TV Ratings: CBS Tops Black Friday With Holiday Specials, 'Blue Bloods'

After being taken into custody on Wednesday, American-Egyptian filmmaker Jehane Noujaim is a free woman again.our editor recommendsLara Logan Breaks Silence About Egypt Sexual AssaultChristiane Amanpour Describes Chaos in Cairo: "Machetes, Meat Cleavers, Swords, Rifles The Control Room director was in her birth city of Cairo, filming protests in Tahrir Square for her latest project, when she was accused of throwing Molotov cocktails and jailed in Tora prison. She gave an interview to NBC News after her release. "My charge was throwing Molotov cocktails and destroying public property," she said. "If I throw a rock I'd hit the back of the head of the protester in front of me... that claim was so ridiculous, yet I was in prison for 36 hours because of it." Noujaim was not abused, as some journalists have claimed to be. Her phone and camera were confiscated, though, and she said all she did to incite the arrest was flee an area filled with tear gas clouds. "If that happens to me, imagine what happens to a kid who gets picked up off the street who doesn't have all of these connections," she said. Noujaim has been working in Tahrir Square protests for 10 months for a film about Egypt's revolution. She admitted in the interview that the process was slow. "These changes take time," she said, "and I don't want to put this gigantic blame on the poor kids in the police or the poor kids in the army." Control Room, her 2004 documentary about Al Jazeera and the way news organizations covered the invasion of Iraq, was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, a DGA Award and a WGA Award. Related Topics

NBC Issues Apology to Michele Bachmann for Jimmy Fallon's 'Late Night' Song Slam

Aldo RossiClockwise from left: Cari Fletcher, Paige Elizabeth, Dani Knights and Hayley Orrantia X Factor's Simon Cowell says girl group Lakoda Rayne, which he along with fellow judges L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger created when it paired bootcamp finalistsDani Knights, Cari Fletcher, Paige Elizabeth and Hayley Orrantia, was voted off the competition for being "too pretty."our editor recommends'X Factor' Double Elimination: Who Went Home for the Holidays?'X Factor' Burning Questions: Is L.A. Reid Out of the Demi Lovato Loop? Will Chris Rene's 'Young Homie' Be Released?'X Factor' Redux: Melanie Amaro Finds Her Spirit and Her Accent (Video) "It's a problem I've had all my life," he joked following Wednesday's elimination show. But in all seriousness, he blamed the group members' looks for their exit. "Girls didn't like them," Cowell said. "Groups are always difficult but I think someone like Drew is very good in that she speaks to teenagers like a teenager -- that's part of her appeal. They're a bit older, but it's the same principle." PHOTOS: 'X Factor' Behind the Scenes As The Top 11 Work Out the Week's Performances As for LeRoy Bell, the unlikely 60-year-old finalist who stole America's heart with his velvety voice and sweet disposition, Cowell doubts ageism was at work. "It was personality-ism," the head judge told the Hollywood Reporter. "You've really got to pop now, you've got to make people want to vote for you when you're competing with people like Drew or Rachel [Crow] or particularly what Melanie [Amaro] did Tuesday night. At this point, you make a statement and I always felt with LeRoy that he was slightly embarrassed that he had to compete with 13 ort 14-year-olds because he's a man and he's got dignity. And I kind of get it, but I felt that he didn't quite let himself go in the way that Josh [Krajcik] lets himself go." Speaking of letting things go, it seems Reid isn't holding a grudge when it comes to Cowell's verbal assault the other night. "L.A. was a little bit frosty at the beginning, particularly when he saw the playback of the show," Cowell cracked. "I don't think he liked that very much, because I had the last word." PHOTOS: Get to Know 'X Factor's' Top 17 Finalists Still, Cowell insists it's mostly for show. "I explained to L.A. before we did the show that we're going to have that kind of relationship," he said. "If you like each other, you can have that kind of banter." But Cowell isn't about to let the Demi Lovato slip go. To recap: Reid criticized Drew for singing the hit "Skyscraper" saying it was music for 40-year-olds. Lovato, who sings the song, is 19. "We haven't stopped talking about it," Cowell said with a chuckle. "I'm having the album delivered to his dressing room." Cowell adds that he was as surprised as anyone that Reid "didn't know the song," but he also saw it as an opportunity. "I loved it because I knew he was going to have a problem with [Drew], that's been going on for a while," Cowell explained. "So when he dropped the ball on Demi, it was like, 'Fine, now I'm going to say what I want to say.'" And did he ever. Cowell called Reid's insights "stupid, inaccurate rubbish" among a slew of other insults, leaving the Epic Records chairman dumbfounded. But no hard feelings -- minutes later, the two were kibitzing outside the X Factor stage door. It is television, after all. Twitter: @shirleyhalperin PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Inside Simon Cowell's 'X Factor' Trailer (Exclusive) PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'X Factor' Behind the Scenes: The Top 11 Work Out the Week's Performances Nicole Scherzinger Paula Abdul Simon Cowell Antonio L.A. Reid Lakoda Rayne LeRoy Bell Josh Krajcik Melanie Amaro Drew Ryniewicz The X Factor

