer truthfully, will they really want to dance together or is it asking too much? I would say that in all the years of providing music for this kind of corporate entertainment / hospitality , as long as the music is right, the workforce tended to dance 30 or 40% of the time. It could be said that a workforce who will enjoy each others company in this way is a reflection on the talent of senior management to create a happy team!
Corporate entertainment model 3.

Company Fun Day.

These come in two types. The type to entertain your own workforce or the type to entertain prospective clients. Both types of corporate entertainment require music that is fun. This means that the music must be perceived as fun and the band must be perceived as fun. In both cases Jolly Dixieland Jazz or the summer sounds of Latin music are most suitable.

Ask yourself these questions: does the band need to be mobile? Meaning do you want the music to move around the site at various points in the proceedings? If so then the jolly jazz route is most suitable. A good professional outfit of four or five players can play acoustically and move around a site as directed.
If the band can be static and close to electrical power then either Jolly Jazz or Latin Music is suitable.
Is the event outdoors or indoors and do you have provision for bad weather? This is England, never trust to luck, assume the worst! Any band that needs power cannot play in the rain for health and safety reasons. At the first hint of inclement weather a band will have to breakdown their equipment. Build this situation into your corporate entertainment music decisions.

How do you want the band to dress? It is a fun day after all! In the past I and my musicians have dressed as Elvis, Cavemen, Circus Clowns, in fact all manner of characters in the name of corporate entertainment and corporate hospitality. Good bands will have suitable outfits for most situations but don`t hesitate in providing something off the wall for a special event. Most professional players have a strange urge to jump into such costumes at the earliest possibility! As someone who has played at a nudist camp and for a toga party, both dressed accordingly, take my word for it!

To draw this article together let me say this. Choose the right kind of music for the event. Brief the band accordingly but make sure you have a professional and flexible outfit, things can change over the course of the event and you want to make sure the band are both co-operative and able to fulfill your needs. Don`t hesitate to ask the band for any special requirements you have. Do it in plenty of time so they have time to prepare.

The corporate entertainment and hospitality you offer to your guests reflects directly onto your company. The music and musicians must be the type who are aware of this. Dont go for second best just to save a small amount of money. You need a well prepared, well dressed band who are both polite and charming to your guests. They need to play the right kind of music for the event in order to help make the day or evenings corporate entertainment a resounding success!

Review: Legion Easily the Year's Best Movie About Badass Angels and God-Zombies

2010-01-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Angels with guns! Wing-fu! God-zombies! When Legion tries to take these kinds of things too seriously, it falters, but mostly it embraces the inner cheese.

The Bigger Picture: It seems that God's just a wee bit temperamental, and has gotten tired of human b.s., so it's extermination time. Too bad for him that Archangel Michael (Paul Bettany) somehow knows better than the being who brought about all creation, and has torn off his wings and stolen a bunch of guns in order to protect some random unborn child who will supposedly save mankind (how exactly this will happen is never explained in the slightest).

At a small desert diner called Paradise Falls (which is a pun, get it? "Falls" is a verb as well as a noun!), the final showdown begins. An unshaven, alcoholic Dennis Quaid and his merry staff of lowbrow losers, plus Michael, against hordes of God-possessed zombies, clouds of flies, and angels in armor.

We've seen many variations on this before, most of them superior: The Prophecy, Feast, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight...but if you've already seen those and could stand another variation, this is reasonable entertainment. Nobody in the audience really cares whether or not Lucas Black wants to be a responsible daddy to his girlfriend's illegitimate kid, so those parts are a snooze, but Tyrese's 'hood rat is hilarious, as is a Satanic granny who eats raw meat and climbs walls.

Yes, the angels dress like Ben Affleck in Dogma, which is not a good sign. And it does seem pretty ridiculous that they have bulletproof wings, yet are vulnerable to such good old-fashioned techniques as a wrestling sleeper-hold. But if you wanted logic, you should have taken one look at the poster of an angel holding a machine gun and walked the other way. Needless to say, if you take your scripture seriously, you also might want to avoid this one.

