Director Joe Dante's 8 Favorite Scary Christmas Movies

To paraphrase the great Frank Sinatra: first comes Halloween, then comes Christmas. In honor of today's holiday (plus the freak October snowstorm that blanked much of the Northeast over the weekend), Moviefone asked director Joe Dante ('Gremlins') to compile his list of favorite scary movies, which -- thanks to the release of 'Rare Exports: A Christmase Tale,' now on DVD -- has a decidedly holiday-season feel. After you're done watching 'The Exorcist,' consider these eight fright flicks to get you in the mood for a haunted Christmas. Joe Dante's Favorite Scary Christmas Movies 'The Devil-Doll' (1936)'The Curse of the Cat People' (1944)'The Day Mars Invaded Earth' (1963)'Tales From the Crypt' (1972)'Black Christmas' (1974)'Gremlins' (1984)'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)'Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale' (2010) See All Moviefone Galleries » Want More? Check Out Our List of Santa Slasher Movies (Yes, there's more than one). [Top Photo: Everett Collection] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Right-Winger Mostly Succeeds in Complimenting Sean Penn

“Sean Penn is an outstanding director and I’m betting he gets the best performance we’ve seen from Robert De Niro in 15 years. Watching De Niro overact in the tradition of his pal Al Pacino has been more than a little heartbreaking. But Penn was able to direct scenery-chewer Jack Nicholson into one of his best performances in The Pledge, a near-masterpiece everyone should see regardless of your personal feelings about Penn. No doubt, Sean Penn is an asshole, but he’s an asshole capable of telling superb, character-driven stories that stay with you long after the lights come up.” Well, it’s something. [Big Hollywood] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

The Muppets Parody Breaking Dawn, Paranormal Activity and More

If you thought you had seen the last Muppets parody trailer, think again. With less than a month until Kermit and Miss Piggy storm the theaters for their movie comeback, The Muppets Studio has a released another promo in which the fuzzy gang pokes fun at Paranormal Activity 3, Puss In Boots, Breaking Dawn and themselves. Okay, so maybe Breaking Prawn isn’t as inspired as the Muppets’ Girl with the Dragon Tattoo send-up. But let’s give Fozzie, Gonzo and Pepe the King Prawn some credit for their last ditch-effort at pop culture relevance. If you haven’t yet marked your calendars, November 23 is the release date for The Muppets, which will feature everyone from Anne Hathaway to Rizzo the Rat. [via Muppets Studio] Follow Julie Miller on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Wally Disney's Mobile Game Character Swampy Can get Web Series (Exclusive)

