New Releases: 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol,' 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,' 'The Adventures of Tintin,' 'We Bought a Zoo,' 'War Horse,' 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'

Hopefully you want to spend at least some part of your Christmas holiday at the movie theater. A whopping six films open in wide release between now and Dec. 25, with another two arriving in limited-run availability. Toss in expansions for both 'The Artist' and 'My Week With Marilyn,' and you've got a checklist of movies that nearly everyone in your family can enjoy. Your Weekend Movie Preview is here. NATIONWIDE RELEASES 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' What's the story: Based on the international best seller by Stieg Larsson, 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' follows the unlikely friendship formed between a disgraced journalist (Daniel Craig) and a damaged computer hacker (Rooney Mara) as they try to solve a decades-old murder on a secluded Swedish island. Christopher Plummer, Robin Wright and Stellan Skarsgard co-star in this adult thriller from director David Fincher. Box office projection: The buzz on 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' has reached deafening levels, and with pretty good reason: the film is an expert bit of adult entertainment, that would feel like slumming for David Fincher if he didn't infuse so much of his immense talent into the airplane-read storyline. The property and Daniel Craig are international draws, while here in the U.S., it was assumed that women would come out in force to see Lisbeth Salander onscreen, like they did in print. That doesn't appear to be the case based on initial tracking, but despite its R-rating, you can assume 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' will clean up this week and right on through Christmas. Three-day weekend total: $25 million [Showtimes & Tickets] 'The Adventures of Tintin' What's the story: Based on the famed comic strip by Belgian artist Herge, 'The Adventures of Tintin' follows the adventures of Tintin, a young reporter who -- with his trusty dog, Snowy -- tries to solve a mystery involving a decades old ship and a lost treasure. Steven Spielberg directs with help from producer Peter Jackson. Box office prediction: Thanks to almost $250 million in international grosses so far, 'The Adventures of Tintin' is performing well at the box office already -- and it hasn't even debuted stateside. Which is probably a good thing. Most Americans don't actually know Tintin from Snowy or Herge from Adam, but if 'Tintin' can catch on with families expect it to have long legs through the winter. Three-day weekend total: $12 million [Showtimes & Tickets] 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' What's the story: Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, Impossible Mission Force extraordinaire who must team with a band of fellow agents (Simon Pegg, Paula Patton) and an analyst (Jeremy Renner) to stop a crazed bit of Eurotrash (Michael Nyqvist) from destroying the world. Box office prediction: Buoyed by huge IMAX grosses last weekend, 'Mission: Impossible 4' is already the belle of the winter box-office ball. With a healthy international outlook and little competition from four-quadrant seeking ticket buyers, 'Ghost Protocol' could be the biggest hit of the holiday season. In Tom Cruise Hollywood trusts? Three-day weekend total: $38 million [Showtimes & Tickets] 'We Bought a Zoo' What's the story: Matt Damon stars as Benjamin Mee, a journalist who buys a zoo for his family after his wife dies. Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church co-star in this new film from Cameron Crowe. Box office prediction: Could 'We Bought a Zoo' be the family film choice of the season? Perhaps. Twentieth Century Fox has done a fine job of building homestead buzz for the Crowe-directed film (the studio rank sneak previews over Thanksgiving weekend and again in early December), and 'Zoo' has the broad appeal that made 'Marley & Me' a hit during Christmas season in 2008. Also of note? Matt Damon, who is still a draw in the right material. Whether that's 'Zoo' remains to be seen, but don't sleep on what could become a leggy hit. Three-day weekend total: $14 million [Showtimes & Tickets] 'War Horse' What's the story: Because you don't have enough movie options over Christmas -- nor enough movie options directed by Steven Spielberg -- here comes 'War Horse,' a touching tale of a boy and his horse set against the backdrop of World War I. Expect many Oscar nominations. Box office prediction: While the idea of spending almost two-and-a-half hours watch a horse that doesn't talk might not seem like the best way to spend Christmas day, 'War Horse' could be the exception. The drama is one of 2011's best films, rife with beautiful imagery, fantastic performances and an overall message that could only be described as earnest hope. Whether that connects with audiences on Christmas day remains to be seen, but figure 'War Horse' to linger in theaters well past the 2012 Academy Awards. Three-day weekend total: $4 million [Showtimes & Tickets] 'The Darkest Hour' What's the story: When aliens attack. Russia. By using the power grid. Box office prediction: Despite arriving in over 2000 screens on Christmas Day, little is expected from 'The Darkest Hour.' The film isn't screening for critics and audiences don't seem all that interested in watching Emile Hirsch fight aliens. Sorry, folks. Three-day weekend total: $1 million [Showtimes & Tickets] LIMITED RELEASES Out in six theaters before expanding wide in January is 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,' the much-debated 9/11 drama starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. Elsewhere, Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, 'In the Land of Blood and Honey,' arrives. [Photo: Paramount] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Kaira Bird on Not Killing Tom Cruise While Making 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol'