It's good to see Charles S. Dutton on the big screen again, especially sporting a metal claw for a hand. And special praise goes out to Kevin Durand—the Blob in X-Men Origins: Wolverine—for his English accent and tearily earnest face as Michael's former colleague in heaven Gabriel. Director Scott Stewart, a former special-effects man, has not made a film for the ages, but he has made a decent piece of mindless entertainment.

Extraordinary Measures Is Extra Ordinary:Review

2010-01-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's tough to make a compelling movie about enzyme synthesis, even when you have the added attraction of Harrison Ford in full caricature mode. Save for his star power, this debut theatrical feature for CBS Films feels like it belongs on Lifetime instead.

The Bigger Picture: Brendan Fraser, in what appears to be a full-on segue into the "middle-aged dad" phase of his career, plays a pharmaceutical marketer named John with two seriously unhealthy kids. They suffer from Pompe disease, a form of muscular dystrophy that rarely lets anyone live beyond the age of 9.

Scouring the research papers on the subject, he discovers Dr. Robert Stonehill (Ford), one of those Hollywood-template "eccentrics" who likes to drink Budweiser and listen to rock 'n' roll music while they work, behavior which is apparently so bizarre in movie land that it drives everyone around him crazy. "Inspired by true events," indeed.

Stonehill is on a different research track than everyone else...one so different, it just might work. But he doesn't have the funding, and that's an area where John can help.

So, show of hands: How many of you saw the poster, with its image of Fraser and Ford running determinedly down a corridor, and realized you were in for a film about the raising of venture capital for lab work? Us neither. Director Tom Vaughan is known primarily for the romantic comedies What Happens in Vegas and Starter For 10; this shift into drama is adequate but uninspired. Still, given the material, the fact that this thing is even remotely watchable could be seen as kind of a triumph.

Ford, all finger-pointing, nickname-calling, and righteous-scowling, has become his own self-impersonation, but it's not clear that he knows it yet (see also: Cage, Nicolas). Since the outcome of the movie is never in any doubt, he's the only reason to watch. Besides, Fraser made all those Mummy movies that were borderline Indiana Jones rip-offs, so he deserves to get berated by the real Indy, even if the price they have to pay is being in a movie about making medicine.

The 180–A Second Opinion: The moment where John meets with corporate bosses who ask him about "acceptable losses" relative to profit margins is a nice little jab at big pharma—and they deserve it.

Mount Zion Films Claim Awards at Houston Film Festival

2010-01-27T16:09:00.000-08:00

In far away Houston Texas, USA, at the recently concluded 42nd Annual World fest Houston International Film Festival, where more than 4,300 category entries competed from 33 countries, two of the latest Mount Zion movies won two top awards from the Television and Cable Production Award Category under Television Dramatic series.

The Broken Pitcher won the Gold Remi Award, while The Prodigal ones under the same category won Silver Remi Award.

The Broken Pitcher shot in March and The Prodigal Ones shot in September 2008 were mainly shot in Dallas, Texas; with few scenes of both films shot in Nigeria. Both films were joint productions of Mount Zion Film productions, Nigeria and Northward Film Productions, of RCCG Household of Faith, Arlington, Texas. The Broken Pitcher was written and directed by Mike Bamiloye, while the prodigal Ones were jointly written by Mike Bamiloye and Margaret Anenih.

The award notification letter written and signed by J. Hutter Todd, Chairman and Founding Director partly read thus: Dear Worldfest 2009 Award winner, on behalf of the staff and board of Directors and the Grand Award jury of the 42nd Annual Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival, we wanted to personally thank you for being part of this year’s festival award competition and to offer our personal congratulations for your wonderful Remi award on your outstanding creative effort”

To receive the awards at the Worldfest-Houston office in Dallas, few days after the award night, Mount Zion Films Production, Nigeria was represented by Chris and Margaret Anenih from the Northward Film Production, RCCG Household of Faith, Arlington, Texas.

