NEW YORK, April 30 (UPI) -- "When We Leave," "Dog Pound," "Monica & David" and "The Arbor" won prizes in juried world competitions at New York's Tribeca Film Festival, organizers said.
The winners were announced at a ceremony Thursday night.
"The award-winning films selected by the jury each features strong characters and subjects; these films challenge you to see the world from another perspective," festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal said in a statement. "I wish all the filmmakers continued success and hope that they will bring their work back to Tribeca in the years to come."
The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature went to "When We Leave," directed and written by Feo Aladag. The film also earned Sibel Kekilli the Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film honor.
The prize for Best New Narrative Filmmaker was presented to Kim Chapiron for "Dog Pound."
Eric Elmosnino garnered the honor for Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film for his work in "Gainsbourg, Je t'Aime … Moi Non Plus."
"Monica & David" took the gong for Best Documentary Feature, while "The Arbor" director Clio Barnard won the accolade for Best New Documentary Filmmaker.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Conan says he's doing 'great'
LOS ANGELES, April 30 (UPI) -- U.S. comedian Conan O'Brien says he is "doing great" after being ousted as host of "The Tonight Show" in January.
NBC booted Jay Leno as host of "Tonight" at the end of last season and gave the position to O'Brien -- then the host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" -- to keep O'Brien from moving to another network. NBC then offered Leno a nightly, hourlong 10 p.m. series.
But when the prime time "Jay Leno Show" failed to be a strong lead-in for local news broadcasts, NBC announced it would push Leno's show back to 11:35 p.m., shorten it to 30 minutes and air "Tonight" at 12:05 a.m. However, O'Brien said he would not remain on "Tonight" if it was bumped to 12:05 a.m. and left the network, paving the way for Leno's return as "Tonight" host.
O'Brien recently announced plans to star in a new late-night chat show on TBS next fall.
"I'm fine; I'm doing great," The New York Times quoted O'Brien as telling CBS's "60 Minutes" in an interview to air Sunday.
The interview is O'Brien's first since leaving "Tonight" and the air date is in keeping with the comedian's exit deal with NBC, which forbade him to appear on TV in any form until after May 1.
The Times said O'Brien suggested in the interview that he wouldn't have done what Leno did if he was in Leno's position.
"If I had surrendered 'The Tonight Show' and handed it over to somebody publicly and wished them well and then ... six months later ...," O'Brien said.
"But that's me, you know... Everyone's got their own, you know, way of doing things," O'Brien said. "He went and took that show back and I think in a similar situation, if roles had been reversed, I know -- I know me, I wouldn't have done that."
O'Brien also acknowledged to "60 Minutes" that he had signed an agreement preventing him from making disparaging remarks about NBC or Leno to the media, The Times said.
NBC booted Jay Leno as host of "Tonight" at the end of last season and gave the position to O'Brien -- then the host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" -- to keep O'Brien from moving to another network. NBC then offered Leno a nightly, hourlong 10 p.m. series.
But when the prime time "Jay Leno Show" failed to be a strong lead-in for local news broadcasts, NBC announced it would push Leno's show back to 11:35 p.m., shorten it to 30 minutes and air "Tonight" at 12:05 a.m. However, O'Brien said he would not remain on "Tonight" if it was bumped to 12:05 a.m. and left the network, paving the way for Leno's return as "Tonight" host.
O'Brien recently announced plans to star in a new late-night chat show on TBS next fall.
"I'm fine; I'm doing great," The New York Times quoted O'Brien as telling CBS's "60 Minutes" in an interview to air Sunday.
The interview is O'Brien's first since leaving "Tonight" and the air date is in keeping with the comedian's exit deal with NBC, which forbade him to appear on TV in any form until after May 1.
The Times said O'Brien suggested in the interview that he wouldn't have done what Leno did if he was in Leno's position.
"If I had surrendered 'The Tonight Show' and handed it over to somebody publicly and wished them well and then ... six months later ...," O'Brien said.
"But that's me, you know... Everyone's got their own, you know, way of doing things," O'Brien said. "He went and took that show back and I think in a similar situation, if roles had been reversed, I know -- I know me, I wouldn't have done that."
O'Brien also acknowledged to "60 Minutes" that he had signed an agreement preventing him from making disparaging remarks about NBC or Leno to the media, The Times said.
Bret Michaels remains in ICU
LOS ANGELES, April 30 (UPI) -- U.S. rocker and reality television personality Bret Michaels remains hospitalized in Arizona a week after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
Michaels, 47, is best known as the front man for the band Poison. He is also a contestant on the current season of TV's "The Celebrity Apprentice." He was hospitalized last Thursday after complaining of a tremendous headache.
"We thank you for your continued support and well wishes," said a message posted on his Facebook page Thursday.
"Bret remains in critical condition in ICU under 24-hour supervision by doctors and medical staff. If a patient survives the initial rupture, the first 7 to 10 days after are the most critical as an additional rupture or other complications may arise," the posting continued. "Doctors are also continuing to treat Bret for the hyponatremia (which is described as a lack of sodium in the body that leads to seizures) and today he will be undergoing more testing. … There will be a press conference on Tuesday at which doctors who have been treating Bret will further explain his condition, treatment and prognosis. Location and time of the press conference will be released Friday."
Michaels, 47, is best known as the front man for the band Poison. He is also a contestant on the current season of TV's "The Celebrity Apprentice." He was hospitalized last Thursday after complaining of a tremendous headache.
"We thank you for your continued support and well wishes," said a message posted on his Facebook page Thursday.
"Bret remains in critical condition in ICU under 24-hour supervision by doctors and medical staff. If a patient survives the initial rupture, the first 7 to 10 days after are the most critical as an additional rupture or other complications may arise," the posting continued. "Doctors are also continuing to treat Bret for the hyponatremia (which is described as a lack of sodium in the body that leads to seizures) and today he will be undergoing more testing. … There will be a press conference on Tuesday at which doctors who have been treating Bret will further explain his condition, treatment and prognosis. Location and time of the press conference will be released Friday."
A Squared (A(2)) Entertainment and AOL to Debut New Animated Series and Web Site for Kids Featuring Financial Legend Warren Buffett
LOS ANGELES, Apr 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kicking off this year's annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting on May 1, A(2) Entertainment will premiere "Secret Millionaire's Club," a new animated series inspired by the teachings of Warren Buffett. Created in partnership by A(2) and AOL, the series teaches kids financial literacy through a series of webisodes, online games and other activities. A television series is also in development.
Buffett, who lends his voice to his character, plays the mentor to a group of kids who learn about business and how the world around them works through Buffett's teachings. Together, they explore concepts such as supply and demand, the importance of location, pursuing your dreams, learning to question and listen, the difference between looking versus seeing, understanding the best investment you can make is in yourself, and more.
"Secret Millionaire's Club" was created by A(2) and co-produced with Xing Xing, a digital animation studio in Beijing, China. AOL created and developed SMCKids.com, in partnership with Area 17 and MGX, where the 26 weekly webisodes series produced by A(2) Entertainment will live. Along with the webisodes, SMCKids.com will offer a dynamic online experience with games, a Buffett Bucks rewards program, and other activities. Kids will also have the opportunity to interact directly with Buffett via the "Ask Warren" feature. In addition, GetFugu, a mobile development company, has created a complementary App providing a seamless connection between the "Secret Millionaire's Club's" online and mobile experience.
"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to share what financial knowledge I have with young people, and particularly pleased to premiere this new program at the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting," said Buffett. "It's important that children become knowledgeable about finances and understand the value of basic business skills. 'Secret Millionaire's Club' is an entertaining way to reach out to young people with these important life lessons."
"Secret Millionaire's Club" tells the story of four kids who save their community center by selling old baseball memorabilia that, unbeknownst to them, was worth millions. After paying off their creditors, the kids turn to Buffett to help them manage their newfound wealth. Acting as their mentor, an animated Buffett teaches the group about business and how the world around them works.
