Contessa Brewer Steps Down from MSNBC News Anchor Post

Getty Images Contessa Brewer said goodbye to her MSNBC anchor chair on Friday, Aug. 26. STORY: It's Official: Rev. Al Sharpton to Host 'PoliticsNation' at MSNBC Brewer will continue to serve as host of the network's weekend documentary series Caught on Camera, as well as other projects for NBC News and MSNBC, but announced that Friday would be her last day anchoring the NoonET hour on MSNBC. TV Newser reports that a replacement has not yet been tapped, but will likely debut sometime after Labor Day. A temporary anchor is expected to fill in next week. STORY: Rachel Maddow Extends MSNBC Contract (Exclusive) Brewer has been with MSNBC since September 2003. Earlier this summer, the network hired Craig Melvin to serve as dayside anchor and correspondent for NBC News. MSNBC

5 Favorite High School Comedies

5 Favorite High School Comedies By Christy Lemire August 26, 2011 Photo by Universal Pictures "16 Candles" LOS ANGELES (AP) That magical time is upon us again: the beginning of a new school year. Time to start thinking up new ways to ditch class and blow off homework.Here's a suggestion if you feel like procrastinating: five of my favorite comedies about high school. Don't worry, there won't be a quiz afterward: "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982): So many classic lines. So many great songs. And such a terrific young cast of then-unknown actors, led by Sean Penn, Phoebe Cates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold and Forest Whitaker. Those of us who grew up in the '80s probably look back on "Fast Times" with great fondness and nostalgia. In its day, though, it seemed pretty racy; it matter-of-factly depicted a character getting an abortion, after all. But it was refreshingly honest about the way teens talk and relate how they get wasted and make mistakes in an early demonstration of writer Cameron Crowe's excellent ear for dialogue. "Rushmore" (1998): Clever, sweet and crackling with artistic energy, this is still Wes Anderson's best film. His trademark stylistic tricks and obsession with detail felt new and fresh back then, and they served the story perfectly. Rushmore Academy's ultimate joiner, Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), is a bit of a lonely, odd duck with some romantic, misguided notions. Sure, he's a compulsive liar, but it's hard not to want to emulate him: He's willing to try anything or befriend anyone. And even though he's usually the smartest guy in the room, he's never cynical. He's observant and kind. He sees the good in people and that's how he gets his heart broken. "Sixteen Candles" (1984): While "The Breakfast Club" remains my favorite John Hughes movie ever, it does get heavy and angsty as it goes along. You might like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" best, that would also be an acceptable answer. But this story of a regular girl (Molly Ringwald) whose family forgets the most important birthday of her life is just rapid-fire hilarious from start to finish. It completely gets the absurdity of adolescence and accurately delineates the rigid caste system of high school without ever taking sides. Everyone's a freak or an idiot in his or her unique way and everyone's had a secret crush on an unattainable Jake Ryan type. "Election" (1999): This early feature from director Alexander Payne was a dead-on, dark satire of the way high school power struggles really work while shrewdly providing a metaphor for our own political system. Reese Witherspoon is just insanely adorable in her annoyingly perky way as Tracy Flick, who will stop at nothing to be voted student body president. You don't blame Matthew Broderick as her social studies teacher from stepping in and trying to contain her ambition. But the script from Payne and Jim Taylor also finds the neediness and vulnerability in Tracy, which prompts our unexpected sympathy. "Heathers" (1988): Like "Election," this pitch-black comedy took an unflinching look at the way in which high school kids strive for control and, conversely, the way in which they're willing to fall in line to be accepted. In director Michael Lehmann's heightened version of reality, the Heathers rule the school three girls with the same name who cruelly dominate everyone around them. Winona Ryder plays the rare Veronica who's allowed inside their clique, but she sees her peers clearly which makes her easy pickings for the subversive J.D. (a young, exciting Christian Slater). The big hair and shoulder pads are as abundant as the classic, biting lines. It's all so ... very.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 5 Favorite High School Comedies By Christy Lemire August 26, 2011 "16 Candles" PHOTO CREDIT Universal Pictures LOS ANGELES (AP) That magical time is upon us again: the beginning of a new school year. Time to start thinking up new ways to ditch class and blow off homework.Here's a suggestion if you feel like procrastinating: five of my favorite comedies about high school. Don't worry, there won't be a quiz afterward: "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982): So many classic lines. So many great songs. And such a terrific young cast of then-unknown actors, led by Sean Penn, Phoebe Cates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold and Forest Whitaker. Those of us who grew up in the '80s probably look back on "Fast Times" with great fondness and nostalgia. In its day, though, it seemed pretty racy; it matter-of-factly depicted a character getting an abortion, after all. But it was refreshingly honest about the way teens talk and relate how they get wasted and make mistakes in an early demonstration of writer Cameron Crowe's excellent ear for dialogue. "Rushmore" (1998): Clever, sweet and crackling with artistic energy, this is still Wes Anderson's best film. His trademark stylistic tricks and obsession with detail felt new and fresh back then, and they served the story perfectly. Rushmore Academy's ultimate joiner, Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), is a bit of a lonely, odd duck with some romantic, misguided notions. Sure, he's a compulsive liar, but it's hard not to want to emulate him: He's willing to try anything or befriend anyone. And even though he's usually the smartest guy in the room, he's never cynical. He's observant and kind. He sees the good in people and that's how he gets his heart broken. "Sixteen Candles" (1984): While "The Breakfast Club" remains my favorite John Hughes movie ever, it does get heavy and angsty as it goes along. You might like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" best, that would also be an acceptable answer. But this story of a regular girl (Molly Ringwald) whose family forgets the most important birthday of her life is just rapid-fire hilarious from start to finish. It completely gets the absurdity of adolescence and accurately delineates the rigid caste system of high school without ever taking sides. Everyone's a freak or an idiot in his or her unique way and everyone's had a secret crush on an unattainable Jake Ryan type. "Election" (1999): This early feature from director Alexander Payne was a dead-on, dark satire of the way high school power struggles really work while shrewdly providing a metaphor for our own political system. Reese Witherspoon is just insanely adorable in her annoyingly perky way as Tracy Flick, who will stop at nothing to be voted student body president. You don't blame Matthew Broderick as her social studies teacher from stepping in and trying to contain her ambition. But the script from Payne and Jim Taylor also finds the neediness and vulnerability in Tracy, which prompts our unexpected sympathy. "Heathers" (1988): Like "Election," this pitch-black comedy took an unflinching look at the way in which high school kids strive for control and, conversely, the way in which they're willing to fall in line to be accepted. In director Michael Lehmann's heightened version of reality, the Heathers rule the school three girls with the same name who cruelly dominate everyone around them. Winona Ryder plays the rare Veronica who's allowed inside their clique, but she sees her peers clearly which makes her easy pickings for the subversive J.D. (a young, exciting Christian Slater). The big hair and shoulder pads are as abundant as the classic, biting lines. It's all so ... very.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Is Ben Flajnik ABCs New Bachelor?

