Sony

Now, here's a sequel people actually do want to see.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the co-directors on "21 Jump Street," have just accepted the assignment of helming the second installment, which'll send Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) off to college — or, as Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) phrased it, the place where those two cowboys will be allowed to "drink booze, smoke weed with kids, and f**k anything with a big ass in jeans with low self-esteem."

As SlashFilm details, producer Neal Moritz spilled the beans to Collider about the filmmakers' return, which was uncertain given their current involvement with "The Lego Movie." Evidently, they'll be able to squeeze in their work on the "Jump Street" sequel as post-production work on "Lego" ensues with the VFX team. Hooray!

Moritz also shared a few details about the script, the second draft for which is currently "coming along."

"It leads off where we ended the last film and our guys are going to college. The relationship developed quite a bit in the first movie and now we’re kind of in the marriage phase between the two guys," he explained. "Now they're actual partners, so they're married — what happens once marriage starts? In certain ways, it’s kind of like the 'Seven Year Itch' of police buddy comedies."

The producer added, "What worked so well about the first one was — it was funny, yes, there was good action, yes — but really what worked more than anything was that there was great heart.  That’s the thing we’ve been working really hard on, just try and make sure that the heart of the first one is there for the second one."

He expects the film to go into production as early as September or October for a release in summer 2014.

Sony

Apocalypse comedies are all the rage lately – seriously, they're more common than Nicolas Cage movies right now – but in terms of originality, it's hard to beat "This Is the End."

The summer release, co-written and co-directed by longtime buds/collaborators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, features six of film's funniest joke-slingers (Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson and Jay Baruchel) playing "heightened versions" of themselves on the night of The Reckoning. Better yet, it takes place at a Hollywood house party and features handfuls of celebrity cameos, many of which end in gory demises.

That leaves our six main players left to fend for themselves while utter catastrophe reigns outside of the house (Franco's) they've barricaded themselves in.

We ventured south last spring to behold some of the improv-heavy shenanigans on a soundstage outside of New Orleans, where Franco's Hollywood house had been constructed. Here are the 15 most notable quotables.

Sony

"You have to prep the movie very fast and just get them spending money before they know what they're doing." – Danny McBride

You got the sense from all the major players involved on set that they were surprised a major Hollywood studio (Sony) would finance such a bizarro, balls-to-the-wall project.

"We suck with titles." – Seth Rogen

The project evolved from a short Rogen and Baruchel made a few years back called "Jay and Seth Vs. the Apocalypse." In its feature-length incarnation, it became "End of the World," and held that title at the time of our interviews. "There's a chance this isn't what the title ultimately ends up being," Rogen said. He was right.

Sony

"I actually don't like houses." – James Franco

We asked Franco if he had any insight as to why Rogen and Goldberg set the action at his fictional abode, and he was clueless. "We're supposed to be in my big mansion, but I don't have a house. I live in an apartment in New York, a pretty small one, on the Lower East Side." He added, "I've bought a couple houses over the years and I've always sold them. I found I don't like houses." As to if this house in particular would've been funded with "Spider-Man" money? "I guess. I'm sure Seth has more money than I have."

"I'm playing myself. So I'm an international superstar playboy extraordinaire." – Danny McBride

In seriousness, the "Eastbound and Down" star described the sextet's roles as "heightened versions" of themselves. "This movie doesn't take a lot of preparation," I won't lie." Baruchel described their takes on characters as "'Curb Your Enthusiasm'-ish... We are ourselves and we're not."

Sony

"There are aspects of me. Like I'm an actor. I like art. I like Seth." – James Franco

Each of the actor's personas were pushed to "a goofy extreme," the actor said. "The character [is] stupider. He's got the emotional level of a 13-year-old. They all do, I think… He's just a little shallower than I like to think that I am."

"I don't think I am as whiny. I cry a lot in this movie." – Craig Robinson

If he found himself fighting for survival in real life, Robinson says it'd be a whole new ballgame. "I think I'd be more like, 'Yeah, bring it mother f**ker."

Sony

"We definitely started off with everyone being full-blown assholes." – Evan Goldberg

Goldberg and Rogen subsequently realized that audiences might not care to watch a feature-length film about six arrogant actors they couldn't stand. "So we kind of gave them each more realistic characters," Goldberg said, to which Rogen added: "Gave them different types of assholes!"

"Seth oddly enough doesn't really have any negative attributes. He comes off as courageous and bold." – Danny McBride

The benefits of being the writer-director-producer, too? We're pretty sure he's kidding. Pretty sure.

Sony

"I'm wearing the studio-approved version of what I would wear." – Jay Baruchel

The actors were encouraged to bring their own wardrobes to set, or in some in cases, specific items. Robinson, for instance, was told to bring the custom-made monogrammed towels he's known for sporting. "I sweat a lot," he said. "I just like to have a towel, like Linus or somebody."

"Like if the Kardashians suddenly were fighting aliens or something like that." – James Franco

That's a point of reference Franco brings up for comparison when elaborating on the actors tweaking their public personas for the role. "I hope nobody watches this and thinks, 'Oh, that's what they're really like.'"

Sony

"It's insanely violent. I've seen a lot of celebrities die very grisly deaths." – Danny McBride

Sign us up.

"There's a lot of s**tting on each other's work in this movie." – Jay Baruchel

Baruchel, whose character is in town "visiting" from Montreal the night of the party (Actual Baruchel remains north of the border as well), on the actors' continual jabs at each other's bodies of work. "We're just blaspheming constantly." As Robinson would put it, "Nothing is off limits. Everybody is getting skewered."

