The Daily Roundup for Mar 5

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The Little 'Lorax' Is Box Office Giant

Combining a strong brand and an impressive marketing effort, The Lorax crushed even the wildest expectations with one of the best opening weekends ever for an animated movie. Project X also had a respectable debut on a weekend where the Top 12 grossed an estimated $153.5 million, which is up 27 percent from the same frame last year.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax opened to $70.7 million, which is by far the best opening of the year. It's also the sixth-highest debut ever for an animated movie and second-best for a non-sequel behind The Simpsons Movie ($74.04 million). Among March openings, it ranks third all-time behind Alice in Wonderland ($116.1 million) and 300 ($70.9 million). It also topped Illumination Entertainment's Despicable Me ($56.4 million), and scored the best opening ever for a Dr. Seuss movie ahead of How the Grinch Stole Christmas ($55.1 million) (the Grinch did sell more tickets, though).

It's not really hyperbole to say that Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment knocked this one out of the park. For the production itself, they opted to keep the look and feel of a Dr. Seuss work while mixing in some slightly off-kilter humor, and then they hired recognizable, distinct vocal talent like Danny DeVito, Taylor Swift and Betty White to bring the characters to life. Aside from highlighting these features throughout the marketing campaign, there was an aggressive cross-promotional effort with a number of organizations including IHOP and Mazda (which obviously runs contrary to The Lorax's environmentalist, anti-corporate message, but I digress). The title character even made an appearance as a "guest judge" on NBC's The Voice, which reinforces the advantages of having a TV network at your disposal.

Exit polling indicated that parents and children 12 years of age and under represented 68 percent of the audience. The movie received a strong "A" CinemaScore, and since it's really the only major family entertainment for at least three weeks it should be in line for a lot more money.

Tracee Ellis Ross Graces The Cover of UPTOWN Magazine

Tracee Ellis Ross tapped into her fabulously colorful side for the March 2012 issue of UPTOWN Magazine. The former model and fashion writer dished to UPTOWN Magazine on how she used to create wish boards in high school, what she learned from Diana, and how shy she was until she got a pair of contacts and let her hair go natural.

Here's some highlights from her cover story:

On the difference between Carla Reed and Joan Clayton:
“I enjoyed playing a different role. Carla is so different from Joan. And I am at a different point in my life. Joan and Carla are pieces of me. But I am much more than both of them. Joan was a very specific piece of me. She was neurotic, faithless, and afraid, which lends itself to some really good humor. Carla is the evolved version of Joan. She has the love that Joan was  looking for, so it creates humor from a different place.”

On taking risks:
“As a younger person, my philosophy was jump off a cliff. I realize now that there are stairs and elevators. I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me. I can even ask for help! Not feeling that I have to know everything, and that’s where the growth comes in, in the not knowing.”

On her "lily pad moment":
“It’s the time when you come above water and you are aware of your surroundings,” she explains. “I was thinking: Oh my! This is my life? How did I get here? And better yet, what am I going to do with it?”

On becoming a mom:
“I got it from my mother. She always wanted children. I feel like she created space on the planet for us before we got here.”
“Oh, God yeah. I want to be a mom. But, obviously, this stuff happens in God’s time and not mine.”

Loves her!

Man Killed At Rick Ross Miami Home : Rick Wanted For Questioning

Cops are looking to speak with rapper Rick Ross after a 40-year-old man was shot to death in front of his Miami Gardens home TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources says Ross was NOT home at the time of the shooting and at this point in the investigation, he’s not considered a suspect.

We’re told cops found the victim laying inside a gate at the home.
Sources tell us investigators don’t know if the victim has any connection to Ross, but since he is listed as the owner of the property, cops want to ask him a few questions about the situation.
Here are some photos of one of Ross’s Miami Pads!!!

So far, no comment from Rick’s camp.

Ryan Murphy Plans ‘One Hit Wonders’ With Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz, Beyonce And Andy Samberg

In a seven-figure preemptive deal, Sony Pictures is collaborating with Ryan Murphy on One Hit Wonders, a musical comedy pitch that will be written as a star vehicle for Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz, Beyonce and Andy Samberg.