"It's an honor to premiere 'Secret Millionaire's Club' at Mr. Buffett's shareholder meeting in Omaha, Neb.," says Andy Heyward, CEO and co-founder of A(2) Entertainment. "Connecting with kids online and via their mobile phones is the perfect way to bring the 'Secret Millionaire's Club' to life, making it fun for kids to learn about business from one of the most successful thinkers of our time."
About A Squared (A(2)) Entertainment LLC
A Squared Entertainment (A(2)) is a full-service brand entertainment company that creates, produces, merchandises and distributes content across all channels: online, offline, on-air and at retail. The company's mission is to create meaningful entertainment for kids in various multi-media formats. Other series in development include "Gisele & the Green Team" with supermodel Gisele Bundchen, "Martha & Friends" with media mogul and business magnate Martha Stewart, and "Stan Lee & the Super Seven" with comic book legend Stan Lee.
About AOL
AOL Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!aol/quotes/nls/aol (AOL 21.50, +0.37, +1.75%) is a leading global Web services company with an extensive suite of brands and offerings and a substantial worldwide audience. AOL's business spans online content, products and services that the company offers to consumers, publishers and advertisers. AOL is focused on attracting and engaging consumers and providing valuable online advertising services on both AOL's owned and operated properties and third-party websites. In addition, AOL operates one of the largest Internet subscription access services in the United States, which serves as a valuable distribution channel for AOL's consumer offerings.
SOURCE: A Squared (A2) Entertainment LLC
Buffett, who lends his voice to his character, plays the mentor to a group of kids who learn about business and how the world around them works through Buffett's teachings. Together, they explore concepts such as supply and demand, the importance of location, pursuing your dreams, learning to question and listen, the difference between looking versus seeing, understanding the best investment you can make is in yourself, and more.
"Secret Millionaire's Club" was created by A(2) and co-produced with Xing Xing, a digital animation studio in Beijing, China. AOL created and developed SMCKids.com, in partnership with Area 17 and MGX, where the 26 weekly webisodes series produced by A(2) Entertainment will live. Along with the webisodes, SMCKids.com will offer a dynamic online experience with games, a Buffett Bucks rewards program, and other activities. Kids will also have the opportunity to interact directly with Buffett via the "Ask Warren" feature. In addition, GetFugu, a mobile development company, has created a complementary App providing a seamless connection between the "Secret Millionaire's Club's" online and mobile experience.
"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to share what financial knowledge I have with young people, and particularly pleased to premiere this new program at the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting," said Buffett. "It's important that children become knowledgeable about finances and understand the value of basic business skills. 'Secret Millionaire's Club' is an entertaining way to reach out to young people with these important life lessons."
"Secret Millionaire's Club" tells the story of four kids who save their community center by selling old baseball memorabilia that, unbeknownst to them, was worth millions. After paying off their creditors, the kids turn to Buffett to help them manage their newfound wealth. Acting as their mentor, an animated Buffett teaches the group about business and how the world around them works.
"It's an honor to premiere 'Secret Millionaire's Club' at Mr. Buffett's shareholder meeting in Omaha, Neb.," says Andy Heyward, CEO and co-founder of A(2) Entertainment. "Connecting with kids online and via their mobile phones is the perfect way to bring the 'Secret Millionaire's Club' to life, making it fun for kids to learn about business from one of the most successful thinkers of our time."
About A Squared (A(2)) Entertainment LLC
A Squared Entertainment (A(2)) is a full-service brand entertainment company that creates, produces, merchandises and distributes content across all channels: online, offline, on-air and at retail. The company's mission is to create meaningful entertainment for kids in various multi-media formats. Other series in development include "Gisele & the Green Team" with supermodel Gisele Bundchen, "Martha & Friends" with media mogul and business magnate Martha Stewart, and "Stan Lee & the Super Seven" with comic book legend Stan Lee.
About AOL
AOL Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!aol/quotes/nls/aol (AOL 21.50, +0.37, +1.75%) is a leading global Web services company with an extensive suite of brands and offerings and a substantial worldwide audience. AOL's business spans online content, products and services that the company offers to consumers, publishers and advertisers. AOL is focused on attracting and engaging consumers and providing valuable online advertising services on both AOL's owned and operated properties and third-party websites. In addition, AOL operates one of the largest Internet subscription access services in the United States, which serves as a valuable distribution channel for AOL's consumer offerings.
SOURCE: A Squared (A2) Entertainment LLC
Hollywood Casino(R) at Kansas Speedway(R) Gets a Green Flag as Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Construction
KANSAS CITY, Kan., Apr 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kansas Entertainment, LLC, ("Kansas Entertainment") today commenced construction of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway as Company representatives and local officials conducted a groundbreaking ceremony at Turn 2, the track-side site of the new facility.
Kansas Entertainment is a 50/50 joint venture of Penn Hollywood Kansas, Inc, a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!penn/quotes/nls/penn (PENN 29.80, -0.62, -2.04%) and Kansas Speedway Development Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (ISCA: NASDAQ Global Select Market; ISCB: OTC Bulletin Board) ("ISC").
The following company representatives and local officials participated in today's groundbreaking ceremony:
-- Lesa France Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of International Speedway Corporation;
-- Tim Wilmott, President and Chief Operating Officer of Penn National Gaming;
-- Troy Findley, Lieutenant Governor of Kansas;
-- William Falstad, Commissioner of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission;
-- Ed Van Petten, Kansas Lottery Executive Director;
-- Jeff Boerger, President of Kansas Speedway Development Corporation; and,
-- Joe Reardon, Mayor of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.
"We are fortunate to have built such strong relationships with our partners, Penn National Gaming, the State of Kansas, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. We share in their mutual vision to create a world-class destination for visitors and the community, anchored by a premier motorsports and entertainment facility," stated Ms. France Kennedy. "Through ongoing collaboration, we will continue to help generate sustainable economic growth for the region."
Mr. Wilmott added, "With the excellent cooperation of our partners and local officials and businesses, Kansas Entertainment is excited to conduct its groundbreaking today, just two and a half months after receiving final approvals for the project. Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway will be a premiere gaming and entertainment facility that contributes to and complements the local hotels, retail, dining and entertainment establishments in the Village West region. Both Penn National Gaming and ISC are committed to the long-term success of this destination resort, maximizing tourism, driving new tax revenue and attracting national media attention for the state of Kansas and our host community, Wyandotte County."
The first phase of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway includes a state-of-the-art casino and is expected to open the first half of 2012 with capacity for 2,300 slot machines, 61 table games and 25 poker tables on a 100,000 square-foot gaming floor. Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway will also feature 28,000 square-feet of other amenities including restaurants, clubs and nightlife attractions. The addition of the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway is estimated to bring nearly 440,000 tourists per year and create over 1,000 full time positions; elevating the state to a first-class, year-round tourist destination.
About Penn National Gaming:
Penn National Gaming owns and operates gaming and racing facilities with a focus on slot machine entertainment. The Company presently operates nineteen facilities in fifteen jurisdictions, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. In aggregate, Penn National's operated facilities feature over 26,300 gaming machines, approximately 400 table games, over 2,000 hotel rooms and over 959,000 square feet of gaming floor space.
In the second half of 2010, the Company plans to add table games to its facilities in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and expects to open the first video lottery terminal facility in the state of Maryland in Cecil County. Through a joint venture, Penn National is developing a full casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, which is anticipated to open in early 2012, and is also developing casinos in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio, with openings targeted for the second half of 2012. The Company recently announced its planned acquisition of Beulah Park in Ohio in a transaction expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may vary materially from expectations. Although Penn National Gaming, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively "Penn National") believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Meaningful factors that could cause Penn National's actual results to differ from expectations include, but are not limited to, risks related to the following: our ability to maintain regulatory approvals for our existing businesses and to receive regulatory approvals for our new businesses; the passage of state, federal or local legislation that would expand, restrict, further tax, prevent or negatively impact operations (such as a smoking ban at any of our facilities) in the jurisdictions in which we do business or seek to do business; the activities of our competitors and the emergence of new competitors; construction factors, including delays, unexpected remediation costs, local opposition and increased cost of labor and materials; the costs and risks involved in the pursuit of those development opportunities; the availability and cost of financing; the effects of local and national economic, credit, capital market, housing, energy conditions on the economy in general and on the gaming and lodging industries in particular; and other factors as discussed in Penn National's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC. Penn National does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.
