Jake Johnson Raves About 'No Strings Attached' Director Ivan Reitman

'I couldn't debate him on stuff,' actor says of legendary director/producer.
By Kara Warner


Jake Johnson
Photo: MTV News

For rising comedic star Jake Johnson, who appears alongside Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman in the new romantic comedy "No Strings Attached," his personal highlight from working on the film (in addition to having the best lines in the trailer and many of the killer one-liners in the film as well) was working with legendary director/producer Ivan Reitman.

"For me, working with Ivan Reitman was crazy because of 'Ghostbusters,' " Johnson recently told MTV News of the man responsible for helping bring comedic classics like "Animal House," "Ghostbusters" and "Meatballs" to the screen. "We did a whole scene where, this was one of the coolest moments of the movie for me, the scene where we're in a fraternity house, partying and, you know, Ivan produced 'Animal House,' " Johnson added. "And we're all hanging out, setting up, and he goes to somebody he was standing next to, we were standing in a little circle, and he goes, 'Man, I'm having flashbacks of "Animal House" in here.' And he looked around and goes, 'This is exactly how it felt, but in a different era.' And I thought, 'That's awesome!' Like, this is actually that man. [He] was there and [John] Belushi and [Bill] Murray and all those guys were such inspirations for our kind of generation. So to see a man who was there, it made it very real."

The actor, who you may recognize from his roles in "Get Him to the Greek" and "Paper Heart," said Reitman's legacy and résumé meant Johnson and the rest of the cast were happy to do whatever their director asked of them.

"Ivan's a guy who we all kind of felt on set that we're all going to bat for him. Anything he says, we're trying," he said. "And it's different when you act with a director who's your age and in your group, because it is more of, you get to battle it out, talk influences, and say like, 'We're trying to do this, but it's more like that,' ... Well, Ivan is the influence!" Johnson enthused. "So I couldn't debate him on stuff. It would be like, 'Yes, sir! Yeah! Let's do that! It's quite right! Like the movie, you made.' "

Check out everything we've got on "No Strings Attached."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more -- updated around the clock -- visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Usher Most Admires Justin Bieber's 'Excitement And Innocence'

Bieber's mentor tells MTV News the teen sensation has 'so much more in store for the future.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Tim Kash


Usher and Justin Bieber at the 2010 AMAs
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

With so much accomplished in 2010, Justin Bieber has certainly set the bar high for 2011. But the teen singer is already gearing up for next year. Bieber will not only release his much-anticipated 3-D flick, "Never Say Never", but he has also teased that he'd like to release an album of all-new material sometime later next year.

His mentor, Usher, thinks that at this point, the sky's the limit.

"As far as music and entertainment, that's the beginning," Usher told MTV News at Sunday's AMAs, where Bieber performed and took home four awards.

"There's so much more in store for the future, or at least there's a ton of things we can do and will, and with the support of his fans who will continue to just grow and grow and grow."

At 16, Bieber has accomplished what few manage with many more years in the music business, but Usher said he wants to ensure that Bieber doesn't stop enjoying it all as his popularity continues to grow and his schedule gets busier.

Asked what he admires most about Justin, Usher said, "His excitement and innocence in it. And I don't mean that in a light way because I think that he's absolutely enjoying every moment of it, as any young man his age would, but in a different way because [of] the hard work that has gone in and led to the dream that has become a reality. And every time you have an opportunity do something incredible, I tell him to do his best and be conscious that what you're doing today should last forever and eternity."

What did you think of Justin's AMA performance on Sunday? Tell us in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652855/usher-most-admires-justin-biebers-excitement-innocence.jhtml

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Stone Temple Pilots Reunited In Hopes Of Opening For Led Zeppelin, Bassist Says

'If time allows, there will definitely be new music,' Robert DeLeo adds of STP's future.
By Chris Harris


Stone Temple Pilots' Robert DeLeo and Scott Weiland
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images

There are a number of reasons why Stone Temple Pilots decided to reunite after nearly five years apart — some are obvious, and others, not so much.

Of course, the financial windfall of reviving the grunge stalwarts for an extensive U.S. tour was too good to pass up, and bassist Robert DeLeo readily admits as much. And then there are the fans, the ones who had been with STP since the very beginning as well as those who discovered the band only after it first split back in 2003 and who, woefully, have yet to catch the Pilots live.

On a more personal level, though, Stone Temple Pilots' resurrection was purely selfish, and very much an anticipatory (not to mention optimistic) move on the band's part: If, after the months and months of rumors and denials, there ever is a full-on Led Zeppelin reunion tour, STP wanted to be ready to offer their services as an opening act.

"Believe me, that was one of the reasons," laughed DeLeo. "We thought, 'We should get together now, in case Zeppelin does tour.' I'm serious, man. That would be one hell of a bill: STP and Led Zeppelin. I mean, we could play a doghouse, out in the middle of the ocean, and if I got to play with Zeppelin, that would be a highlight of my life."

