Redbox to Raise DVD Rental Price 20 Percent Per Day

No doubt hoping a fee hike won't engender a Netflix-like revolt among its users, Redbox said Tuesday it will increase the price of renting standard DVDs by 20 percent beginning Monday. The announcement came via a press release that disclosed strong earnings and revenue for Redbox parent Coinstar, but investors didn't seem happy. In after-hours trading, Coinstar shares were sinking more than 12 percent after dropping 2 percent to $52.95 during the regular session. Investors might be selling shares because they remember that when Netflix raised their prices it lost 800,000 subscribers and its stock tanked. Coinstar CEO Paul Davis said the new price -- $1.20 a day for DVD rentals, up from $1 previously -- reflects costs associated with rising operating expenses, including government mandates brought about by the so-called Durbin Amendment that was supposed to benefit consumers through lower debit-card fees. Redbox said prices for Blu-ray movies and video games will remain at $1.50 and $2 per day, respectively. "This marks the first price increase for a Redbox standard definition DVD rental in eight years," Davis said. "The change is primarily due to the increase in operating expenses, including the recent increase in debit card interchange fees as a result of the Durbin Amendment." Coinstar said Thursday its profit in the third quarter soared 90 percent to $37 million on revenue that rose 23 percent to $466 million. On a per-share basis, Coinstar earned $1.18, way past the 88 cents Wall Street was expecting. Coinstar ended the quarter with 34,400 Redbox DVD kiosks and 19,500 coin-counting kiosks. Redbox accounted for $390 million in revenue in the quarter while the coin business accounted for $76 million. Related Topics Netflix

Kurt Sutter Assumes DirecTV Over Possible Blackout With Choice Words

Kurt Sutter Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter includes a couple of items to tell DirecTV clients who may lose use of Fox cable channels, including Forex: "You are getting f---erectile dysfunction over." Fox Networks' cable channels might have to go dark on DirecTV Last Thursday, Fox stated DirecTV sent the organization a proposal that stipulated that Fox accept their prices terms otherwise DirecTV's 19 million customers will forfeit use of a lot more than 24 Fox cable channels including Forex, National Geographic, and many regional sports systems beginning November. 1. DirecTV, however, is declaring that Fox Systems is seeking a 40 % rise in customer costs. On Monday, the oft-open Sutter required to his blog to implore audiences to mobilize against DirecTV, who, he states, are "f---ing within the clients that already pay lots of money for his or her service." Sutter shot a promo to assist, that will air before Tuesday's episode of Sons. The rather colorful and strongly phrased script that Sutter wrote themself did not quite meet network approval, but he published his version on his blog for those to determine: "Hey, I am Kurt Sutter, creator of Sons of Anarchy," his promo reads. "Beginning November first, DirecTV is tugging Forex out of your box. Which means you'll miss the final five instances of Sons this year. Possibly five of the very critical instances of the series. Browse the relaxation of present day news "I understand Fox includes a equine within this race, but they are attempting to negotiate in good belief. DirecTV is shutting lower all conversation and taking advantage of their clients as leverage. Along the way, you are getting f---erectile dysfunction over. They are running advertisements using their corporate shill suggesting just how much 'they worry about your company,A that dude's got one sincere hands on his heart as the other greases your naive backside. Because they are going to switch you over and f--Up the a-- until you bleed. Sutter states customers could possibly get the actual story at keepmynets.com. He concludes, "Just support, B----es."

Ask Matt: Walking Dead, Homeland, Terra Nova, Dexter and More!

