Limbaugh apologizes to student

Radio host Rush Limbaugh has apologized to a Georgetown University law student for calling her insulting names. He had come under intense criticism from womens' groups, politicians from both political parties and some of the advertisers on his talk show.Limbaugh said Saturday on his website that he had chosen the wrong words in his comments about law student Sandra Fluke. He said he "did not intend a personal attack" on her.Limbaugh had called her a "prostitute" and a "slut" after she testified before Congress about a need for insurance coverage for birth control. President Barack Obama had telephoned Fluke on Friday to express his support.Full apology from Limbaugh:"For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke. I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit? In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone's bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Stellar "Journey" continues abroad

It absolutely was apparent sailing for your second-straight weekend for "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," which again sailed up overseas box office. Pic designed a resilient $27.5 million inside the Feb. 17-19 weekend, pushing its worldwide cume to $130 million. The Warner Bros.-New Line family film got an early on overseas push, bowing in areas like Australia and Columbia four days while watching U.S. After which key areas, for instance China and Russia, are adding topnotch grosses. In China, the follow-up made $9.5 million within the second outing, throughout Russia, the pic totalled a soph-sesh take of $4.millions of -- an impressive 176% while watching original "Journey" within the similar local frame. Within The U . s . States, "Journey 2" held best among the domestic top, lower only a general 27%. Pic shown a lot more stickiness in Canada, falling 3%, due to the country's across the nation recognized family day Feb. 20. Toplining franchise newcomer Dwayne Manley, and allotted inside a reported $79 million, the follow-up already has greater than retrieved its production cost, grossing $183 million worldwide by Feb. 19. Warners and New Line have devoted to some "Journey 3," using the sequel's success. Elsewhere round the family front, Disney's holiday holdover "The Muppets" shown resilient inside the U.K., rising a amazing 60% on Friday and Saturday within the second weekend over its opening a couple of days (Feb. 10-11). The film's three-day second-weekend total of $5.8 million in Blighty rang in 36% before its opening weekend. In just 10 days inside the U.K., the Disney pic, with $17.4 million, has outpaced Sony's "The Smurfs" by 36% and Warners' "Yogi Bear" by 193%. Pic has hit $59.millions of worldwide through Feb. 19, getting a worldwide cume of $147.3 million. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

NextMovie's Oscar Picks: Best Picture And Director

You will find only 2 days left before the 2012 Oscars start, meaning the frantic last-minute Oscar forecasts have started. MTV Movies and our buddies at NextMovie happen to be putting our heads together to discuss who we be prepared to win large only at that year's ceremony, now the final two videos for the informed guesses for the best Picture and finest Director happen to be revealed. Not surprisingly, it appears like "The Artist" may be the front-runner both in groups. The small film that may continues to be both a vital darling and well-received through the public (a minimum of for any black and whitened quiet movie in regards to a quiet film star), also it appears fair to visualize that it'll collect the main Best Picture and finest Director statues too. But that is not saying "The Artist" may be the film that many warrants the Oscar gold. Click following the jump to determine the other films MTV Movies' Josh Horowitz and NextMovie's Kevin Polowy have to say of who got snubbed and who may be the dark equine champion. Thinking about MTV Movies Blog has operate a feature around the movies we believe must have had that tenth Best Picture nomination, it shojuld not be a surprise that there have been a reasonable quantity of movies Horowitz and Polowy thought were snubbed this season. Where were "Drive," "Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," "The Lady using the Dragon Tattoo" and "Bridesmaids" when you really need them? For the very best Director category, the main one major snub that Horowitz and Polowy both decided on was David Fincher for "The Lady using the Dragon Tattoo." I still uphold the argument he was probably the most deserving candidate for that Oscar this past year, though he ultimately lost to "The King's Speech's" Tom Hooper, to not really score a nom is really a double slight against online resources suspense. Despite the fact that the very best Director statuette appears like it's Michael Hazanavicius' to get rid of, the MTV duo predict that Martin Scorsese is probably not ruled from the race at this time for that amazing work he did on "Hugo." The MTV Movies team has got the 2012 Academy awards covered! Stick to us for all you need to know prior to the honours show, as well as on Sunday, Feb 26, tune into MTV.com at 5:30 p.m. ET for the three-hour red-colored-carpet live stream and updates around the night's large those who win.