Murphy is attached to direct, and he will write the script with his Glee cohorts Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. Murphy will produce with Paltrow (who has practically become a Glee cast member) and the latter makes her debut as a producer on this film. Murphy hopes to direct it after he completes The Normal Heart.

Paltrow, Witherspoon and Diaz will play three singers who each scored a top  hit song in the 1990s before watching their careers go down the drain. They  decide to form a super group. Samberg and his Lonely Island cohorts will be involved in generating music for the film, I’m told. The project came out of a  dinner Murphy had at the Soho House with Paltrow, Diaz and Witherspoon. They wanted to do something fun together and kicked around ideas until they settled on One Hit Wonders. Murphy, who made Eat Pray Love with Sony Pictures chief Amy Pascal, took the pitch to her. Pascal bought it 10 minutes in. They are working the deals right now. Murphy previously made a big deal with Sony for a follow-up picture he’ll direct with Julia Roberts starring. Sony’s Elizabeth Cantillon and Hannah Minghella will steer the project.

UPDATE: Beyonce’s camp says that she isn’t attached to One Hit Wonders, so  perhaps this was a bit of over-exuberance on the part of the filmmakers. Still a crazy good cast if you ask me.

Lady Gaga Launches "Born This Way Foundation"

Rocking another one of her unique fashion choices, Lady Gaga made a stop by Harvard Yard in Cambridge, MA before launching her "Born This Way Foundation".

The "Poker Face" singer looked ready for the snowy day ahead wearing a structured long black jacket with iridescent arms, sheer black gloves and a full length black skirt with the fashion icon topping off her outfit with one of her signature wild headpieces and a red lip.

The 25 year-old entertainer took to her Twitter page to let her little monsters in on her current endeavors, tweeting, "Getting ready for Harvard. 

Mother is asking me for fashion advice, little does she know I stole her look. #BTWFoundation."

"The Born this Way Foundation" was started by the pop icon and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated.

Bobby Brown’s sister, wasted and sleepy: Whitney’s death was no accident

Is it wrong that when I’m watching this would-be serious video with Bobby Brown’s sister that all I can focus on are her sparkly eyes and glistening lips?  She’s got some huge spider eyelashes going on too. Anyway Bobby Brown’s sister talked to Access Hollywood about how concerned she is for her niece, Bobby and Whitney’s daughter Bobbi Kristina. She also seems to think Whitney’s death was some kind of conspiracy. Unlike the family friend who previously spoke to Extra,

“Aunt Dolly,” Bobbi Kristina’s real aunt seems like she’s in it for the paycheck and doesn’t give a rat’s ass about Bobbi. She wants Bobbi Kristina to know that she shouldn’t trust anyone, though, except for her dad, grandmother and herself of course. She also seems to think Whitney’s death was some kind of conspiracy, probably because she takes a cocktail of prescription drugs too and nothing’s happened to her yet. Here’s some of what she said, and you really have to watch it. She can hardly keep her eyes open, and it’s no wonder with all the crap she has spackled on them. In all seriousness she looks completely drugged out and wasted to me. Poor Bobbi Kristina.

Bobbi Kristina should not trust anyone

I want to say to Krissy that it’s very very very important that she does not trust anybody at this time, anybody except her father, her grandmother Sissy and myself. And I mean that.
Right now is the time to just really shut the door. 

Bobby Brown is not to blame
Bobby [Brown] has nothing, nothing at all to do with Whitney’s death.
[Whitney's] father said he was tired of people talking about his son-in-law. He said Bobby had nothin’ to do with Whitney doing drugs in the past or whatever. Bobby had nothing to do with that.

Believes Whitney’s death was not an accident.

I believe Whitney’s death was not accidental. No.
My attorney has advised me not to get into that at all, but it’s very important to know, she did not pass away like that. No. If it’s the last thing I do I’m going to find out what truly happened to my sister.

This is not same sister who sold out Whitney to the Enquirer back in 2006 by taking photos of her bathroom strewn with drug paraphernalia. 

