THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Buzz for Nov 5

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'Wreck-It Ralph' WRECKS THE BOX OFFICE!!!

A week after theaters on the East Coast faced Hurricane Sandy, business was back to normal in Hollywood, with Disney debuting “Wreck-It Ralph” to a nearly $50 million gross. This is the biggest stateside Disney Animation Studios opening ever, which coming off the acquisition of Lucasfilms, suggests the studio has had a very good week. U mad, Hollywood?

“Wreck-It Ralph” was an unusual beast, in that it was marketed to kids and families with it’s shiny color schemes and antic animated slapstick, but also pushed to a certain generation weaned on video games. The “A” Cinemascore suggests that the older viewers weren’t put off by bait-and-switch ads that spotlighted major characters from games like “Sonic The Hedgehog” and “Street Fighter,” which would suggest to the uninitiated that the film was an adaptation of these properties, when in fact these characters were only peripheral to the main story. Then again, you probably don’t go to “Wreck-It Ralph” without knowing exactly what you’re gonna get.

The more surprising news of the week, however, has to be the spectacular returns on “Flight.” Paramount was gunshy, opening this at just under 2,000 theaters with expansion soon to come, and yet it still registered as Denzel Washington’s fifth straight $20 million opener, and thirteenth overall. What’s impressive is that, while Washington stars in the occasional clunker, his brand remains consistent and respectable, that of the mid-budgeted studio film for adults, the ones critics claim Hollywood never makes anymore. And “Flight” was just that, pitched as a sobering drama about a broken man, albeit as broken as someone with the audience-soothing confidence and good looks of Mr. Washington can be.

One cannot overlook that connection to Robert Zemeckis, as the film was not only sold on his name and past work, but also to a superficial resemblance to his wildly-popular “Cast Away.” “Flight” is similarly austere, but it was marketed with the same emphasis on a visceral plane crash that likely caught the attention of audiences. Paramount will no doubt expand with confidence in coming weeks, giving a significant boost to Washington’s Best Actor Oscar chances, given that this picture is also coming off Washington’s highest-grossing film “Safe House.” The more adult-themed pics become a niche, the more likely the odds a film with this sort of pedigree will break through given a solid ad campaign and the right principals.

In a similar vein, “Argo” fell out of the top spot, though it remains a good deal ahead of the pace of Ben Affleck’s previous effort “The Town” and continues to post respectable holds even after a large chunk of its audience likely migrated to “Flight” this weekend. The picture is certain to crack $100 million domestically, a triumphant peak in the elaborate Affleck-fueled campaign to get people to forget “Gigli” ever happened. Even though there are some things you just don’t forget. Gobble gobble, Mr. Affleck.

Despite the considerable press obligations of co-writer, director and star RZA, Universal dumped “The Man With The Iron Fists” in less than 2000 theaters, resulting in a tepid opening that shows little promise for what theoretically is a coming expansion. Universal is known to take risks with genre projects, but it is what it is: martial arts pictures rarely break through, and the association with RZA, a multimedia trailblazer still largely anonymous to huge swaths of the public, didn’t exactly raise the profile. The studio claims the budget was somewhere between $15-$20 million, which suggests the picture will do it’s heavy lifting on DVD and internationally. Sticking Russell Crowe in your film used to result in at least a little extra cash, but his presence had no such effect this time, while Cinemascore reflects a cool “C+” reception from audiences, suggesting this was merely product outright rejected by the general public.

Surprisingly, “Taken 2” remains in the top five in its fifth week, easing up considerably as it winds down it’s run. The film has an outside shot of eclipsing the $145 million stateside gross of the first film, but even if it stalls before reaching that number, it’s already wildly outgunned its predecessor in global receipts. There was the suggestion that producers would move forward without Liam Neeson on “Taken 2,” a contingency plan no one wanted to employ, but as it turns out “Taken” looks like it may replicate the typical studio franchise model, with a robust trilogy leading the way towards an eventual reboot with a new cast, as Liam Neeson is too smart to take “Taken” into “Death Wish” territory. The best part of all this is, unlike other franchises that follow this model, “Taken” remains a relatively-affordable series of B-movies. The sun never sets on the Luc Besson empire.

1 Wreck-It Ralph BV $49,100,000 -

2 Flight Par. $25,010,000

3 Argo WB $10,245,000 -

4 The Man with the Iron Fists

5 Taken 2 Fox $6,000,000

6 Cloud Atlas WB $5,250,000

7 Hotel Transylvania Sony $4,500,000

8 Paranormal Activity 4 Par $4,300,000

9 Here Comes the Boom Sony $3,600,000

10 Silent Hill: Revelation 3D ORF $3,300,000

“Cloud Atlas” is still a definite non-performer. After its iffy opening weekend, the film is still playing to a curious few, but the loss of half its audience suggests whatever word-of-mouth caught on was minimal at best. Given the massive budget of this picture, the hope is that international audiences are more receptive to the effects and the star-studded international cast, but this is an “unfilmable” labor of love to all involved, and its likely no one entered this expensive endeavor to make a huge profit, but rather to invest in what they would consider a major cultural contribution. Imagine that!