Walking Dead Send questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter!Question: I'm new to The Walking Dead this season, but I did catch up on all of Season 1 with the marathon presentation before the Season 2 premiere. I mostly like it and I know we're supposed to suspend disbelief, especially when watching a show about zombies. However, I do think they try to make it seem "real" plot-wise, and I especially like the explanation provided during the Season 1 finale where only the brain stem comes back to life which would account for the mobility and other "mindless" behavior. However, it also occurs to me that these are supposed to be smart people caught up in this fantastic scenario from hell. So why don't they just make it to a marina and procure a nice big boat and hang out on a lake somewhere? The way these zombies move, it's clear they can't swim or otherwise follow, and they could just cruise around and make the occasional raid to get gas and hunt, not to mention just fish for sustenance. I know that wouldn't make for great drama, but one thing I always like about Breaking Bad for instance is that the characters behave intelligently and the plots are very realistic, even if you don't always see it right away. -SamuelMatt Roush: As much as I love Breaking Bad, I'm not sure realism is its strong suit, though in the moment, the tension certainly always feels real. Same goes for the incredibly intense Walking Dead, which I see as a search for community as much as a quest for survival, so isolating this group in a boat wouldn't really float. The idea of these characters heading out to sea might work for an episode, but as we saw in this week's cliffhanger, a raid for supplies can be as treacherous as any other activity in this apocalyptic world. The premise of the show, at least at this point, is that there really is no safe harbor, and if there was, it probably wouldn't stay that way for long. Because as you noted, what fun would that be?Question: I'm loving Homeland, and I wonder if part of the success is because many of us associate Damian Lewis with his role on Band of Brothers. When we see him, we subliminally see Dick Winters, who we already accept as a hero and can't imagine becoming a traitor. It's like a WWII movie where John Wayne is captured by the Germans and becomes a sleeper agent - you just can't accept that the Duke could betray his country. -CharliyMatt Roush: An interesting point, although I'd hate to think an actor as gifted as Damian Lewis is being typecast. Still, any successful actor brings the baggage of their most successful roles, and Band of Brothers is iconic. So if it adds to the tension that we don't want to believe Lewis-as-Brody could be a sleeper terrorist in hero's clothing, so much the better. He's so wonderfully inscrutable and unpredictable in this role, I'm loving the not knowing for now.Question: Terra Nova has all this great medical, weapons and transportation technology from 2149, and the producers have been very careful and thorough in creating the mythology and the science of the settlement. So why is there no air transportation? -ChristinaMatt Roush: Here's an answer courtesy of executive producer Rene Echevarria: "Most of the technology in Terra Nova is sent back through the portal in pieces from 2149 and reassembled on our end. What to send back is a matter of priorities since the portal can only be kept open for a short time. Priority is given to mission-critical supplies such as medicines, weapons for self-defense and, of course, the pilgrims themselves. As for air power, every now and then you'll hear references to "RBs," short for research balloons. These are tethered to the ground at fixed locations outside the compound perimeter, and can provide live security/surveillance footage as well as atmospheric/scientific data."And now, as sometimes happens, two contrasting views on a popular long-running show:Question: I've been a big Dexter fan, but find myself not enjoying this season. Maybe it's because the time between last season ending and this season beginning was so long - I'm just not back into the groove. I am definitely not enjoying this "spiritual" journey Dex is taking, which is for Harrison for sure, but also for himself. Somehow the "code" has been superseded by a higher-power influence, and it's shifting the show's direction. I'm also finding it implausible that Dex locked in on the old guy without much information, and abandoned home and work in pursuit of payback. I don't know... the character seems to have shifted and the show is lacking something for me. I am, on the other hand, enjoying Deb's dilemma and the mess she finds herself in. More Deb would be a good thing; less murderous Dex also desired. Odd. Are you enjoying this season? -EllenQuestion: I think so far this year you have been off-base about Dexter. While religion is part of this season's theme, it is by no means being shoved down our throats (if you want that, watch Touched By An Angel reruns). I actually find the back and forth between the flawed but sincere believer (Brother Sam), religious extremists (Travis & Gellar), and atheist (Dexter) an interesting scenario. I find they are handling this very well and it's not insulting to the viewer's intelligence. And last week gave us a great surprise with a terrific turn by Ronny Cox as a killer Dexter used to idolize (somebody give Ronny a "Cheer!"). What I still have issue with is the subplots of almost everyone else. Dexter has never really been that good at handling its supporting players or giving them much good to do. I'm starting to wish [BOOK SPOILER ALERT] that LaGuerta would meet the fate she did in the first book. What is your opinion of the issues with the supporting players? And while I don't think you are ready to give up on Dexter just yet, do you think it would be wise to start thinking up some kind of end game for the series? Dexter can't get away with it forever, can he? -BrandonMatt Roush: I have no real trouble with the season's Big Theme of faith, and have especially enjoyed the rapport of Dexter and Brother Sam (Mos), the ex-con preacher who's acting as Dexter's spiritual sounding board. But I do think the way it's being handled is awfully heavy-handed, not so much an insult to the intelligence as it is unnecessarily obvious, with Dexter's voice-overs underscoring and belaboring what is already so clear. It sometimes takes a while for a season of Dexter to get into full gear - having Gellar and Travis finally get on the cops' and Dexter's radar this week is, let's hope, a turning point - but while this is far from my favorite season, I've enjoyed some moments along the way. I can handle the improbabilities of Dexter's various missions; Ronny Cox was so outrageous as the grumpy old "Tooth Fairy" killer, I enjoyed that subplot a great deal. It's the stuff happening in the police station that tends to bore me to distraction, because the supporting cast is so erratic. That said, I enjoyed the moment when Debra's nervous profanity on live TV didn't result in a dressing-down, but an "attagirl." Hoping the season picks up steam, not that I'm in any danger of breaking up with Dexter yet. As for an endgame: It could be a financial as much as creative decision that determines how long Dexter keeps going - I'm still enjoying the book series, for what it's worth, but a TV show is by necessity a different animal, and this one peaked in the John Lithgow season, so I'd like to see it try to go out with a little juice left in the tank. But as long as Dexter remains this popular, it's hard to imagine Showtime not doing what it can to keep it on the air for the foreseeable future.Question: I've always enjoyed the NCIS episodes that feature Special Agent Abigail Borin, the redheaded, CGIS Gibbs counterpart played by Diane Neal. Do you think that they'd ever create a Coast Guard-based TV show with her as the lead? -JamesMatt Roush: Do I think they would? Maybe. CBS has already cloned NCIS once successfully (not to mention CSI and, with less positive results, Criminal Minds). Do I think they should? Not really. I'd rather see characters like Agent Borin stay within the NCIS universe to add some variety and spice to the show. While a Coast Guard spin-off might perform well for CBS, this kind of recycling isn't the best thing for network TV, which could use a few more fresh ideas.Question: I know that all of this season on How I Met Your Mother is leading up to Barney's wedding, but I was wondering if it is all a big fake-out. We keep hearing about a wedding, but have we heard anything about an actual marriage? If next season involves a