This is the third time, Mount Zion Films would win awards at the Annual World Fest-Houston International Film Festival; the first time being in 2005 with “Enemy of my soul”, and in 2007 with “Youthful lusts”.

The annual Worldfest-Houston international Film Festival is the oldest and largest film festival in North America and one of the World’s oldest and largest film and video competitions, established since 1961

Ramsey NOUAH'S wife files for DIVORCE.

2009-11-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

The bad boy of Nollywood is going through divorce with his wife. Ramsey is known for being a profound womanizer on and off the screen. He has slept with fans all over the world and left his mark.

Is it fair to blame Ramsey? What about the all the women that knows he is married with children but still jump into bed with him when ever the opportunity arise.

There are so many men doing the same thing, even guys without the fame and stardom of an actor have the main wife, a side mistress and girl friends down fore whatever. This is not just an African thing, but common from all men. May be having one woman is not normal and men are just exercising their natural act. What ever the reason is for men doing this, it is a problem that the society needs to work together to resolve.

Do your think Nollywood as an entity needs deliverance?...Lets have your say!

TU FACE IDIBIA IN HOT ROMANCE WITH ANNIE MACAULAY’S BEST FRIEND

2009-07-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

African Queen Crooner, Innocent Ujah Idibia a.k.a Tu face has enmeshed himself in another feminine controversy if information at our disposal is anything to go by.

Ever since Tu face has become a ‘star’ managing of that stardom has not just become a burden to him but a problem which even spiritualists cannot find an answer to. If you recall that, Tu face has relocated to Abuja where we learnt he stays pending the time the preparation for his 10th year anniversary would be over.

Though, some people are saying that Tu Face’s stay in Abuja is solely financed by a certain moneybags who has just constructed gigantic multi- purpose plaza in Abuja, the fact still remains that, the Naija superstars has permanently secured a suite for himself in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Eagle eye recently sighted Tu face with his estranged wife’s best friend, this beautiful lady, was one of the two girls that featured in the African Queen alongside Annie Macaulay who was said to have brought her to the video shoot’s location.

Those who spotted them swore that the lady has since moved in with Tu Face from the first night and the two lovebirds have been enjoying each other’s company. Further enquiry into what could be going on between Tu Face and a close pal of Annie who has just been delivered of a bundle of joy for Tu Face-his first and only female child revealed that the two of them are into serious romance as the lady has since warming Tu Face’s bed even before they moved to Abuja.

Innocent Ujah Idibiah has successfully won the Grammy Awards as the only Naija artiste with the highest number of love children, having two boys from Pero Adeniyi, another two boys from Sumbo Adaba and the new addition from Annie Macaulay, a bouncing beautiful girl.

Prophet TB Joshua Predicted The Death Of Michael Jackson

2009-07-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

The prophetic reputation of Pastor TB Joshua attained new heights with the recent revelation that he foretold the sudden death of the iconic pop legend, Michael Jackson…

Shock and sympathy are still reverberating around the world since the news broke on Thursday 25th June that Michael Jackson, the undisputed 'King Of Pop' had died suddenly after collapsing in his L.A apartment. However, his death had been foretold months earlier by a popular Nigerian Prophet, TB Joshua.

In January this year, Joshua prophesied during one of his famous Sunday services, broadcast live on Emmanuel TV: “I'm seeing a great star whom the world is shouting, “Hey, hey, hey!” In his own area, he's famous – he's known everywhere. He is great – too great… I see something will begin to happen to that star and that may likely end in him packing his load and going on the journey of no return…”

A month later, he clarified that the person concerned was not from his local environ and was 'too young to leave your midst' – enjoining the congregants and viewers worldwide to pray earnestly for this 'great star'.

Although some may view his words as too generic to be accredited to the legendary entertainer, the revelation of Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli on Sunday 28th June 2009, the famous flautist, business associate of Marlon Jackson and close friend of the Jackson family, put asunder such doubts. Joshua knew clearly who he was referring to.