NY - Swampy, the sewer-dwelling alligator this is the protagonist of Wally Disney's apple apple iphone/iPad gaming Where's My Water? will get an online video series. Where's My Water?, the Adventures of Swampy will begin getting a 12 episode season, featuring 3-4 minute weekly animated episodes. The initial episode will formally launch within the month of the month of january. In December, a preview or aircraft aircraft pilots of sorts may come to Disney.com. Beyond the initial 12 episodes, the business has plans for just about any story arc that allows to improve the show once the reception is positive. Due to the effective oncoming of mobile game, its first the organization created a geniune character, Disney feels the level of smoothness has resonated so well with audiences it's eco-friendly lit a geniune animated series for Disney Online. The 99 cents game has showed up at well greater than millions of downloads since its Sept. 22 launch, with different representative for your Disney Interactive Media Group. Swampy is certainly an alligator who lives inside the sewers below a metropolis and contains a distinctive quirk: he dislike being dirty. Consequently, he tries to get water that's clean to his undercover apartment, so they can shower. In the sport, players must help Swampy by digging paths to influence water to his undercover tub. Meanwhile, Cranky, the Alpha Gator, always tampers with Swampy's plumbing to avoid his discharge. And both alligators' love rates of interest are female alligator Ally. It absolutely was a preliminary for Disney to develop a geniune character for just about any mobile game together with a milestone for that organization in original intellectual property created for any non-traditional screen. Its success "is a crucial and encouraging symbol of Disney's enthusiasm with this particular character," a representative mentioned. "The continuing demand and excitement about Swampy clearly signifies that might be many people available that are interested with the sport, but also needs to find out more in regards to the story," mentioned Mark Master, senior v . p . of Disney.com. "We are searching to create the planet and tell Swampy's story which of other figures." Asked for about likely story on the internet series, Master mentioned "we'll learn a little more about Swampy and also the pals as well as the conditions he lives under." Also, audiences will uncover a little more about how Cranky and Swampy make an effort to impress Ally as well as the dynamics involving the figures. "We expect the area of figures will grow more wealthy as the sport reaches become more wealthy to ensure that once we uncover new pals within the video series," he added. Disney didn't disclose the expansion budget on the internet series. The expansion team behind it's introduced by executive producer Chris Williams, v . p . and gm of Disney Online Originals, who's searching to produce together the writing, production and voice talent. Could any famous stars voice Swampy as well as the other figures inside the Web series? "It's really a little more about selecting the very best voice for your character," mentioned Master. "That might actually be someone with whom we used in the bigger Disney family. It probably will not be, however wouldn't foreclose that...I don't think it's necessary to the wealth of the program.Inch Could Swampy look at possible film or TV fame carrying out a Web series? Without predicting possible future steps, Master mentioned: "It's fair to convey that there are tremendous excitement throughout Disney of those figures largely good success of the sport. People through the organization required note in the tremendous success of Where's My Water." Asked for about possiblity to generate money in the online series, Master mentioned his team is searching at sponsorships together with other options. "At Disney.com, we've lots of respect for that audience, which we goal to become family-friendly, so anything making might be consistent with Disney.com's approach overall," mentioned Master. After its release, Where's My Water? immediately rose up place inside the ranking of the extremely popular products in Apple's paid out application store, remaining # 1 inside the U.S. for three days and overpowering another animal-designed game application, typically the most popular Angry Wild wild birds. It showed up at the most effective devote 30 nations and counting. By Wednesday evening, Where's My Water? ranked at number 6 in the report on top paid out programs for your iPad and number 15 of top apple apple iphone programs. Experts needed the wealth of the sport just like a sign that established entertainment companies can success against gaming upstarts which Disney is dedicated to turning around its gaming business. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects The Wally Disney Company