"'Knocked Up' was my first big movie role, I think. Well, I had done a modern movie classic called 'Accepted' before that – I think it's on the AFI 100 list, if you've never seen it." – Jonah Hill

Hill was explaining how the dynamic has been different on "This Is the End" from "Knocked Up," in which he, Baruchel and Rogen shared multiple scenes. "I was younger and learning about having bigger parts and movies and learning from Judd and Seth and those guys."

Sony

"I think my wedding was the last time all four of us were together, yeah, in a swimming pool filled with piss." – Danny McBride

"This Is the End" marks the reunion of four stars of "Pineapple Express": McBride, Rogen, Franco and Robinson.

"I felt like I was in 'The Walking Dead,' where it's like one drunk guy sensed I was there, and then another… It was like, 'Keep f**king moving." – Danny McBride

McBride had been asked if the six stars were enjoying shooting together in New Orleans, and more specifically, if they could walk down Bourbon St. together without chaos reigning in the street in real life.

Rounding out the cast are Jonah Hill and James Franco, who, like the rest of the cast, play themselves as the actors cope with life after horrific events plunge Los Angeles into an apocalyptic nightmare. How will the fictional version of these real-life friendships handle the strain of cabin fever, lack of food and other terrible tropes associated with disaster films? You'll have to check out "This Is The End" to find out.

Check out the clip, and be sure to watch the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday, April 14 at 9 p.m. ET!

When it comes to surviving an apocalypse, there are three keys every person should know. Number one: Stay calm. Number two: Always boil your water, because there's really no way of telling what kind of microbes and stuff might be in it. And most importantly of all, number three: Do not under any circumstances mess with Emma Watson.

Because as the new NSFW red band trailer for "This Is The End" shows, Hermione is totally willing to kick your ass.

Set to hit theaters on June 14, "This Is The End" is a high concept comedy starring a bevy of comedians and Hollywood types — including Seth Rogen, Danny McBride, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel and Craig Robinson among others — as versions of themselves. Gathered together at a crazy party thrown by James Franco, the gang suddenly has to face the unthinkable when the end of the world abruptly arrives.

And that means not only battling aliens, meterorites and dinosaurs, but also facing the most dangerous menace of all: Hermione wielding a fire axe.

So check out the new trailer for "This Is the End" and find out why sometimes, the worst thing about the apocalypse is surviving it.

Sony

As everyone knows, the end of the world is set to take place tomorrow. And while that's pretty upsetting for all sorts of reasons, one of the most upsetting is that it means we won't get a chance to watch next summer's comedy about the end of the world, "This Is The End."

Luckily, though, Seth Rogen and James Franco have anticipated our sadness and have given the world a very timely final parting gift: A new red band trailer.

What better way to spend your last moments than by watching this cool clip?

And the "Pineapple Express" co-stars aren't the only big names in this one; Danny McBride, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel and Craig Robinson are just a few of the stars who play themselves (or, well, crazy versions of themselves) in this farce about the end of life as we know it (keep your eyes peeled for a cameo by Emma Watson, for example).

So check it out, courtesy of Yahoo! Movies. Just remember, this is red band, meaning even the Mayans wouldn't find it safe for work:

Pixar

This week: Pixar churns out another animated blockbuster with "Brave," featuring the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Waters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson and many more.

Also new this week is Oliver Stone's "Savages," the sci-fi comedy "The Watch" with Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill, and the glorious Blu-ray debut of "Lawrence of Arabia."

'Brave'

Disney DVD

Box Office: $236 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% Fresh
Storyline: Set in the Highlands of Scotland, Pixar's latest animated adventure follows a different kind of princess named Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald). The strong-willed archer defies a sacred custom of her people and unleashes chaos in the kingdom, forcing Merida to use all of her resources — including her triplet brothers — to undo a beastly curse and discover the true meaning of bravery.
Extras! Both the DVD and Blu-ray have two additional animated shorts. There is also a kingdom's worth of Blu-ray exclusives, including making-of featurettes, an art gallery, extended scenes, an alternative opening and more. To explore a brave new dimension, "Brave" is also available in a Blu-ray 3D combo pack.
We Say: There are enough fairy tales and Disney movies about a princess who needs rescued by a dashing prince, so it's refreshing that "Brave" has a female protagonist that is headstrong and can take care of herself. The story might not be meaty enough for older viewers, but everyone can appreciate the latest Pixar film's clean and eye-popping animation.

'Savages'

Universal

Box Office: $47 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 51% Rotten
Storyline: Oliver Stone's latest film follows two best friends (Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson) whose lucrative marijuana business based in Laguna Beach, California has attracted the unwanted attention of the Mexican Baja Cartel, headed up by the ruthless Elena (Salma Hayek). Benicio Del Toro leads Elena's pack of thugs, John Travolta plays a crooked drug enforcement agent and Blake Lively plays the free-spirited hippie chick who is held hostage by the cartel because she's the shared object of desire of both Kitsch and Johnson.
Extras! Both the DVD and Blu-ray have a commentary track by Stone but only the Blu-ray has a five-part making-of feature called "Stone Cold Savages" filled with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
We Say: Both the R-rated and unrated cuts of the film are violent and sexy, like any good Oliver Stone picture should be. The best elements of this drug war opus are Hayek, whose maternal instincts are her only vulnerability, Del Toro's scary turn as a trigger-happy enforcer and Travolta as the slithery DE agent who will do anything to save his skin. The weakest links are Lively as the narrator/perma-baked California girl who is passed between the two lead guys like an old joint and the film's double ending that favors fantasy over gritty realism.