In a sober atmosphere, Tee Mac spoke in front of a live television audience on Emmanuel TV, testifying that Prophet TB Joshua had told him to warn Michael Jackson of an impending health disaster, and invite him to visit Nigeria for healing.

“The man of God (TB Joshua) called me to his office and said to me, 'Please, tell your friend Marlon to bring Michael here to Nigeria. Michael needs healing; he needs deliverance.' I told the man of God that Michael Jackson just went for a medical check up because he is going to have about 50 concerts soon. But the man of God said to me, 'Send Michael here – he needs healing.' ”

When the tragic news broke, “what immediately came to my mind was that the man of God told me something's going to happen,” Tee Mac reminisced. Clearly remorseful, he lamented that if he had taken the message more seriously and acted with more insistence, “maybe Michael Jackson would still be alive today…”

Utilising the occasion to reflect on life, TB Joshua asked the audience in a heartfelt message: “If today were your last day on earth, what would people remember you for? What would generations yet unborn read about you?' He encouraged the people to live each day as if it were their least, and avoid the burden of unnecessary worry and anxiety. “Let us leave tomorrow's trouble for the One who bore our troubles on the cross,” he remarked.

As well as speaking on major world events, Joshua regularly prophesies to individuals that throng his flourishing church in Lagos, with uncanny accuracy. His recent prophecies include the death of the former South Korean president, the Feb 13 plane crash in New York and the release of Ingrid Betancourt from the Colombian jungle last year.

His ministry is attracting a growing fanatical following, particularly across Africa, and many African leaders such as John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana regularly frequent his church for spiritual support and guidance.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Definitely I'll marry this year - Mercy Johnson

2009-07-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Mercy Johnson in the spate of 7 years has risen to become Nigeria movie industry's hottest actress.

This status was confirmed during City People Entertainment Awards held on Sunday 14th June, 2009 at Valley View Hall, Government House, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mercy clinched 2 awards; Best Actress, English and Face of Nollywood Awards. http://nigeriafilms.com caught up with Okene, Kogi State born talented actress at Murtala Mohammed Aiport II (MMA2), Ikeja, Lagos while she was on her way to Abuja. During the interview the 2nd born from a family of 7 children she spoke on her rise in Nollywood, her love affair with Ugheli , Delta State born Prince, Ibrahim Dumuje, and other sundry issues.

Enjoy

How have you been coping with different stories about you?

I take it as part of my profession as an actress. Most of those stories I don't know where they come from. And for some stories that are true I don't bother myself I make sure I don't repeat those mistakes. Remember I am a human being that can fall but I put myself together quickly and move on with life.

Despite the fact that you are coming from a very humble background did you plan that you will rise so quickly in the movie industry?

No. My story is a Cinderella story. I never thought it was going to be this big. I never thought I would walk into a hall to receive an award and people will give me standing ovation.

How has that helped you?

It has made me a better person. It has made me realize that there nothing like having faith, believe and self confidence in myself. I confess that at a point in my life I was frustrated. The awards I have received go a long way to show that frustration, smoking and drinking doesn't help. Rather I have been a better person by believing in myself and trying to do the right things.

As a sexy looking actress, how do you cope male admirers and those that have revealed their intention to marry you?

(Laughs)There are lots of them o! But I try as much as possible to draw the line. I have thousands of admirers. Of course I can't date everybody.

Who is your kind of man?

(Sighs relief) It is a difficult question because I am used to everybody saying their dream man must be God-fearing, tall handsome and all sorts. My kind of man must be truthful, a Christian, good-looking and he must be financially okay.

How old are you?

I am in my early 20s.

How far is it true that you have a very serious relationship with Prince Ibrahim Dumuje?

No comment.

But your are traditionally engaged to him..

Please don't ask me that question.

But you are engaged to him

Are you asking me if am engaged to him? I am an adult.