married Barney and Lily and Marshall's baby, the show takes on a whole new dynamic. If we assume that Barney might marry Robin, that leaves only Ted single on the show. So my question is, in all of the interviews with the producers, have they ever mentioned Barney actually being married on the show? I wonder if it all plays out that Barney chickens out because he is marrying Nora but loves Robin.On an additional note, I love that Sue Heck finally stood up for herself on The Middle, great episode! Plus as a parent who had a son who took the PSAT's last Wednesday, I could relate to that storyline as well. I figured out what I like about The Middle and why it works. So many shows play the parents as clueless or foolish and the kids are smart alecks who are always playing them. The parents love the kids, but the kids are portrayed as smarter than them (i.e. every Disney Channel show). But on The Middle, the parents are just real people, overwhelmed at times, but never portrayed as dumb. They want the best for their kids but don't always know the best way to achieve that. Just like most of us parents. -CarolMatt Roush: Regarding Mother: Nothing would surprise me on this show when it comes to an endless tease, and the expectation that having information withheld from us somehow constitutes entertainment. At the moment, we're to believe that Barney is heading toward the altar, but to whom and for how long are plot points that don't seem to have been specifically addressed or spoiled. (And if they had been, I wouldn't spoil them here.) To be honest, I've grown weary of the producers' "all in good time" approach to hyping their show, so if they've projected about Barney's future as an actual husband, I've missed it.On to The Middle, a comedy I'm really enjoying and recommending as often as possible: I agree that one of its greatest strengths is how relatable it is to so many people, especially parents (but really, to anyone who's part of a family). The Hecks are strapped in every way possible: for money, for time, for the patience and energy to deal with their exasperating kids, who are each distinctively funny but not so precocious they get the last word. Because unlike on most sitcoms, no one really gets the last word here (not even Frankie the narrator), because they often realize the only way to keep going is to just give up and move on. Their lives are such a mess, it's usually not the sort of thing that can be fixed in a half-hour episode.Question: My family and I would love to watch Grimm, but NBC put it on opposite Supernatural and Fringe, so our DVR is already taken. Given that those shows cater to the demographic they would like to reach, doesn't it make sense to put it on at a different time? -WilliamMatt Roush: The scheduling really is puzzling, and feels like further cannibalization of an already smallish pool of genre enthusiasts on what has become TV's cult night. I'm trying to keep an open mind until I see more episodes beyond the pilot, but Grimm seems the least interesting and promising of the three, so that helps take care of the problem at least from my perspective. But I'm expecting NBC will make the show readily available on other platforms (nbc.com, On Demand, etc.) so others in your boat have a chance to at least sample it. But programming it against such similar competition doesn't seem like much of a vote of confidence.Question: I've been watching A Gifted Man. I like the premise of the story, but the casting is awful. I get that Patrick Wilson's character, Dr. Michael Holt, is a driven doc with little bedside manner. That understood, does he always have to be so wooden? I mean, there is seemingly no personality underneath the intelligence. Then again, I get that it's a typical doc, but it's not very entertaining. Just sayin'. I also don't think Jennifer Ehle, the dead ex-wife, brings any sort of chemistry to the show. She is a fine actress, but there is no way in real life those two would have ever been together. However, my biggest issue with this show is the sorely underused talent of Margo Martindale. She is a firecracker of an actress and to see her relegated to this non-essential character with no meaningful dialogue is just a waste. I want to see her in a vehicle that will showcase her acting chops. Those who don't know her as Mags Bennett have no idea what Martindale can do. She deserves better! Thanks for letting me vent. -StaceyMatt Roush: Couldn't agree more about Margo Martindale, and I hope the show figures out a way to capitalize on her newfound Emmy-winning star status. I'm somewhat encouraged by the news that they've cast Tom Wopat to play her husband, which indicates they're planning to expand her role. But in general, I think it's the show that's letting down these terrific actors, not vice versa. They're playing what they've given, and when I checked back in last week (for the Eriq La Salle episode), I was discouraged to see Ehle's character still being such a cloying, coy nag. I'm seeing more charisma from Wilson than you do, but the role is so earnestly conceived at this point there's not much he can do with it.Question: Why does the CW snub Supernatural? Despite seven years on the air, the network barely advertises Supernatural even after the way Supernatural has been received by fans. Over half a million voted for Supernatural's TV Guide Magazine cover and yet CW ignores the show. They depend on word of mouth by fans to get viewers for the show. Maybe they should pay the fans for doing their advertising for them? -PhoenixMatt Roush: Snub? For a show to last seven seasons on any network should be a cause for fans to rejoice, not to complain. But the big-picture, common-sense answer to this gripe is that especially in the fall, any network's priority is to promote the new series in hopes of creating new hits, with far less attention given to the long-running shows with a loyal fan base that (much like its time-slot competition Fringe) isn't likely to grow substantially in its latter seasons. Supernatural does tend to have to sell itself these days, enhanced by appearances at fan-oriented events like Comic-Con. When I tune into the CW (usually later in the week), I see a fair amount of on-air promotion for the Friday series Nikita and Supernatural. I'm not sure what fans expect, but I am sure it would never be enough.Question: I'm having a hard time caring about Project Runway any more. After the move to Lifetime and a different production company, I feel the show has shifted the focus to more drama and less design. Granted, drama has been there from the beginning (Hi, Wendy Pepper!), but there seemed to be an emphasis on designing clothes and a thoughtful critique of them. Now, we get a pretty poor pool of designers producing less than spectacular garments, bizarro challenges and all-over-the-place judging. It's so obvious the producers wanted to keep Anya (and Josh all season, for that matter), despite her presenting the worst designs last week. Yet they allowed her to show at Fashion Week anyway! Do you think Project Runway can return to its former glory, or has it settled into its current rut? Are we in for another Gretchen-sized upset? -AaronMatt Roush: There was a lot of chaff this season, it's true. And it did seem preordained almost from the start that the stunning Anya and the annoying Josh (who has often made this season more of a chore to sit through than usual) were going to make it to the end, even when they choked - Anya at the 11th hour - so what a relief for Viktor to quietly upstage the rest of the cast with actual talent and (usually) taste. If there's more drama than design these days, it may have something to do with the bloated 90-minute episodes, but heightened conflict has always been a big part of these shows, giving us "characters" to root for and against, so I'm not sure much has really changed in that aspect. Runway's reputation may not yet have recovered from the controversial Gretchen win, and cop-out episodes like last week's, when all four finalists were let through to Fashion Week despite some major faux pas, aren't likely to help. Maybe the All-Stars version (pushed back until 2012) will put some oomph back in the franchise. I know I'd be more eager to see that than Project Accessory, the desperate-sounding spin-off that premieres after this Thursday's finale - which we can only hope won't be as big a let-down as the Gretchen-beats-Mondo fiasco.That's all for now. Keep sending your comments and questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com, and in the meantime, follow me on Twitter!Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