'The Watch'

20th Century Fox

Box Office: $35 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 17% Rotten
Storyline: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade star as four residents of the otherwise peaceful Glenview, Ohio who start a neighborhood watch and discover an alien threat to destroy the Earth.
Extras! Both the DVD and Blu-ray contain deleted scenes, a gag reel, "Alien Invasions and You" and "Casting the Alien." Exclusive to the Blu-ray are "Jonah Alternate Takes" and "Watchmakers."
We Say: The promising set-up leads to some intermittent mild giggles, but the funny leads are mostly wasted in this juvenile male-bonding flick with R-rated potty humor. Stiller seems angry at his agent as he chases around day players dressed in rubber suits, Vaughn's nervous chatter grates on the nerves and Hill phones in a performance that is pretty similar to the character he already played in "21 Jump Street." This is a sci-fi comedy in which the aliens can only be destroyed by being shot in the penis  (where their brains are), which should tell you all you need to know.

'Lawrence of Arabia' Blu-ray

Sony

Box Office: $45 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% Fresh
Storyline: This 1962 epic based on the life of T.E. Lawrence won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered one of the most influential films ever made. Peter O'Toole stars as the titular British officer assigned to Arabia during World War I who unites the warring Arab factions into one cohesive guerrilla front and leads them into victory over the ruling Turkish Empire.
Extras! The 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition comes packaged with a handsome 88-page coffee-table book, a soundtrack CD and an authentic 70mm film frame. The Blu-ray itself has exhaustive supplemental features, including a picture-in-picture graphic track, advertising campaigns, a never-before-seen deleted scene, an all-new interview with Martin Scorsese about the film, archival interviews, a making-of documentary, newsreel footage of the New York premiere and much more.
We Say: One of the greatest films of all time gets the royal treatment for its Blu-ray debut and, while watching, it's sometimes difficult to believe the movie is a half-century old due to the near-flawless transfer that makes it look like it was filmed yesterday. The epic film is a butt-challenging 228 minutes, which makes it ideal for home viewing as the Blu-ray can be removed from the player in the middle of the movie and, the next time the disc is inserted, the player remembers exactly where you stopped to take a breather.

Also New This Week:

"2 Days in New York"
"Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" Blu-ray
"Vamps"
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" 10th Anniversary Special Edition Blu-ray
"Watchmen" Collector's Edition
"Nitro Circus the Movie"

Columbia Pictures

In all of cinema, there simply isn't anybody as audacious as Quentin Tarantino. The guy doesn't just push boundaries, he shoves them right off a cliff. So whenever a new glimpse of Tarantino comes along, the only proper response is to drop whatever you're doing and check it out immediately, because chances are there's going to be something in it that will blow your mind.

Like, for instance, every single frame of the new trailer for "Django Unchained."

Thanks to the first trailer, you probably know the already controversial premise of this gonzo period piece: Jamie Foxx plays a former slave whose wife is kidnapped and sold to a jerkface (Leonardo DiCaprio) in the pre-Civil War south. Joining up with a professional bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), the two ride for revenge.

This time around, though, we also get a look at both Samuel L. Jackson as DiCaprio's loyal assistant and Jonah Hill as a bumbling member of KKK precursor, an addition that helps the trailer up the comedy level while still maintaining that classic Tarantino swagger.

"Django Unchained" opens in theaters on Christmas Day. But since no words can adequately describe this one, we suggest you watch this clip for yourself right now, courtesy of  Apple Trailers:

20th Century Fox

Director Akiva Schaffer of Lonely Island has assembled a dream team of comic actors and assembled them for a supergroup under the name of "The Watch."

In the quiet suburb of Glenview, Ohio, four buddies — Evan (Ben Stiller), Bob (Vince Vaughn), Franklin (Jonah Hill) and Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade) — form a local neighborhood watch group with the idea of using it as an outlet to score hot chicks and exert their authority. What they didn't bargain for was an all-out alien invasion.

1. Apparently the group should be called "Neighborhood Porn Watch."

2. Vince Vaughn shows the guys how to be an ace father.

3. The gang discusses the merits of winning a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award.

4. Yes, it's true, the rap group NWA stands for "Neighborhood Watch Association."

5. The gang hauls in a perp for their first big collar.

20th Century Fox

"Serenity. Optimism. Attack!"

"The Watch" has had something of a troubled past. Originally titled "Neighborhood Watch," it promptly changed its name upon the aftermath of Sanford, Florida Neighborhood Watch captain George Zimmerman killing Trayvon Martin. The real-life tragedy also made Fox executives re-think the film's marketing approach, which resulted in the film's fantasy element — the alien invasion, an aspect the studio had originally held close to the vest — suddenly emerging front and center.

As it is now, "The Watch" looks like Hollywood's answer to "Attack the Block," with the characters' attempt at relieving suburban boredom replacing the Brit hit's seething sense of territorial pride. One thing's for sure, though — you're almost guaranteed a heaping helping of laughs when you've got Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade all in the same room (or on the same street, as it were).

Put these top-notch comedians together and there's bound to be some on-set antics — and, with "The Watch" being R-rated, some rather profane ones, at that. Check out the cast goofing off as they protect their 'hood from nasty outer space visitors in the NSFW collection of outtakes and bloopers below, courtesy of Heat Vision.

"The Watch" opens July 27.

We sleep soundly with the knowledge that these brave souls are watching over our 'hoods.

