Katie Couric´s Interview With Sarah Palin (Saturday Night Live)

Obama Girl Gets Ready to Meet Obama

Ashlee Simpson's bear sleep

Ashlee Simpson can't sleep without her cuddly toys. The singer, who is expecting her first child with husband Pete Wentz, has received hundreds of stuffed bears since announcing her pregnancy and reportedly can't bear to be parted from them when she goes to bed.

A source said: "She has so many teddy bears and loves them so much she has filled her bed with them. It is a little crowded, but Pete gives in to whatever Ashlee wants. It is really sweet."

Ashlee, 23, recently revealed her excitement at her impending motherhood.

She said: "We're getting the nursery ready. I can't wait to be a mom and he can't wait to be a dad, so it's fun. "

The baby is my main focus right now. This is definitely the happiest moment in my life." Despite their preparations, Ashlee and Fall Out Boy star Pete, 29, haven't chosen a name for the baby yet.

Joking about calling the child Orange, Ashlee added: "I don't think it's something we'll decide until the baby comes."

Depp confirmed for fourth Pirates film

Hollywood star Johnny Depp will star in a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film as camp pirate Captain Jack Sparrow, it has been confirmed.

The actor - who won fans worldwide with his performance as the drunk, bearded pirate in the Disney film franchise - will reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow, Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook confirmed.

However, Johnny is unlikely to be joined by his former co-star Keira Knightley - who played Elizabeth Swann in the first three films.

When recently asked if she would ever consider doing another Pirates of the Caribbean film, Keira said: "I think it was wonderful and an amazing opportunity and those films were just extraordinary and I was extremely lucky to be a part of them.

"But no. I think my pirating days may be over."

Speaking at a Disney press conference at Los Angeles' Kodak Theater, Cook also revealed Johnny will star as the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s big screen adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s children’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and in an adaptation of US TV show The Lone Ranger.

Johnny - who took to the stage dressed as Jack Sparrow wearing a Lone Ranger mask - will play the masked hero’s Native American sidekick Tonto in the movie, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Oscar-winning superstar Newman dies

Actors Paul Newman (R) and Robert Redford are shown in a scene from their 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in this undated publicity photograph. Legendary film star Newman, whose brilliant blue eyes, good looks and talent made him one of Hollywood's top actors over six decades, has died, a spokesman said on Sept. 27, 2008. He was 83 and had been battling cancer.

Oscar-winning superstar Paul Newman has died of lung cancer at the age of 83, his family disclosed on Saturday.

Newman died at his Connecticut home Friday following a long battle with cancer, the family said.

His death was triggering reactions in Hollywood, as a red funeral wreath sits atop Paul Newman's star on Hollywood Boulevard.

Actor Paul Newman who starred as con-artist Henry Gondorff in the Academy Award-winning film "The Sting," is shown here playing poker in a scene from the film in this undated file photograph.

Newman personified cool as the anti-hero of such films as "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Color of Money."

Dan Glickman, the chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America, praised Newman's career of "portraying scamps, louts and ne'er do wells..."

"He was a master of his craft -- an artist respected and emulated by his peers and beloved by movie fans around the world," Glickman said.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger praised Paul Newman as "the ultimate cool guy who men wanted to be like and women adored."

"He was an American icon, a brilliant actor, a Renaissance man and a generous but modest philanthropist."

The governor also praised Newman's charitable works, funded in part by Newman's hobby-turned-industry, gourmet food.

Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, were last seen in public in New York City last month, when he left a hospital after therapy for lung cancer.

As an actor, Newman started his career as an actor in theater and on television during the 1950s, and went on to become one of the world's most enduring and popular film stars, a legend held in awe by his peers. He was nominated for Academy Awards 10 times, winning one Oscar and two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Exodus," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Verdict," "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice."

Newman is survived by his wife, five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.

Actors Paul Newman (L) and Robert Redford are shown in a scene from their 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in this undated publicity photograph.

Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward pose for photographers outside the "Kerry Edwards Victory 2004 New York Concert" at Radio City Music Hall in New York in this July 8, 2004 file photograph.

Actor Paul Newman is shown in a scene from the 1958 film "The Left Handed Gun" with actress Lita Milan in this undated file photograph.

Actor Paul Newman is shown in this undated handout photo.