About ISC:
International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities. The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500(R)); Talladega Superspeedway(R) in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway(R) located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway(R) in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway(R) in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway(R) in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway(R) and Route 66 Raceway(SM)near Chicago, Illinois; Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in Florida; Martinsville Speedway(R) in Virginia; Darlington Raceway(R) in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International(R) in New York. In addition, ISC promotes major motorsports activities in Montreal, Quebec, through its subsidiary, Stock-Car Montreal, Inc.
The Company also owns and operates MRN(R) Radio, the nation's largest independent sports radio network; the Daytona 500 Experience(R), the "Ultimate Motorsports Attraction" in Daytona Beach, Florida, and official attraction of NASCAR(R); and Americrown Service Corporation(SM), a subsidiary that provides catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets motorsports-related merchandise. In addition, ISC has an indirect 50 percent interest in Motorsports Authentics(R), which markets and distributes motorsports-related merchandise licensed by certain competitors in NASCAR racing. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com.
Statements made in this release that express International Speedway Corporation's or management's beliefs or expectations and which are not historical facts or which are applied prospectively are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that International Speedway's actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements. International Speedway's results could be impacted by risk factors, including, but not limited to, weather surrounding racing events, government regulations, economic conditions, consumer and corporate spending, military actions, air travel and national or local catastrophic events. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in International Speedway's SEC filings including, but not limited to, the 10-K and subsequent 10-Qs. Copies of those filings are available from International Speedway Corporation and the SEC. International Speedway Corporation undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be needed to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by International Speedway or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material
Kansas Entertainment is a 50/50 joint venture of Penn Hollywood Kansas, Inc, a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!penn/quotes/nls/penn (PENN 29.80, -0.62, -2.04%) and Kansas Speedway Development Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (ISCA: NASDAQ Global Select Market; ISCB: OTC Bulletin Board) ("ISC").
The following company representatives and local officials participated in today's groundbreaking ceremony:
-- Lesa France Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of International Speedway Corporation;
-- Tim Wilmott, President and Chief Operating Officer of Penn National Gaming;
-- Troy Findley, Lieutenant Governor of Kansas;
-- William Falstad, Commissioner of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission;
-- Ed Van Petten, Kansas Lottery Executive Director;
-- Jeff Boerger, President of Kansas Speedway Development Corporation; and,
-- Joe Reardon, Mayor of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.
"We are fortunate to have built such strong relationships with our partners, Penn National Gaming, the State of Kansas, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. We share in their mutual vision to create a world-class destination for visitors and the community, anchored by a premier motorsports and entertainment facility," stated Ms. France Kennedy. "Through ongoing collaboration, we will continue to help generate sustainable economic growth for the region."
Mr. Wilmott added, "With the excellent cooperation of our partners and local officials and businesses, Kansas Entertainment is excited to conduct its groundbreaking today, just two and a half months after receiving final approvals for the project. Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway will be a premiere gaming and entertainment facility that contributes to and complements the local hotels, retail, dining and entertainment establishments in the Village West region. Both Penn National Gaming and ISC are committed to the long-term success of this destination resort, maximizing tourism, driving new tax revenue and attracting national media attention for the state of Kansas and our host community, Wyandotte County."
The first phase of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway includes a state-of-the-art casino and is expected to open the first half of 2012 with capacity for 2,300 slot machines, 61 table games and 25 poker tables on a 100,000 square-foot gaming floor. Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway will also feature 28,000 square-feet of other amenities including restaurants, clubs and nightlife attractions. The addition of the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway is estimated to bring nearly 440,000 tourists per year and create over 1,000 full time positions; elevating the state to a first-class, year-round tourist destination.
About Penn National Gaming:
Penn National Gaming owns and operates gaming and racing facilities with a focus on slot machine entertainment. The Company presently operates nineteen facilities in fifteen jurisdictions, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. In aggregate, Penn National's operated facilities feature over 26,300 gaming machines, approximately 400 table games, over 2,000 hotel rooms and over 959,000 square feet of gaming floor space.
In the second half of 2010, the Company plans to add table games to its facilities in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and expects to open the first video lottery terminal facility in the state of Maryland in Cecil County. Through a joint venture, Penn National is developing a full casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, which is anticipated to open in early 2012, and is also developing casinos in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio, with openings targeted for the second half of 2012. The Company recently announced its planned acquisition of Beulah Park in Ohio in a transaction expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may vary materially from expectations. Although Penn National Gaming, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively "Penn National") believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Meaningful factors that could cause Penn National's actual results to differ from expectations include, but are not limited to, risks related to the following: our ability to maintain regulatory approvals for our existing businesses and to receive regulatory approvals for our new businesses; the passage of state, federal or local legislation that would expand, restrict, further tax, prevent or negatively impact operations (such as a smoking ban at any of our facilities) in the jurisdictions in which we do business or seek to do business; the activities of our competitors and the emergence of new competitors; construction factors, including delays, unexpected remediation costs, local opposition and increased cost of labor and materials; the costs and risks involved in the pursuit of those development opportunities; the availability and cost of financing; the effects of local and national economic, credit, capital market, housing, energy conditions on the economy in general and on the gaming and lodging industries in particular; and other factors as discussed in Penn National's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC. Penn National does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.
About ISC:
International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities. The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500(R)); Talladega Superspeedway(R) in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway(R) located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway(R) in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway(R) in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway(R) in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway(R) and Route 66 Raceway(SM)near Chicago, Illinois; Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in Florida; Martinsville Speedway(R) in Virginia; Darlington Raceway(R) in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International(R) in New York. In addition, ISC promotes major motorsports activities in Montreal, Quebec, through its subsidiary, Stock-Car Montreal, Inc.
The Company also owns and operates MRN(R) Radio, the nation's largest independent sports radio network; the Daytona 500 Experience(R), the "Ultimate Motorsports Attraction" in Daytona Beach, Florida, and official attraction of NASCAR(R); and Americrown Service Corporation(SM), a subsidiary that provides catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets motorsports-related merchandise. In addition, ISC has an indirect 50 percent interest in Motorsports Authentics(R), which markets and distributes motorsports-related merchandise licensed by certain competitors in NASCAR racing. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com.
Statements made in this release that express International Speedway Corporation's or management's beliefs or expectations and which are not historical facts or which are applied prospectively are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that International Speedway's actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements. International Speedway's results could be impacted by risk factors, including, but not limited to, weather surrounding racing events, government regulations, economic conditions, consumer and corporate spending, military actions, air travel and national or local catastrophic events. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in International Speedway's SEC filings including, but not limited to, the 10-K and subsequent 10-Qs. Copies of those filings are available from International Speedway Corporation and the SEC. International Speedway Corporation undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be needed to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by International Speedway or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material
Entertainment Properties Trust Tops $45.79: Enters New Trading Range (EPR)
Entertainment Properties Trust traded in a range yesterday that spanned from a low of $44.33 to a high of $46.50. Yesterday's high of the day pierced the 3-day high of $45.79 on volume of 363,000 shares.
Shares of Entertainment Properties Trust have been range bound for the past 3-days between a high of $45.79 and a low of $43.84 and have traded with a 30-day average daily volume of 384,000 shares.
Look for shares of EPR to trade within a new higher trading range with support at $45.79 and move along with its piers in the REIT- Diversified SmarTrend industry.
SmarTrend is bullish on shares of Entertainment Properties Trust and our subscribers were alerted to Buy on December 14, 2009 at $34.44. The stock has risen 34.8% since the alert was issued.
Shares of Entertainment Properties Trust have been range bound for the past 3-days between a high of $45.79 and a low of $43.84 and have traded with a 30-day average daily volume of 384,000 shares.
Look for shares of EPR to trade within a new higher trading range with support at $45.79 and move along with its piers in the REIT- Diversified SmarTrend industry.