Ben Stiller, Jonah Hill, Vince Vaughn and other celebs kept the red carpet safe from alien invasion at the premiere of "The Watch," the movie that happens when Hollywood wants its own "Attack the Block." Luckily, no extraterrestrials caused a ruckus (though that doesn't mean they weren't in attendance, you know).

Check out our collection of pics from the premiere and sign up for "The Watch" yourself on July 27.

Fox

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but apparently stars Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill don't even want to take that chance. Case in point: According to The Hollywood Reporter, the duo is in talks to reunite for the brand new comedy "Aloha" even before their current collaboration, "The Watch," arrives in theaters this Friday.

Looks like this time, "Aloha" means "bromance."

And Hill isn't the only big name looking to get back together with Stiller; while details on "Aloha" are still sketchy — it's merely described as an "island comedy," which, duh — it appears the film will be directed by Stiller's "Night at the Museum" partner Shawn Levy, who also produced "The Watch."

Plus, just to make it very clear how much everyone involved with "Aloha" enjoys working together, the film is being scripted by Hill's "Get Him to the Greek" writer Nicholas Stoller from an idea that Levy, Hill and Stiller hashed out while working on "The Watch."

So say hello to "Aloha" and goodbye to boredom, because for Stiller and Hill, it's one big happy comedy family these days. Isn't young love cute?

Getty Images

We gotta say, Jonah Hill's been making some pretty impressive moves lately.

His first real turn as a dramatic actor came along as Brad Pitt's sidekick in "Moneyball," and he got an Oscar nomination for it. Then, after paying homage to his comedic roots with Channing Tatum in the hilarious "21 Jump Street," he jumped back into the fold of potential acclaim by landing a gig in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street." Now, he's juicing up his resume even more with Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained."

According to Deadline, Hill has joined the in-production picture for an unknown role after having turned down an earlier offer to appear in the film due to prior scheduling issues.

While his part for the movie is as-yet-unknown, it is reportedly certain that he will not portray the character Scott Harmony, who loses his slave - Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife of central character Django (Jamie Foxx) - to Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Whatever the role might be, the film is sure to garner some attention, especially after Tarantino's wild success with "Inglourious Basterds." Between "Django Unchained" and "The Wolf of Wall Street," Jonah Hill's got a real shot at seeing his name on a few nominations lists again soon enough!

"Django Unchained" hits theaters on December 25, and a break-down of everything we know about the movie so far can be found right here.

Getty Images

For five seasons, Kyle Chandler gained rave reviews on "Friday Night Lights." The only problem was nobody actually watched it. Now, though, Chandler is turning that buzz into a big time movie career — and, according to Deadline, he's just landed his biggest role yet as a crusading FBI agent in the upcoming Martin Scorsese drama "The Wolf of Wall Street."

Looks like Chandler must have clear eyes and a full heart, because these days he just can't lose.

Based on the bestselling memoir by Jordan Belfort, "The Wolf of Wall Street" tells the story of how Belfort became a Wall Street millionaire by the age of 26 before losing everything in a downward spiral of drugs and other foolish nonsense. Leonardo DiCaprio is set to play Belfort, while Jonah Hill is on board to play Belfort's best buddy.

Considering both of those fellows are Oscar nominees and will be directed by legendary Oscar winning director Scorsese, it's safe to say that Chandler — who is also co-starring in upcoming  films like "Argo" and "Zero Dark Thirty" — is in really good company. Which just goes to show that television ratings aren't everything; sometimes doing good work actually does get you rewarded after all.

Now that's a lesson we think Coach Taylor would truly appreciate.

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Fox

As the tragic saga of the Trayvon Martin shooting escalates in the media, the summer event comedy "Neighborhood Watch" continues to feel the cultural ripple effect that has cast the title organization into a super negative light.

After pulling ads and an ill-timed teaser trailer featuring Jonah Hill making a gun hand signal to children, Variety reports that the Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn-led satire has undergone a name change to simply "The Watch." Meanwhile, IGN has dropped a new NSFW red band trailer that makes it as clear as crystal that there's absolutely nothing realistic about the premise.

The story follows four hapless suburbanites played by Stiller, Vaughn, Hill, and British "The IT Crowd" sensation Richard Ayoade as they attempt to uncover an extraterrestrial conspiracy that turns out to be true. There's plenty of the d**kcentric bro humor we'd expect from a script by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg ("Superbad"), and Ayoade is his usual hilariously deadpan self.

Also, any movie where Jonah Hill eagerly plots to perform sex acts on R. Lee Ermey to see if he's an alien sounds pretty damn hilarious.

Representatives from Fox issued the following statement about the July 27 release:

"As the subject matter of this alien-invasion comedy bears no relation whatsoever to the recent tragic events in Florida, the studio altered the title to avoid any accidental or unintended misimpression that it might."

Reminder: the red band trailer below is NSFW.

Fox

With Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill headlining, "Neighborhood Watch" might be one of the year's most anticipated comedies, but this situation is nothing to laugh about.

After the tragic, real-life shooting of high-schooler Trayvon Martin by a neighborhood watch captain, somehow promoting this space-alien comedy doesn't seem quite right, which is why the powers-that-be have pulled the first teaser poster and trailers from its Florida theaters.

The teaser poster for the flick features the silhouette of an alien on a neighborhood watch street sign that's riddled with bullet holes, in reference to the movie's storyline about a group of men who try to stop an alien invasion—though it unfortunately brings to mind the young Martin, gunned down by a seemingly dangerous neighborhood watch volunteer.