Natalie Portman's Banhart break-up

Natalie Portman and Devendra Banhart have reportedly split up. 'The Other Boleyn Girl' star - who first started dating the folk singer in March after starring in the music video for his single 'Carmensita' - has decided to call time of their relationship, despite moving from New York to Los Angeles to be with Devendra.

A source close to the musician told In Touch Weekly magazine: "Natalie and Devendra have broken up. They will remain friends but need some space and time away." In April, Natalie, 27, and the bearded singer, who is also 27, were photographed kissing and holding hands as they strolled through the West Village wearing matching black coats and sunglasses.

Natalie - who has previously been romantically linked to a host of actors including Jake Gyllenhaal, Zach Braff and Gael Garcia Bernal - recently vowed to never marry.

She explained: "I'm into monogamy. But I'm not really into marriage. I sort of hate the legal aspect of it. What does the state have to do with it?"

Britney Spears to sell house for $7.9 mln

Britney Spears was spotted arriving at the International Dance Studio in Hollywood, California on Wednesday. Continuously working as she readies for her big comeback.

Britney Spears is selling her home for 7.9 million U.S. dollars.

The troubled singer has lived in the six-bedroom six-bathroom home in Malibu for less than two years but has decided to put it on the market and find somewhere more private.

A source revealed: "Having more privacy and wide open spaces for her to raise her boys has been a goal for some time."

Because Britney’s father Jamie is co-conservator of her estate, he had to get permission from the court to sell the 7,500 square foot hilltop property.

The listing for the property describes it as an "exquisite gated Italian Renaissance-inspired villa with three garages and a grand entrance foyer".

During her time in the house, Britney, 26, was rushed to hospital twice, including one incident which saw police forcibly enter the property after she allegedly refused to hand over her sons, Sean Preston, three, and Jayden James, two, to their father Kevin Federline.

Several police officers, fire engines, two ambulances and a police helicopter all appeared at the tumultuous scene.

Britney Spears' leak fury

Britney Spears was spotted on her way to work on her dance moves at a studio in Beverly Hills, California September 16.

Britney Spears is furious that an unfinished version of her new single has been leaked on the internet.

The 'Gimme More' singer - who scooped three prizes at the recent MTV Video Music Awards - had been putting in "every hour under the sun" in preparation for her comeback in November with new track 'Womaniser'.

But "hundreds of thousands of fans" have had a preview of the song after it was posted on video sharing site YouTube, along with footage of her rehearsing in a Los Angeles studio.

A source said: "Record company bosses have been frantically trying to pull the material from the internet. It's not good for Britney's comeback if people aren't getting to listen to the polished version."

Meanwhile, friends of Britney fear the build up to the release of new album 'Circus' is taking its toll on her.

The 26-year-old singer - who suffered a public breakdown earlier this year - is said to have lost a "dangerous amount" of weight because of work-related stress.

One pal is quoted by Britain's Daily Star newspaper as saying: "Britney has been putting in every hour under the sun to get herself ready in time for the 'Circus' release. It's too much too soon.

This will set her back mentally and physically unless she takes the pressure off. "She's lost so much weight, some feel it's a dangerous amount. Britney is not ready for this."

Record label bosses decided to bring forward the release date of the album to December after her successful appearance at the VMAs.

US magician: Latest stunt in NYC-hanging upside-down

What's David Blaine up to? Oh, just hanging around. The magician-daredevil proclaimed, "I'm doin' all right," after starting his latest endurance challenge Monday - 60 hours hanging upside-down, without a net, above Wollman Rink in Manhattan's Central Park.

Magician David Blaine hangs upside down above Central Park's Wollman Rink in New York as he begins his latest endurance challenge 'David Blaine: Dive of Death' Monday morning Sept. 22, 2008. Blaine plans to hang upside without a net for 60 hours concluding his challenge with a plunge.

Blaine - sounding nasal from sinus pressure - kept smiling while describing the "enormous push of blood" that made it feel like his head was "about to explode."

As a child, he was intrigued when Harry Houdini dangled from a crane by his ankles while escaping a straitjacket.

Said Blaine: "The legs go pin and needle very fast." Stretches - kind of an upside-down sit-up - seem to help.

Blaine, 35, is scheduled to exit from his perch at the climax of a live, two-hour ABC special, "David Blaine: Dive of Death," on Wednesday.