Director Kaira Bird constitutes a tremendous leap from animation (some little movies you might have heard about like 'The Incredibles') to reside-action with 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.' It's almost as large like a leap as his leading guy, Tom Cruise, makes within the film -- a part of a breath-preventing swing around the world's highest building because he attempts to return to safety having a rope that's way too short. Thinking about which was Cruise doing their own stunts, it was all being shot in IMAX, with helis, while a large number of vacationers looked on may have given a seasoned professional cardiac arrest, but Bird told Moviefone he really pressed Cruise to visit faster. For the first live-action movie, you made the decision to shoot it in IMAX, film in locations around the globe and also have dying-repel stunts. So, somewhat movie. [Laughs] It really wasn't that pre-thought-out. I had been really focusing on another film known as '1906,' also is large and complex, and also the story is simply very difficult to pull together. And so the chance came about to leap onto this. I'd known J.J. [Abrams] for any very long time and that i met Tom immediately after 'The Incredibles.' One element which i distributed to each of individuals men isn't just a significant respect for his or her talent as well as their work, but all of us love the medium of film. Whenever we talk, we are able to discuss it until our eyes are double glazed over. We love it a lot that an opportunity to use each of them on a single project really was fun. Had you been worried whatsoever about killing your leading guy within the showpiece stunt around the Burj Khalifa? The succession that people shot around the Burj Khalifa ... the amount of pieces to that particular puzzle were staggering. Tom is hanging from the helicopter that may only stay up in mid-air for 30 minutes and also the IMAX cameras are only able to shoot for a few minutes and when they exhaust film, there is no room to reload, so they need to fly to base. And there is decking about midway up and also the vacationers there lookup plus they see Tom Cruise hanging around the building above them and they are shooting video and saying "Oh, hi, Tom," and Tom's just pushing and each muscle in the is quaking and he's beginning to get rid of bloodstream in the legs. Tom's on the wire and that he needs to run aside from the building after which he needs to hang on even though these were doing the work, the helicopter drifted and that i saw a much better position for that second area of the shot. And So I stated, "Wait another! Return to that position you had been in!" And Tom's like holding along the side of your building and he's like, "Shall we be ready?" and he's just pushing his muscles. And also the stunt men are just like, "Hold on another longer, Tom, we are just altering your camera position." And meanwhile, Tom's hanging to the building and also the vacationers are filming and it is madness, absolute madness, but It led to quite a awesome sequence. It is a very awesome sequence. Which means you got no complaints from Tom about being pressed towards the limit? The shot where he runs lower along side it from the Burj, he made it happen plus they were as being a little conservative and that i stated, "Are you able to go just a little faster," and Tom's like, "Yeah, let us go just a little faster," I stated, "OK, I believe we first got it." But Tom could listen to it during my voice which i had not become things i wanted, so he was like, "What exactly is it?Inch So, I requested [meekly], "Are you able to go just a little faster?" And that he stated, "You wager." Therefore we made it happen and that is the main one that's within the film -- he's racing lower along side it from the building. Which individuals was pushing harder to become more extreme, you or Tom? We equally like things pressed, and surely if you wish to push it, Tom is the guy. Made it happen ever hit you that Tom could easily plummet to his dying if something went wrong? Everyone is at the mindset of just concentrating on doing their job the very best they might. Nevertheless, after i returned towards the hotel that evening and we'd become a few of these amazing shots, at about 3 each morning, my eyes clicked open and that i sitting up and went "Hooh!" I recognized contrary transpires with Tom, we have got no movie. However in as soon as, the adrenaline was flowing... Ok last one. I had been just set on obtaining the camera in to the right place and this is not on losing bloodstream flow to Tom's legs. [Laughs] Was the aim for that 4th film to really make it larger than the others? Yeah, I believe i was all drawn to the thought of these set pieces. However the strange factor is ... this is actually the greatest 'Mission: Impossible,' however i really was inspired through the last 'Mission: Impossible,' which got more emotional and also got into more compact moments. And So I would say, hopefully, it's a few of the greatest 'Mission: Impossible' moments but additionally a few of the littlest 'Mission: Impossible' moments when it comes to character stuff. Hopefully there's everything on the planet. Producer Bryan Burk stated you'd thought we would "punch up" the humor on that one. I wouldn't say I'd "made the decision." I felt like ... a film which i love is 'Raiders from the Lost Ark' and also to me, there is a wonderful balance between humor and genuine suspense and action. And also the humor does not cut the genuine adrenaline the relaxation from the movie has. I personally don't like movies where they type of wink to you. There's a few exceptions, 'Airplane' being one of these, in which the whole movie is a large wink. I believe you need to invest yourself within the moment. The humor inside a movie like 'Raiders' arrives of real situations also it arrives of character which, in my experience, is the greatest possible mixture of individuals things. If you are going to possess a popcorn movie, you cannot inflict much better than 'Raiders.' A number of individuals famous lines, Harrison Ford notoriously improvised. Had you been available to letting your stars lick like this? Why can you have individuals men, like Simon Pegg, should you were not? Many moments within the film, people just sprang by helping cover their [a line] around the place. Everybody was excellent about doing that which was written, they also understood which i was up for diversions. Sometimes I requested things, or I'd change a line around the place. Sometimes they'd say something automatically. One thing people request me is "What are the differences between live action and animation?" and spontaneity that may take place in an active-action film but it is very hard otherwise impossible in animation. The entire medium is all about pre-planning. To ensure that was fun for me personally, absolutely. I loved that. So nothing they did ever put you? No, no. I required classes in acting to higher learn how to speak with stars. Before? Years back, before Used to do my animated films. I understand what that type of stuff is. As well as in my animated film, I improv'd with soundtracks. Usually, I'll write things around the place or simply say, "Oh, let's say we change this?" Renner emerged with many different lines that really would up within the film. [Photo: Vital] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Chatter splatter