SmarTrend is bullish on shares of Entertainment Properties Trust and our subscribers were alerted to Buy on December 14, 2009 at $34.44. The stock has risen 34.8% since the alert was issued.
Bill Condon To Direct Summit Entertainment's The Twilight Saga : Breaking Dawn
BILL CONDON TO DIRECT SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT’S THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN
Los Angeles, CA April 28, 2010 – Summit Entertainment has confirmed that Academy Award® winner Bill Condon will direct THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, is currently being written by Melissa Rosenberg, and will star Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt, and Stephenie Meyer will produce the project.
"Bringing Stephenie Meyer's BREAKING DAWN to the screen requires a graceful and intelligent hand and we believe Bill Condon is exactly the right steward, having shown equal and abundant talents of immense creativity and subtle sensitivity,” said Erik Feig, President of Production and Acquisitions, for Summit Entertainment.
Added author Stephenie Meyer, "I'm so thrilled that Bill wants to work with us. I think he's going to be a great fit, and I'm excited to see what he does with the material."
“I'm very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen. As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book - and we're hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience," said Bill Condon.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.
Condon is well known for writing and directing DREAMGIRLS, KINSEY, and GODS AND MONSTERS, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1999. He was nominated for a second Oscar for his screenplay for the movie musical CHICAGO in 2003. Most recently the multi-hyphenate directed the pilot episode for the Showtime series “The Big C” and produced the 81st Annual Academy Awards telecast, hosted by Hugh Jackman.
The third film in the franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is due in theaters on June 30, 2010.
Condon is represented by WME and Anonymous Content.
About the TWILIGHT film series
The TWILIGHT film series stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together...even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. The action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT, the first film in the series, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second installment of the film franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON was released November 20, 2009. The franchise has grossed over $1.1 billion in worldwide box office ticket sales to date.
About Summit Entertainment, LLC
Summit Entertainment, LLC is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment, LLC also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product. Summit Entertainment, LLC releases on average 10 to 12 films annually.
Los Angeles, CA April 28, 2010 – Summit Entertainment has confirmed that Academy Award® winner Bill Condon will direct THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, is currently being written by Melissa Rosenberg, and will star Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt, and Stephenie Meyer will produce the project.
"Bringing Stephenie Meyer's BREAKING DAWN to the screen requires a graceful and intelligent hand and we believe Bill Condon is exactly the right steward, having shown equal and abundant talents of immense creativity and subtle sensitivity,” said Erik Feig, President of Production and Acquisitions, for Summit Entertainment.
Added author Stephenie Meyer, "I'm so thrilled that Bill wants to work with us. I think he's going to be a great fit, and I'm excited to see what he does with the material."
“I'm very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen. As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book - and we're hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience," said Bill Condon.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.
Condon is well known for writing and directing DREAMGIRLS, KINSEY, and GODS AND MONSTERS, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1999. He was nominated for a second Oscar for his screenplay for the movie musical CHICAGO in 2003. Most recently the multi-hyphenate directed the pilot episode for the Showtime series “The Big C” and produced the 81st Annual Academy Awards telecast, hosted by Hugh Jackman.
The third film in the franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is due in theaters on June 30, 2010.
Condon is represented by WME and Anonymous Content.
About the TWILIGHT film series
The TWILIGHT film series stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together...even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. The action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT, the first film in the series, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second installment of the film franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON was released November 20, 2009. The franchise has grossed over $1.1 billion in worldwide box office ticket sales to date.
About Summit Entertainment, LLC
Summit Entertainment, LLC is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment, LLC also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product. Summit Entertainment, LLC releases on average 10 to 12 films annually.
COGECO Acquires Corus' Radio Stations in Quebec
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Apr 30, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- COGECO Inc. /quotes/comstock/11t!e:cgo (CA:CGO 28.25, -0.25, -0.88%) is announcing today that it has signed an agreement with Corus Entertainment Inc. to acquire its Quebec radio stations for $80 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments and conditions, including approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
The stations involved in the transaction are:
- CFQR-FM 92.5 in Montreal - CJRC-FM 104.7 in Gatineau
- CHMP-FM 98.5 in Montreal - CHLT-FM 107.7 in Sherbrooke
- CKOI-FM 96.9 in Montreal - CKOY-FM 104.5 in Sherbrooke
- CKAC-AM 730 in Montreal - CHLN-FM 106.9 in Trois-Rivieres
- CFOM-FM 102.9 in Quebec City - CIME-FM 103.9 in St-Jerome
- CFEL-FM 102.1 in Quebec City
They will join the five stations COGECO already owns in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres and Sherbrooke.
The transaction allows COGECO to diversify its offering and reach new audiences. "The Corus radio stations are a natural fit with Cogeco's existing radio stations. The medium of radio continues to enjoy strong support both from listeners and advertisers because of the appeal of its local content. We believe these stations demonstrate good growth potential based on our experience and rigorous evaluation criteria," stated COGECO Inc. President and CEO Louis Audet.
"We are pleased with the opportunity to pursue the development of these radio stations for the benefit of members of the Quebec community in which we have grown, in particular in broadcasting, for the last 53 years. This acquisition is a clear statement that we are proud of our tradition and intend to continue to build on it!" Mr. Audet added.
"Corus Entertainment has made the strategic decision to divest of its Corus Quebec radio stations and focus on brands in our Television division and our Ontario and Western Canadian radio stations," said John Cassaday, President and CEO, Corus Entertainment.
Richard Lachance, Vice President, Cogeco Diffusion Inc., further added: "It is the listeners and advertisers who will be the prime beneficiaries of this acquisition as Cogeco brings its knowledge and experience to these stations. We are eager to work with the solid teams currently managing these stations to enhance the diversity, strength and local character of these radio stations in the communities they serve. The acquisition will position us to better respond to advertisers' needs in terms of the scope of our market coverage, audience diversity and choice of advertising platform."
COGECO has secured committed financing from Canadian banks for an amount totalling $100 million, part of which will be used to finance the acquisition. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur around the end of the 2010 calendar year.
ABOUT COGECO INC.
COGECO is a diversified communications company. Through its Cogeco Cable subsidiary, COGECO provides its residential customers with Audio, Analogue and Digital Television, as well as HSI and Telephony services using its two-way broadband cable networks. Cogeco Cable also provides, to its commercial customers, data networking, e-business applications, video conferencing, hosting services, Ethernet, private line, VoIP, HSI access, dark fibre, data storage, data security and co-location services and other advanced communication solutions. Through its Cogeco Diffusion subsidiary, COGECO owns and operates the RYTHME FM radio stations in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres and Sherbrooke, as well as the FM 93 station in Quebec City. COGECO's subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange /quotes/comstock/11t!e:cgo (CA:CGO 28.25, -0.25, -0.88%) . The subordinate voting shares of Cogeco Cable are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange /quotes/comstock/11t!e:cca (CA:CCA 34.56, -0.20, -0.58%) .
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to COGECO's future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, statements regarding the Company's growth potential, the closing date of the transaction, future operating results and economic performance and its objectives and strategies are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which COGECO believes are reasonable as of the current date. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Company, they may prove to be incorrect. The Company cautions the reader that the current adverse economic conditions make forward-looking information and the underlying assumptions subject to greater uncertainty and that, consequently, they may not materialize, or the results may significantly differ from the Company's expectations. It is impossible for COGECO to predict with certainty the impact that the current economic downtown may have on future results. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties (described in the "Uncertainties and main risk factors" section of the Company's 2009 annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)) that could cause actual results to differ materially from what COGECO currently expects. These factors include technological changes, changes in market and competition, governmental or regulatory developments and regulatory approvals, general economic conditions, the development of new products and services, the enhancement of existing products and services, the introduction of competing products having technological or other advantages, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Therefore, future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information.
The forward-looking statements contained in this discussion represent the Company's expectations as of April 30, 2010, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.
