'Forbidden Kingdom' is golden
LOS ANGELES, April 20 (UPI) -- The kung fu adventure flick "The Forbidden Kingdom" opened at No. 1 in U.S. movie theaters this weekend, estimated gate receipts show.
The Rob Minkoff-directed movie, starring Jet Li, Michael Angarano and Jackie Chan, pulled in an estimated $20.87 million in ticket sales in its first weekend, Box Office Mojo reported Sunday.
Debuting at No. 2 was "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," the romantic comedy written by and starring Jason Segel, registered $17.35 million in sales.
Last week's top film, "Prom Night (2008)," slipped to third at $9.1 million, followed by another new offering, "88 Minutes," the Al Pacino crime thriller, with $6.8 million in receipts.
The next four spots went to "Nim's Island," $5.65 million; "21," $5.5 million; "Street Kings," $4 million; and "Dr. Suess' Horton Hears a Who!," $3.5 million.
Starting at No. 9 was "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." The Nathan Frankowski-directed documentary narrated by Ben Stein that purports to show science is close-minded to the possibility of "intelligent design" took in an estimated $3.15 million.
Filling out the Top 10 was last week's fifth-place movie "Leatherheads," at $3.02 million.
Gone from the top tier were "Smart People," "Superhero Movie," "The Ruins" and "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns."
Charles' estate bestowal in disarray
LOS ANGELES, April 20 (UPI) -- The executive in charge of the late U.S. pianist Ray Charles' estate has prevented implementation of the rhythm and blues star's wishes, family members allege.
Several of Charles' 12 children have accused executive Joe Adams of not only hindering the "Georgia on My Mind" star's estate bestowal, but damaging their father's reputation, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.
"The biggest issue with me is disrespect for the family and kids," said the Rev. Robert Robinson, who is one of Charles' sons. "If you respect a man and his work, then you respect his kids. His blood is flowing through our veins."
The concerned family members say Adams released two Charles albums after the singer died and the production of both caused each to be a commercial disappointment.
Court records show Adams has also been targeted by family members through a number of lawsuits, which allege he blocked Charles-branded ventures and received "improper compensation" through related business dealings.
The Times said since Charles died in 2004, Adams has served as the head of Ray Charles Enterprises and has essentially had complete control of his estate.
Musicians struggling with noise regulation
LONDON, April 20 (UPI) -- Musicians throughout Europe are attempting to create their music while still obeying a new European noise regulation, industry members say.
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra manager Trygve Nordwall said was forced to cut composer Dror Feiler's "State of Siege" from his program after the orchestra's rendition of the piece violated European noise-at-work regulations, The New York Times reported Sunday.
"I had no choice," said Nordwall, whose orchestra reached 97.4 decibels during the piece. "The decision was not made artistically; it was made for the protection of the players."
The European noise regulations mandate employers to limit potentially dangerous noise levels from work environment to help protect their employees.
The Times of London said bagpipe bands are also facing tough times under the new regulation, which limits noise exposure to 85 decibels.
Ian Hughes, who heads up a bagpipe band in Scotland, said the regulation could ultimately spell doom for the traditional instrument, which can reach 122 decibels in band form.
"These limits are far too low. If we have to go with these regulations, pipe bands won't exist," he told the British newspaper. "Every pipe band in the world will be above the maximum volume level."
Source: Spears to appear on 'Mother' again
NEW YORK, April 20 (UPI) -- Pop star Britney Spears will appear on another episode of the U.S. comedy TV series "How I Met Your Mother," a source has claimed.
While Fox Studios has not confirmed the "Toxic" star will make a second appearance on the CBS sitcom, the source told People magazine that Spears and "Mother" executives are anxious for her to serve as a guest star again.
"The show is ecstatic and so is Britney," the anonymous source said. "She had so much fun the first time around she really wanted to come back. It was a mutual decision to work together more."
Spears received positive reviews of her appearance on a March 24 episode of the comedy series, which follows the tale of a New York man's romantic history.
"Mother" cast member Jason Segel said the singer was a natural in her portrayal of a receptionist at a dermatologist's office, People reported.
"She was hilarious in the table-read, and I got to see her do the run-through as well, and she was great," the actor said.