Our senior film experts opine about blown embargoes, dodgy ethics and just how journos and galleries need it both waysJustin Chang: Among the unfortunate truisms in our job as trade experts is the fact that we frequently cut back time thinking and quarrelling concerning the movies than we all do thinking and quarrelling about once the galleries will let's see and review their movies. I am conscious of the self-entitlement inherit in this complaint, and that i hasten to include that people appreciate every courtesy -- and advance press tests are simply that, an expert courtesy -- that allows us to complete our responsibility in due time. But it is the problem of timeliness that appears to result in the majority of our logistical head aches nowadays.Peter Debruge: As trade experts, we're within the very fortunate -- and precarious -- position of writing the very first reviews from the gate of all films, frequently days or days before movies open. This is a tradition that dates back decades (because of Variety's role in assisting participants choose which films to program), back before our reviews were cited and disseminated by blogs and aggregator sites like Rotten Tomato plants. Meanwhile, the customer press is anticipated to keep opinions until opening day. But that appears to become altering recently for a variety of reasons, almost all of them tracing to studios' tries to lead with reviews they be prepared to stay positive, and that is in which the head aches you allude to start.JC: It appeared to achieve a fevered pitch this month, when media viewers were treated towards the curious spectacle of NYer film critic David Denby facing the collective wrath of Scott Rudin and Sony's publicity department in reaction to Denby's 12 ,. 5 overview of "The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo," breaking an agreed-upon 12 ,. 13 embargo.PD: Knowing with a private email exchange between Rudin and Denby that made an appearance around the Playlist blog, producer was upset the NYer review's publication would trigger other experts to follow along with suit -- a really real concern inside a consumer marketplace in which the thrill from the scoop appears to trump the standard service of running reviews when they're on most use towards the readers.JC: It's worth observing that Denby saw the film in a special November. 28 screening scheduled to support people from the NY Film Experts Circle due to the group's decision to maneuver up its honours-voting date. The incident shows the amount of competing focal points experts and galleries are juggling at this time around of the year. And thus, a studio will happily accept praise as honours, embargo-free, but an earlier review, even an optimistic one, is really a no-no.PD: That can bring me towards the most troubling part of the "Dragon Tattoo" situation, that is Denby's argument that since the review was positive, his decision to move to fast was justified.JC: I really like Rudin's response: "The truth that the review is nice is immaterial." Exactly.PD: Deadline's Nikke Finke found Denby's defense, quarrelling that "embargoes are dumbass" and "doing exactly what the galleries want is really a slippery slope," but what is more jeopardized than protecting an embargo break by insisting it consists of nothing the studio might resist? Though Variety doesn't offer "feedback" to publicists on which our reviews will say, a number of other shops do, and nowadays, it isn't uncommon for galleries to provide permission to experts itchiness to write a rave permission to operate their review first -- basically rewarding individuals prepared to be shills for his or her product having a scoop. And it's not only the wild, wild Web that's doing the work either. Recently, we have seen this practice happen among such estimable shops as Time magazine ("Munich" involves mind) and Moving Stone (in which the ever-obliging Peter Travers is routinely treated to lengthy-lead access).JC: How Finke can reason that watching an embargo comprises some kind of ethical lapse is beyond me. A primary reason we adhere to embargoes to start with is the fact that Variety includes a strict policy of not letting publicists be aware of content of their reviews before they run. This is an eminently reasonable agreement between two sides that has to function civilly to be able to do their particular jobs -- writing a genuine review, within our situation, and safeguarding the film's interest, in their own.PD: And recently, safeguarding their interests has came to bending the guidelines to favor positive responses. When the web was youthful, galleries might fly Harry Knowles towards the NY premiere of the film like "Godzilla" and get a juicy rave in reaction. Or they flatter authors who're known champions of the given filmmaker by inviting these to the initial tests, the way in which Robert Altman did to Pauline Kael with "Nashville" in older days (which still happens with Clint Eastwood along with other company directors now). The most recent wrinkle continues to be an upswing of special therapy for Oscar writers -- an embargo-bending practice that Rudin themself started this past year, when he demonstrated both "The Social Networking" and "True Grit" to honours-season commentators first, inviting these to run their (predictably positive) responses before showing the flicks to print experts. The practice continues this season, with honours columnists given express permission to gush about "Youthful Adult," "Hugo," and "The Iron Lady" before experts are permitted to weigh in.JC: When the galleries and also the Oscar writers have made the decision it's for their mutual help to drum up breathless honours speculation and refer to it as critique, there's little you or I -- or, for your matter, other people who sees movies weight loss than trophy bins -- can definitely do about this. I'll finish by saying I've found it altogether sad that "War Equine," to pick out an example, has not opened up or been formally examined within the U.S., but it's already had its honours prospects dissected to dying by writers as well as their commenters. Their conclusions happen to be startling: It's whether guaranteed contender or perhaps an also-went. For the greater interesting questions -- could it be worthwhile? Could it be a sentimental tearjerker, or perhaps a thing of beauty? What exactly are its politics? -- well, I'd love to get involved with it, but sorry, I can not. The embargo still holds. For the time being.Justin Chang and Peter Debruge are Variety's senior film experts.EYE Around The Academy awards: CRIX PICKS Chatter splatter Regional experts flex muscles in Oscar race Reviews migrate from TV to Web Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