Both hanging upside down above Central Park's Wollman Rink in New York, Kelly Ripa, right, interviews magician David Blaine for 'Live with Regis and Kelly' as Blaine begins his latest endurance challenge 'David Blaine: Dive of Death' Monday morning Sept. 22, 2008. Blaine plans to hang upside without a net for 60 hours concluding his challenge with a plunge.

Magician David Blaine performs a stunt in Central Park in New York, September 22, 2008.

Magician David Blaine has his harness attached before performing a stunt in Central Park in New York September 22, 2008. Blaine plans to hang upside down without a safety net for 60 hours.

Members of the media watch as magician David Blaine performs a stunt in Central Park in New York September 22, 2008.

Magician David Blaine gives the 'OK' sign after submerging himself into an eight foot sphere of water at Lincoln Center in New York, May 1, 2006.

Megan Fox Ain't Gay, OK?

Please don't call Megan Fox a lesbian... although she did date a female Russian stripper when she was 18 years old.

"Well, that year my boyfriend broke up with me, and I decided -- oh man, sorry, mummy! -- that I was in love with this girl that worked at the Body Shop. I decided that I was going to get her to love me back, and I went out of my way to create a relationship with this girl, a stripper named Nikita," the Transformer actress told GQ magazine.

However, Megan insisted that she doesn't bat for the same team.

"Look, I'm not a lesbian. I just think that all humans are born with the ability to be attracted to both sexes. I mean, I could see myself in a relationship with a girl - Olivia Wilde is so sexy she makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands. She's mesmerising. And lately I've been obsessed with Jenna Jameson, but ... oh boy."

Alright, let's not call her gay. How about, in denial?

J.Lo Gives In And Hires Nanny

Honey, we have a nanny. We can stay out late!

Ms I-Can-Do-It-Myself Jennifer Lopez has finally relented and has hired a nanny for her seven-month-old twins, Max and Emme.

Despite insisting she and hubby Marc Anthony didn’t need any nanny assistant when the kids were born, the couple recently said that they finally conceded defeat and brought in a nanny.

“I did it (looking after the kids) for a long time, but we started using a nanny a few weeks ago,” the Latina said during an interview.

But the 39-year-old isn’t taking things easy now that there’s a nanny in the house. “I still get up early with the kids. When the nanny comes, I get to have some alone time for myself and I get to take a nice long shower. But I still give them breakfast and I spend my whole day with them,” she says insisting she’s a full-time mum. “The nanny is there to help me get things done, that’s all. Marc and I are raising the kids.”

No word yet if J.Lo will spend time in the recording studio but with a nanny, she has more time on her hands. So what about it, Jenny?

Katie Holmes faces anti-Scientology protest on B'way

Tom Cruise poses with his wife actress Katie Holmes at the premiere of "Tropic Thunder" at the Mann's Village theatre in Westwood, California August 11, 2008.

Katie Holmes knows how to draw a crowd — including anti-Scientology demonstrators.

Nearly 100 people lined up outside the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre Thursday night an hour before Holmes acted on Broadway for the first time in a preview performance for "All My Sons."
Not in the line: roughly 30 Scientology protesters who stood behind a barricade and loudly chanted "Scientology kills!" Some wore masks like in the movie "V for Vendetta," and one poster read: "FREE KATIE."

Moments before the curtain went up, Holmes' husband — and Hollywood's most famous Scientologist — Tom Cruise entered the theater, where he mingled and shook hands with some other theatergoers who took photos and clapped. He then hugged Dustin Hoffman, who was sitting a couple rows away, which drew another cheer inside the theater.

Amid the hubbub, it took awhile for people to take their seats.

Melissa Doyle tried to ignore the ruckus. She said she took her spot in line early, and saw Holmes rush into the theater wearing skinny jeans, a black blazer and oversized sunglasses.

"I love Katie Holmes," the 27-year-old New Yorker said. "I think she's a great actress and right now, I really love her for her fashion, her style! I think she really kind of differentiates herself among young Hollywood. Plus, she's a mom — and I just think she's a really good role model."

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Alistair Savides, visiting from St. Louis, said he wasn't there to see Holmes. He said he's a fan of Arthur Miller's drama, which first played on Broadway in 1947.

"I don't really care about who's performing as long as they're good at what they do and it's a good play," Savides said.

As protesters' chants grew louder, Savides called it "surreal to be right in the middle of this thing. But, you know, there's always two sides to every story and they just really strongly believe in one side of the story. ... If it adds to public debate, maybe that's a good thing."