Are you saying you don't know him?

No comment. I can't talk about that issue.

That means your are ashamed of him

(Laughs)

Are you travelling to Abuja to visit him?

Please we are not talking about who am dating. Lets just talk about Mercy Johnson.

How did movie start for you?

I joined the movie industry about 7 years ago. When I finished my secondary school education and failed my University Matriculation Examination. My quest to do something new and the fact that I was tired of sitting down at home pushed me into the movie industry. About this time I saw a movie by Genevieve Nnaji and I said to myself I wanted to be an actress.

Can you remember the first movie you starred in?

The first movie I starred in is entitled "The Maid". It was produced by Kenneth Nnegwe. Since then I have starred in over 50 movies.

What about your education background?

I attended Nigerian Navy Nursery and Primary School and later proceeded to Nigerian Navy Secondary School all in Port Harcourt. I later did a certificate in Computer Studies. I later gained admission to study English at Lagos State University I stopped during my second year. But I have deferred the admission because of my busy schedules on movie locations.

What are your challenges as an actress?

There are so many challenges basically. They include making efforts to improve my skills as an actress, working on movie scripts and other issues. I see everything about the profession as a challenge.

How have your parents reacted to your entry and rise in the movie industry?

My parents and siblings have been very encouraging. I get the biggest encouragement from them.

There are rumours that you are dating popular Lagos transporter, MC Musiliu..

(Cuts in) That is a lie somebody is just trying to pull me down. I don't know the man you are talking about and I have never met him.

What about stories that you are dating De Banj?

I tell you my name is very sweet! I listen to his music but I have never met De Banj personally. God is my witness.

So much about the Prince from Delta State that means when he becomes a king you would also be a queen?

(Laughs)

When do you intend to get married?

Definitely this year.

That means your are truly engaged to him..

I don't know leave me alone.

When did you notice you had a break?

It was when my name was everywhere it was around 2006. And since I got City People Awards there have been lots of changes in my life and profession.

You have not spoken about Prince Dumuje?

I want to state categorically that I don't have a boyfriend not to talk of plans to get married. Someone is just out there to destroy my name.Marriage is a good thing but not an issue for now. Please I have to catch the flight. Thank you.

Chris Brown Parties With Rihanna Look-Alike..

2009-07-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

She sure looks like Rihanna, but the woman on Chris Brown's arm on the Fourth of July was not his ex-girlfriend.

The Ri-Ri look-alike was singer Teyana Taylor.

The two hit Sean "Diddy" Combs and Ashton Kutcher's Cîroc-sponsored White Party for Malaria No More. Inside the bash, held at a private Beverly Hills mansion, the two danced together and posed for pictures.

Brown also spent plenty of time hanging with Kanye West's on-again, off-again lady, Amber Rose...

While we didn't see anything more than friendly party interaction going on, the New York Daily News reports that Brown and Rose actually locked lips.

Brown appeared to be the center of attention, especially when Combs announced, "It's the Michael Jackson hour!" Brown, who has often been compared to the late King of Pop, busted out moves to "Rock With You," "PYT," "Thriller" and, ironically enough, "Smooth Criminal."

Speaking of Jackson, Brown told us he'd like to perform at tomorrow's memorial service, but as of Saturday night, he had no plans to participate. "They have to ask me first," he said. (P.S. We will be there, so make sure to come back here tomorrow for every detail.)

GHANAIAN ACTOR VAN VICKER COLLAPSES ON SET......

2009-07-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

In the first week of June, Ghanaian star Van Vicker collapsed on the set of Award-winning director Afam Okereke while shooting the movie entitled “Get Rich”. In the last scene of the movie, the actor was totally unable to perform a stunt driving a car.

The handsome actor, whose popularity has dramatically soared in the past months, is very much in demand and he has been involved in numerous projects. Exhaustion is reportedly the main cause for his health troubles.