The stations involved in the transaction are:
- CFQR-FM 92.5 in Montreal - CJRC-FM 104.7 in Gatineau
- CHMP-FM 98.5 in Montreal - CHLT-FM 107.7 in Sherbrooke
- CKOI-FM 96.9 in Montreal - CKOY-FM 104.5 in Sherbrooke
- CKAC-AM 730 in Montreal - CHLN-FM 106.9 in Trois-Rivieres
- CFOM-FM 102.9 in Quebec City - CIME-FM 103.9 in St-Jerome
- CFEL-FM 102.1 in Quebec City
They will join the five stations COGECO already owns in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres and Sherbrooke.
The transaction allows COGECO to diversify its offering and reach new audiences. "The Corus radio stations are a natural fit with Cogeco's existing radio stations. The medium of radio continues to enjoy strong support both from listeners and advertisers because of the appeal of its local content. We believe these stations demonstrate good growth potential based on our experience and rigorous evaluation criteria," stated COGECO Inc. President and CEO Louis Audet.
"We are pleased with the opportunity to pursue the development of these radio stations for the benefit of members of the Quebec community in which we have grown, in particular in broadcasting, for the last 53 years. This acquisition is a clear statement that we are proud of our tradition and intend to continue to build on it!" Mr. Audet added.
"Corus Entertainment has made the strategic decision to divest of its Corus Quebec radio stations and focus on brands in our Television division and our Ontario and Western Canadian radio stations," said John Cassaday, President and CEO, Corus Entertainment.
Richard Lachance, Vice President, Cogeco Diffusion Inc., further added: "It is the listeners and advertisers who will be the prime beneficiaries of this acquisition as Cogeco brings its knowledge and experience to these stations. We are eager to work with the solid teams currently managing these stations to enhance the diversity, strength and local character of these radio stations in the communities they serve. The acquisition will position us to better respond to advertisers' needs in terms of the scope of our market coverage, audience diversity and choice of advertising platform."
COGECO has secured committed financing from Canadian banks for an amount totalling $100 million, part of which will be used to finance the acquisition. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur around the end of the 2010 calendar year.
ABOUT COGECO INC.
COGECO is a diversified communications company. Through its Cogeco Cable subsidiary, COGECO provides its residential customers with Audio, Analogue and Digital Television, as well as HSI and Telephony services using its two-way broadband cable networks. Cogeco Cable also provides, to its commercial customers, data networking, e-business applications, video conferencing, hosting services, Ethernet, private line, VoIP, HSI access, dark fibre, data storage, data security and co-location services and other advanced communication solutions. Through its Cogeco Diffusion subsidiary, COGECO owns and operates the RYTHME FM radio stations in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres and Sherbrooke, as well as the FM 93 station in Quebec City. COGECO's subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange /quotes/comstock/11t!e:cgo (CA:CGO 28.25, -0.25, -0.88%) . The subordinate voting shares of Cogeco Cable are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange /quotes/comstock/11t!e:cca (CA:CCA 34.56, -0.20, -0.58%) .
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to COGECO's future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, statements regarding the Company's growth potential, the closing date of the transaction, future operating results and economic performance and its objectives and strategies are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which COGECO believes are reasonable as of the current date. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Company, they may prove to be incorrect. The Company cautions the reader that the current adverse economic conditions make forward-looking information and the underlying assumptions subject to greater uncertainty and that, consequently, they may not materialize, or the results may significantly differ from the Company's expectations. It is impossible for COGECO to predict with certainty the impact that the current economic downtown may have on future results. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties (described in the "Uncertainties and main risk factors" section of the Company's 2009 annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)) that could cause actual results to differ materially from what COGECO currently expects. These factors include technological changes, changes in market and competition, governmental or regulatory developments and regulatory approvals, general economic conditions, the development of new products and services, the enhancement of existing products and services, the introduction of competing products having technological or other advantages, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Therefore, future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information.
The forward-looking statements contained in this discussion represent the Company's expectations as of April 30, 2010, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.
MCE Finance Limited, a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, Announces Senior Notes Offering
NEW YORK, Apr 30, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- MCE Finance Limited ("MCE Finance"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (the "Company") /quotes/comstock/15*!mpel/quotes/nls/mpel (MPEL 4.23, -0.04, -0.94%) , a developer and owner of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market, today announced that it intends to conduct an international offering of senior notes in an aggregate amount of up to US$600 million (subject to upsize) and use the net proceeds from the proposed offering to reduce the indebtedness under the Company's City of Dreams Project Facility.
The notes will be senior obligations of MCE Finance, will rank equally with all of MCE Finance's existing and future senior indebtedness and will rank senior to all of MCE Finance's existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of MCE Finance's existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The notes will be guaranteed by the Company and MPEL International Limited on a senior basis, and by certain of MCE Finance's subsidiaries that provide guarantees under the City of Dreams Project Facility on a senior subordinated basis.
The interest rate and other terms of the notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the offering.
The notes are being offered in the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state law.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any jurisdiction. This press release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: growth of the gaming market and visitation in Macau; increased competition and other planned casino hotel and resort projects in Macau and elsewhere in Asia; the completion of infrastructure projects in Macau; government regulation of the casino industry; our ability to raise additional financing; obtaining approval from the Macau government for an increase in the developable gross floor area of the City of Dreams site; the formal grant of occupancy permits for areas of City of Dreams undergoing construction and/or development; our anticipated growth strategies; and our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on March 31, 2010 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
About Melco Crown Entertainment Limited
Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and through a Macau subsidiary which holds a gaming sub-concession, an operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com) (formerly Crown Macau), a casino hotel located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated urban casino resort located in Cotai, Macau. The Company's business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com), which feature a total of approximately 1,500 gaming machines in eight locations and comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. For more information about the Company, please visit www.melco-crown.com.
The Company has strong support from both of its major shareholders, Melco International Development Limited ("Melco") and Crown Limited ("Crown"). Melco is a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is Co-Chairman, a Director and the CEO of the Company. Crown is a top-100 company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and led by Executive Chairman Mr. James Packer, who is also Co-Chairman and a Director of the Company.
The notes will be senior obligations of MCE Finance, will rank equally with all of MCE Finance's existing and future senior indebtedness and will rank senior to all of MCE Finance's existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of MCE Finance's existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The notes will be guaranteed by the Company and MPEL International Limited on a senior basis, and by certain of MCE Finance's subsidiaries that provide guarantees under the City of Dreams Project Facility on a senior subordinated basis.
The interest rate and other terms of the notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the offering.
The notes are being offered in the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state law.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any jurisdiction. This press release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: growth of the gaming market and visitation in Macau; increased competition and other planned casino hotel and resort projects in Macau and elsewhere in Asia; the completion of infrastructure projects in Macau; government regulation of the casino industry; our ability to raise additional financing; obtaining approval from the Macau government for an increase in the developable gross floor area of the City of Dreams site; the formal grant of occupancy permits for areas of City of Dreams undergoing construction and/or development; our anticipated growth strategies; and our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on March 31, 2010 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
About Melco Crown Entertainment Limited
Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and through a Macau subsidiary which holds a gaming sub-concession, an operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com) (formerly Crown Macau), a casino hotel located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated urban casino resort located in Cotai, Macau. The Company's business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com), which feature a total of approximately 1,500 gaming machines in eight locations and comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. For more information about the Company, please visit www.melco-crown.com.
The Company has strong support from both of its major shareholders, Melco International Development Limited ("Melco") and Crown Limited ("Crown"). Melco is a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is Co-Chairman, a Director and the CEO of the Company. Crown is a top-100 company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and led by Executive Chairman Mr. James Packer, who is also Co-Chairman and a Director of the Company.
Icahn’s Lions Gate Bid Hits Obstacle in Rachesky
April 30 (Bloomberg) -- As Carl Icahn presses his hostile takeover bid for Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., he’s finding his biggest obstacle isn’t a “poison pill” or management -- it’s former protégé Mark Rachesky, the largest stockholder.