Maksim Chmerkovskiy Battles Idol judges Over Dancing Critique

First Released: October 24, 2011 11:45 PM EDT Credit: ABC Caption Ballerina Maksim Chmerkovskiy assumes the idol judges on Dwts, March. 24, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- There is a fight happening within the Dwts ballroom, but on Monday evening, it wasnt the playful competition between J.R. Martinez and Ricki Lake for that top just right the leaderboard that required the spotlight. Rather, it had been professional ballroom dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy who required around the idol judges and particularly, Len Goodman for which he appeared to suggest was an disinclination around the idol judges part to critique the celebrity participants on equal criteria. After carrying out a rumba to Seasons of affection in the Broadway musical Rent, Len known as Hope Solos performance with Maks her worst dance from the whole season, and scolded her because of not remaining on her behalf toes (she was putting on flat bottomed athletic shoes in theme using the popular show in the Great Whitened Way). As lengthy because the audience likes our journey, were good, ballroom bad boy Maks rapidly retorted. Without a doubt, Maks, the crowd likes the result, Len started. Ive experienced e-commerce for pretty much half a century. Maybe it is time to visit, the always-open Maks clicked back, compelling another idol judges to chime in. Do not be disrespectful like this, an angry Barbara Ann Inaba quipped. Bruno Tonioli attempted to calm matters, but Maks ongoing. Allows 't be disrespectful to everyone, right, because everybodys investing in lots of effort, Maks chimed in again. Everyone on that balcony continues to be dying and killing themselves simply to hear your men just a little judgmental comments. Im safeguarding my partner, he added. It had been show co-host Tom Bergeron who stop the spat within the ballroom between Maks and also the three idol judges, but after receiving their scores just 20 from 30 (Len gave them just 6 points, Bruno and Barbara Ann 7 each) Maks required another swing, apparently directed over what he appeared to think about unequal idol judges critiques. With all of due respect, this really is my show. I assisted allow it to be what it's, he stated. I really like every factor of it, I really like every professional thats have you been here and that i love every celebrity that puts effort into each week. With that said, Im just a little tired which were being judged, some on effort plus some being selected on, on heel leads! AH Nation Poll: Whose side are you currently on? Maks or even the idol judges? Click The Link to election! Maks brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, who had been removed the 2009 season with partner Elisabetta Canalis, rapidly hit Twitter, meant for his brother. Sh** got real, he Tweeted, adding, Sorry however i cant stand double standards. The backwards and forwards happened after Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer gained only one point under Maks and Expect a routine the idol judges stated didn't have the kind of content worth Week 6 material. The argument overshadowed the evening, which really featured impressive amounts from both Ricki and J.R., who both tied for that top just right the leaderboard with 29-point scoring quicksteps. Meanwhile, HLN host Nancy Sophistication demonstrated huge enhancements too, carrying out a Spamalot-inspired foxtrot with Tristan MacManus towards the third just right the leaderboard and 24 points. AH Nation Poll: Would be the idol judges looking at fairly and equally? Click The Link to election! The Leaderboard for Week 6: J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff carried out a quickstep and required home 29/30 Ricki Lake and Derek Hough carried out the quickstep and gained 29/30 Nancy Sophistication and Tristan MacManus carried out the foxtrot and gained 24/30 David Arquette and Kym Manley handled the quickstep and gained 23/30 Take advantage of Kardashian and Cheryl Burke handled the cha cha and gained 22/30 Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy carried out a rumba and gained 20/30 Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer carried out the tango and gained 19/20 Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Couric talk show clears majority of markets

CouricKatie Couric's upcoming talk show "Katie" has been cleared in over 60 percent of the country according to distributor Disney-ABC Domestic Television. The syndie yakker has been sold in 14 out of the top 15 markets to stations owned by a variety of cable operators. Recent clearances include ABC affiliates in Dallas; Boston; Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Detroit; Tampa, Fla.; and Phoenix, and NBC affiliate KING in Seattle. The series is set to premiere in September 2012 and is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group's larger multiplatform deal with the former "Today" and "CBS Evening News" anchor. Couric left CBS earlier this year when her contract with the Eye ended; she is currently slated to interview Regis Philbin for an ABC News special in November. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

Wachowskis planning Jupiter Climbing

Lana and Andy Wachowski are likely to write and direct an originalsci-fifilm referred to as Jupiter Climbing.Vigilant movie fans can invariably remember their littlescience fictionproject The Matrix, which produced three movies making $1.6bn worldwide.Unlucky movie fans may also still remember Speed Racer, which explains why it's good to hear they're writing and pointing one which goes for them ideas rather than adapting a present story.Production is scheduled to start in spring 2012 as well as the pair have for the time being to agree a b --list star with studio Warner Bros.While using script along with the idea under systems for the moment here's everything we understand about the project: Jupiter Climbing.Could this function as top-secret pic they were planning in 2008, with Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions co-star Collin Chou (he carried out Seraph) attracted on up for just about any role?Could be.

