Madonna Banned - Hunnam Quits 50 Shades - Avatar Land Postponed

Madonna Banned From Alamo Cinemas for 12 Years

Madonna needs to stop texting in cinemas

Texting during the screening of  "12 Years a Slave" at the New York Film Festival, and to the dismay of other patrons, Madonna has been banned from attending any movies for 12 years by the Alamo Drafthouse theatre chain.  With a zero tolerance policy towards anti-social moviegoers, Alamo CEO, Tim League told CMG, "Until she apologizes to movie fans, Madonna is banned from watching movies at any of our cinemas. It is a message that it is rude to text during movies and my decision will be enforced. I'm serious, but I don't think it really affects her life that much."

Apparently, Madonna spent much of the premiere, which was held at the Reade Theatre at Lincoln Center, tapping away on her phone - to the annoyance of other moviegoers.  When asked to desist, Madonna reportedly stated, "It's for business", and continued to tap away.  The banning of Madonna is a symbolic step for Alamo, as the incident did not occur at one of its cinemas, but which has a strict policy towards unruly cinema patrons. Obviously, Alamo wanted to send a general message to people who talk and/or text during movie presentations, even divas.

The Alamo Cinema Drafthouse, is a chain of boutique cinemas, well known for having superior movie presentations coupled with great food. It should be noted that Alamo screens anti-texting ads before each movie presentation. Sorry Madonna.

In the interest of full discloser, I should say that Entertainment Equipment, the company I manage, has worked in a consulting capacity for the Alamo Cinemas in the past.

Charlie Hunnam  Walks Away from '50 Shades of Grey'


Two weeks ago I posted that Charlie Hunnam had signed on to star in the making of the film, "50 Shades of Grey", which is based on the mega-best selling novel of the same name. According to a statement, this week,  Hunnam, stated that he had "scheduling issues" and was walking away from the role. Sources, close to the film, however reported that he got "cold feet" after he was overwhelmed with the attention he received from being cast in the movie.

The Hollywood Reporter, stated "Universal was forced to hire bodyguards for the actor at a recent Sons of Anarchy (the hit TV drama the Hunnam stars in) premiere, where questions about 50 Shades dominated the red carpet.  The sources cautioned that Hunnam (33) had no reservations about the role of Christian Grey, just the media and fan frenzy that came with it, especially as he was transitioning from Sons to 50 Shades so quickly."

Dakota Johnson, remains in the lead female role of the film, which is expected to be a three movie deal based on the three Shades novels by EL James, which have sold over 70 million copies.  After the announcement James twitted "I wish Charlie all the best. x".

Avatar Land Opening Postponed

Avatar Land looks to be a huge winner for Disney, but fans will have to wait until 2017 before the theme park opens.  Avatar Land will be part of Disney's Animal Kingdom park in Orlando and is slated to be one of the best and most immersive themed parks ever.

Disney spokesperson Tom Staggs, told CMG, "Avatar Land will be a multi-colored jungle, where patrons can float in a boat through fluorescent foliage, party with Na'vi revelers, and wander through a night-time adventure.  Avatar Land will be in epic scale, the whole experience will be awe-inspiring.  Guests will also discover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee. This is a huge endeavor." The attraction was to open in 2015 but is now scheduled for an early 2017 debut.

James Cameron, director of the film Avatar, had a big hand in developing Avatar Land. He plans on making three new films based in the fictional land of Pandora. Avatar is the highest grossing film of all time, with a $2.7 billion take.

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Jim Lavorato