Rachesky, president and co-founder of MHR Fund Management LLC, holds more stock in Vancouver-based Lions Gate, 19.7 percent to Icahn’s 18.8 percent, and has sided with management since joining the independent studio’s board in September. The company is urging rejection of Icahn’s $7-a-share offer.
“He was a smart guy,” Icahn recalled in an interview. “We did some good things together.”
No more. Rachesky and other investors publicly backing management of Vancouver-based Lions Gate, led by Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer, hold 34 percent of the stock, according to Bloomberg data. A vote on the company’s poison pill, designed to deter billionaire Icahn from gaining control, was tilting Lions Gate’s way before regulators in British Columbia ruled it invalid on April 27.
Icahn, 74, and Rachesky are old friends. In the early 1990s, Rachesky, who has a medical degree, was Icahn’s chief investment adviser and top lieutenant as they took large positions in biotechs like Cadus Pharmaceuticals Corp. and real estate. In 1993, Rachesky became Icahn’s representative on the board of Samsonsite parent E-II holdings.
To win, Icahn will have to increase his bid, according to David Joyce, a Miller Tabak & Co. analyst in New York who recommends buying the stock and says it could reach $8 in the next year. Rachesky declined to comment.
Higher Bid
Icahn’s offer, up from $6 originally, values the company at about $826 million. It expires tonight unless extended, which Icahn told CNBC yesterday he is likely to do.
“To get over 50 percent of the company, he clearly has to go over $7 a share,” said Alan Gould, an analyst with Soleil Securities Inc. in New York.
Lions Gate, run from Santa Monica, California, fell 8 cents to $6.92 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. Shares of the company, distributor of the “Saw” films, have risen 19 percent this year.
The company said yesterday preliminary fiscal 2010 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization exceeded $115 million, compared with $75 million estimated in February. That implies Ebitda of at least $17.1 million in the fourth quarter, compared with a projected loss on that basis earlier.
A higher bid would put more pressure on Rachesky, who began buying Lions Gate in mid 2005, when the stock traded between $9 and $11 a share.
Before then, Rachesky, like Icahn, was mostly a buyer of distressed stocks. New York-based MHR Fund Management, which he started in 1996 after leaving Icahn, scooped up mobile services provider Leap Wireless International Inc. and Loral Space & Communications Inc. from bankruptcy proceedings.
Expanding Production
At the time, Lions Gate was making plans to expand film production and had purchased smaller libraries of older films from other studios. It was also gearing up to produce TV shows like “Weeds” and later “Mad Men,” the Emmy-winning drama on cable TV’s AMC network.
By 2008, when Icahn publicly reported his holdings, the stock had started to decline as industry DVD sales stalled and the value of film libraries fell. At the time of his acquisition, Icahn said he planned to “have discussions with the executive officer” about increasing profitability, according to a filing.
Unlike Icahn, who in the past had pressured companies into making changes, Rachesky had a history of working with management.
When Rachesky bought a 19 percent controlling stake in Leap Wireless, he installed Doug Hutcheson, a member of the San Diego-based company’s founding group, as CEO.
Still Friendly
Lions Gate management sought out Rachesky. The company invited him to the Academy Awards and in July, Rachesky agreed to support management’s board candidates.
Icahn and Rachesky are still friendly, the one-time boss said.
“We see each other occasionally,” said Icahn, who celebrated Rachesky’s 50th birthday with him last year. “We simply disagree about Lion’s Gate.”
Icahn, who didn’t reach an agreement for board seats at Lions Gate, has criticized management overhead, the purchase of the TV Guide cable channel and film budgets that he says are excessive.
In his tender offer, Icahn has said he would replace Feltheimer and Vice Chairman Michael Burns. He also told the CNBC show “Fast Money” yesterday the next step could be a proxy fight.
Lions Gate, which is asking Canadian courts to reinstate its poison pill, has said it is building value by increasing TV production, buying the TV Guide channel and expanding into premium cable services through the Epix movie channel with Viacom Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Rachesky, president and co-founder of MHR Fund Management LLC, holds more stock in Vancouver-based Lions Gate, 19.7 percent to Icahn’s 18.8 percent, and has sided with management since joining the independent studio’s board in September. The company is urging rejection of Icahn’s $7-a-share offer.
“He was a smart guy,” Icahn recalled in an interview. “We did some good things together.”
No more. Rachesky and other investors publicly backing management of Vancouver-based Lions Gate, led by Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer, hold 34 percent of the stock, according to Bloomberg data. A vote on the company’s poison pill, designed to deter billionaire Icahn from gaining control, was tilting Lions Gate’s way before regulators in British Columbia ruled it invalid on April 27.
Icahn, 74, and Rachesky are old friends. In the early 1990s, Rachesky, who has a medical degree, was Icahn’s chief investment adviser and top lieutenant as they took large positions in biotechs like Cadus Pharmaceuticals Corp. and real estate. In 1993, Rachesky became Icahn’s representative on the board of Samsonsite parent E-II holdings.
To win, Icahn will have to increase his bid, according to David Joyce, a Miller Tabak & Co. analyst in New York who recommends buying the stock and says it could reach $8 in the next year. Rachesky declined to comment.
Higher Bid
Icahn’s offer, up from $6 originally, values the company at about $826 million. It expires tonight unless extended, which Icahn told CNBC yesterday he is likely to do.
“To get over 50 percent of the company, he clearly has to go over $7 a share,” said Alan Gould, an analyst with Soleil Securities Inc. in New York.
Lions Gate, run from Santa Monica, California, fell 8 cents to $6.92 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. Shares of the company, distributor of the “Saw” films, have risen 19 percent this year.
The company said yesterday preliminary fiscal 2010 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization exceeded $115 million, compared with $75 million estimated in February. That implies Ebitda of at least $17.1 million in the fourth quarter, compared with a projected loss on that basis earlier.
A higher bid would put more pressure on Rachesky, who began buying Lions Gate in mid 2005, when the stock traded between $9 and $11 a share.
Before then, Rachesky, like Icahn, was mostly a buyer of distressed stocks. New York-based MHR Fund Management, which he started in 1996 after leaving Icahn, scooped up mobile services provider Leap Wireless International Inc. and Loral Space & Communications Inc. from bankruptcy proceedings.
Expanding Production
At the time, Lions Gate was making plans to expand film production and had purchased smaller libraries of older films from other studios. It was also gearing up to produce TV shows like “Weeds” and later “Mad Men,” the Emmy-winning drama on cable TV’s AMC network.
By 2008, when Icahn publicly reported his holdings, the stock had started to decline as industry DVD sales stalled and the value of film libraries fell. At the time of his acquisition, Icahn said he planned to “have discussions with the executive officer” about increasing profitability, according to a filing.
Unlike Icahn, who in the past had pressured companies into making changes, Rachesky had a history of working with management.
When Rachesky bought a 19 percent controlling stake in Leap Wireless, he installed Doug Hutcheson, a member of the San Diego-based company’s founding group, as CEO.
Still Friendly
Lions Gate management sought out Rachesky. The company invited him to the Academy Awards and in July, Rachesky agreed to support management’s board candidates.
Icahn and Rachesky are still friendly, the one-time boss said.
“We see each other occasionally,” said Icahn, who celebrated Rachesky’s 50th birthday with him last year. “We simply disagree about Lion’s Gate.”
Icahn, who didn’t reach an agreement for board seats at Lions Gate, has criticized management overhead, the purchase of the TV Guide cable channel and film budgets that he says are excessive.
In his tender offer, Icahn has said he would replace Feltheimer and Vice Chairman Michael Burns. He also told the CNBC show “Fast Money” yesterday the next step could be a proxy fight.
Lions Gate, which is asking Canadian courts to reinstate its poison pill, has said it is building value by increasing TV production, buying the TV Guide channel and expanding into premium cable services through the Epix movie channel with Viacom Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian Conan O'Brien says he has no regrets on any of his decisions in January when NBC pulled the plug on his short-lived stint as host of "The Tonight Show" and installed Jay Leno in his place. In a second set of transcripts from his interview with television news program "60 Minutes" -- O'Brien's first talk with a reporter since leaving the "Tonight Show" -- the comic said he is "mostly very happy" right now.