'Secret Circle,' 'Hart of Dixie' Acquired for Full Seasons around the CW

Courtsy from the CW"The Key Circle" The CW has because of the relaxation of their rookie dramas a long stay. Around the heels of Ringer's full-season pickup earlier within the day, the network has because of the eco-friendly light on full seasons of Kevin Williamson's The Key Circle and Josh Schwartz's Hart of Dixie. PHOTOS: 10 Television Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club' For Secret Circle, the choice to get the rear nine may come as no real surprise, because the hourlong show -- toplined by Existence Unpredicted alum Britt Robertson -- is presently the internet's best-carrying out new drama, keeping intact Williamson's block on Thursdays (Vampire Journals at 8 p.m., Secret Circle at 9 p.m.). In the first three days on air, Secret Circle has averaged 2.4 million total audiences along with a 1. rating among grown ups 18-49. Particularly, it increased 11 percent within the more youthful 18-34 demo in the second to 3rd week. Keeping Williamson happy is really a factor, as Vampire Journals continues to be CW's top series as the story goes through its third season. PHOTOS: The CW's Fall Premiere Party Exactly the same could be stated for that Alabama-set Dixie, which stars Rachel Bilson, Scott Porter and Jaime King. Using the pickup, the CW solidifies its Monday selection, featuring veteran cleaning soap Gossip Girl and Dixie, both executive created by Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Since its debut Sept. 26, Dixie has created solid amounts for that more youthful-skewing network, calculating 1.9 million total audiences along with a .8 rating among grown ups 18-49. "We feel within the creative strength of those dramas, by providing them with back nine orders we are able to give our audience the opportunity to enjoy complete seasons of three of these,Inch stated Mark Pedowitz, leader from the CW. "With compelling story lines, engaging figures and tremendous buzz, we firmly think that Hart of Dixie, Ringer and also the Secret Circle may become signature series for that CW, the type of top-notch implies that are symbolic of our brand." PHOTO: Exclusive First Consider the 'Hart of Dixie' Poster With Secret Circle and Dixie generating their keep, the moves mark the CW's latest effort in broadening its audience. Dixie follows the internet's head to a show that's sways toward the vein of procedural, using its weekly medical cases, compared to heavily serialized dramas like Gossip Girl and Vampire Journals. The CW can also be creating a bid to maneuver in to the comedy space. Secret Circle and Dixie join fellow newbies Ringer, New Girl, 2 Broke Women, Up Through The Night and Whitney as newcomer series receiving full orders. Prime Suspect has brought a purchase for six additional scripts. Rachel Bilson The CW Hart of Dixie The Key Circle Sarah Michelle Gellar Britt Robertson