'Day' tripping

Hilary Swank and Mariska Hargitay flank Harry Connick Junior. Kerry O'Malley and producer John Gore David Turner with Michael MayerIt seems like it's been a very long time since director Michael Mayer first had the idea to carry out a major gay narrative overhaul of "Around the Apparent Day You Will See Forever," the 1965 tuner about past lives and reincarnation.It absolutely was 15 years back, he reminisced within the Plaza, where the show's opening-evening party happened Sunday. The idea found him, at one time, in 1997 while he was concentrating on "Side Guy" for NY Stage and Film. "I used to be walking within the Vassar College campus singing the score, plus it struck me like lots of bricks," he mentioned.It needed of a decade to get the right book author in Peter Parnell -- nevertheless it certainly wasn't the scribe's abiding belief in reincarnation that acquired him the gig. "I fall pretty firmly however,Inch Parnell recognized. "My husband can be a mental health expert.Inch

Grimm Gets a Thursday Night Tryout; Plus Scoop on Upcoming Episodes

David Giuntoli, Grimm Is it a riff on the old Pied Piper story...or Glee gone bad? On a special Thursday episode (10/9c) of NBC's fairy-tale-inspired crime series Grimm, a teacher at a performing-arts school will die gruesomely, leaving many of the students on the suspect list Nick (David Giuntoli) must investigate. "It's a very ambitious episode with really cool techno music and a buttload of rats," says exec producer David Greenwalt. "It is not for the faint of heart." That's followed tomorrow night - in the show's normal Friday-at-9/8c timeslot - by an hour of revenge featuring pigs and the wolves who've hunted them for centuries. Drop Dead Diva's Jaime Ray Newman guest stars as a hot 'n' hairy number who shares a stormy past with Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell). "She is a real wild ass," Greenwalt notes. "And by that I don't mean donkey. On our show, you have to clarify that! Wait till you see Jaime wolfing out. It's really amazing." Then, on December 16 comes a story of a feral teenager who hides in the woods and hasn't been to a hairdresser in years. "It's a very cool telling of the Rapunzel story," says exec producer Jim Kouf. "She doesn't just use that long braid of hers to climb up and down stuff. She uses it with violent intent." Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Comedy Central Development Slate: New Shows from Shaun Ross, 'Daily Show's Wyatt Cenac (Exclusive)

NY - Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder Martha Stewart designed a surprise appearance in the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference here Wednesday throughout a trader presentation and Q&A featuring leader and COO Lisa Gersh who recommended the organization's outlook.our editor recommendsMartha Stewart revisit Board of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Martha Stewart Living Boss Lisa Gersh to begin Confirming to Board on Sept. 15 At the time of her six-month anniversary with the organization, Gersh told the Wall Street crowd "I'd a really busy six several weeks" and vowed to carry on to operate hard, therefore the top quality lifestyle company can "go back to profitability and obtain the most from our brands." She stated: "This can be a company that needs to be lucrative and growing," and all sorts of models should come to create a profit over in the future. MSLO "hasn't carried out at acceptable levels," Gersh stressed. "Among the finest to express hi," Stewart stated after she walked in to the room in the finish from the session and was requested if she'd any ideas. Highlighting this was her very first time back around the business side of the organization since she lately rejoined the organization's board, she stated she desired to congratulate Gersh and her team on doing "an amazing job" and being aggressive inside a nice way, which she stated was "very pleasing" to her. Requested through the Hollywood Reporter following the UBS session if she could become chairman from the MSLO board again, she stated which was "TBD." The looks came after MSLO earlier within the day had revealed a proper alliance with J.C. Penney which will begin to see the store have a 16.6 % stake within the lifestyle media company. Emphasizing that MSLO thinks in personas and brands, Gersh stated that corporate expenses connected with individuals factors must participate the firm's cost structure. But she stated that her team may take out some cost in support functions, facilities and T&E. Gersh stated that MSLO is constantly on the see its Hallmark Funnel programming block like a five-hour block of "valuable propertyInch that can help the organization "further popularize our brands." And not mention any sort of plans, she also stated that Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse "can certainly attract great audiences on broadcast" - an indication that MSLO, following a finish from the run of Stewart's syndicated Television show and also the Hallmark deal, might be thinking of getting broadcast possibilities. Stewart later told THR that they and MSLO were "pleased with the development that's occurring at Hallmark" which MSLO's block was "doing ok." She also stated the firm is dealing with Hallmark "to complete new and various things." She didn't elaborate. Stewart's unaided awareness is 53 percent when individuals are requested the title of an individual who provides lifestyle and home ideas, Gersh stated in stating data. The nearest competitor with 6 % is Rachael Ray, she stated. She also contended that Lagasse along with other company talent continues to be "under-used." Gersh in her own presentation also stated that MSLO would save $5.5 million in the finish of the studio lease that it's exiting the coming year. And she or he stated that the organization could bring TV production in-house, but she didn't share further particulars. MSLO presently has two photo galleries, based on a speaker. Gersh further told the UBS crowd that MSLO includes a "tremendous library" you can use electronically which digital advertising is really a key chance. While digital requires investment, MSLO is going to be prudent, she stated. Meanwhile, retailing may be the quickest-growing and many lucrative a part of the organization's business, she outlined. Better terms for retailing deals ought to be available available on the market, she added. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia UBS

Talker Shaun Probst Boosts Station Count

CBS Television Distribution has offered its syndicated first-run Shaun Probst to stations in additional than 70% of the nation in front of its fall 2012 launch. The brand new one-hour talk show starring the Survivor host has become in 22 from the top 25 marketplaces.New sales include to station groups CBS, Dispatch Broadcast Group, Grey Television, Raycom Media, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Hearst Television.