Lindsay Lohan defends gun photo as "art"
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Lindsay Lohan on Thursday defended as "art" a photo of herself holding a gun to her mouth that sparked alarm about the former A-list actress whose life and career have spiraled downward in recent years. Lohan, 23, said the photo that she posted on Twitter was from a shoot for a book about the dark side of glamour by celebrity photographer Tyler Shields.
Two Dixie Chicks hatch offshoot Court Yard Hounds
NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Despite a combined sales total that tops 25 million albums and fame that can turn off-the-cuff comments into political firestorms, Dixie Chicks Emily Robison and Martie Maguire aren't relying on their past achievements to drive sales of their new project, Court Yard Hounds. Instead, the sisters and their label, Columbia, say they're treating the act -- whose self-titled album is out Tuesday (May 4) -- like a whole new entity. But some of the deals they're striking would make many emerging acts green with envy.
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"Family Guy" creator says Arizona law like Nazi Germany
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane has compared a tough new immigration law in Arizona to those of Nazi Germany. MacFarlane, whose irreverent animated TV comedies have themselves provoked controversy, said the Arizona law was more shocking than anything he had done on television.
Willie Nelson has more country tunes in the works
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Willie Nelson's "Country Music" album just arrived, but he's planning more country music in the very near future. Nelson has been in the studio with producer James Stroud, working on songs that he says "take up where the 'Country Music' album" -- an acoustic set produced by T Bone Burnett -- "left off, and then it went into the different sounds of drums and arrangements and more blending rock and country together. I think it's a natural evolution."
New film captures waning heyday of Chicago trading pits
CHICAGO (Reuters) - The loud, colorful traders who jostle for deals in Chicago's famed open-outcry pits now face an even greater threat than the advent of electronic dealing systems -- the algorithmic trade, says the director of a new documentary charting the demise of floor trading. More a living funeral than a eulogy, the film "Floored" that debuted on Friday recounts the transition from the bustling salad days of burly alpha males to a market dominated by faceless computer-based traders across the globe.
Spielberg, Scorsese, others call for Panahi release
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A group of film industry luminaries, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, on Friday called on the Iranian government to release jailed director Jafar Panahi. In a petition signed by filmmakers and actors such as Robert De Niro and Robert Redford, the group denounced the March arrest of Panahi, whose movies include "The White Balloon" and "The Circle."
J.D. Salinger copyright case to be reconsidered
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A lawsuit blocking publication of a purported "sequel" to J.D. Salinger's classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye" will be reconsidered in federal court, but Salinger's trustees are likely to prevail, an appeals court ruled Friday. The unauthorized spin-off, "60 Years Later: Coming through the Rye," was barred from publication in the United States after Salinger -- who died in January at age 91 -- last year sued its Swedish author Fredrik Colting, who writes under the name J.D. California.
Neil Innes: And now for something completely different
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Neil Innes, sporting a black beret with a bathtub rubber ducky on the top, is standing on the stage of a 42nd St. blues club thumbing his nose. The whole audience is making the same gesture and blowing raspberries back at him.
German, U.S. films win top prizes at Tribeca festival
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A German film about a young woman who flees an oppressive life in Istanbul and moves to Berlin and a documentary about a Down Syndrome couple won the top prizes at the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday. "When We Leave (Die Fremde)" by Austrian filmmaker Feo Aladag took two awards including best narrative feature and best actress for Germany's Sibel Kekilli. "Monica & David," by first-time director Alexandra Codina, won the best documentary prize for a portrait of an American Down Syndrome couple in love and preparing for their marriage.
Lindsay Lohan defends gun photo as "art"
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Lindsay Lohan on Thursday defended as "art" a photo of herself holding a gun to her mouth that sparked alarm about the former A-list actress whose life and career have spiraled downward in recent years. Lohan, 23, said the photo that she posted on Twitter was from a shoot for a book about the dark side of glamour by celebrity photographer Tyler Shields.
Two Dixie Chicks hatch offshoot Court Yard Hounds
NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Despite a combined sales total that tops 25 million albums and fame that can turn off-the-cuff comments into political firestorms, Dixie Chicks Emily Robison and Martie Maguire aren't relying on their past achievements to drive sales of their new project, Court Yard Hounds. Instead, the sisters and their label, Columbia, say they're treating the act -- whose self-titled album is out Tuesday (May 4) -- like a whole new entity. But some of the deals they're striking would make many emerging acts green with envy.
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"Family Guy" creator says Arizona law like Nazi Germany
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane has compared a tough new immigration law in Arizona to those of Nazi Germany. MacFarlane, whose irreverent animated TV comedies have themselves provoked controversy, said the Arizona law was more shocking than anything he had done on television.
Willie Nelson has more country tunes in the works
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Willie Nelson's "Country Music" album just arrived, but he's planning more country music in the very near future. Nelson has been in the studio with producer James Stroud, working on songs that he says "take up where the 'Country Music' album" -- an acoustic set produced by T Bone Burnett -- "left off, and then it went into the different sounds of drums and arrangements and more blending rock and country together. I think it's a natural evolution."
New film captures waning heyday of Chicago trading pits
CHICAGO (Reuters) - The loud, colorful traders who jostle for deals in Chicago's famed open-outcry pits now face an even greater threat than the advent of electronic dealing systems -- the algorithmic trade, says the director of a new documentary charting the demise of floor trading. More a living funeral than a eulogy, the film "Floored" that debuted on Friday recounts the transition from the bustling salad days of burly alpha males to a market dominated by faceless computer-based traders across the globe.
Spielberg, Scorsese, others call for Panahi release
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A group of film industry luminaries, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, on Friday called on the Iranian government to release jailed director Jafar Panahi. In a petition signed by filmmakers and actors such as Robert De Niro and Robert Redford, the group denounced the March arrest of Panahi, whose movies include "The White Balloon" and "The Circle."
J.D. Salinger copyright case to be reconsidered
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A lawsuit blocking publication of a purported "sequel" to J.D. Salinger's classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye" will be reconsidered in federal court, but Salinger's trustees are likely to prevail, an appeals court ruled Friday. The unauthorized spin-off, "60 Years Later: Coming through the Rye," was barred from publication in the United States after Salinger -- who died in January at age 91 -- last year sued its Swedish author Fredrik Colting, who writes under the name J.D. California.
Neil Innes: And now for something completely different
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Neil Innes, sporting a black beret with a bathtub rubber ducky on the top, is standing on the stage of a 42nd St. blues club thumbing his nose. The whole audience is making the same gesture and blowing raspberries back at him.
German, U.S. films win top prizes at Tribeca festival
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A German film about a young woman who flees an oppressive life in Istanbul and moves to Berlin and a documentary about a Down Syndrome couple won the top prizes at the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday. "When We Leave (Die Fremde)" by Austrian filmmaker Feo Aladag took two awards including best narrative feature and best actress for Germany's Sibel Kekilli. "Monica & David," by first-time director Alexandra Codina, won the best documentary prize for a portrait of an American Down Syndrome couple in love and preparing for their marriage.
MOVIE REVIEW: Iron Man 2
“Iron Man 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the Marvel superhero flick which took the world by storm two summers ago, is a mixed bag of pleasures and pitfalls. While this Iron Man feels more polished than its predecessor, there are some areas- particularly in the pacing- where the first movie shone brighter.
The sequel picks up right where “Iron Man” ended. Billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has just admitted that he is Iron Man in a press conference that’s broadcast the world over. Watching the telecast in Moscow is a brooding Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), who yearns for the day when he will be able to make Stark pay for stealing the technology that was invented by his ailing father Anton Vanko to power the Iron Man suit.
Months later, Stark is grilled by the US Senate, which is demanding that he surrender Iron Man to the US military because of its obvious applications as a weapon of war. Stark’s refusal to do so triggers conflict and betrayal among friends and competitors, culminating in a high-tech climax involving dozens of iron men trying to gun him down with hundreds of rounds of ammunition at a New York World Expo.