Cruise's membership in the Church of Scientology has made him a controversial target of criticism. And last year, Jada Pinkett Smith felt compelled to deny her good friend Holmes is a prisoner in her marriage to Cruise, who's been depicted by the tabloids as a controlling husband.

"All My Sons" concerns businessman Joe Keller (John Lithgow) whose factory supplied defective cylinder parts to the military, resulting in the deaths of 21 pilots during World War II. Yet it was his business partner who went to jail for the mistake.

Dianne Wiest plays Keller's wife; Patrick Wilson his idealistic son; and Holmes the son's fiancee and daughter of Keller's disgraced partner.

The play officially opens Oct. 16.

Eva Mendes promotes "Secret Obsession"

S. actress Eva Mendes poses next to a photograph to promote the fragrance "Secret Obsession" by Calvin Klein in Berlin, Sept. 18, 2008.

S. actress Eva Mendes poses next to a photograph to promote the fragrance "Secret Obsession" by Calvin Klein in Berlin, Sept. 18, 2008.

S. actress Eva Mendes poses next to a photograph to promote the fragrance "Secret Obsession" by Calvin Klein in Berlin, Sept. 18, 2008.

S. actress Eva Mendes poses next to a photograph to promote the fragrance "Secret Obsession" by Calvin Klein in Berlin, Sept. 18, 2008.

S. actress Eva Mendes poses next to a photograph to promote the fragrance "Secret Obsession" by Calvin Klein in Berlin, Sept. 18, 2008.

Knightley, Bloom set for on-screen reunion

Keira Knightley is set for an on-screen reunion with Orlando Bloom.

Keira Knightley is set for an on-screen reunion with Orlando Bloom. The pair - who starred together in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy alongside Johnny Depp - are to appear in "The Fever Returns," a new film based on cult disco movie "Saturday Night Fever."

The original film, which was released in 1977 and starred John Travolta, was set in Brooklyn but movie bosses are reportedly planning to base "The Fever Returns" in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, England. It is not yet clear if the movie will be a sequel or remake of "Saturday Night Fever."

Earlier this week, Keira admitted she is unsure of the type of movie roles she wants to take on next.

She said: "I haven't quite found what I'm looking for yet. What I'm not capable of doing is saying, 'For my career, I should be doing this right now.' I can't do that because I can't try and be interested in something that I'm not. "It has to be about something that I do actually want to talk about. It can be really embarrassing and depressing and very cynical if you sit there and go, 'Well, I got a really big pay cheque.' "

Madonna's Sticky and Sweet tour in Seville

U.S. singer Madonna performs during her Sticky and Sweet tour at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville Sept. 16, 2008.

U.S. singer Madonna performs during her Sticky and Sweet tour at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville Sept. 16, 2008.

U.S. singer Madonna performs during her Sticky and Sweet tour at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville Sept. 16, 2008.

Hollywood's most overpaid movie star

Nicole Kidman was named the most overpaid celebrity in Hollywood in the second annual list of least bankable stars by U.S. magazine Forbes, taking the top slot from fellow Australian Russell Crowe.

Kidman's films were estimated to only earn 1 dollar for every dollar the Oscar-winning actress was paid compared with 8 U.S. dollars a year ago.

"The Invasion," a remake of the 1956 classic "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," even lost 2.68 dollars for every dollar earned by Kidman who was reportedly paid 17 million dollars for her role.

"Despite winning an Oscar for her performance in 2002's "The Hours," Kidman has become the most overpaid celebrity in Hollywood," said Forbes, adding that her upcoming movie "Australia" could give her a boost.

Second in the list came Jennifer Garner, whose movies including "The Kingdom" and "Catch and Release" have underperformed at the box office. Her movies were calculated to earn 3.60 dollars for every 1 dollar she was paid.

Kidman's ex-husband, Tom Cruise, came third in the list with a 4 dollars return for every dollar he was paid, mostly because of the failure of last year's movie "Lions for Lambs." For every dollar the star earned the film returned only 1.88 dollars.

Forbes said the ranking was compiled by looking at a star's past three movies and dividing their total earnings by the films' gross income to get the actor's payback figure.

Actress Nicole Kidman speaks during a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York April 22, 2008.

Making up the top 10 of overpaid Hollywood celebrities were Cameron Diaz, Jim Carrey, Nicolas Cage, Drew Barrymore, Will Ferrell and Cate Blanchett.