Google's New Venice Beach Office Poised to Jumpstart Real Estate Market

In these endless days of stasis for the residential real estate market, it seems that everyone is searching for a silver lining to news of mounting foreclosures or rising inventories of unsold houses. But in Venice, where Google just opened new offices that house more than 500 employees, there is some honest-to-goodness hope for real estate agents who've long sought silver linings.our editor recommendsGoogle Co-Founder Sergey Brin Gives $500,000 to WikipediaInside Google Music's Launch Party Indeed, the search engine behemoth's November move from Santa Monica to Venice -- where it is leasing more than 100,000 square feet in three buildings on Main Street -- has brokers preparing for a reinvigoration of the housing market. While Google's relocation is expected to lead at least some employees to purchase property in Venice, perhaps more importantly, brokers and others say that the company's choice of location there is spurring others to consider the beachside community. "It's what we call the clustering effect; the Google name leads others to the area," says Kimberly Ritter-Martinez, associate economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. "It will eventually attract like-minded and similar types of businesses -- and you hear so much talk about living close to where you work." PHOTOS: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Robert De Niro and Other Big Real Estate Deals Mountain View, Calif.-based Google isn't the only tech or media firm that has gravitated to or solidified roots in the area. This summer, ad agency Zambezi Ink, owned by Kobe Bryant, moved into new offices on Westminster Avenue. In April, actor-director Jon Favreau paid slightly less than $2 million for a three-story commercial property on Abbot Kinney Boulevard that he leases to a postproduction firm. Robert Downey Jr. purchased a building in the same area in 2009 for $5.6 million. And both Facebook and Yahoo maintain offices nearby in Playa Vista and Santa Monica, respectively, positioning the Westside as a tech hub. Several entertainment industry players also have bought or sold residences in Venice in recent months. In September, Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd bought a three-bedroom house a block from Abbot Kinney for $2.715 million. (He's also listed a residence on Navy Street for $3.495 million.) In May, actress Olivia Wilde sold a 3,000-square-foot residence on Crescent Place for $3.095 million and former KCRW-FM music director Tom Schnabel sold a modern house on an Altair Place double lot for $2.9 million in August. That same month, Payam Shohadai, co-founder of visual effects firm Luma Pictures, purchased a Marco Place property for $2.045 million. Luma -- which has worked on films such as The Avengers, Captain America and The Green Hornet -- is based in Santa Monica, and Shohadai decided to move to Venice from the Miracle Mile area to be closer to his office. And it didn't hurt that Google and other similar companies have moved there. "Since they are my sort of people -- creative technology -- that's a bonus for me," Shohadai says. "There's definitely a creative class of people and professionals that are making good money, but it feels very nontraditional." So far, data that proves Google's impact in Venice is scant. Brokers say that they have shown houses to prospective buyers who work for the company, but none interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter has sold a property to a Google employee. (There's no word on co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin casing the area for residences.) And data from the Multiple Listing Service shows that the Venice market essentially is treading water: The number of single-family-house and condominium sales is up slightly in 2011 compared with last year, but the median price of properties sold is down. But real estate agent Sandra Miller of Engels & Volkers, who represented Shohadai in his purchase, says that despite the stagnant market, deals can be made if sellers are motivated. "And if the