'Paranormal Activity' expected to scare up B.O.

'Paranormal Activity 3' is tracking to debut at around mid-$30 million domestically.Older males are expected to turn out for Christoph Waltz and Milla Jovovich in 3D pic The Three Musketeers, distributed in the U.S. by Summit. Paramount's third installment in the "Paranormal Activity" franchise will have no problem ruling the weekend's worldwide B.O. with good-to-solid returns -- but a depressed domestic market could prevent it from scaring up blockbuster-sized B.O. in the U.S. The weekend's other wide releases at more than 1,000 locations, 3D "The Three Musketeers" and "Johnny English Reborn," are pegged for modest Stateside openings. But both pics are targeted more to the international market, so U.S. returns will be gravy. Universal's "Johnny English" sequel already has tallied a stellar $91 million internationally through Wednesday, while "Three Musketeers," from Constantin Films, is approaching $50 million in overseas grosses. "Johnny English" first debuted in markets including Australia and Russia on Sept. 15 and since has expanded to 43 territories; "Three Musketeers" currently is playing in 40 markets outside the U.S. Domestically, inspirational sports drama "The Mighty Macs" launches at an aggressive 975 playdates via Quaker Media. Pic looks to tap into the faith-based aud, last served by Sony's "Courageous." But with little marketing muscle, the film isn't expected to gross much more than $1 million through Sunday. Fox Searchlight's "Martha Marcy May Marlene," which just nabbed three Gotham Independent Film Awards noms, bows today at four locations. Stateside B.O. has been sluggish lately, with last weekend going down as one of the weakest October frames ever. "Paranormal Activity 3," which is tracking to debut at around the mid-$30 millions domestically, could have more success overseas, thanks to a hefty day-and-date launch in 42 territories, including Australia, France, Mexico, Russia and the U.K. Par reportedly had to turn away auds at its fan screenings of "Paranormal" held Oct. 18 in cities around the world, including NY, London, Dallas, Chicago, Melbourne and L.A., which saw the largest crowd worldwide, totaling upwards of 2,260 fans. Under-25 auds -- "Paranormal's" core demo -- have been especially sparse at Stateside plexes lately, which is why tracking services have "Paranormal 3" opening with less than the $40.7 million of its predecessor. But some B.O. observers say the recent teen B.O. boredom is mostly product-related; that means anything better-than-expected for "Paranormal 3" will hinge on the franchise's popularity. Without Lionsgate's annual "Saw" offering, "Paranormal 3" will have a clear playing field through Halloween. Last year, "Paranormal 2" faced "Saw 3D" in its second week. The former pic wound up cuming $84 million domestically. U's "Johnny English Reborn" isn't expected to draw much of a Stateside crowd, since popularity for star Rowan Atkinson lies mostly with overseas auds. The film is expected to launch in the $4 million to $6 million range and was budgeted at $45 million. Meanwhile, "The Three Musketeers," being distribbed in the U.S. by Summit, should attract primarily older males, with a potential family component lifting weekend grosses to the low double-digits. Summit is bowing the film at approximately 2,200 3D locations. Summit will rely mainly on domestic theatrical to offset the company's P&A commitment on the film. In limited release, Roadside Attractions is taking a somewhat aggressive approach with Wall Street thriller "Margin Call," bowing the pic this weekend at 56 playdates as well as on VOD. Also debuting on the indie front, Cohen Media Group's "Oranges and Sunshine," toplining Emily Watson, opens at four. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Dodgers Owners Frank and Jamie McCourt Reach Divorce Settlement

