UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

'Golden Compass' points to No. 1

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The controversial fantasy adventure film "The Golden Compass" debuted at No. 1 in U.S. theaters this weekend.

The movie, starring Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards, has drawn criticism from religious groups, particularly Catholics, contending it pushes atheism on children. The movie is based on a trilogy by British author Philip Pullman, a self-proclaimed atheist.

"Golden Compass" pulled in $26.13 million in estimated ticket sales in its first week, Box Office Mojo reported Sunday, far outdistancing No. 2 "Enchanted," which tallied $10.71 million after topping the charts last week.

"This Christmas" remained No. 3 at $5 million, followed by "Fred Claus," which moved up from sixth with $4.66 million. No. 5 was "Beowulf," down three spots with $4.4 million.

Rounding out the Top 10 were "No Country for Old Men," the Coen brothers film that climbed four spots from 10th with $4.23 million in ticket sales; "August Rush, $3.53 million; "Hitman," $3.48 million; "Awake," $3.3 million; and "Bee Movie," which is still buzzing after six weeks among the leaders, $2.61 million.

"The Mist" burned off, falling out of the top tier this week.

Writers strike means more reality programs

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. media executives are turning to reality television series as the ongoing writers' strike forces many sitcoms and other series into hiatus.

Most of television's prime time series will not feature new episodes next season, or in the foreseeable future, as the 5-week-long strike by the Writers Guild of America has sharply curtailed the entertainment options for many television viewers, The New York Times said Sunday.

Talks between media executives and union negotiators collapsed Friday, leaving the 2008 television series in turmoil as the pipeline for conventional programming dries up from the absence of fresh scripts.

The emphasis on reality-based programming may change the face of prime time television, as it did following the 1988 strike that ushered in such mainstays as "Cops" and "America's Most Wanted."

Media executives said the increased focus on reality-based programs is somewhat strike related, but noted that many conventional series are in hiatus in the first quarter and the reality programs simply supplement those time slots.

Will Smith says he will be president

LONDON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Actor Will Smith says he will reform healthcare and reduce homelessness when he fulfills his fantasy of becoming president of the United States.

"I always wanted to be the first black president but Barack Obama stole my idea. That's OK with me. Barack can go first and then I'll take my turn," Smith said in a nod to Obama, a Democratic presidential hopeful and senator from Illinois.

Smith, 39, was in England to promote his movie "I Am Legend," in which he survives a man-made plague, the Daily Mail reported Sunday.

Smith, a Democrat, said he has dreamed since childhood of being president and would tackle urgent social issues such as healthcare and basic shelter for everyone -- issues, Smith said, have been ignored by President George Bush.

"I don't believe he is an evil man," Smith said of Bush. "I just think he has an unevolved perspective."

Posh Spice bullied as a child

LONDON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Spice Girl Victoria Beckham says she was bullied viciously as a child, had no friends and felt she had little talent.

"You know, I've never been that good at anything, to be completely honest," Beckham told Elle Magazine, noting classmates chased her as a child and "used to pick up stones and hurl them towards my head. It was like they genuinely hated me, but I don't know why."

Beckham and the other Spice Girls are at the beginning of a worldwide reunion tour after taking seven years off to pursue separate careers, marry and have children. Beckham, known as "Posh Spice," is married to soccer star David Beckham, who now plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Speculation on the tour is that Beckham had her breast implants removed to reduce the risk she would fall out of her Roberto Cavalli-designed costumes during energetic dance routines, an tour insider told Britain's Daily Mail in a story published Sunday.