'X-Files' Actor John Neville Dies: Remembering The Well-Well-stored Guy

British actor John Neville died late the other day at 86. Theater buffs might remember him just like a respected Shakespearean actor who came out in each one of the Bards plays movie mavens might know him from his starring role in Terry Gilliams The Adventures of Baron Munchausen." But in my opinion, John Neville was and then try to will be the Well-Well-stored Guy. If you're no X-Phile I have a bit of cause of you (we could discuss the key reason why you are not an X-Phile another time): On Chris Carters groundbreaking Tv program The X-Files, John Neville carried out one of several nameless recurring figures (most likely probably the most infamous being Cigarette Smoking Guy). CSM and Well-Well-stored Guy were people in the Syndicate, an worldwide quantity of super-secretive changers and shakers who tried to thwart the efforts of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully inside their search for the real truth about extra-terrestrials. As WMM, John Neville came out in most likely the most crucial cases of "The X-Files" throughout its middle seasons. A Few Things I loved in regards to the character, aside from his amazingly awesome Britishness, was his undisguised loathing of CSM which figures unrefined techniques of hiding the truth. Even though he was part of the Syndicate, WMM shown moral ambivalence in regards to the work of his shadow organization and empathy for Mulder and Scully. The Well-Well-stored Guy met his finish in 1998, throughout the initial "X-Files" movie. Soon after giving Mulder what he needed to discover and save his beloved partner Scully, and telling him to trust nobody, WMM died in the spectacular vehicle explosion. It absolutely was a suitable finish with this particular legendary TV character. Reveal what you consider inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

'Skyfall' Set Photos: Is That James Bond's Basement Office?

What can you expect from the next James Bond installment, 'Skyfall'? Judging by the first set photo, part of it will take place in a bathroom. Now, according to the second set photo, it will also include a basement office. On Friday, the James Bond Facebook page posted an image showing a plain black desk inside a basement, or warehouse, or -- well, who knows? It's all speculation at this point, but the image does say they're on Day 10 of shooting. So, there's that! The few things definitely known about the upcoming 007 sequel? Sam Mendes is directing it, Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes are starring in it, and the plot won't follow the storyline of the last two Bond installments. 'Skyfall' is due in theaters on Nov. 9, 2012. [via James Bond 007] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'Parks and Recreation's' Nick Offerman on Mustaches and Being Handled by Robin Givens (Q&A)

