"HOP" STILL ON TOP

Hop lands on-top for a second week in a row at the Box Office for Universal Pictures.  Earning $21.8 million this weekend, Brit Comedian Russell Brand earned himself a rare one-two, also starring in second-placing Arthur from Warner Bros.  Arthur, a Remake of the 1982 Comedy starring Dudley Moore however, fared below expectations earning $12.5 million. 

Teenage Girls were our in full-force at the Box Office this weekend, with two competing Titles to choose from, Focus Features' Hanna  starring Saoirse Ronan as a Teen Assassin and also Sony Pictures' Soul Surfer, based on the true story of an amputated Teen Surfer.  They placed third and fourth respectively, with Hanna earning $12.2 million and Soul Surfer with $10.5 million.

Disappointing particularly is Universal Pictures' raunchy Medieval Comedy Your Highness, which despite being made for $50 million, only made $9.6 million it its debut. Yikes.  Above this, its Oscar-caliber Cast  including Natalie Portman and James Franco even could not save this one.

Slipping dramatically in its second week was Source Code starring Jake Gyllenhaal, landing in seventh spot this weekend after a debut at number two.  To date it has earned $22 million, still $12 million shy if recouping its $34 million budget.

JAMES FRANCO AND NATALIE PORTMAN ON "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY"

James Franco & Natalie Portman on Entertainment Weekly

Although I know it hit newsstands a couple days ago, I just got around to reading this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly this morning in bed, and I must say it is quite possibly the best issue ever.  In two separate Cover Stories, depending on which version you find, both James Franco and Natalie Portman get equal top billing.   We learn that both Actors are good friends after having worked together on upcoming Medieval Comedy, Your Highness out in April.  Due to conflicting schedules though, they haven't been able to hang out despite checking-in often to compare availabilities.

Keith Staskiewicz chats with Franco, mentioning how 127 Hours Director Danny Boyle was unimpressed with the Actor after first meeting him, thinking he was high and v. unfocused.  Upon meeting Franco a second time, Boyle stated that "He (Franco) is very sharp. He uses it as a technique, I think, because it allows him to suss out the room and suss out what's going on before he commits.".  

BENJAMIN MILLEPIED & NATALIE PORTMAN ANNOUNCE ENGAGEMENT AND BABY

Benjamin Millepied at TIFF 2010

Surprise!  Natalie Portman and Fiancé Choreographer Benjamin Millepied are expecting a Child as announced today by People Magazine.  The Couple met in 2009 while preparing for Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan.  Millepied actually appears in the Film too, in addition to having choreographed the fine Dance sequences seen in the Thriller.

The two, via Portman's Publicist, have also announced their engagement along with this news of a Baby.  There has been no confirmation on how many months she is pregnant or when they will wed as of yet. 2011 though will be a busy year indeed for her also as she has multiple projects on-the-go with her Production Company Handsomecharlie Films, plus starring roles in big titles like No Strings Attached which opens January with Ashton Kutcher, Your Highness and Thor.

Wonderful news!  Some Girls have it all!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JAMES FRANCO & NATALIE PORTMAN ON THE SET OF "YOUR HIGHNESS"

David Gordon Green, James Franco and Natalie Portman
on the set of Your Highness

Something light-hearted for a change.  Natalie Portman and James Franco recently wrapped-up production on David Gordon Green's upcoming medieval Action/Comedy Your Highness and Universal Pictures just released these stills from the set.   The film is about two Princes with v. different personalities, who must save their father's Kingdom.  It appears Portman and Franco are having a great time here between takes, doesn't it?  Green is known for films like the excellent Snow Angels (2007) and Pineapple Express, which also starred Franco.  Your Highness also stars indie-favourite Zooey Deschanel and Danny McBride.  McBride will be appearing in the upcoming Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis comedy Due Date out early November.

The switch to Comedy is a welcomed change of pace for Franco, who is now promoting Danny Boyle's hotly-tipped 127 Hours, about the true story of Aron Ralston, who had to amputate  his own arm after being trapped under by a boulder for five-plus days.  Likewise, Portman also is a likely favourite to win an Oscar in March with the intense psycho-thriller Black Swan, making a rare appearance in a Comedy  here as her last few projects like Brothers and The Other Boleyn Girl were emotionally demanding.

Click below to read my exclusive and in-depth coverage of both:

• Black Swan
• 127 Hours

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)