The heated divorce battle between Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt has finally reached an end.our editor recommendsDodgers Owner Frank McCourt Ordered to Negotiate With MLB Over LoanL.A. Dodgers File for Bankruptcy Amid Frank McCourt Drama "Frank McCourt and Jamie McCourt are pleased to announced that they have settled their divorce case," read a statement from Frank McCourt's rep. "The terms of the settlement, which are already in effect, will remain private. Jamie will be withdrawing her opposition to the Dodgers proposed sale of media rights and instead will be filing papers in support of the process proposed by the Dodgers." While neither camp reveled the terms of the settlement, sources told The Los Angeles Times that the divorce settlement would give Jamie McCourt about $130 million, and she'd give up any control of the Los Angeles baseball team. STORY: Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt Ordered to Negotiate With MLB Over Loan "Jamie is pleased that this matter has been fairly resolved in the best interests of her family and the Dodgers' fans, players and organization," Jamie McCourt's rep, Matthew Hiltzik told THR in a statement. "From the beginning, Jamie has consistently expressed her willingness to accept a settlement, even if it required her to give up her interest in the Dodgers, the team she loves, if a fair resolution were possible. That has now been achieved through the cooperation of everyone involved and Jamie looks forward to moving on and focusing on new opportunities." STORY: L.A. Dodgers File for Bankruptcy Amid Frank McCourt Drama The couple has been surrounded by controversy as both camps have thrown out accusations ranging from fraud to infidelity. The ugly and very public divorce is said to be one of the costliest in history, costing $20.6 million in legal bills, according to Los Angeles Superior Court filings by each of the parties. Jamie McCourt, who was originally opposed to the proposed sale of television rights, will withdraw her Bankruptcy Court opposition and would now support that sale. Frank McCourt had set up a new the 17-year, $2.7 billion broadcast deal with Fox Sports, but MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who must approve all TV contracts, rejected the deal as not in the best interests of baseball since it diverted so much of the advance to McCourt's use to fund his costly divorce. Related Topics Frank McCourt Jamie McCourt