"We are very sensitive to the Trayvon Martin case, but our film is a broad alien-invasion comedy and bears absolutely no relation to the tragic events in Florida," a Fox spokesperson tells the Hollywood Reporter.

"The movie, which is not scheduled for release for several months, was made and these initial marketing materials were released before this incident ever came to light. The teaser materials were part of an early phase of our marketing and were never planned for long-term use. Above all else, our thoughts go out to the families touched by this terrible event."

Though the studio has pulled the promotions out of deference to the growing controversy, as of now, there are no plans to change the flick's July 27 release date. (Guess they're hoping the story will have blown over by then.)

Regardless of how the real-life case turns out, one thing is certain: Fox isn't wasting any time moving on to the second phase of its marketing campaign, which will include a poster featuring the stars and comedic aspects—and not include bullet holes.

Today, they're the stars of the country's current #1 box office winner. But who were Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill during their high school days?

The stars of "21 Jump Street" got to recall their relatively recent pasts, both real and imaginary, when they sat down with MTV's "10 on Top." Tatum let it be known that, contrary to popular belief, he didn't exactly look like "Taylor Kitsch from 'Friday Night Lights'" – or, as Hill puts it, "John Carter from Tampa." Hill took a more meta approach to remembering his own personal style back in high school, saying he actually resurrected his teenage "look" for the movie.

"If myself in high school knew that ten years later I would be putting the way I looked in high school into a movie to get an immediate laugh, he would kill himself," said Hill, laughing at the fact that his past self has now been reduced to little more than a "sight gag."

The boys also conjured a "What If?" version of their high school days as they theorized as to whether their teenage selves would've been friends (of course they would've!) and even gave each other rather touching yearbook titles. It's a real-life bromance!

Tune into MTV's "10 on Top" every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Disney

This week: Rooney Mara deservedly earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of gothic computer hacker Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's English-language remake of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," which co-stars a very un-Bondlike Daniel Craig.

Also new is Kermit's comeback in "The Muppets," Jonah Hill in the comedy "The Sitter," Gary Oldman in the spy thriller "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," and the Blu-ray debut of the violent Japanese phenomenon "Battle Royale."

'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' (2011)

Sony

Box Office: $102 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% Fresh
Storyline: Disgraced investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is hired by a wealthy industrialist (Christopher Plummer) to solve the disappearance of a family member decades ago. Blomkvist enlists the help of unconventional researcher Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) to help him find a killer of women in David Fincher's riveting remake of the Swedish film based on the popular Stieg Larsson novel.
Extras! Mara explains in detail the lengthy audition process, and how she transformed into Lisbeth Salander, in the extensive interviews included in the character dossiers.
We Say: It's impossible to look away from Fincher's mesmerizing mystery, which ups the energy level of the original and features unexpected chemistry between its oddly paired lead characters. We also dig the industrial-rock intro sequence and score by Trent Reznor.

'The Muppets'

Disney

Box Office: $89 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Fresh
Storyline: The Muppets -- including Kermit the Frog, Fozzie, Miss Piggy and Gonzo -- have gone their separate ways, but reunite to put on a telethon to save the Muppet Theater in their first big-screen outing in 12 years. The film won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Extras! The Wocka Wocka Value Pack, which includes the Blu-ray version, has "The Longest Blooper Reel Ever. At Least in Muppet History … We Think" and is actually fun, unlike most blooper reels.
We Say: Filled with nostalgic moments for lifelong fans and spirited musical numbers featuring human stars Amy Adams and Jason Segel, this sweet-natured, overdue welcome-back party for the Muppets is impossible to hate on.

'The Sitter'

20th Century Fox

Box Office: $30 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 22% Rotten
Storyline: This R-rated comedy stars Jonah Hill as a directionless suspended college student who, coerced into babysitting three rambunctious kids, ends up carting them around Manhattan for a debaucherous and dangerous night.
Extras! The Totally Irresponsible Edition featuring the DVD and Blu-ray contains "Totally Irresponsible Outtakes" that are worth a look if the movie tickled your funny bone.
We Say: This sporadically funny, raunchy flick -- costarring Sam Rockwell as a bizarre coke dealer -- tries unnecessarily to be earnest given its adult content, but the film does double duty as a stern birth-control reminder.

'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'

Focus Features

Box Office: $24 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% Fresh
Storyline: British Intelligence agent George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is brought out of retirement in Cold War-era London to ferret out a double agent. The film costars Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt and Mark Strong.
Extras! Both the DVD and Blu-ray contain interviews with the stars, director Tomas Alfredson and author John le Carré.
We Say: This slow-boil spy picture doesn't have the quick pacing of the Bond or Bourne movies, but it features class-act performances and meticulous attention to the period detail of early 1970s London.

'Battle Royale' Blu-ray

Anchor Bay

Box Office: $25 million (Japan)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Fresh
Storyline: In a near dystopian future, a random class of ninth graders is sent to a remote island, locked into exploding neck collars, given a random weapon and forced to hunt and kill each other until only one survivor is left in this 2000 Japanese action thriller.
Extras! The standalone Blu-ray debut has no extras, but "Battle Royale: The Complete Collection" has both the director's cut and theatrical cut of the original film, the sequel "Battle Royale II: Requiem," and a DVD with a documentary, rehearsal footage, press conferences and much more.
We Say: Years before "The Hunger Games" was written, this bloody and shockingly violent import about teens hunting teens stirred up controversy and was banned in several countries. It now makes its Blu-ray debut just before the similarly themed "The Hunger Games" comes out in theaters.