Yes, DeLeo — and the rest of the band — had several reservations about raising STP from the dead — a feat DeLeo jokingly referred to as "Mission Impossible." For the band's members, the idea of regrouping was terrifying at first, but with time, the boys settled their differences and tried to think positive.

"For me, it was about putting down some of the things that I was used to getting bitten by," explained the bassist — who, with guitar-playing brother Dean DeLeo, has been collaborating with Peter Frampton on material for his next LP. "After you get bitten, it's hard to go back. I wanted to go into this with an open frame of mind and a positive attitude and just have fun with it. We should have fun with it, which God knows we didn't always have with our career when we were younger. If that's all I can say, and that's what I can get out of this reunion, great.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say there's a lot of unfinished business that we didn't get around to the first go," he continued. "Enough time has gone by, and it feels really good to be back. I don't really want to put too much thought into how it feels — I'm just kind of going with it and keeping a good positive attitude about it. I just needed to get over the things that we all needed to get over, and that's been working so far. If everyone shows up and does this thing, I think it's going to be really amazing."

DeLeo claims that during recent rehearsals, STP were "sounding as good as ever," and he credits sobriety as part of the reason the band's in tip-top shape.

"My brother's going on four years of sobriety," he said. "We have a lot more clarity in the band now, and I think with clarity comes appreciation. I saw that the other night, when we played [a secret gig in Los Angeles]. I saw it in my eyes, and in the eyes of the rest of the band. There's a lot more rock in this band now."

As for an STP record, DeLeo is not 100 percent sure that's going to happen. The goal for STP over the next few weeks, he said, is to reacquaint themselves with their songbook and prepare for their return to the road. Once the band is back in that mindset, the bassist said new STP material is very possible.

"I've always got stuff written, and there's always a long list of songs that are always there — it's a matter of timing," DeLeo said. "If time allows, there will definitely be new music. I think it would be silly not to release new music. I'd like to believe we still have a writing relationship, but the first step is getting reacquainted with what we know."

While STP were on hiatus, frontman Scott Weiland teamed up with Velvet Revolver, and the DeLeo brothers joined forces with Filter's Richard Patrick for Army of Anyone — who are now on hiatus after releasing a poorly received self-titled LP. Does DeLeo foresee an AOA reunion somewhere down the line?

"You never know," he said. "It's just like STP — I didn't know if I was going to return. Whether we get back together and do anything, I think we made a great record, bottom line. That's all that matters to me. If we make another one, I want to make sure it's great, and that applies to STP and anything I do. But I was pretty heartbroken over [the feeble response to AOA's album]."

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586020/stone-temple-pilots-reunited-tour-with-zeppelin.jhtml

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Usher Gets Sick, Walks Offstage Mid-Show In Berlin

Singer cancels kick off date of European leg of his OMG Tour due to illness.
By Gil Kaufman


Usher (file)
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage

Usher was forced to delay the kick off of his European OMG Tour on Wednesday night in Berlin because of illness. In a statement released to fans, the singer apologized for the last-minute scratch, saying he felt he was suffering from a "sinus complication." Although the gig was rescheduled for Thursday night at the O2 World arena in Berlin, his German fans apparently weren't appeased by his effort.

"I am truly sorry to all my fans in Berlin who were inconvenienced by tonight's postponement of the show," the singer said in a statement about Wednesday's aborted concert. "I was ill and felt that I would not have been able to give them the show that they properly deserve. ... I am looking forward to performing tomorrow and giving Berliners a great show."

According to the statement, the singer received treatment from doctors for a sinus issue that affected his balance, but a visibly still-ailing Usher was unable to finish the Thursday make-up show, reportedly abandoning the stage after just five songs.

On Friday (January 14), a follow-up statement from his spokesperson confirmed that he was too ill to play Thursday night's Berlin date and has been forced to reschedule the next three dates on the tour as well. The Rotterdam show originally scheduled for this week has been moved to March 1 and a show in Antwerp, also slated for this week, has been bumped to March 7.

The statement also updated the singer's condition: "Usher is suffering from upper respiratory illness, which is currently preventing him from performing a proper show. After consultation with doctors, he has been advised to reschedule the upcoming dates in order to get the rest he needs to ensure a complete recovery."

Footage posted on YouTube that was purportedly taken at the make-up performance in Berlin shows Usher standing silently at the microphone seemingly unable to sing, with fans booing him at first and then chanting, "Usher, Usher," as he approaches the microphone and apologizes to them for his struggles. "I appreciate your support," he told the fans wearily.

"I have been very excited about my European Tour and I deeply regret having to reschedule the shows," the singer said in the new statement. "I am truly sorry for any inconvenience I have caused my fans. My fans are the best in the world and I am looking forward to getting better so that I can give them the show they deserve."

Usher wrapped up the North American leg of his tour in December and his overseas dates are slated to last through the spring.

What do you think of the fans' reaction to Usher's walking offstage mid-show? Tell us in the comments.