The Hollywood Reporter: You're most broadly noted for Parks and Rec, however, you've been an energetic working actor more than 14 years. The thing that was your work like just before the show?our editor recommends'Parks and Rec's' Nick Offerman Strips to Alpaca Shorts for completely new NBCU Eco-friendly PSAs (Exclusive Video) Related Subjects•The Race Nick Offerman: I'd been developing a great living for approximately 10 years within L.A. It's my job to felt effective just doing that. I've been working continuously becoming an actor since around 1998. I wasn't well-known inside the public, however will be a reliable working journeyman. I used to be working greater than all the people I understood from college and my Chicago theater community, therefore i didn't realize that I wasn't "effective" enough. After I received my job on Parks, it absolutely was so dreamy, kind of unfathomable. I didn't think employment that excellent could is available for me personally. THR: Is acting something you've required to focus on, or does it come naturally? Offerman: I felt like I used to be excellent advertising online, that's yet another way of proclaiming that I used to be full of it. My dad always mentioned I'd an excellent kind of Baloney, therefore i figured I'd produce a good lawyer or actor. STORY: 'Parks and Rec's' Mike Schur and THR'S Top 50 Showrunners THR: The thing that was the very first SAG job? Offerman: A show referred to as Angel Street for CBS, starring Robin Givens. Robin can be as large as my pinky, and he or she required to, sooner or later in this episode, tackle me inside an alley. It absolutely was shot in Chicago. The show didn't last very extended. THR: How have people years of journeyman work aided fine-tune your craft? Offerman: The finest lesson I've learned is always that there's virtually no better showing ground in comparison to theater. And the key factor I learned from working SAG jobs is simply ... persistence. In the event you're a geniune thinker, you are going get told no a good deal, plus you've got to be capable of hear no many occasions within the bankers and trust that eventually, someone will notice that you are a designer and not a can of soda. THR: How can it to feel to finally "arrive" at 41? Offerman: I'm glad I needed a really very long time to acquire here. Whether or not this had happened inside a youthful age, I probably may have self-destructed for some reason. I'm barely hanging on since it is within my age now. Allowing an idiot a couple of dollars, which he and also the money will rapidly be separated. THR: The authors have labored plenty of your interests, like woodworking, to your character. Is Ron Swanson a elevated version people? Offerman: There's been plenty of opining relating to this, nevertheless it's like saying Homer Simpson can be a elevated version of the person. Ron is type of popular mythological character in the TV comedy. However when I were some offers, they'd be employing the same colors to fresh fresh paint Ron in a considerably bigger and bigger fashion. THR: How will you prepare for moments? Offerman: It doesn't take much. Ron is certainly inside me, waiting to exact his righteous indignation. There's some my dad and grandfather and every school principal I've ever are uncovered to in Ron -- individuals who've a pomposity about just as one administrator. THR: OK, your mustache. Why you think it's becoming this kind of speaking point? Offerman: Sadly, our country has become so emasculated the national audience might be surprised at a man essentially growing whiskers, as though I were growing diamonds in my face. THR: At your job amusing stars like Amy Poehler. Do you have any techniques to suppress laughter throughout filming? Offerman: I pretend I'm annoyed because when funny they are. Your sister might be probably the most fantastic place in the world, however when they are being amusing and everyone loves them, you'll be able to think, "Oh, God, barf." Therefore I make an effort to put myself because mind space -- "Oh, America loves you. You're so funny" -- and continue to be annoyed because when gifted they are. THR: Your partner, Megan Mullally, has existed several Parks episodes as Ron's insane ex. What's it would rather interact? Offerman: It's a absurd dream. My partner is really possibly the finest working lady in comedy. I am in a position to't consider anyone who even approaches her achievements and her abilities. I appear just like a college basketball player coping with enjoy Jordan. Related Subjects SAG Amy Poehler NBC Parks and Entertainment Nick Offerman Honours Season Preview

Journey 2 Trailer Lands

Thank you for going to The Mysterious Island...In 2008, Josh Hutcherson's Sean Anderson was drawn together with a journey beneath the ground with uncle Trevor (Brendan Fraser), where they discovered a unique arena of dinosaurs, danger and lava. That was for Journey Towards The Middle Of The Planet, now the follow-up is racing towards us. So give a warm thank you for going to a clip for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, which you'll want to watch below.Really, round the evidence of this, you may want to shove that welcome inside the fridge for some time prior to deciding to search it. For though Hutcherson has came back being employed as Sean and Dwayne Manley is his new stepfather, Hank Parsons, a clip is taken away becoming an uninviting combination of bad puns, crazy overacting (Luis Guzman, we could assist you to cashing that paycheque!) and blatant 3d pandering. Oh, and dinosaurs. Again.This time around around around, it's Sean who's the driving pressure for your expedition while he persuades Hank to participate him by having an try to locate his grandfather (Michael Caine), which has apparently discovered the mysterious island chronicled by Jules Verne inside the titular book. To help by themselves mission, Sean and Hank recruit the comely Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) and crazy pilot Gabato (Guzman, mugging for individuals he's worth).Naturally, they uncover the area, which is full of giant lizards, a lot more giant bugs and small tigers. But soon these identify the island is not as stable since it appears. Well, clearly.Aside from the odd gag that really works here (mostly a credit to Mr Team Go themselves, who provides lines like, "that was emasculating" using the keen gusto they can), Journey 2 seems enjoy it might be sillier in comparison to original, rather than forever in an effective way. Still, we'll reserve judgement prior to the film arrives on February 10.