American Reunion Redband Trailer Proves Things Haven't Changed Since Jason Biggs's Pie Days

Good news and bad news about American Reunion based on the very first (and very redband) teaser trailer that has just surfaced: Jason Biggs’s Jim still isn’t locking the door when he masturbates. This could be good news for American Pie purists who hoped the franchise would get back to basics this April, and bad news for fans who hoped Jim would never have to pleasure himself again with footwear after marrying Alyson Hannigan’s band geek Michelle in the third and most recent Pie installment, American Wedding. Warning: The teaser is NSFW, not appropriate for kids, and deserving of its restricted redband label. Like I was saying, things haven’t changed much for Jim in the past decade (based on this promo) other than the fact that a small child now interrupts his self-love sessions rather than his father (Eugene Levy, who will also return for Reunion) and the fact that he is married to a girl who also understands the value of alone time. Unseen in this sneak peak are Thomas Ian Nicholas, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Tara Reid, Natasha Lyonne, Mena Suvari, Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Coolidge, whose returning characters will miraculously all show up for East Great Falls’ ten-year reunion. In case you weren’t motivated to see American Reunion based on the above trailer alone, know that this installment is directed by Harold & Kumar writers Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. VERDICT: Maybe it’s finally time to put memories of all of those direct-to-DVD Pie spin-off films behind us? American Reunion opens in theaters April 6. [via Vulture]