Tom Hardy's Pudding, Chinese Food For Thought and Other Wisdom From the This Means War Team

It started with the pudding. Oh, not just any pudding: A perfect pool of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate-hazelnut goodness -- a confection so rich, so irresistible, that even Tom Hardy found himself drawn like a moth to a flame to the dessert table before the press conference for This Means War the other week in Beverly Hills. He grabbed a saucer and ambled over to a pack of bewildered journalists, offering an ebullient bon mot about The Woman in Black. Id have eaten through Daniel Radcliffe to get that part! he raved, or so the story goes, before setting down his dish and disappearing once more into the back hallways of the Four Seasons. Id arrived two minute too late for the Hardy-Pudding Incident, but the room was still abuzz over the moment. So rarely does the talent walk among the press at these things that when they do -- especially when as scruffy-faced and so very normal looking as Hardy was that day, clad not in couture but in a military-style This Means War jacket it can be strangely jarring. Ditto when the film at hand is a Hollywood joint as slick and persona-driven as This Means War, the success of which will depend in great part on how many people out there want to see Reese Witherspoon wrestle with the tough choice of making out with the beautiful, manly Hardy or making out with the beautiful, manly Chris Pine. Decisions, decisions. Given the nature of This Means War as an early-year studio rom-com, it was a curious thing to see how personality played out in the flesh with director McG and stars Hardy, Witherspoon, and Chelsea Handler taking questions together. (Pine was absent thanks to Star Trek 2 filming commitments.) Witherspoon proved predictably amiable, gamely answering queries about online dating, marriage, and shooting her co-stars in the junk with a paintball gun an old pro at offsetting the tedium of junket questions while coming off as perfectly likeable. McG, ever the showman, commanded the conference with his signature bombast -- for better and for worse. According to him, This Means War was never intended to be a terribly complicated or easily categorized kind of film. Let's face it, this movie's not about the human condition, he admitted. This movie's about, Hey, I can't put it into a box. I think that's one achievement of the picture is that you can go, Hey, it is funny, there is some action, the girls are great, the guys are great. And it's not just like this or just like that. And if we're successful in doing that, we're certainly done what we set out to do. Uh, sure. Over in the corner, meanwhile, Hardy hunched over his mic and avoided giving the usual run of the mill sound bites. Does Hardy ever have conflicts with friends? I don't have any friends I have a dog and a son. A dog couldn't do anything to upset me, you know, and neither could my son. What does he think of social media? I think online dating is a way of procuring people, you know what I mean? Like Facebook, Myspace. It's a way that people [use] to connect out. And procure small children and sometimes you know, dodgy relationships. If were talking big personalities in This Means War and its junket that day at the Four Seasons, though, Handler took the cake. Playing Witherspoons married best friend and confidante, the talk show host/author/comedienne runs away with the films funniest lines; word has it McG battled the ratings board over Handlers risqu ad libs just to get it down to a PG-13 rating, but more than a few gems made it through. Handler, of course, reveled in her reputation for controversy-making. The self-described horrible influence on everyone described the real life reversal of her off-screen friendship with Witherspoon. It's kind of the opposite. Because in real life, she has children, she's a mother and she's married. And I'm single, so it was kind of fun playing opposite roles. [Pause] I'm single and I sleep with a lot of men, so it's perfect. This Means War is pretty much exclusively composed of sexy fun and spy games, and its central actors are charismatic all, but something about it still nagged me. I asked McG to explain why his cast noticeably lacks diversity all four leads (Pine, Hardy, Witherspoon, Handler) are Caucasian with blue eyes, while throwaway roles go to a few supporting actors, including Angela Bassett as a one-note police captain. He answered by pointing to his own 2000 film, Charlies Angels. Listen, that's a huge concern for me, he replied. And I can answer that in good faith because I put Lucy Liu in Charlie's Angels. I don't like lily-white movies with lily-white people bouncing around, but youve also just got to do what you got to do. McG continued. In the spirit of Benetton [Rainbow Complex], you know, the most empowered character in the film is indeed a black woman. I enjoy that the most powerful person in Hollywood is indeed a black woman Oprah Winfrey. And I'm hoping to just transcend beyond that. I love ethnic diversity all over the place, but I just felt like Chelsea was the right one. I had a singular vision for Tom Hardy, I chased him all the way over to London. And you're right, because I'm doing the color correction and I'm like, Jesus, everybody's eyes are popping off the screen, these interior-lit blue mongrels. And it's a bit of a concern, but you just got to do what's right. Without skipping a beat, Handler glanced in my direction and chimed in: But we ate Chinese food throughout the whole filming. We ate Chinese food throughout the whole filming. Immediately I wondered if shed cracked the joke because of me - and if so, was I even offended by it? Should I be? In the end I decided that Id actually have more respect for Handler if she had intended to make a racial joke, in front of dozens of journalists, just to get a quip in; thats the same kind of inappropriate quick-thinking that makes This Means War even remotely watchable, and the kind of boundary-smashing ballsiness that made me LOL at her E! talk show in the first place. If anything, Im more offended by McGs lazy excuse for making This Means War so lily-white while clinging to a progressive bit of casting he dared to pull off, once, over a decade ago. So its more than a bit of a concern, all right. And needless to say, Hollywoods glaring issue of ethnic underrepresentation is not going to be solved here, with an explosion-filled rom-com like This Means War, and maybe-accidental, probably-on purpose jokes in poor taste blurted out in moments of impromptu press conference stand-up. At least we'll always have pudding. Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