After the incident, Van was flown to Ghana for treatment and returned to the set 3 days later. The word within the industry is that the actor is notorious for delaying productions he’s involved in by always leaving the sets to pursue personal ventures and not returning on time to work. This attitude has been a major cause of annoyance among producers despite the soaring popularity of the Ghanaian actor.

It's Going to Be a Disaster": Associate Says Jackson Was Too Weak for Major Comeback

2009-07-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Kevin Mazur/AEG via Getty Images

One of the dreamers who tried to reboot Michael Jackson's career says the late King of Pop wasn't fit enough to hit the stage for the "greatest comeback show ever" two years ago, let alone this summer.

"It would have happened had I assessed that Michael was capable mentally, emotionally, vocally to do it. At the end of it, we decided no, he wasn't," Jack Wishna, president of consultancy CPAmerica and the orchestrator of Jackson's return to the U.S. after a year spent living abroad, exclusively tells E! News.

The idea that they danced around from mid-2006 to mid-2007, and again earlier this year, was to have Jackson in residence at a Las Vegas hotel, where he'd star in a concert spectacular called Michael Jackson Presents that would also feature guest appearances by the latest R&B hitmakers.

"Michael says, 'I have this huge statue of me in full regalia, moon boots,'" Wishna recalled. "I want the hotel to encase it in the wall and the nights I'm in performance the statue comes out to the center of the strip so the world knows that I'm here," Jackson said, according to Wishna. "It would come out on a conveyor belt."

But though concert promoter AEG Live said that Jackson passed a physical with flying colors earlier this year, Wishna maintains that the 50-year-old artist had been in a "weakened state" and wasn't able to do three shows a month in 2007, much less maintain a more rigorous schedule now.

"He would get hurt if he had to do a regimen of performances," Wishna said. "You really have to be fit to go up on stage to do that."

So, earlier this year, he and Jackson instead discussed creating a show in the guise of LOVE, Cirque du Soleil's ode to the Beatles, that the King of Pop would not actually be in.

But then, Wishna said, he found out Jackson had hooked up with AEG for his London engagement.

"He said it should be fine," Wishna recalled. "In my heart I knew he didn't get better from the time I was with him. He was thin and weak. It's going to be a disaster. I would never put him into a show that way. I don't know who the doctor is that certified him for it. I didn't think [Jackson] was capable of doing it."

Wishna said he never saw Jackson using drugs, but that he wouldn't have had any trouble obtaining whatever he wanted—oftentimes from people who didn't have his best interests at heart.

"There were so many people around him that were enablers," the exec said. "It was one thing after another that just made it very bizarre."

"Michael has a lot of people around him that cut deals and sometimes Michael doesn't even know what those deals are," he added. "So many people have been around him. At every turn it's like he's his worst enemy because of the people that are around him."

"If you opened your mouth he'd alienate them and get rid of them," Wishna said of the members of Jackson's entourage who failed to acquiesce to his demands. "Nobody told him 'don't do this, don't do that.'"

Sadly, Jackson isn't around to tell anyone to do anything on his behalf anymore. But Wishna feels that he knows what the Thriller purveyor would say about one thing.

"In Ireland, when I spoke to Michael, I said, 'Come back and go back to Neverland.'" And Jackson said, "I never, never, never want to go back to Neverland. Never."

"My thought is if someone buries him in Neverland he will come up out of the ground like in Thriller and strangle them," Wishna said, referring to rumors that Jackson's family is still considering a bid to inter Jackson on the grounds of his once-beloved ranch.

"I tried to get rid of Neverland for him. He would never set foot back on Neverland. He never wanted to go there, never wanted to sleep there— never, never."

NOLLYWOOD STARS, RITA DOMINIC, GENEVIEVE NNAJI FIGHT OVER LOVER

2009-07-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

Nollywood actresses, Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji are said to be at dagger drawn over a London based lover called Christopher Obukwelu.

This former broadcaster with the MINAJ TV, we gathered , is the brain behind the enmity between these top stars in Nigeria's make- believe industry called Nollywood.