Here’s a picture of that lady, Tina Brown. That’s a different person. This is Leola Brown. 

Leola’s lawyer also spoke and said “there are persons that possibly who would want to take advantage of Bobbi Kristina’s fragile state of mind.” He seemed sober enough, especially compared to Leola. What can I say except that Bobby Brown has relatives with drug problems who are talking to the press. Watch that video above and tell me this lady is sober by any stretch.

BREEZY SUITS UP FOR “FORTUNE”

Chris Brown gets suited up for his forthcoming album Fortune, hitting shelves May 8.

Preceded by singles ‘Strip’ and ‘Turn Up The Music’, the 22 year old unveiled the set’s striking cover, along with its official release date

Naomi Campbell as Tina Tuner for V Magazine.

For a February 2012 photoshoot with "V" Magazine, Naomi Campbell channeled rock-n-roll icon Tina Turner.

With black-and-white photos taken by Daniele Duella and Iango Henzi and clothing styled by Joanne Blades, Naomi's legs pay the real "tribute" to Ms. Turner.

Big wheels keep on turning.....

Gorge.

Ms. Campbell NEVER disappoints.

RUMOR CONTROL: Eddie Murphy And Toni Braxton Together??!!

Looks like Eddie Murphy might of found his lady, rumors are circulating that Eddie is dating Toni Braxton. Us Weekly is quoting a source who claims the stars “are seeing each other and very into it,” and adds, “Their kids have met and everything. It’s getting very serious.”

Murphy fueled the speculation when he was spotted backstage at Toni’s Los Angeles concert on Feb. 19, but her spokesperson insists their relationship is strictly platonic.

The rep says, “Toni and Eddie are just friends and have been fans of each other’s work for a long time.”

Snooki Really Is Pregnant …LIAR!

Sources report the loveable drunk Snooki from MTV’s hit reality series Jersey Shore is pregnant, reports the New York Post.

Snooki who real name is Nicole Polizzi, is 24, and expecting her first child with steady boyfriend Jionni LaValle. The couple’s volatile relationship has been well documented throughout the five seasons of Jersey Shore. Though she has publicly denied being preggers, Page Six says their source isn’t lying.

“MTV went into crisis mode after they found out,” said a source. “They’re trying to hide it because it would greatly affect the creative direction of the show. ” The untitled new show has just begun taping and focuses on the ladies’ relationship as friends and roommates — and whatever adventures come their way..

Vibe reports The reality star has been spotted around Jersey City with cast-mate JWoww. However, a rep for MTV stated that the network “doesn’t comment on series in production.”

Snooki’s camo declined to comment at press time.

J.Lo Apologizes for Dissing Diddy

After all these years is Diddy still trying to get with Jennifer Lopez and is Jennifer Lopez still not giving Diddy the time of day? It would seem so. Spywitnesses at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party overheard Jennifer apologizing to Diddy for not answering any of his calls or texts. Ouch...

From Us

According to an observer, Lopez made a bee-line for her ex, whom she dated  from 1999 to 2001, shortly after arriving. Although Lopez seemed "friendly"  during their chat, she was overheard apologizing for not returning his calls and text. "It was weird," the observer adds.

AnnaSophia Robb to Play Young Carrie Bradshaw

It's long been a mystery of who would stake claim of the coveted role, and now, it has been announced that AnnaSophia Robb has landed the lead role in HBO's forthcoming prequel to "Sex and the City".

The "Soul Surfer" actress will be the star of "The Carrie Diaries" as she plays a young Carrie Bradshaw, the role Sarah Jessica Parker is known for bringing to the small screen.

The show is based on the novel of the same name by Candace Bushnell, and follows a 17-year-old Bradshaw “who comes of age in the 1980s and is asking her first questions about love, sex, friendship and family while exploring the worlds of high school and Manhattan,” according to Variety.

It seems the internet tipped the actress off that she landed the role as Annasophia tweeted, "So excited for #carriediaries! It was online before I even knew hahahaha oh technology."

Michael Jordan Shoots for $29M for his Chicago Compund

Former Chicago Bulls Player Michael Jordan, just listed his seven-acre Highland Park compound for $29M.