The actor whose bankability improved most over the past year was Crowe, who was ranked the most overpaid celebrity last year when Kidman was in second place.

Last year, Forbes estimated the movie "Cinderella Man" earned 5 dollars for every dollar that Crowe was paid.

But this year, he was the 18th best earner on a previously issued list of which actors were worth their paychecks, with a return of 6.88 for every dollar he earned.

This bump was attributed to last year's movie "American Gangster" with Denzel Washington, for which Crowe returned a healthy 10.80 dollars for every dollar he was paid.

Celebs at 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards

Actress Sarah Silverman poses at the 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Actress Chloe Sevigny poses at the 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Actress Sarah Chalke poses at 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Actress Jennifer Beals poses at 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Actress Kathy Griffin poses at 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Actress Jennifer Beals poses at the 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Actress Ashley Tisdale poses at the 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Writer and composer Sarah Silverman holds the Emmy award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song "I'm f***ing Matt Damon" at the 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Actress Kathy Griffin poses with her Emmy award for outstanding reality program for "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" at 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Awards in Los Angeles September 13, 2008.

Comeback queen Britney Spears

Britney Spears' recent MTV Video Music Awards appearance has been named the greatest comeback ever.

The troubled singer picked up three awards at the ceremony last weekend and appeared healthy and relaxed - in stark contrast to a year ago when her shambolic performance at the same event saw her criticised for being out-of-shape and disorientated.

She beat boy band Take That - who split up in 1996 but returned in 2006 with a sell-out tour and chart-topping album - into second place and Kylie Minogue, who was recognised for overcoming breast cancer, into third.

John Sewell of Onepoll, who carried out the UK survey, said: "Brits love a success story and eight months ago it looked all over for Britney. "In February we were gripped by reports she had been admitted to a psychiatric unit and yet she managed to put in a controlled, composed and glittering appearance at the MTV awards. "We're now all hoping a chart-topping album will prove that Britney really is back on form."

In the past two years, 26-year-old Britney has gone into meltdown, suffering breakdowns, being hospitalised, divorcing Kevin Federline and losing custody of her two sons, Sean Preston, almost three, and Jayden James, 23 months, while her once-glittering career has floundered.

However, in recent months she has strived to turn her life around, regaining visitation rights to her children and getting back into shape.

Eva Longoria: I'm not pregnant, just fat

Eva Longoria has denied rumors she is pregnant, insisting she is "just fat." The "Desperate Housewives" actress - who plays Gabrielle Solis in the hit U.S. TV show - has scoffed at the rumors she is expecting her first child with husband Tony Parker and claims she has just put on weight.

Eva Longoria Parker. Eva Longoria has denied rumors she is pregnant, insisting she is "just fat."

When asked if she is pregnant, Eva replied: "No, I'm just fat!" "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry recently revealed 33-year-old Eva is trying to conceive.

Marc said: "Eva is desperately trying to get pregnant with Tony. After they phone their doctor, she promised me I will be the next call!"

The new "Desperate Housewives" series is giving Eva the opportunity to practice her mothering skills. Set five years in the future, Eva's character is now a mother of two.

Marc added: "Gaby is having a very tough time being the mother of two overweight, hyperactive children. But Eva is having a marvelous time playing her!"

Drew Barrymore books "How to Be Single"

The creative team behind the upcoming romantic comedy "He's Just Not That Into You" is teaming up again for another laugh-infused romance.

Actress Drew Barrymore arrives to attend the premiere of the film "Lucky You" during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York May 1, 2007.

New Line has picked up the rights to former writer "Sex and the City" writer Liz Tuccillo's best-selling novel "How to Be Single" for Drew Barrymore's production company.

The book follows the dating lives of five single New York women, one of whom, the narrator, is writing a book about how bachelorettes across the world manage. The woman embarks on a trip around the world for the book and gets involved in an international affair, while her four friends duke it out on the New York dating scene. The book was published in June.

Barrymore and production partner Nancy Juvonen will produce, setting Marc Silverstein and Abby Kohn to adapt.

Juvonen and Barrymore are producing "Into You," which Silverstein and Kohn adapted from a nonfiction tome written by Tuccillo and Greg Behrendt.

With the strong box office performance of "Sex and the City" this year and the scheduled February 6 release of "He's Just Not That Into You," New Line is hoping to keep its female-skewing, romantic-comedy streak going with "How to Be Single."