“Hotel Transylvania” took a strong fall as a result of “Wreck-It Ralph” entering the marketplace, though it’s within striking distance of the $142 million gross of “The Smurfs.” Once it surpasses that number, it will become the biggest release in Sony Animation history. “Paranormal Activity 4” is still a few whiskers away from $50 million and will likely be the weakest performer in the series, while “Here Comes The Boom” continues to tread water after its weak opening. Meanwhile, taking the biggest fall was the second weekend of “Silent Hill: Revelation,” which very much seems like its in a rush to get to your local Redbox kiosk.

ABC’s Scandal Picked Up For A Full Season

ABC is giving a full-season pickup to returning drama Scandal. Nope, Scandal didn’t already have one. Second-season shows often get full season orders, but ABC has been cautious with the Shonda Rhimes political soap. But in the wake of its reasonably steady performance on Thursdays this fall, Scandal is now getting an extra nine episodes and its first full season. Scandal is averaging 8.1 million viewers and a 2.5 rating in adults 18-49, plus a hearty 45 percent DVR boost. Scandal, which stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, a professional fixer — also stars Columbus Short and Guillermo Díaz. FYI, the Olivia Pope character is based on the career of real-life lawyer Judy Smith.

Judy Smith is the former deputy press secretary for President George H. W. Bush and author of Good Self, Bad Self: Transforming Your Worst Qualities into Your Best Assets. Judy now heads her own DC-based crisis management and public relations firm, Smith and Company.

Above The real life Olivia Pope, Judy Smith

Listen to ‘Black Rage’: Lauryn Hill Debuts New Song In Dallas

”Try if you must but you can’t have my soul”.

Lauryn Hill delivers a powerful message in her new number ‘Black Rage‘, shared with fans on the Dallas leg of her ‘Life Is Good / Black Rage’ tour, alongside Nas.

Addressing many a hard hitting racial issues, her lyrics- though subtle- are sure to strike many a chord in anyone who listens close enough.

Watch her light up the stage:

Alright Ms Hill…..Your Thoughts?

Kim K Superstar feat Ray J. Part #2

Insiders claim there's a new sex tape starring Ray J and Kim Kardashian on the way...

From Contact Music

A second sex-tape featuring Kim Kardashian and her ex-boyfriend Ray J is being shopped around for $30 million. The reality star, who rose to fame after her infamous 2003 home video hit the web, is reportedly terrified that the new clip could be leaked online.

Stay Tuned!

So Jessica’s Simpson Father IS REALLY GAY having a RENT BOY!

Joe Simpson was 'busted by wife of 34 years after she discovered pictures of Bryce Chandler Hill, 21, posing in her home'

The 34 year union between Jessica Simpson's parents was destroyed after her mother found pictures of 21-year-old Bryce Chandler Hill and her husband posing in their home.

Suspicious about seeing a boy she had never met pictured in various places throughout the Encino mansion, Tina, 52, immediately flew New York City to confront her husband.

It was August when 54-year-old Joe had some explaining to do in the lobby of a Manhattan hotel, according to Radar Online.

'Joe got busted after Tina found some modeling pictures of Bryce in her home,' a source close to the Simpson family exclusively told RadarOnline.com.

'They were taken in and around the house and she was suspicious because she didn’t have a clue who the boy was.

'Joe and Tina’s marriage was in trouble and they had a make or break vacation booked in Hawaii, so she didn’t ask Joe any questions at that point.

'However, when they returned to Los Angeles Joe bizarrely got on a plane to New York, just six hours after they had landed in California.

Tina enlisted daughter Jessica’s best friend CaCee Cobb for help in finding out who the boy was.

'CaCee uncovered some personal pictures of Joe and Bryce posing together and showed Tina.

'Tina wanted answers,' the source revealed. 'She flew to New York to make an unannounced visit to Joe.

'When she got there, she called him down to the lobby and they thrashed it out.'

In a further revelation it has been revealed that Joe had 'lavished expensive gifts on his toyboy' Bryce.

A source told Radar: 'Over a 12-month period, Tina saw that Joe was splashing thousands of dollars in designer stores... staying in luxury hotels and buying tickets for concerts. What was worse, the money that Joe had freely spent on Bryce was from a mutual account he shared with Tina.'