Along with a nine-bedroom, 15-bathroom mansion, the property includes, as  expected, a full-sized basketball court. With a few exclusions, the contemporary estate, completed in 1995, will be sold furnished, though we have to wonder if that includes the giant number 23 secured to the front gates.

On the whole though, despite the immense size of the place and the hotel-like entry, Jordan fares better than most when it comes to decor. Not that the Nike golden boy needs the cash, but that $29M will help to offset the cost  of his 2007 divorce, in which his ex-wife received a $168M settlement.

In Fashion News: The Fabulous Laquan Smith Fall 2012: Robotic Dream

It’s been two years since LaQuan Smith made his New York Fashion Week debut and every season since, the wunderkind designer has delivered saucy styles that attract contemporary style mavens like Cassie, Rihanna, and even Lady Gaga. Smith has more notably won the attention and favor of fashion industry big wigs as well, like former Vogue-Editor-at-Large Mr. Andre Leon Talley and designer Diane Von Furstenberg. With a growing list of supporters, Smith fall 2012 presentation, entitled ” Robotic Dream,” lived up to the excitement brewing around his work.

Futuristic is the best word to describe Smith fall 2012 show. The fantasy collection is a mix of figure-flattering dresses, structured skirts and cutting-edge jackets. Each piece was carefully constructed with eye-catching detailing. The use of mesh material and PVC is dominant throughout the collection with plastic re-imagined in creative, innovative ways.

Holding true to his design aesthetic, Smith created this collection with femininity in mind. The sexy silhouettes and vibrant hues are perfect for the  bold at heart.

Jennifer Hudson Listed In Prosecution Witnesses For Upcoming Murder Trial

Jennifer Hudson is on the witness list for the upcoming trial for the murders of her mother, brother and nephew in Chicago in 2008. Prosecutors have not yet said whether they’ll call the Oscar winner to testify once trial starts in April. 

According to the “Chicago Tribune,” Hudson is included in lengthy detectives’ reports filed by the prosecution last week. The reports reveal the  singer grew up with the defendant, William Balfour, on the city’s South Side.  Hudson also claims that Balfour, who was married to her sister, did not treat  her sister well and even once threatened to kill her over an alleged affair.

AMERIIE..YES For SHEEN MAGAZINE!

Ameriie recently shot a cover and spread for SHEEN magazine. The pretty singer looked fab in shots for the beauty guide mag. Check the pics

32-year-old Ameriie is still on the scene. She posed for a few pretty pics for beauty magazine SHEEN. And the newlywed--who wed her manager Lenny Nicholson last June--is still working on her upcoming 5th studio album set to drop this year, Cymatika Vol. 1.

Romeo Miller Re-Teams With Tom Lynch For Musical Sitcom

EXCLUSIVE: Almost a decade after Romeo Miller first teamed with Tom Lynch  for the Nickelodeon series Romeo!, the actor/rapper is back in business with the pre-eminent producer of comedy series for the tween and teen set. The two are collaborating on RESQ3, a high-school show that focuses on teen social issues. The musical sitcom with drama elements features Miller and his new rap/rock band RESQ3, including drummer Christian Brock and guitarist/vocalist Myles Eberhardt. ”It’s the first teen TV show with a Hip Hop, Rock and Pop sound,” Miller said. RESQ3 is produced by the Tom Lynch Co., which is financing the production of a pilot in the fall.

The show has already been sold in several international markets, while talks with U.S. networks are underway. Nickelodeon and its sibling networks would be a natural home, having aired Miller/Lynch’s Romeo! as well as most  other series produced by Lynch. “It’s great to be back in business with Romeo,” Lynch said. “From 2003 to 2006 we had a #1 series on Nickelodeon, and with Romeo’s experience, poised acting skills, comedic timing, built-in fan base, and musical success, we are expecting to repeat history with another hit TV show.” Romeo is currently filming Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection and will go on tour with RESQ3 in April.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“Wiggin’ Out”

I guess the asian lady is aking him “Where did you get that wig from? It’s one of outs”

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD!!!

EFREM.