seller is a real seller, the buyer can get a deal," says Miller, who also has the listing on a compound owned by Anjelica Huston. PHOTOS: Hilary Swank, Chris Brown, Ronni Chasen and Other Big Real Estate Deals Google is known to locate offices in areas where there is room for growth. And the company is hiring, though a spokesman would not comment on how many people it plans to bring aboard at the Venice office, which is partly housed in architect Frank Gehry's iconic Binoculars Building (it is named for the adjoining oversized sculpture created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen). Earlier this year, the company said it would add 6,000 workers overall in 2011, and Coldwell Banker agent Todd Baker is hopeful that Google will bring more employees to the area. "That will translate into greater demand for homes and more buyers. Every market needs a kick," he says. The company's new Main Street property was previously occupied in part by Digital Domain, the visual effects and animation firm co-founded by director James Cameron, and now houses Google software engineers and sales representatives. (Digital Domain retains offices nearby in Venice.) For years, Venice worked to shake off a reputation for gang violence and drug dealing that tempered enthusiasm for its artist-friendly vibe. Things changed in the past decade with the emergence of Abbot Kinney as a bastion for haute cuisine and boutiques such as Jack Spade and Mona Moore (think $1,000 Martin Margiela boots). In 2008, the community welcomed a Whole Foods megastore, but some residents boycotted the 2007 opening of a since-shuttered Pinkberry outpost. Google has not been met with resistance, perhaps because it was relatively open about its plans, discussing them, for example, at a Venice Neighborhood Council meeting. "Normally, Venice people don't like big companies, but absolutely Venice has embraced Google," says real estate agent Tami Pardee, who specializes in the area. "It has brought people who say, 'Wow, Google is there; it must be a good place to live.' " But for some, the idea of Venice as a haven for tech companies is out of step with the bohemian enclave's character. Longtime Venice architect David Hertz, who is remodeling Shohadai's house, cautions that the community shouldn't be "yuppiefied." While he's a supporter of growth, he hopes the area can retain its grittiness as it evolves. "I don't think Venice was better when there were prostitutes and crack houses, but I think it is really a vital community of eclectic cultures and socioeconomic brackets, and I don't want to lose that original Venice feel." VENICE BY THE NUMBERS: Although brokers are hopeful for an uptick in sales, the market for single-family houses and condos remains flat in the 90291 Venice ZIP code, according to Multiple Listing Service data. Residences Sold (Media Price) 2010: 189 ($950,000) 2011: 194 ($900,000) UPDATE: One Year Later The premiere issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine checked in on the residences of two of Venice's most famous folks: Anjelica Huston and the late Dennis Hopper. Back then, both of their compounds were for sale, and they remain on the market about a year later. The imposing Huston residence, first listed in May 2010, has been reduced from $18 million to $14 million. The five-story, 13,796-square-foot Windward Avenue property, designed by the actress' late husband, sculptor Robert Graham, is still Venice's most expensive listing. Seller's agent Sandra Miller says that there's an interested party. The eclectic Hopper compound, listed in July 2010 for $6.245 million, has been reduced to $5.75 million. The Indiana Avenue property includes three condos designed by Frank Gehry. Although both residences boast celebrity and architectural pedigrees, agent Todd Baker says they are anomalies suited only to "very unique buyers." Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Biggest Real Estate Deals of the Week: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Hudson, Robert De Niro Related Topics Google Dennis Hopper Jon Favreau Julian Schnabel Robert Downey Jr.