5 Essential 'Coming Out' Movies, In Honor of LGBT History Month

October’s designation as LGBT History Month and yesterday’s National Coming Out Day is more than enough reason to revisit five movies that chronicle coming out, the disorientation that comes with queer self-identification, and the still-underrepresented world of gay romance. Our quintet includes a touch of the mainstream, a dollop of the obscure, and a heady mix of fantasy and reality. Cue up your Mama Cass solo discs! Making Love Harry Hamlin’s ineffably Hamlinesque haircut may be a distraction, but the impact of Making Love as a progressive gay film in 1982 can’t be overlooked. A doctor (Michael Ontkean) eventually confides in his exec wife (Kate Jackson!) that he’s gay after entering an affair with an unromantic author (Hamlin). A touching effort for director Arthur Hiller, the man who also helmed my least-favorite two lovers of all time in Love Story. In the battle of Kate (Jackson) and Ali (MacGraw), I take Kate any day. Edge of Seventeen This coming-of-age story of a gay teen in 1980s Ohio (note the scenes set at Sandusky’s Cedar Point amusement park) is an emotional, but thoroughly relatable story of young love. It’s just honest and unpretentious, with a very appealing lead in Chris Stafford. He’s just like a white-winged dove in that darling preppy vest! Beautiful Thing Featuring a soundtrack that will leave you with a pretty comprehensive knowledge of Mama Cass Elliot’s solo work, Beautiful Thing takes place in South East London’s blue-collar housing. A gay teen named Jamie (Glen Berry) lives with a single mother (Linda Henry) and is infatuated with his classmate Ste, who lives with abusive family members. When Jamie’s mother takes pity on Ste and lets him sleep over with Jamie, the two realize they have feelings for one another, though Ste is reluctant to admit it. Without giving much away, I have to say that the conclusion of this movie is damn great, and you’ll never think of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” the same way again. In & Out In & Out is notable not because it’s a prized piece of cinema or even a very funny movie, but because it was a mainstream success that focused solely on one man’s (Kevin Kline, as a buttoned-up schoolteacher) journey of self-acceptance after one of his students (Matt Dillon) outs him during an Oscar speech. Though Joan Cusack earned the real-life Oscar nod as Kline’s histrionic wife, it’s Kline who transcends the cliched jokes about effete demeanor with his plucky, fully realized portrayal. The conclusion is an expected feel-good triumph, but it doesn’t undermine the fun of our befuddled protagonist’s arc. Angels in America Tony Kushner’s two-part Pulitzer-winning epic play came to vivid, ethereal life in the form of Mike Nichols’s glorious 2003 HBO miniseries. We keep track of several characters (many double-cast, like in the Broadway form) including an AIDS-afflicted NYer with heavenly hallucinations (Justin Kirk), his craven boyfriend Louis (Ben Shenkman), legendary right-wing fixer Roy Cohn (Al Pacino), an unhinged Mormon housewife (Mary-Louise Paker) and her deeply closeted, moral crisis-enduring Mormon husband Joe (Patrick Wilson). Joe’s transformation throughout the series is resounding, and Wilson plays him with melancholic grace. If you can handle the genius of Meryl Streep’s triple-casting as Wilson’s mother, a bearded old rabbi, and Ethel Rosenberg, you may be slightly ready for the scope of Angels in America. For further insight, check out Alonso Duralde’s indispensable book 101 Must-See Movies for Gay Men.

Take advantage of Zombie Casts Lords Of Salem

Dern! Wallace! Promote! Drago! Slightly after initially planned, Take advantage of Zombie is finally going to get going on his next horror opus The Lords of Salem. There has been copious casting bulletins in the guy themself during the last couple of days. Here is a brief roundup.House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects and also the Halloweens all demonstrated Zombie's penchant for casting recognisable genre faces and giving a go within the arm towards the careers of individuals - Sid Haig, Bill Moseley - who he really wants to see much more of. There is a identical principle at the office here.Dee Wallace (The Howling, ET, Cujo) is playing a self-help guru known as Sonny. She labored with Take advantage of before around the to begin his Halloweens.Veteran counter-culture character actor Bruce Dern, meanwhile, is going to be Francis Matthias, author of the book around the Salem Witch Tests that will get him into trouble.Horror legend Billy Drago (he seemed to be Frank Nitti, the man Kevin Costner put from the roof within the Untouchables) is Judge Samuel Mather, "a vital player within the good reputation for the Lords".Meg Promote, who made it dealing with John Contractor, Mike Peckinpah and Gary Busey (though not all at one time), is Margaret Morgan, leader of the secret witch coven.Ernest Thomas (Funny People, Everyone Hates Chris) may be the manager in the radio station in which the horror begins.Shaun Daniel Phillips, who had been in Faster using the Rock, and made an appearance two times in Zombie's Halloween II, works best for Thomas.And Torsten Voges (also in Funny People, and among the nihilists within the Large Lebowski) is Count Gorgann, "lead singer from the Norwegian dying metal band Leviathan the Running Serpent".An eclectically left-area cast to date then, for any peculiar sounding story including raised from the dead Salem ghouls and haunted records. Zombie is tease an incomplete period-setting together with the current-day viscera, and guaranteed Empire captured the Lords of Salem is going to be "the bleakest of my films." The program was initially to shoot early in the year and edit during the cold months, however the production, underneath the aegis of Oren Peli's Haunted Films, will get going ahead later this month.