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Tiesto's 'Greatest DJ Of All Time' Title Earns David Guetta's 'Respect'

'When I see those shows, it's unbelievable,' Guetta tells MTV News of fellow dance-music superstar's success.
By Akshay Bhansali


David Guetta
Photo: MTV News

In the February issue of the U.K. dance-music magazine Mixmag, veteran producer Tiësto is named the Greatest DJ of All Time, a title bestowed upon him by fans voting in a poll that began back in September. According to Mixmag, hundreds of thousands of clubbers were asked to vote and debate 35 DJs, each one nominated by big names in dance music. Some 80,000 votes were collected, and King Tiësto emerged with the crown.

That Tiësto should be considered the Greatest DJ of All Time should come as no surprise to dance-music fans, given his relentless touring schedule. Just last year, his Kaleidoscope Tour spanned 15 months, seeing him play 175 dates across six continents and performing for more than a million people. He was nominated for two Billboard Touring Awards (alongside folks like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber) and was among Billboard's Top 25 Biggest Grossing Touring Acts of 2010. As a result, he has been a fixture on basically every DJ poll of the past decade. Since 2002, he has been in the top three of DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs poll, including three times at #1.

Coupled with his touring efforts, the onetime trance DJ has had an evolution in his sound, opening him up to a larger audience by incorporating elements of house music (some fans call his music "trouse"). His last studio disc, Kaleidoscope, featured vocals by Nelly Furtado, Tegan and Sara, Jonsi from Sigur Rós, and Yele from Block Party. His single "Feel It" with Three 6 Mafia, Sean Kingston and Flo Rida went gold. "C'Mon," his single with Major Lazer producer Diplo, was the talk of WMC last year, and Busta Rhymes would eventually lend his vocals to the song.

"He sells out stadiums but never comes across as big-headed or arrogant," EDM DJ/producer Sander Van Doorn told Mixmag. "He's very approachable, asking questions about music, giving tips and honest opinions."

"He's a new friend," house producer Afrojack told MTV News recently. "He's a nice guy. Just like David [Guetta]. They are both nice guys. Like really, really nice guys."

This week, MTV News caught up with Guetta, who revealed yet another dimension to Tiësto's greatness: While Guetta has achieved success here with the help of American radio, Tiësto has done it all on his own.

"We're actually good friends," Guetta said. "I have nothing but respect for him and friendship. When I see those shows, it's unbelievable. We kind of pull the same kind numbers, but I have massive hits on the radio, and for him to be able to do what he does, without having crossover records, it's incredible. I respect that a lot."

Tiësto will begin his residency at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel & Casino later this year and will be dropping his Club Life mix album in the next few months.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1656432/david-guetta-tiesto.jhtml

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J.K. Simmons Reveals 'Spider-Man 4' Character Arc

'J. Jonah Jameson was going to be somehow exiled or disgraced or demoted,' actor tells MTV News at Sundance of scrapped film.
By Eric Ditzian


J.K. Simmons
Photo: MTV News

PARK CITY, Utah — We'll probably never know the full extent of what Sam Raimi had planned for "Spider-Man 4," including widespread rumors that John Malkovich would play the villain Vulture. Sony Pictures bailed on the project early last year and is currently rebooting the franchise with Marc Webb in the director's chair.

But pieces of Raimi's aborted "Spider-Man" puzzle could drip out in the future. In fact, J.K. Simmons, who played Daily Bugle head honcho J. Jonah Jameson, kicked MTV News a puzzle piece when he outlined his character's planned arc for the flick.

"J. Jonah Jameson was going to be somehow exiled or disgraced or demoted and end up in some little cubicle somewhere and be railing, even more than usual, against the world," Simmons told us at the Sundance Film Festival.

The actor was in town to promote "The Music Never Stops," a moving drama about a man whose brain tumor renders him unable to differentiate past from present. But our talk inevitably turned to the "Spider-Man" that will never be, and Simmons admitted he was sad to see his version of the franchise die off — not least because it meant he wouldn't get to cash that hefty check.

"I'm still reeling from the rug being pulled out of us," he said. "I had just bought a house I can't afford!"

Shortly before Sony pulled the plug, Simmons had been eying work on another three "Spider-Man" films and was having creative meetings with Raimi.

"There wasn't a script-script yet, but I had seen Sam a few weeks before that and we talked about story ideas, because on those movies, we always started on the script and we expanded on it," he explained. "There was a lot of either us coming up with stuff in the room or doing it literally on set — a lot of improv-y stuff with the whole cast in those office scenes."

Simmons added: "He was saying, 'This is the basic outline, now go bring me funny stuff.' "

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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Another Look: Taylor Lautner In ?Abduction?

On Wednesday we got our first look at Twilight star Taylor Lautner in a new promo photo from his new film Abduction (his first post-Twilight film) and today we get to check out a second promo photo from the film that also features Lautner‘s co-star Lily Collins. Earlier this week, we got our first look [...]

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