NCIS Boss round the 200th Episode: Gibbs Needed a sizable Advance

NCIS Although Leroy Jethro arrived at observe his existence may have carried out out in different ways round the landmark 200th episode of NCIS, he made a decision he wouldn't have it almost every other way.NCIS takes note of 200 episodes by getting a psychological "let us say?Inch storyAfter being fired at while experiencing his morning cup of joe inside a diner, (Mark Harmon) was introduced with the ghosts of Mike Hotdogs (Muse Watson), Riley McCallister (Michael O'Neill) and Gibbs' wife Shannon (Darby Stanchfield) to some couple of from the identifying moments of Gibbs' existence as well as the series. Let us say had stopped a sniper from killing agent Kate Todd (Sasha Alexander)? Let us say hadn't destroyed the man who wiped out his family? And let us say was not an NCIS agent whatsoever?Ultimately, truth was a lot better than fiction for . We spoken with executive producer Gary Glasberg about creating that certain-of-a-kind hour, the technical wizardry familiar with recreate certain moments, as well as the first appearance of Gibbs' mother (Clare Carey). Plus: The way in which this experience change Gibbs' outlook round the future?Congratulations on reaching this milestone! What type of feedback possibly you've become today?Gary Glasberg: Up to now what I've been sent remains very positive. This episode actually was an homage for the fans, as well as the goal wound up being to obtain individuals to think a little, not nearly options in their own personal lives, in Gibbs' existence too and where [his options] required him over nine seasons. It's a challenge to carry along nine seasons into 42 minutes. I am hoping I been successful.Convey more scoop inside your favorite shows inside our Winter TV previewHow perhaps you have start identifying which specific moments you preferred to revisit in this particular episode?Glasberg: There has been lots of moments our other figures were the identifying factors in. But because of the perspective we needed in this particular show it absolutely was really about . That was a thing that aided us separate one moment from another. Fundamental necessities moments that individuals thought if had handled themselves in different ways, would it have worked out?Types of the moments that possibly still feels guilty about? Glasberg: A sizable part of and then for any type of hero character is what they're moving around inside as well as the weight that's on people shoulders. A sizable part of what drives Leroy Jethro is these options that he's made. Whether he was wrong or right, within the mind, he socialized the means by that they needed to inside the moment. In my opinion many of us see daily items that we may have preferred to complete in different ways, and this is just what he's been moving around.One of the finest moments required to function as reveal of Gibbs' mother.Glasberg: It had been a very unique opportunity to satisfy this lady who was simply greatly influential within the existence he lost in an exceedingly youthful age. It absolutely was an opportunity to reunite along with her and discover which kind of lady she was and which kind of effect she'd have observed. I am unsure detail chance can come up again, but we preferred to get it and take full advantage of it.You think we'll ever see her again?Glasberg: If another factor arises, I'm not prone to refuse. We'll see just what the authors develop so when we appear like it's a direction you need to use again. Clare is a superb actress and he or she totally shipped for people. It's nice to know that individuals may add her for the toolbox.NCIS Exclusive: Entourage's Perrey Reeves to see Tony's [SPOILER!] You clearly used lots of familiar faces in this particular episode. How perhaps you have determine which figures would get yourself a scene versus a knowing glance?Glasberg: That was part of the fun. For many days now, we've been trying to determine how we are in a position to pull this off -who'd speak and who wouldn't speak and who we are in a position to achieve come enjoy yourself around. It's tricky filming an instalment across the holidays because you never know if individuals will be around or possibly we could ask them to. So you have instances where there is a actor walk-with the diner ... otherwise you involve some situations where we optically re-created it. It absolutely was a sizable challenge, nevertheless it was fun which i was very happy to be capable of do both.Simply how much chicanery happening in a few of people optically re-created moments?Glasberg: My hat is away and off to my publish-production team since they have spent days or weeks and days doing people sequences. It's very tricky, whether it was Jenny Shepard (Lauren Carol) relaxing for the reason that booth for your brief moment they was, or Sasha Alexander, who was simply in the country atthe time. We needed that image within the episode while using plague, and totally recut it. We came back into dailies making that really work. And Kate married combined by having an infant with Tony (Michael Weatherly)! I guess "Gibbs' rules" don't apply in fantasyland.Glasberg: Allow me to think that inside our instance, you'll be able to bend the recommendations a little. The truth is, how you laid it in this particular story, Tony and Kate get together and , feeling pressure from the products happened to his wife and child, ended up departing the organization entirely. And so the rules don't always apply as they removed themselves within the scenario. Believe me, several hours and several hours were spent speaking through all this, and whether it all completely fits or else, i had been pretty careful about trying to make sure everything clicked on on.Have a look at our report on TV's hottest crime mma fighters!But you will still handled to experience a crime story.Glasberg: That was the enjoyment part. I didn't desire to deliver an instalment that didn't have a very crime in it and was only composed from the "let us sayInch moments. Compared to quite a few more difficult [mysteries], there is a simple story there of a father's desperation and what he's ready to do in order to maintain his boy. You'll find absolutely overlaps of decision-making and loss that parallel [Gibbs' story]. The goal is at the conclusion to own one story dovetail to the other.McGee (Sean Murray) also faced a sizable decision: should you leave his team for just about any promotion in Japan.Glasberg: I desired to supply McGee the opportunity to create some tough options too. It was an opportunity to behave properly he probably may have really loved, but he wasn't quite prepared to depart his family.During a couple of from the deeper "let us sayInch moments, had the support of his team. Was that particular in the take-aways you preferred?Glasberg: Yeah. I enjoy think that bond is much more effective than in the past. None of individuals things may have meet up had he not made a decision to participate NCIS and ultimately become an NCIS agent. Within the finish throughout your day, he must appreciate no less than what got him here. And even though he's experienced tremendous loss and discomfort in route, [they] is his family now.Think back at 200 episodes cost of photo from NCISWhy did you must have several figures tell that existence "doesn't work this wayInch throughout these sequences?Glasberg: I believe that it is relating to this, sadly, the earth doesn't necessarily let's steer things inside the direction we wish. Things unfold and happen that are sometimes difficult. And that we must accept them and proceed.So, are we able to see movingon getting a changed perspective?Glasberg: I am unsure if occasion to really be capable of release of all of the demons. However think while he recognizes the details from the products he's experienced as well as the difficulties from the products he's experienced he will have a way to maneuver ahead a little. It's two steps back then one large advance. Hopefully, since he's experienced this, it'll have an impact while he looks for the future.Whoever else consider NCIS' 200th episode?