Keira Knightley: I'll never be a pirate again

British actress Keira Knightley has no intention of starring in a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Keira Knightley says her pirate days are over for good.

The 23-year-old actress - who has played Elizabeth Swann in three films in the Disney franchise - admits even if producers ask her to reprise her role alongside Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom for a fourth film, she would turn them down.

When asked if she would ever consider doing another 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film, Keira told US TV show Access Hollywood: "I think it was wonderful and an amazing opportunity and those films were just extraordinary and I was extremely lucky to be a part of them.

"But no. I think my pirating days may be over."

Keira starred in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest in 2006 and 2007's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

The brunette beauty can currently be seen starring alongside Ralph Fiennes in new period drama The Duchess, in which she plays Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire.

Keira recently revealed she was "honoured" to star in the movie.

She said: "It was so incredible to actually be given this role. It was so incredible. There are relatively few leading roles for women, so to actually have one land on your doorstep was fantastic.

"The fact that people are now liking it is so exciting, so I don't think you can ask for anything more than that."

Mummy produces box office success in China despite criticism

Universal Pictures film "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" is proving itself to be a money spinner on the Chinese mainland despite extensive criticism and controversy.

The Hollywood thriller has dominated Chinese cinemas since it was released on Sept. 2, reaping 60.56 million yuan (8.9 million U.S. dollars) in one week, the Beijing News said on Tuesday.
"The box office is within expectation and is normal for an entertainment blockbuster," Jiang Wei, general manager of the EDKO (Beijing) Film Distribution, was quoted as saying.

The third installment of the adventure series sees explorer Rick O'Connell, played by Brendan Fraser, and his family battle in China to save the world from a resurrected ancient Chinese emperor, played by one of China's biggest stars, Jet Li.

Its Chinese setting, with a reference to China's first emperor, Qinshihuang, and the terra cotta army in his tomb, has attracted Chinese audiences, but also led to broad criticism.

An online poll on one of China's major portals sina.com.cn, showed that about 52 percent of voters said they didn't like the movie because they felt it trampled on the Chinese culture.

Another 34 percent seemed ambivalent, saying the 150-million-U.S.-dollar blockbuster is just "so-so". Only 14 percent of cinema goers said they liked it.

Most Chinese bloggers, who started slamming the movie even days before the it officially opened, complained about the "absurdity" of the plot.

"Even though it was not made explicit, every Chinese with a little commonsense could tell that the emperor in the movie is Qinshihuang. China's first emperor was turned into a monster with three heads...this is illogical and quite unacceptable," a blogger named Shuifang wrote.


"To many Westerners, perhaps mummy and the terra cotta warriors fall into the same category. But to Chinese, they are totally different. People with 'patriotic fervor' will probably flare up when watching terra cotta warriors being chopped into pieces," another blogger Jinyujian wrote.

Blogger Yuyueniao listed ten major flaws of the movie, including plot loopholes, jumbled Chinese factors and poor understanding of Chinese history. "I felt the movie is quite disordered and it's so disappointing," he wrote.

However, others argued that the critics were being too serious with an entertainment product.

Wang Tao, a government employee, said the Mummy was not meant to be a history textbook.

"Really there is nothing unique about the plot, but its sound effects and some of the trick shots are quite impressive. It's a fabricated adventure story like many other Hollywood movies. Why should people be so serious?"

Jet Li, the main actor, also tried to appease critics by saying that the movie is only a commercial product and totally fictional.

"The director made a blockbuster by piecing together all the money-making elements and hoping people could have fun with it," Li said in an interview posted at the Sina.com.

"China has never had mummies and the movie presents a imaginary world. It has nothing to do with history and authenticity," Li said.

Despite the Chinese elements, which might have contributed to its box office success in China, critics said the fact that no other blockbusters were shown during the past week might also have helped.

The movie's distributor originally planned its release in late July before the Olympics, but later adjusted the plan to release it in China after the Olympics so as not to compete with the Games


Cast member Michelle Yeoh attends the premiere of the film "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" in Los Angeles July 27, 2008.

Cast member Jet Li (L) and daughter Jane attend the premiere of the film "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" in Los Angeles July 27, 2008.

Cast member Maria Bello (R) and Bryn Mooser attend the premiere of the film "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" in Los Angeles July 27, 2008.

Cast member Russell Wong (R) and wife Flora Cheung attend the premiere of the film "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" in Los Angeles July 27, 2008.