Nuit #1

A K Films Amerique release of a Metafilms production. (International sales: Metafilms, Montreal.) Produced by Nancy Grant. Directed, written by Anne Emond.With: Catherine Le Lean, Dimitri Storoge. (French dialogue)A one-night stand evolves into an all-night talkathon in "Nuit #1," a claustrophobically intense drama set almost entirely within a shabby apartment where two strangers disrobe to enjoy an uninhibited sexual romp, but don't begin to bare their souls until they put their clothes back on. Explicit nudity and softcore activity during the opening minutes doubtless will elevate the pic's notoriety quotient. But impressive performances by well-cast, attractive leads will help even more in gaining fest exposure and limited theatrical play for Montreal-based filmmaker Anne Emond's debut feature. After connecting at a steamy rave, Clara (Catherine Le Lean) and Nikolai (Dimitri Storoge) retreat to his place for a close encounter. But when he interrupts her stealthy postcoital exit, they take tentative first steps toward a different level of intimacy. Storoge and Le Lean command attention while conveying a diverse and constantly shifting array of emotions. And while it occasionally seems that Emond has assigned them monologues rather than dialogue, their interaction -- both verbal and physical -- is credibly charged with alternating currents of fear and desire, cynicism and longing. Mathieu Laverdiere's fluid lensing is the standout tech value.Camera (color), Mathieu Laverdiere; editor, Mathieu Bouchard-Malo; music, Martin M. Tetrault; production designer, Eric Barbeau; costume designer, Yola Van Leeuwenkamp. Reviewed at Toronto Film Festival (Canada First!), Sept. 13, 2011. (Also in Busan Film Festival -- Flash Forward.) Running time: 91 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Hollywood youth honored just 'cause

JonesRodriguezPanettiereSteinfeldMoretz CrissMadisonVariety's fifth Energy of Youth event will recognition a slew of youthful artists in the March. 22 celebration on Paramount's backlot.Hayden Panettiere (clockwise from top left), Hailee Steinfeld, Rico Rodriguez, Darren Criss, Bailee Madison, Chloe Moretz and Angus T. Johnson happen to be selected to get Variety's Energy of Youth Philanthropy award for his or her contributions to charitable causes."We are proud Variety's Energy of Youth will once more gather a number of present day most gifted youthful stars to assist raise important funds and awareness for several worthy causes," stated John Gott, writer, Variety. "We are thrilled to identify all of our honorees for his or her incredible work and dedication for their particular non profit organizations."Panettiere is acknowledged for her work with respect to the Whaleman Foundation, Steinfeld for Share Our Strength, Johnson for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Rodriguez for Camping Ronald McDonald permanently Occasions, Moretz for that Film Foundation, Criss for that Trevor Project and Madison for Alex's Lemonade Stand.The 2010 event, presented through the Hub along with Variety's annual Youth Impact Report, includes live perfs and also the Energy of Auction on CharityBuzz.com. Visitors includes children and families impacted by the honorees' reaping helpful benefits non profit organizations in addition to notable under-25 thesps and recording artists.Fans can win tickets towards the invite-only event using a donation widget at Variety.com/poy. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

CNN adds Frum, Cardona to election team

CNN has nabbed among each: Former National Review author David Frum and Democratic strategist Maria Cardona have grew to become an associate of CNN with time for your run-around the 2012 elections. Frum has held posts at orgs within the Wall Street Journal, where he went the paper's op-erection dysfunction page, for the second Rose rose bush White-colored House, where he socialized as special assistant and speechwriter to George W. Rose rose bush. Cardona heads everyone matters practice at D.C.-based lobbyist strategy firm Dewey Square Group, where she founded Hispanic-focused division Latinovations she's labored as consultant for the Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential campaign to ensure that as communications director for your Democratic National Committee. She'll also result in CNN en Espanol. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Is Leonardo DiCaprio's 'Satori' The Following 'Bourne' Franchise?