New image comes to the Hunger Games

The March release date in the Hunger Games evolves continuously closer, and new images still appear online of Jennifer Lawrence and pals.This latest image shows Lawrence's character Katniss talking about an embrace with Lenny Kravitz's Cinna, who becomes something from the confidante and offer of encouragement inside the final build-around the Games.The completely new image came out inside the pages of Moving Stone, to whom Kravitz gave an connected interview explaining what attracted him for the project."I thought it had been great storytelling," he referred to. "I'm greatly into tales. The level of smoothness was interesting. I really like [director] Gary [Ross]'s previous work. Which I mentioned, 'Yeah, let's go.'"As well as for his character, Kravitz was amazed by his poise and sense of gravitas. "He's very sleek, he's very quiet," according to him. "They are fully aware what he's doing. He's confident. She's a sizable heart. I merely loved the means by that they moved, very smooth."The Hunger Games opens inside the Uk on 23 March 2012.

Listen Up, Twitter: Demi Lovato and Demi Moore Are Two Different People

Demi Moore, Demi Lovato Recent reports about Demi Moore being hospitalized for "exhaustion" have some folks on Twitter confused. It seems they're mixing up the 49-year-old star of G.I. Jane with the 19-year-old Demi Lovato, who has also had her share of medical issues. They may share a name, but the two actresses couldn't be more different. To wit:Demi Lovato: I was drinking and using drugs to numb the pain-Moore's breakout role was in the 1985 coming-of-age film St. Elmo's Fire. Lovato got her Hollywood start in Disney's Camp Rock, which premiered in 2008.-They've both dated hunky actors who appeared on That '70s Show. Moore married Ashton Kutcher in 2005 (they separated in November 2011). Lovato has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Wilmer Valderrama.-On Wednesday, after Moore was hospitalized and her reps confirmed she was seeking treatment, reports surfaced that it was a result of allegedly inhaling a dangerous amount of nitrous oxide (also known as Whip-Its). Lovato, who has sought treatment for substance abuse, an eating disorder, and self-injury, has publicly extolled the virtues of rehab: "To be able to share my story and let them know that it gets easier. Life is beautiful... You are worthy of it," she tweeted in December about a visit to the center where she received treatment.Did whip-its send Demi Moore to the hospital?-Moore recently dropped out of the film Lovelace, in which she was to portray feminist Gloria Steinem. In April 2011, Lovato left the Disney TV series Sonny With a Chance to focus on her music career and getting healthy.All clear now?