Brett Ratner out as Oscar producer

RatnerThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirms that Brett Ratner has resigned as producer of this year's Oscar telecast following his use of a gay slur on Friday evening and his raunchy interview on "The Howard Stern Show" Monday. In an open letter, Ratner said he resigned to Academy president Tom Sherak this morning by phone and that he "apologizes publicly and unreservedly." "I should have known this all along, but at least I know it now: words do matter," Ratner said. "Having love in your heart doesn't count for much if what comes out of your mouth is ugly and bigoted." In the statement from the Academy, Sherak's position represents a 180-degree shift from yesterday when he said, "We think Brett's apology was sincere and showed that he understood how insensitive he had been. We believe his apology reflects who he really is at heart." By late Tuesday he had accepted Ratner's resignation. "He did the right thing for the Academy and for himself," Sherak said in a statement. "Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent." Outrage over Ratner's comments has been building over the past few days among Academy members and the industry. Sherak announced Ratner's appointment in August, and the "Tower Heist" director was slated to work alongside veteran producer Don Mischer. Sherak cited Ratner's comedic experience as being a big selling point in hiring him. Though Ratner has always been a controversial choice, he was instrumental in bringing Eddie Murphy on as host in September and had hired several veteran comedy writers to breathe new life into the show. It is unclear whether Murphy will stay on as host. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Sinclair buys Freedom stations for $385 mil

The price suits Sinclair Broadcast Group to acquire to station acquisition mode. The business on Wednesday revealed a deal to buy eight mid-sized market Tv producers from Irvine-based Freedom Communications for $385 million. Sinclair's pact with Freedom happens the heels of the $200 million deal inked lately to buy seven stations from Four Points Media, a partnership partner of non-public equity giant Cerberus Capital Management. The Freedom and Four Points purchases were attractive to Sinclair because the station were offered by a somewhat inexpensive and they're going to enhance the company's business by supplying it multiple stations in areas including Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Albany, N.Y., according to Sinclair chief financial officer David Amy. Although local stations in small- and mid-sized areas are actually using a rough few years among bigger economic turmoil, Sinclair remains bullish on broadcast -- they may be expected from one of the nation's greatest station entrepreneurs. Amy mentioned the additions in the Freedom and Four Points stations would drive 40% rise in their free earnings. Sinclair is famous because of its skill at blending top earnings from the stations, specifically in areas where it has several. Baltimore-based Sinclair continued to be mainly on the sidelines about five years ago when private equity finance finance players like Cerberus began getting upset up Tv producers at much greater multiples than Sinclair is needing to pay now. "This didn't appear sensible for people to obtain available and compete in the private equity finance finance males. We mentioned in those days, 'Wait five years, you will notice us acquiring again.' " Freedom's acquisition of their broadcast characteristics happen to be expected following the organization completed its personal personal bankruptcy reorg a year ago. Freedom has 27 daily newspapers, like the Oc Register, among other print and digital guides. Another Freedom areas are Knoxville, Tenn., Medford, Ore., Beaumont, Texas and Grand Rapids and Lansing, Mich. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Chris Brown, Marc Anthony, LMFAO Put in American Music Honours Selection

The American Music Honours has added Chris Brown, Marc Anthony and LMFAO towards the already star-studded line-from artists.our editor recommends2011 American Music Honours: Adele Leads With 4 Nominations (Video) PHOTOS: AMA Hot Performances The entertainers join formerly introduced functions Christina Aguilera, Attacking Youthful Boys, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Pitbull and Maroon 5. As they are tradition while using AMAs, there will not be any host available, keeping the prospective the background music. The AMAs will probably be broadcast reside in the NOKIA Theatre on Sunday, November. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. This year, the network may even air an energetic pre-show at 7 p.m., titled "Countdown for the American Music Honours." VIDEO: 2011 American Music Honours: Adele Leads With 4 Nominations Lance Bass, Sarah Hyland, Michael Buckley, Estelle, Audrina Patridge, Josh Sussman and Xzibit will co-host the web red-colored-colored carpet pre-show, livestreaming worldwide beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Fans can election for favorite nominees online within the Coca-Cola AMA voting webiste, amavoting.com, additionally to AMA.abc.com. Adele acquired most likely probably the most AMA nominations this year, with four, after they were introduced March. 11. PHOTOS: Top Finest Paid out Artists Katy Perry,Rhianna,Weezy,Beyonce,This Rock Band PerryandTaylor Swifteach saw three nods whileBeyonce,Bruno Mars,Chris Brown,Jason Aldean,Kanye,LMFAO,Nicki Minajand Pitbullcollected two nominations. Related Subjects American Music Honours Chris Brown Marc Anthony