Also New This Week:

"Carnage"
"Disclosure" Blu-ray
"A Lonely Place to Die"
"The Ring" Blu-ray
"National Lampoon's the Legend of Awesomest Maximus"
"Striptease" Blu-ray

Fox

Jonah Hill isn't just about to rock the box office — he's taking over home video shelves as well.

With "21 Jump Street" in theaters and "The Sitter" arriving on shelves on Tuesday, March 20, we just want to take a moment to tip our collective hats to the funny guy.

Of course, he's not the only one deserving of a little pat on the back. His fans deserve something to, which is why we're doling out "The Sitter" DVDs to three of his most lucky fans.

In the movie, Hill sets a new low (or high?) for teenage caretakers everywhere as a dude still living with his mom who babysits three hellish kids while simultaneously trying to score with his girlfriend. Needless to say, this isn't the dramatic turn the Oscar nominee took in "Moneyball," but it's the schtick for which we've come to know (and love) Hill.

To enter, just shoot us an email at NextMovie@MTV.com and include your name, address, birthdate and be sure to copy and paste the following statement:

"By sending this email, I accept and agree to: (1) the Official Rules of the 'The Sitter' DVD Giveaway and (2) MTV Networks’, a division of Viacom International Inc., Nextmovie.com Terms of Use and Privacy Policy."

The contest runs from now until 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 22, 2012. Entrants must be at least 17 years old and reside in the U.S. Click here for complete rules and further details.

As an added bonus, all entrants will be signed up for the fun and useful UpNext newsletter. As an UpNext subscriber, you'll receive daily updates on the hottest releases, events and merch from the world of movies.

They're too old for this red carpet.

Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Brie Larson and other celebrities down with the law got frisked at the premiere of "21 Jump Street," the film adaptation of Fox's very first hit television series that starred Johnny Depp (who might or might not have a cameo in the movie) as a young (-ish)-looking narcotics cop working undercover in the mean streets of ... high school.

Just Say Yes to our collection of evidence photos from the premiere, and get recruited yourself when "21 Jump Street" hits theaters on March 16.

Columbia Pictures

The stars of "Superbad" and "Step Up" are going back to school in the latest comic movie adaptation of a serious TV show, "21 Jump Street."

Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) are bright and athletic cops, respectively, who are assigned to be undercover narcs at a high school in order to bust a notorious drug ring. Underage hijinks ensue, guns will be fired, and prom tuxedos will be ruined.

1. It's like a kids game of cops and robbers in the park, only with live ammunition.

2. You have the right to think Channing Tatum's a big dummy. Anything he says can and will make him sound like a meathead.

3. Today was a good day for Captain Dickson (Ice Cube).

4. Jonah's a bit over the Hill to be getting into brawls with high schoolers.

Columbia Pictures

In Hollywood, the early months of the year are typically reserved for a few very specific varieties of films: awards-season darlings expanding their distribution, genre films looking to conquer the box office via counterprogramming, and comedies the studios hope will earn a quick buck before dying a quiet death.

But on March 16, Sony Pictures is releasing "21 Jump Street," Chris Miller and Phil Lord's big-screen update of the 1980s television series of the same name. And while in most cases a movie like this would probably fall into that third category, Lord and Miller have created an almost instant classic -- a comedy that manages to pay homage to its source material while standing alone as a terrific buddy cop movie.

Still skeptical? We understand. We've assembled six solid reasons it's 2012's first must-see comedy.

1. It's a real movie. The distinction between "real" movies and all of the rest is pretty simple: If Mom and Dad have heard about it, it's real. But looking back at the past two months of releases, there really is a dearth of solid, noteworthy entertainment, much less entertainment that was created using the full resources of a major studio (as opposed to say, the most creative members of their marketing department). While it's no $200 million epic featuring footage actually shot on Mars, Lord and Miller have assembled a movie that is well-directed and polished, with action sequences that have real scope, and a story that has real substance.

Also Check Out: Don't Say No to the "21 Jump Street" Red-Band Trailer

2. Phil Lord and Chris Miller have a crowd-pleasing pedigree. Although neither is a household name (yet), Lord and Miller have provided you with hours upon hours of entertainment, starting with the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," having served as co-executive producers on 17 episodes. Following that, they made their feature directing debut with "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," the 2009 animated feature that went on to gross well over $100 million while managing to be entertaining to more than little kids, animation enthusiasts and food fetishists. "Jump Street" doesn't succumb to sitcom simplicity, but it shares in common with both of those projects a real populist appeal that's still smart, and an edge that's still sensitive.

3. Jonah Hill is in "the zone" right now. Admittedly, we missed his late-2011 film "The Sitter," so we can't attest to its quality. But Hill has had a hot streak in the last year or so, earning an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Moneyball" even as he premiered the TV series "Allen Gregory." Despite claims to the contrary, Hill lost none of his funniness when he lost much of his weight, and in the film seems to have similarly streamlined his acting. That razor-sharp wit is till there, but it's more focused and specific than ever before. Plus, he seems to have learned much from his "Moneyball" experience, testing the boundaries of his comic delivery while keeping his character likable and sympathetic.