And so, the question is asked: is “Iron Man 2” better than the first movie, in the way that “Spider-Man 2” and “X-Men 2” surpassed their respective predecessors?
With “Iron Man 2,” the answer isn’t that obvious. Some will say yes, others will say no. For sure, the main ingredients which audiences loved about the first movie are all here, namely, Robert Downey Jr.’s compulsively likeable portrayal of fun-seeker Tony Stark, and the trappings which come with any superhero movie- the sleek suit and the amazing powers that come with it, not to mention the promise of spectacular mayhem and extravagant action.
The one area where “Iron Man 2” trumps the first outing is in the choice and casting of the villain. As Ivan/Whiplash, Mickey Rourke is a beguiling, menacing presence. The scene where he tries to kill Stark during the Monaco Grand Prix is, for this reviewer, the movie’s defining moment. Beefy, bulked up, and branding a whip in each hand that can slice steel cars the way a hot knife slices butter, Rourke’s menacing gravitas heralds the movie as one which could have been one of the best superhero movies ever made. Sadly, however, nothing which follows this searing sequence surpasses or even comes close to it. Even the obligatory mano a mano between Rourke and Downey in the film’s climax ends abruptly, depriving viewers of a longer, more drawn out clash that would have been more dramatically satisfying.
Rourke’s adoption of a thick Russian accent also makes it difficult to fully enjoy the portrayal, since it makes him incomprehensible at times. There’s a great line uttered by Rourke in the Iron Man 2 trailer which goes, “There will be blood in the water and sharks will come.” In the movie itself, it’s hard to decipher. Another scene has him demanding for his pet “bird,” but what we hear is “board.”
It is actually in the amount of dialogue that Iron Man 2 pales in comparison to the first movie, because there seems to be so much more of it in the sequel. There’s a long stretch of what feels like twenty minutes in the middle of Iron Man 2 where many of the characters just talk and talk: Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) stresses over problems in the office with Stark; Stark’s competitor Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) complains about the slow pace of Vanko’s work in creating new iron men. The actors do a fine job delivering their lines, but this is a superhero movie, not a Woody Allen drama. More action and destruction, please!
Strangely enough, it’s one of Woody Allen’s favorite actresses, Scarlett Johansson, who makes a surprising transition from dramatic actress to action babe in “Iron Man 2.” As Stark’s new assistant Natalie Rushman, Scarlett beats up the bad guys with aplomb while wearing a skintight, Matrix-inspired black leather outfit, making her one of Iron Man 2’s unexpected and unforgettable pleasures.
Fans will also delight in the cameo of Marvel Comics founder Stan Lee as a certain famous talk show host, and be thrilled by the coda following the closing credits, which provides a tantalizing hint as to the next Marvel superhero movie outing.
In the end, how you feel after seeing this teaser may sum up what’s good and bad about “Iron Man 2”- it’s lots of fun and excitement while it lasts, but after two movies, you’re ready to move on to the next superhero.
RATING: …. 4 out of 5 Spots
The sequel picks up right where “Iron Man” ended. Billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has just admitted that he is Iron Man in a press conference that’s broadcast the world over. Watching the telecast in Moscow is a brooding Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), who yearns for the day when he will be able to make Stark pay for stealing the technology that was invented by his ailing father Anton Vanko to power the Iron Man suit.
Months later, Stark is grilled by the US Senate, which is demanding that he surrender Iron Man to the US military because of its obvious applications as a weapon of war. Stark’s refusal to do so triggers conflict and betrayal among friends and competitors, culminating in a high-tech climax involving dozens of iron men trying to gun him down with hundreds of rounds of ammunition at a New York World Expo.
And so, the question is asked: is “Iron Man 2” better than the first movie, in the way that “Spider-Man 2” and “X-Men 2” surpassed their respective predecessors?
With “Iron Man 2,” the answer isn’t that obvious. Some will say yes, others will say no. For sure, the main ingredients which audiences loved about the first movie are all here, namely, Robert Downey Jr.’s compulsively likeable portrayal of fun-seeker Tony Stark, and the trappings which come with any superhero movie- the sleek suit and the amazing powers that come with it, not to mention the promise of spectacular mayhem and extravagant action.
The one area where “Iron Man 2” trumps the first outing is in the choice and casting of the villain. As Ivan/Whiplash, Mickey Rourke is a beguiling, menacing presence. The scene where he tries to kill Stark during the Monaco Grand Prix is, for this reviewer, the movie’s defining moment. Beefy, bulked up, and branding a whip in each hand that can slice steel cars the way a hot knife slices butter, Rourke’s menacing gravitas heralds the movie as one which could have been one of the best superhero movies ever made. Sadly, however, nothing which follows this searing sequence surpasses or even comes close to it. Even the obligatory mano a mano between Rourke and Downey in the film’s climax ends abruptly, depriving viewers of a longer, more drawn out clash that would have been more dramatically satisfying.
Rourke’s adoption of a thick Russian accent also makes it difficult to fully enjoy the portrayal, since it makes him incomprehensible at times. There’s a great line uttered by Rourke in the Iron Man 2 trailer which goes, “There will be blood in the water and sharks will come.” In the movie itself, it’s hard to decipher. Another scene has him demanding for his pet “bird,” but what we hear is “board.”
It is actually in the amount of dialogue that Iron Man 2 pales in comparison to the first movie, because there seems to be so much more of it in the sequel. There’s a long stretch of what feels like twenty minutes in the middle of Iron Man 2 where many of the characters just talk and talk: Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) stresses over problems in the office with Stark; Stark’s competitor Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) complains about the slow pace of Vanko’s work in creating new iron men. The actors do a fine job delivering their lines, but this is a superhero movie, not a Woody Allen drama. More action and destruction, please!
Strangely enough, it’s one of Woody Allen’s favorite actresses, Scarlett Johansson, who makes a surprising transition from dramatic actress to action babe in “Iron Man 2.” As Stark’s new assistant Natalie Rushman, Scarlett beats up the bad guys with aplomb while wearing a skintight, Matrix-inspired black leather outfit, making her one of Iron Man 2’s unexpected and unforgettable pleasures.
Fans will also delight in the cameo of Marvel Comics founder Stan Lee as a certain famous talk show host, and be thrilled by the coda following the closing credits, which provides a tantalizing hint as to the next Marvel superhero movie outing.
In the end, how you feel after seeing this teaser may sum up what’s good and bad about “Iron Man 2”- it’s lots of fun and excitement while it lasts, but after two movies, you’re ready to move on to the next superhero.
RATING: …. 4 out of 5 Spots
Kenward ‘Boo’ Bernis Arrested for Alleged Assault
don’t know what it is with the guys from reality TV show “Survivor,” but they appear to be getting themselves arrested one by one. It was only last week, that we reported that news that current “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” bad boy Russell Hantz had been arrested.
And now it appears that Kenward ‘Boo’ Bernis – who was a contestant on “Survivor: Fiji” back in 2007 – has also got himself arrested, in the exact same town that Russell got arrested last week. According to eonline.com, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman.
The alleged assault was said to have taken place at Bootleggers Bar, which is a nightclub that just happens to be owned by none other than Russell Hantz. Police didn’t really have any details on what prompted the assault, and declined to identify Kenward’s accuser.
According to Sgt. Mark Francis of the Lafayette Police Department, police were called to the scene and after they investigated the situation, they issued the reality TV star with a summons/citation for a misdemeanour battery offense that will require him to appear in court.
And now it appears that Kenward ‘Boo’ Bernis – who was a contestant on “Survivor: Fiji” back in 2007 – has also got himself arrested, in the exact same town that Russell got arrested last week. According to eonline.com, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman.
The alleged assault was said to have taken place at Bootleggers Bar, which is a nightclub that just happens to be owned by none other than Russell Hantz. Police didn’t really have any details on what prompted the assault, and declined to identify Kenward’s accuser.
According to Sgt. Mark Francis of the Lafayette Police Department, police were called to the scene and after they investigated the situation, they issued the reality TV star with a summons/citation for a misdemeanour battery offense that will require him to appear in court.
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