It has been claimed that Ashlee and her sister Jessica are struggling to cope in the wake of the divorce announcement.

A source said: 'Jessica had absolutely no clue that her father was gay, not even the slightest inkling.

'It was a complete shock to the system, she feels terribly for her mom who was left reeling by the announcement and her sister Ashlee has also taken the news quite badly.'

Joe's appearance in particular caused a bit of a stir - as he appeared to have had something of a flamboyant makeover.

Last week, soon after claims surrounding Joe's sexuality emerged, the news broke that Tina had filed for divorce in September…..WOW!

Toya Wright Celebrates Birthday In Atlanta With Memphitz

Toya Wright celebrated her birthday in style all weekend. She celebrated a full weekend in New Orleans, Miami and last stop Atlanta. Check out exclusive photos via Freddy O from her birthday in Atlanta

Toya cuts into her birthday cake!

Her family came out to celebrate!

Many close friends and family were in celebration all weekend. Some of which included: Toya’s brother, reality star of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Rasheeda, Real Housewives Of Atlanta star Phadra Parks, rapper T.I. and of course her daughter Reginae.

Toya’s first celebration was thrown by her mom and family in New Orleans. Then she jet set to Miami. She had a party thrown by Baby of YMCM on South Beach. Toya and her girlfriends enjoyed their night at a popular spot in Miami called, Room Service.

Toya was shocked at the surprise party and happy to see all of her close friends and family come out.

Happy Birthday Toya!

Producer Sean Garrett Owes AMEX $100K and Georgia $1M

Credit card companies will get that money, by any means necessary.

Producer Sean Garrett thought he could get away with being cool and being famous; and just skip paying his American Express bill.

He was wrong. There’s no such thing as forgive and forget in the credit world, minus bankruptcy.

According to TMZ, AMEX successfully sued the producer responsible for hits with Beyoncé, Usher, and Nicki Minaj. The judge ordered him to hand over a nice hefty $108,084 to the credit company.

But the sad part about this whole thing is that he’s knee deep in debt, and the light doesn’t seem to be peeking through anywhere for the producer.

The state of Georgia filed a tax lien against him earlier this year for more than $1 million for tax years 2006, 2007, and 2010.

Damn Sean! Who is your financial advisor?

Chrisette Michele Launches Comeback With A New 'Rich Hipster' Look & New Track "Charades"

Chrisette Michele is back on the scene...and she's got a brand new look to boot. The "Be OK" singer calls her new look--which she styled herself for this fresh photoshoot--"Rich Hipster".

The Grammy Award winning artist recently shot w/ famed celebrity photographer Derek Blanks, via TheYBF flaunting her new Audrey Hepburn-inspired style which she calls "Rich Hipster".

The 29-year-old revealed that she was inspired during her Summer travels to London, Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam, retracing the footsteps of her favorite fashion icon. So she also created her new mixtape project, Audrey Hepburn: An Audiovisual Presentation, featuring a collection of photography and video by Derek Blanks, docu-shorts and music fusing together the sounds of Hip Hop, R&B, World Music and Jazz.

Check out the rest of the hot black & white photos, where Chrisette's rocking a new split hi-top fade and vintage makeup and fashion:

We're kinds loving her new style.

Also, Chrisette just dropped a track for her comeback. It's called "Charades" and it's off her upcoming Audrey Hepburn project. The mixtape will be available for free download December 8th. The day before she turns the big 3-0!

FAB!

OMG! Pastor Killed In Fort Worth, Texas Church

A North Texas congregation is reeling after an attacker rammed a car into a church wall, chased the pastor, and beat him to death with an electric guitar Monday. 39-year-old Derrick Birdow attacked Rev. Danny Kirk Sr. (founding pastor of the Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church) in the parking lot before chasing him into the church, according to Forest Hill Police Chief Dan Dennis. When police arrived they found Birdow striking Rev. Kirk with an electric guitar they believe was already in the church. Officers used a Taser to subdue Birdow, handcuffed him and put him in a police car.

Sadly it was too late for Rev. Kirk who had already died. A maintenance worker who tried to help Rev. Kirk was also injured and taken to an area hospital but his condition is unknown.

Derrick Birdow was also found unresponsive shortly after being taken into custody and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released Birdow’s cause of death.

Chief Dennis told reporters police did not yet know if Derrick Birdow knew Rev. Kirk, attended the church, or what his motives were for attacking the pastor.

For hours after the shocking attack hundreds gathered outside the church, gathering around the crime-scene tape wrapped around a small statue of Jesus near the wrecked car.

Parishioners, described Rev. Kirk as a dedicated minister with a bubbly personality and a knack for remembering the names of his church’s 800 members. They are now looking for answers following his violent death.