Columbia Pictures

4. Channing Tatum is funny as hell. Given so much of the stuff he's done in the past, it's easy to assume that the good-looking leading man would function best as the straight man to Hill. But Lord and Miller bring out the humanity and the humor of Tatum as a jock who is mystified to discover that all of his "rule the school" expectations have been turned upside down, and slowly but inevitably aligns himself with the outcasts and nerds he once made fun of. This makes for some terrific comedy set pieces, and Tatum is up for the challenge of keeping up with Hill. There's a scene in which he unwittingly succumbs to the influence of a drug appropriately called "Holy F**king S**t," and his bombastic, unpredictable gauntlet of misbehaving is already a candidate for one of the year's funniest moments.

5. The movie has a deep bench. If the always reliable Hill and perhaps surprisingly hilarious Tatum weren't enough, Lord and Miller recruit an amazing ensemble of supporting players for minor roles that make an amazing impression. As a captain whose exasperation with Schmidt and Jenko gets them shuffled off to Jump Street, Nick Offerman destroys the two stars with a withering critique of their performance in the line of duty. Ice Cube is side-splitting as the Jump Street chief, who knows all too well about "angry black chief" clichés but is seemingly incapable of transcending them. "The New Girl" star Jake Johnson absolutely kills as the high school principal who is passionately indifferent about the prospect of a kid dying of a drug overdose. Rob Riggle steals almost every scene in which he appears as a gym coach with little reverence for the school he works at, and even less for the students. And Ellie Kemper goes two-for-two as a teacher who becomes deeply infatuated with Tatum after he crashes her science class.

6. There really hasn't been any competition. Although there are folks out there who might contend that "Project X" -- which coincidentally was written by "21 Jump Street" scribe Michael Bacall -- was the year's first comedy event movie, its niche was much narrower, or maybe just less mature, than this one's. "Friends With Kids" and the upcoming "Jeff, Who Lives at Home" were/are both more independent-minded than "Jump Street," and while we're big fans of "Tim & Eric's Billion Dollar Movie," there's no question that's just not for everybody. Ultimately, Miller and Lord's movie is meant to entertain teenage boys and the inner teenage boy within everyone else; and as a result, its sophomoric edges are just a little bit softer and its comedy more character-driven, which makes it a solid choice -- whether you're purchasing a ticket for yourself or, yup, your parents.

NBC

When comedian Jonah Hill was nominated for an Academy Award earlier this year for his role in the baseball drama "Moneyball," just about everybody was surprised. But there's one person who believes the nomination shouldn't be a surprise to anybody: Hill himself.

Yes, Hill took to the stage last night as host of "Saturday Night Live" and delivered a hilarious monologue that featured no false humility — or, in fact, humility of any kind. Hey, what were you expecting from someone who refers to himself as "one of our finest actors?"

Of course, Hill wasn't being serious. And nor was alone on the Oscar train, as "SNL's" Kristen Wiig received an Oscar nod herself for writing "Bridesmaids." So did the sparks fly when these two newly minted Hollywood superstars went head to head? Can you guess what other Academy Award icon made a surprise guest appearance? And who or what is Black Captain Jack Sparrow? Check out the clip, courtesy of NBC, and see for yourself:

Fox

Criminals better look out, because there are four new sheriffs in town — and if the teaser trailer for "Neighborhood Watch" is any indication, they're going to take back the mean streets of suburbia one neatly trimmed hedge at a time.

Are you ready to regulate, Ben Stiller style?

Here's the case file for "Neighborhood Watch." The perps: Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill, under the command of Lonely Island and "Saturday Night Live" writer-turned-director Akiva Schaffer. The crime: A brand new comedy featuring the comedy trio as average joes who decide to make a difference by forming a somewhat overzealous neighborhood watch program. The witness: You, once you check out this new teaser, courtesy of The Sun.

The time: Right now.

Getty Images

The Oscars may not have loved Jonah Hill or Brad Pitt last night, and there were plenty who weren't keen on James Franco's hosting job last year, but that that won't keep the talented trio from teaming up to tell an amazing story.

Deadline reports that Franco and Hill have been cast in the Pitt-produced adaptation of Michael Finkel's memoir, "True Story."

Hill will play the former New York Times Magazine writer, whose world is turned upside down when he finds out that murderer Christian Longo (Franco), one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted, has been captured, and has been using Finkel's identity while on the lam. Yet another devastating blow comes the following day, when Finkel finds himself suddenly jobless, accused of falsifying major components of an article on child slavery in Africa.

It is through these bizarre and seemingly unconnected events that Finkel finds his chance at redemption when he learns that Longo has chosen him as the mouthpiece through which his story, and pleas of innocence, will be told.

Pitt, who served as producer on his Oscar-nominated true story "Moneyball," is producing "True Story" under his Plan B Entertainment Label, which also backed Terrence Malick's Oscar-nominated film, and Pitt vehicle, "The Tree of Life."

See Pitt and Hill on the red carpet at the 2012 Academy Awards.

View Gallery »

The Weinstein Co.

Updated Feb. 23, 2012.

Here's some inside intel for casual movie fans contemplating their Oscar predictions: By the time the Academy Awards roll around, we know who's going to win in pretty much every major category.

Sure, there can be surprises and the occasional too-close-to-call race, but after so many other award functions play out in the lead-up to Oscar night, from the Critics Choice to the Golden Globes to the all the guild gatherings, patterns emerge and some favorites appear unbeatable.

That's why if you're about to head to Vegas (Editor's note: NextMovie does not condone gambling, unless you're sharing …) and lay down some scratch on "The Artist" winning Best Picture, the rewards, at this point, won't be too tempting.

But if you're simply just looking to fill out your office Oscar ballot (get your printable one right here), then there are some categories you just shouldn't miss on.