Jesus Celebrity

A La Jolla Playhouse presentation in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival output of a rock opera by 50 percent functions, with lyrics by Tim Grain and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Directed by Des McAnuff. Choreography, Lisa Shriver. Musical director, Ron Fox. Sets, Robert Brill costumes, Paul Tazewell lighting, Howell Binkley video, Sean Nieuwenhuis appear, Jim Neil fight director, Daniel Levinson, stunt coordinator, Simon Fon. Opened up up November. 30, 2011. Examined 12 ,. 3. Runs through 12 ,. 31. Running time: 110 MIN.Jesus - Paul Nolan Judas Iscariot - Josh Youthful Mary Magdalene - Chilina Kennedy Pontius Pilate - Jeremy Kushnier King Herod Bruce Dow Caiaphas - Marcus Nance Annas - Aaron Walpole With: Matt Alfano, Mary Antonini, Karen Burthwright, Jacqueline Burtney, Mark Cassius, Ryan Gifford, Kaylee Harwood, Mike Nadajewski, Melissa O'Neil, Laurin Padolina, Stephen Patterson, Katrina Reynolds, Jennifer Driver-Shaw, Matthew Rossoff, Jaz Sealey, Jason Sermonia, Julius Sermonia, Lee Siegel, Jonathan Winsby, Sandy Winsby.In Des McAnuff's Broadway-bound revival of "Jesus Celebrity," costume designer Paul Tazewell dresses the title character in solid white-colored, as if offering a clear canvas that the planet is requested to fresh fresh paint for an additional 2,000 many beyond. The effectiveness in the contractor from Nazareth for everybody everyone's choose reasons might be the theme here, surely most likely probably the most thoughtful and scintillating reading through through in the Webber/Grain rock opera since its 1969 recording. Beneath the overture, turbanned, black-covered riot police spin warrior warrior spears to whack raggedy proles. Even though this production was produced in Stratford, Ontario extended just before the Wall Street protests, an inevitable sense of "Occupy Judea" produces immediacy, increased having a news ticker orienting us to a while and put. Pharisees transporting pepper spray wouldn't be an unpredicted sight. Creating the nation's energy vacuum makes way (literally, running Robert Brill's glittering structure from the set) for the reaction to a prayer. Not the normal one-dimensional saintly/pallid Jesus, Paul Nolan offers intriguing levels of engagement and detachment, always departing us once removed understanding him entirely. Because, he intentionally raises the remote celebs within our age: James Dean John Lennon Bowie and Jagger - all people enigmas which we are in a position to eagerly project whatever we imagined. It's not different in Jerusalem, circa 33 A.D. An oppressed populace dances its requirement of Deliverer in Lisa Shriver's exciting choreography. The apostles sing their desiring a fighting commander. Temple elders Annas (weaselly Aaron Walpole) and Caiaphas (menacing basso Marcus Nance) must manufacture a scapegoat to keep Rome using their hair, while Governor Pilate (a subtly nuanced Jeremy Kushnier) is impacted by existential doubt. Jesus becomes everybody's obscure object of desire, just like he remains today. Even King Herod (Bruce Dow), typically dismissable just like a preening, queeny jester ("Walk across my pool"), is granted gravitas. His vaudevilley Charleston is certainly an amusingly rousing Vegas lounge act, but because this potentate is anxiously seeking salvation, Dow is crushed to know "You aren't the MasterOrYou are a fraud!" An ordinarily contemptuous snap is invested with genuine terror. Still more personal demands they fit by tormented Judas (Josh Youthful) and reviled Mary Magdalene (Chilina Kennedy). McAnuff produces an affectional triangular in which the Masters mixed signals alternately