As the story goes, Rita and Chris were said to have dated years back. While the romance lasted, Rita’s colleagues tried to snatch the handsome dude from her but her defence was as strong as mount Gibraltar.

As you are reading this, there seem to be this strong affinity between the celebrated Nollywood actress, Genevieve and Chris. This new development is said to be bothering Rita whose relationship with Chris hit the rocks a while ago.

Why Rita is embittered about the whole scenario is that Genevieve could stoop that low to date her ex. Meanwhile Information at our disposal reveals that Rita and Genevieve are not on speaking term because of Chris. We shall update you as event unfolds.

Michael Jackson's father said ......Jackson's dad suspects "foul play" in death

2009-07-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Michael Jackson's father said on Friday he suspected "foul play" in the death of his pop star son, as lawyers disclosed talks aimed at settling guardianship of the singer's two children with his ex-wife.

The previously unknown talks caused a Los Angeles court to delay by one week a key hearing over custody of the kids, who are now being cared for by Jackson's 79-year-old mother.

Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, told ABC News in a TV interview Friday that he was dumbfounded when he learned his son collapsed at home and was being rushed to the hospital.

"I just couldn't believe what was happening to Michael. I do believe it was foul play. I do believe that," he said, without elaborating.

The "Thriller" singer died suddenly over two weeks ago after suffering cardiac arrest at his rented Los Angeles mansion. He was 50. Since then, numerous media reports have surfaced about powerful prescription drugs found by police at Jackson's home after his June 25 death.

"I didn't know anything about the drugs," Joe Jackson said. "I didn't even know the name of them. But I do know that whatever he'd taken was to try to make him rest because he had been working so hard, and that drug was supposed to try and make him relax.

"But anyway he didn't wake up. He never woke up. Michael died in his sleep."

Toxicology reports are pending on the official cause of Jackson's death, but numerous media reports have said that the dangerous sedative Diprivan -- normally used in hospitals by anesthesiologists -- was found at the singer's home.

A ROW WITH ROWE?

Jackson family attorney and spokesman L. Londell McMillan, said his legal team is now in talks with attorneys for Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, about the key question of who will care for his children.

A judge gave Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, temporary guardianship days after the singer's death, and a hearing to continue her role had been set for July 13.

"We are pleased that the child custody hearing has been continued over until July 20 to allow us to continue to make progress in our dignified and amicable discussions for the best interest of the children," McMillan told Reuters.

He declined to detail the discussions or say if Rowe, was seeking custody of the two children she bore Jackson while they were married in the late 1990s: Prince Michael Jr, 12, and Paris, 11. Jackson had a third child, Prince Michael II, 7, using a surrogate mother whose name has never been disclosed.

Last week, Rowe told a Los Angeles television station, "I want my children," but later that same day her attorney told reporters in a telephone conference call that although the quote was correct, its intention was distorted.

At the time, attorney Eric George said Rowe had not made a decision about whether she would seek custody of the two kids, and since then Rowe has not addressed the matter in public. mother to be the guardian, but legal experts say Rowe can challenge the guardianship and possibly win custody of her two children.

"California law, like many states' laws, strongly favors children remaining in a family that was intact when they were born, even if it no longer is at this point," said Scott Altman, an expert in family law who teaches at the University of Southern California.

Jay-Z Salutes Michael Jackson At Connecticut Show

2009-07-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

UNCASVILLE, Connecticut — Jay-Z's rep says that the MC's recent run of dates isn't really a proper tour, but it doesn't matter — fans always come out to see Hov because, like Michael Jordan in his prime, there's always a chance that they'll see something that hasn't been done before.

One thing fans didn't see at the Mohegan Sun casino resort in Connecticut on Friday night was Ciara, who'd opened other shows on this short string of dates but cancelled due to an unspecified illness. Instead, they got a set from Lupe Fiasco and a brief one from other tour opener Fabolous.

