Hazanavicius in talks to direct Hanks
The French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, who won the Oscar in February for directing The Artist, is in talks to direct the Universal Pictures adaptation of the Erik Larson novel In the Garden of Beasts, the true story of the US ambassador William Dodd's experience in Germany in 1933. Tom Hanks has already signed on to star and produce the film. Natalie Portman is reportedly being courted to play Hanks' daughter in the harrowing pre-World War II tale.
Kathy Bates recovering from surgery
Kathy Bates has revealed that she has had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The actress, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, has been silent on Twitter since May. "Hey all, sorry for the long silence. I was diagnosed with breast cancer two months ago and am recovering from a double mastectomy," she tweeted on Thursday. Bates, 64, told People magazine: "My family call me Kat because I always land on my feet and this is no exception." - AFP
It's a boy for Nick and Vanessa Lachey
Nick and Vanessa Lachey welcomed their first child, Camden John, on Wednesday. In a statement, the couple said: "Love has truly been redefined for both of us." The Lacheys wed last year. Last month, the 38-year-old Nick reunited with his band, 98 Degrees. Vanessa, 31, is a co-host on Wipeout. - AP
Klum denies relationship with bodyguard
Heidi Klum is denying that she had an affair with her bodyguard while married to Seal. On Katie Couric's talk show on Wednesday, Klum said she "never looked at another man" while they were together. But more recently, she and the family's bodyguard of four years have got to know each other "from a completely different side". Klum chose not to call it a relationship: "It's just started … He's a great man." Seal recently criticised Klum for having a relationship with the man before their divorce was finalised earlier this year. Seal and Klum had been married for seven years. - AP
Pharoah to play Obama on SNL
Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, has announced that the 24-year-old comedian Jay Pharaoh will replace Fred Armisen as the show's resident Barack Obama, as SNL resumes its satirical commentary for another US presidential election. "It might be time to shake it up," he told the New York Times. Michaels confirmed that Taran Killam will play Paul Ryan and Jason Sudeikis will reprise his portrayals of Mitt Romney and Joe Biden.
Plan B nominated for Mercury prize
The rapper Plan B is the favourite among 12 finalists for Britain's prestigious Mercury music prize, honouring the best album of the year by a British or Irish band. The shortlist is heavy on emerging talents - eight of the nominated albums are debuts - and ranges across genres, from the jazz-rock act Roller Trio to the folk musicians Sam Lee and Ben Howard. The other finalists are Richard Hawley, Maccabees, Field Music, Jessie Ware, Lianne La Havas, Michael Kiwanuka, Django Django and Alt-J. The winner will be announced on November 1. - AP
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
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If you go
Flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.
The stay
Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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