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Ben Flajniks rose may have wilted at the hands of Bachelorette Ashley Hebert on the most recent season of the ABC reality show, but it looks like it will soon be Ben handing out the roses himself. The 28-year old winemaker from Sonoma, Calif., has been tapped as the next Bachelor, according to various reports on Wednesday. Early in the day on Wednesday, Life & Style reported the casting news, followed later in the day with sources confirming to both Us Weekly and Entertainment Weekly. When contacted for an official comment on the news, a spokesperson for ABC would only tell Access Hollywood that, We have nothing to announce right now. On the Bachelorette season finale, Ashley chose JP Rosenbaum over Ben however, romance rumors quickly swirled for the rejected suitor with another notable name: Jennifer Love Hewitt. The actress caused quite a stir on Twitter in July when she wrote, Watching The Bachelorette! I love u Ben!! Take this rose I have for u! Choose me!!!!:). However, the former Ghost Whisperer star quickly shot down any whispers of a blossoming romance. I was looking for something pop culture to sort of tweet about Im new to the Twitter situation. I wanted to have fun with the tweeters out there in the world, Jennifer told Ryan Seacrest in an interview last week, when asked if she and Ben were dating. So, I sent out funny tweets about Ben F., and then it got all sort of like, blown out of proportion or whatever, and now its like the rumor mill is crazy. Despite her denial, Jennifer and Ben were spotted in San Francisco in early August a meeting which Jennifer claimed was totally by coincidence. Coincidence or not, it appears his encounter with the actress may have sealed the deal on his newfound Bachelor status. They think hell be ratings gold, a source told Us Weekly of why ABC chose Ben. His date with Jennifer Love Hewitt was icing on the cake! No word on when ABC will make the official announcement of the new Bachelor. AH Nation Poll: Would Ben be a good choice as the new Bachelor? CLICK HERE to cast your vote! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Film Roundup: Michael Gracey To Direct 'The Finest Showman On Earth' Seth Eco-friendly Cast In Drama 'The Story Of Luke,' Team Downey About the USS Indiana