The two got the crowd primed for Jay, who took the stage dressed all in black and wearing a T-shirt that said "D.O.A." — which was also the name of song he opened with (a.k.a "Death of Auto-Tune," the recently released track from his forthcoming Blueprint 3 LP), followed with a triumphant "Show Me What You Got."

Memphis Bleek came out onstage shortly after. "R.O.C., we running this rap sh--," Jay said. "Tell me when you ready, Bleek."

"I'm ready!" Jay's longtime, loyal stage-right man answered.

They launched into the almost decade-old "U Don't Know" which felt as crisp as it did when it first came out. "Blue Magic" followed, with fans yelling along with the lines, "Money over broads ... f--- Bush." That transitioned neatly into a triumphant performance of Hov's verse from Young Jeezy's "My President" remix. A montage of pictures of President Obama filled the huge screen behind Jay while his band blared. Improvising, Jay shouted out, "I'm headed to C.T./ Anybody feel me?/ I like the energy."

Hov later took it back to The Black Album for the rarely performed "Allure." Midway through the record, the band switched up the beat and went into "Flashing Lights." "That's my favorite joint to perform, by the way," he revealed to the audience after the song.

"Roc Boys" came next — followed by the guitar lick from the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" before transitioning into the beat for "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" Photos of Michael Jackson appeared on his screen as Jay paid the singer tribute, as he had in Chicago earlier in the week.

"Let's not wait to mourn death, let's celebrate life," Jay urged the crowd. He went to tell the crowd that fans have given Michael Jackson a great outpouring of love since he died, which the King of Pop hadn't gotten to see in recent years.

"I need y'all tonight. Let's celebrate life," Jay said.

Jay finished off the set strong with a series of gems: "Swagga Like Us," "Jigga My N---a," "N---a What, N---a Who (Originator 99)," "Big Pimpin' " (you could feel the floor shaking for that one), "Can I Get A ..." and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder." Jay then said, "Peace and love," and the stage went black.

It was obvious that the show wasn't over, but the crowd kept chanting, "Hova!"

"I ain't even gonna make y'all wait tonight," he said, coming back onstage quickly. He told a story about how he was in Las Vegas recently and decided to rap the intro for Blueprint 3. He figured what happened in Vegas would stay in Vegas, but footage of his raps got out on the net (Jay did perform the same intro in Chicago), so since he figured everybody already heard the rhymes, he he wasn't going to do them. Kidding! Of course he was going to say the lines that have been causing Game to call him out at concerts overseas.

"We talkin' about real sh-- or we talkin' about rhymes?" he rapped. "Y'all talkin' about millions or y'all just talkin' about mines? ... I ain't talkin' about Game, I ain't talkin' about Jimmy/ I ain't talkin' about Dame/ I'm talkin' about real sh--, them people playin'/ What is you talkin' about? I don't know what y'all sayin'? ... Ain't nothin' cool about carryin' a strap, about worryin' your moms and buryin' your best cat/ Talkin' about revenge ..."

He stumbled for a split second, seemingly forgetting a line, but then went back in.

"Talkin' about revenge/ While you carryin' his casket/ All teary-eyed about to take it to a mattress ... People keep talkin' about how Hov left 'em flat/ Trying to rewrite history, let's talk about facts/ Dame made millions, even Jaz made some scraps/ He could've made more, but he ain't sign his contract/ And as far as street guys, I mean, we was dealin' crack/That's how the game goes, I don't owe nobody jack/ Grown men want me to sit 'em on my lap/ But I don't have a beard and Santa Claus ain't black."

A Roc medley came after, highlighted by "You, Me, Him and Her," where Jay and Memph Bleek shouted out Beanie Sigel but, as always, mocked former Roc-A-Fella artist Amil. "Amil-lee-on, gone!"

Michael Jackson got another shout-out on "Give It To Me" — "Ladies love me long time like M.J.'s soul" — and then Jigga closed out with "Encore."

"I hope the [gaming] tables are as good to me as you were," he told the crowd before leaving.