By Sterling Wong Is Leonardo DiCaprio the following large action star? The significantly acclaimed actor continues to be known lately for additional Oscar-baity fare such as the approaching J. Edgar, however it appears like the heavens attempting to shake some misconception. Hes registered to utilize Quentin Tarantino because the villain in Django Unchained, and today DiCaprio is placed to kick some butt because the star of Satori, a movie adaptation of Don Winslows best-selling novel. Occur the Cold War era from the nineteen fifties, DiCaprio will have Nicholai Hel, a Westerner who was raised in Japan and becomes a specialist in fighting techinques and Go, a Japanese chess game, reviews Deadline. Hel is employed through the CIA to assassinate a Soviet ambassador to China, but he's tricked and needs to run for his existence as various intelligence agencies chase after him. There is no loss of memory involved, but were certainly seeing some distinct commonalities between DiCaprios Hel and Matt Damons Jason Bourne, with the CIA unfaithfulness and Hel and Bournes hyper-intelligence. Like Bourne, "Satori" may have an worldwide feel into it: besides getting a brief history in Japan, the film will even see DiCaprios character making his way across Vietnam as hes chased by antagonists from America, China, Russia and France, amongst others. Indeed, if "Satori" works out to become a hit, it's stated that Warner Bros. hopes to build up it right into a effective franchise similar to the "Bourne" series. "Satori" won't be the very first film adaptation of the Don Winslow property. The writer has another book, Savages, within the giant screen works. Directed by Oliver Stone, this movie features an ensemble cast which includes Travolta Qantas Video, Salma Hayek, Blake Lively, Benicio Del Toro and Emile Hirsch. Having a scheduled release date of September 28, 2012, Savages looks prone to hit theaters much sooner than Satori. Outdoors of "Satori," DiCaprio is presently busy filming Baz Luhrmanns The Truly Amazing Gatsby and after that's completed, he'll move onto Django Unchained, that is likely to keep him busy until spring 2012. So, it appears like action fans must be patient, and meanwhile, we are able to get our "Bourne" fix using the Jeremy Renner reboot, The Bourne Legacy, which is launched the coming year. Exactly what do you think about Leonardo DiCaprio being an action star? Inform us within the comments or on Twitter!

Moviefone Lets You Cast the Amanda Knox Movie

Moments ago, the murder conviction in the Amanda Knox trial was overturned, meaning 26-year-old American will be set free after nearly four years in prison. Considering the media hoopla surrounding this case, it's only natural to assume a theatrical movie* will be made sooner rather than later. With that in mind: Who should play Amanda Knox? [*There was a made-for-TV film about Amanda Knox on Lifetime earlier this year with Hayden Panettiere as Knox and Marcia Gay Harden as her mother. For purposes of this poll, Panettiere can be considered for the "sequel."] Who Should Play Amanda Knox?Emma RobertsEvan Rachel WoodRooney MaraKate MaraAmber TamblynMegan "Foxy" FoxAimee TeegardenMia WasikowskaScarlett JohanssonKeira KnightleyJennifer LawrenceHayden Panettiere (for a possible sequel)Vote Image courtesy of AP Photo/Stefano Medici

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Japan's Wowow takes 'Episodes'

Tokyo, japan, japan -- Wowow, the operator of Japan's finest private entertainment funnel service for satellite and cable, has acquired the initial two skeins in the U.K.-U.S. comedy show "Episodes" from Hat Trick Intl., the distribution arm of U.K.-based Hat Trick Productions. The initial skein will bow on Wowow this November, while using second skedded to air in 2012. The show, which was first broadcast on Showtime and BBC2, has since been licensed to more 180 nations. The sale was closed as of this year's Mipcom. Beginning March. 1, Wowow remains broadcasting a completely new funnel selection on broadcast satellite made up of Wowow Prime (foreign dramas, photos together with other general programming), the Wowow Live (live concerts and occasions) and Wowow Cinema (new and classic photos) strands. The whole of clients to all or any three strands is 2.4 million. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com