seduce and perturb his dearest disciples, similar for the spiritual crises known to by sages from St. Augustine to Thomas Merton. The helmer's notion would actually are better if Jesus saved both at equal arm's length. By separating Judas yet granting Mary unfettered utilization of Jesus' attention, McAnuff stacks when and decreases around the tension. Kennedy lacks vulnerability anyway, and her "I am Unsure The best way to Love Him" leads to just like a mere announcement, no anguished question. It's a rare directorial misstep in several occurrences marked by equal measures of theatricality and probing intelligence. Concept involves full fruition inside the title number, usually carelessly tossed in should be, it's good and B, it's round the album. Here, McAnuff reincarnates Judas just like a spangled Jimmy Swaggart, strutting atop a ramp jutting out inside the auditorium. Since the quietly dignified Jesus begins to speak at his side, the sizzling Youthful revs within the evangelical fervor - and out of the blue we're not able to hear a factor in the Word the gospel becomes an afterthought. This dramatization of man's inhumanity to Jesus' message becomes an unforgettable staging coup. "Celebrity" can be a triumph of interpretation surprisingly impressive in comparison to helmer's fantastically multicultural reimagining of "The Wiz" in 2006, which sadly never handled to obtain from La Jolla. Mischievous original helmer Tom O'Horgan introduced, "If only to shake Them up," but McAnuff desires to make sure they are think and feel. What opened up in Gotham in 1971 just like a cheesy mess will shortly return just like a smart and moving spectacle. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

New Line Looking To Shake Things Up With San Andreas 3-D

EXCLUSIVE: While Hollywood’s preoccupation this week has been high winds, New Line Cinema is preparing for an earthquake. I’m told the studio is out to directors with San Andreas 3-D, a big-budget film hatched by scribes Jeremy Passmore & Andre Fabrizio as a pitch. They’ve written the script and Allan Loeb has done a polish for a north-of-$100 million film that’s ready to go. Beau Flynn is producing. It’s a full-scale disaster picture revolving around a massive earthquake and its devastating effect on California. This is something that hasn’t really been done since the 1974 film Earthquake, which starred Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner. That film boasted of the advantages of “Sensurround” to create a lifelike feel, but the prospect of a 3D rendering holds promise. Passmore & Fabrizio are repped by Paradigm and Aperture Entertainment and Loeb by CAA. Passmore & Fabrizio are rewriting Hellified and Passmore scripted the Red Dawn remake.

Roeg to receive Dilys Powell Award

LONDON -- Filmmaker Nicolas Roeg will be awarded the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, which unspools Jan. 19. Roeg, whose credits include "Performance," "Don't Look Now," "The Witches" and "Walkabout," will join the likes of Richard Attenborough, Judi Dench, Julie Walters and Quentin Tarantino, who have all be given the award in previous years. The helmer has worked with a raft of talent throughout his career, including Mick Jagger, Anjelica Huston, Oliver Reed, David Bowie and Julie Christie. Commenting on the award, Roeg said: "I'm sure the critics will understand when I say: On looking through and reading some of my old reviews, I'm torn between thanking you and forgiving you. But having slept on it, I'll go with the positive and thank you..." Nominations for the other awards will be announced on Dec. 20. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com