Michael Gracey has formally been drawn on to direct Hugh Jackman within the twentieth century Fox musical The Finest Showman On The Planet, though producers told Deadline the helmer continues to be attached for several weeks. Regardless, it stretches a hot streak for Gracey, who lately grew to become mounted on Disney's Snow Whitened pic following a career in VFX and advertisements. Jenny Bicks authored The Finest Showman, which focuses on the existence of P.T. Barnum (Jackman). It's unclear when production will begin, as Jackman needs to make Fox's The Wolverine and has a deal to star in Tom Hooper's L'ensemble des Miserables. ... Seth Eco-friendly is placed to star opposite Lou Taylor Pucci within the Story of Luke, a Fluid Film and DViant Film drama in regards to a youthful autistic guy (Pucci) searching for employment along with a lady. Eco-friendly will have his mentor, who coaches him in how you can obtain both. Cary Elwes and Kristin Bauer also star. The film -- directed by Alonso Mayo and created by Nina Leidensdorff, Fred Roos and Julien Favre -- starts shooting this month in Ontario. Eco-friendly, up for 3 Emmys this season for his focus on Adult Swim's Robot Chicken, is repped by UTA and Koopman Management. There is a are convinced that Team Downey's Robert Downey Junior. and Susan Downey are creating the storyline from the sinking from the USS Indiana as told with the eyes of Hunter Scott who being an 11-years old student assisted obtain the ship's captain posthumously exonerated. But Deadline said that in April, inside a story concerning the insightful deals Warner Bros continues to be making with star-driven firms that incorporated Team Downey. It's essentially the shark tale that Robert Shaw told about how exactly mariners who shipped areas of the atom explosive device inside a secret mission sailed for the days while sharks ravaged them It is a worthy project that's been around forever and today Robert Schenkkan will attempt to hack the code.

Apes remain the surface of the US box office

Rise From The Planet From The Apes is constantly on the perform strongly for Fox, getting loved another weekend on the top from the US box office.Although many have been surprised at the effectiveness of its opening weekend, the monkey-brought spectacular lost under 1 / 2 of its original takings in round two, with $27.5 million pushing its domestic total within the $100 million mark.However, the apes were not to be almost all their own way, with literary adaptation The Assistance tugging in $25.5 million to consider second place. That signifies a far more than respectable performance from the film couple of had likely to appeal beyond fans from the source material.In third place is yet another era, with $18.4 million representing a rather disappointing return for Final Destination 5. Meanwhile, The Smurfs ongoing to punch above how much they weigh having a $13.5 million weekend, narrowly edging fellow The new sony comedy half an hour Or Less into fifth place with $13 million.Blockbuster heavyweights Cowboys And Aliens and Captain America ongoing to plod along in sixth and seventh place correspondingly, with both films adding an additional $7 million for their coffers. Crazy Stupid Love made just shy of this, departing it a decent eighth within the chart.Harry Potter still will not go silently, with another $6.8 million departing it in ninth place, although The Modification-Up completes the very best 10 to another disappointing weekend first viewed it add just $6.two million to its overall haul.Oh, as well as for individuals individuals searching for Glee The three dimensional Concert Movie among the very best 10, look elsewhere. It made just $5.7 million from the opening weekend. Time for you to knock it about the mind? One only hope...

The Great Wife Season 3 Promo Is Really a Tease

The Great Wife If you feel you've seen The Great Wife, reconsider. Once the significantly acclaimed show returns this fall, Alicia (Julianna Margulies) might not be quite that "good" anymore. The promo declares, "Don't allow the title fool you" and features Margulies inside a black negligee searching rather ... relaxed. We can not wait to determine the brand new Alicia. Look into the relaxation of present day news The Great Wife premieres on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 9/8c on CBS.

Cash allocated to production in U.K. hit record high

Inward investment into U.K. film production hit an archive 669.six million ($1.14 billion) within the first 1 / 2 of 2011, despite the fact that the amount of movies shooting fell to an alternative low. Just nine films, lower from 14 within the same period this past year, paid for for any 16% increase in inward investment, with average budgets topping $100 million the very first time, based on the British Film Institute. The main U.S.-backed projects that began at that time include "Jack the Giant Killer," "The Dark Dark night Increases" and "Dark Shadows" from Warner, "Prometheus" from Fox, "World War Z" from Vital, "47 Ronin" from Universal and "Gambit" from CBS Films. Domestic British filmmaking fell to its cheapest level since records started in 2003. Just 20 projects began production, for $63.3 million. Key game titles include "The Iron Lady," "The Inbetweeners Movie" and "Cockneys versus Zombies." Only co-productions elevated in volume, with 17 projects producing U.K. expenditure of $53.six million, the greatest tally for 3 years. Consequently, the entire figure for U.K.-based production expenditure arrived at $1.26 billion, up 10% from 2010 in support of 2% below the record a lot of 2009. However the final amount of films only agreed to be 46, considerably lower in the previous low of 61 within the first 1 / 2 of 2010. The very first time, the BFI has additionally collected details about films costing under $800,000. Some 53 micro-budget films shot in a combined price of $9.six million. The half-year figures were put together through the BFI's research and statistics unit, formerly area of the U.K. Film Council, and were released alongside the BFI's 2011 Record Yearbook, which supplies an thorough account from the U.K. film market this year. Among other highlights: Public funding for film elevated 4% to $433 million this year, including $154 million in the film tax credit cinema admissions fell 2% to 169.two million this year, but box office rose 5% to some record $1.61 billion British films (including individuals backed by Hollywood galleries) required a 24% share, up from 17% last year admissions rose .7% within the first half, and U.K. share arrived at 32.3%, largely because of "The King's Speech." DVD sales fell 11% this year, but remained as the biggest revenue source for films, having a total worth of $2.11 billion. The film rental market totalled $244 million, with 56% from the total 63 million rental transactions completed online. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com