Get a full panel of Oscar experts predictions on Gold Derby

Best Picture

Weinstein Co.

In last year's marquee matchup, there was an early front-runner ("The Social Network") that maintained months of momentum before a late bloomer ("The King Speech") took the lead in the final lap and won the throne. So far this year it seems like the opposite: There was an early front-runner ("The Descendants") whose lead lasted only so long before a seemingly unbeatable contender ("The Artist") took over and has maintained that momentum for several months now.

With the inevitable front-runner backlash being relatively muted, and the high-powered Weinstein campaign machine seemingly content to stay in first gear (do they even need to push hard?), the only question seems to be whether or not the Academy will really go through with it and actually award a black-and-white silent film Hollywood's biggest prize in 2012. You can pretty much count on it.

Smart Money: "The Artist"
Don't Be Surprised By: "The Descendants"
Dark Horses: "The Help" and "Hugo"
Our Pick: "The Artist"

Best Director

Weinstein Co.

This one appears to be a two-way battle between visionaries who paid tribute to the olden years of classic cinema, Michel Hazanavicius (say it with us, "Ha-za-na-VEE-shooz ") for "The Artist" and Martin Scorsese for "Hugo."

Hazanavicius won the primary predictor here, which is top honors from The Directors Guild, while Scorsese pulled off an upset by taking home the Golden Globe. But it's Hazanavicius who also seems to be winning favor in Hollywood, continually expressing his just-happy-to-be-here 'tude with quotes like, "It would have been no problem to lose to Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, David Fincher, Alexander Payne." Respect.

Smart Money: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Don't Be Surprised By: Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"
Dark Horse: Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"
Our Pick: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"

Best Actor

Fox Searchlight

The lead actor race has just recently become one of the more intriguing contests to watch. George Clooney was long looking like a lock for his revered performance as a devastated dad dealing with an unfaithful comatose wife (one of 99 problems) in "The Descendants," which is widely considered a career best. That was until "Artist" star Jean Dujardin pulled off a whopper of an upset at the Screen Actors Guild. Could the face of that widely celebrated film win the Oscar, too? (And could he be the new Roberto Benigni?)

It's hard to see Clooney, easily one of the most beloved actors in all of Hollywoodland, losing to a relative unknown, and 15 of the 27 experts on Gold Derby (including yours truly) are still going with him. But hey, stranger things have happened. Like Roberto Benigni …

Smart Money: George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Don't Be Surprised By: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Our Pick: George Clooney, "The Descendants"

Best Actress

Weinstein Co.

And now for the tightest race among the major categories. In one corner you have Viola Davis: the true heart of "The Help," a film that had plenty to spare; and an underdog Hollywood success story up for her second Oscar in three years. In the other corner you have Meryl Streep (maybe you've heard of her), reigning Academy Queen who's been up for the statuette a record 1700 17 times now, her latest for the Margaret Thatcher biopic "The Iron Lady."

While Streep seemed like the early favorite (Streep + Thatcher = Game Over), the tide turned toward Davis after "Iron Lady" got less than rave reviews, and Davis became a sentimental favorite. Then Streep prevailed at the Golden Globes, and people began to realize that while she is seemingly up for an Oscar every other year, she hasn't WON one since 1983 (for "Sophie's Choice"). SAG winner Davis currently holds favorite status, but this one's clooooose.

Smart Money: Viola Davis, "The Help"
Don't Be Surprised By: Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Our Pick: Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"

Best Supporting Actor

Focus Features

Maybe there would've been a contest here had comedic legend Albert Brooks not gotten the shiv for playing a cold-blooded SOB in the critical darling "Drive." The Academy does love an actor playing against type; that's probably why Jonah Hill (the sole representative of the under-50 demographic in this category) got on base for "Moneyball."

Instead we have the closest thing to a sure bet, second-time nominee and (almost-definite) first-time winner Christopher Plummer, for his heartrending turn as a fatally ill 70-something who's just come out of the closet in "Beginners." The 82-year-old deserves the statue on the merits of this performance alone, but the fact that he's done commendable work in over a hundred past projects damn sure doesn't hurt.

Smart Money: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
Our Pick: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"

Best Supporting Actress

Disney

This category doesn't seem to be the wild card it once was. While early-'90s winners Marisa Tomei, Mira Sorvino, Whoopi Goldberg and Anna Paquin were wild upsets, recent winners like Melissa Leo, Mo'Nique and Jennifer Hudson were front-runners from the get-go.

Enter Octavia Spencer from "The Help," who has just mopped the floor (get it?) with her competitors throughout awards season, winning the Golden Globe, Critics Choice and SAG awards for her performance as the tough-but-vulnerable, experimental pie-making maid Minnie. If Viola Davis is the heart of the film, Spencer's the soul. Look for her to add another piece of silverware to her mantel Oscar night.

Smart Money: Octavia Spencer, "The Help"
Dark Horse: Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"
Our Pick: Octavia Spencer, "The Help"

Best Original Screenplay

Sony Classics

As clever and cute as Michel Hazanavicius' script (or as IMDB clarifies, "scenario and dialogue") is for "The Artist," here is one race he can afford to lose.

It's also a category in which the Academy can honor one of its favorite sons (even if he never calls!). Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" became his highest grossing film yet, and audiences, especially older ones, were most tickled by its nostalgic storyline (it's like "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" for adults) and expectedly witty banter. Hazanavicius, meanwhile, will just have to "settle" for Best Director and Best Picture.

Smart Money: "Midnight in Paris"
Don't Be Surprised By: "The Artist"
Our Pick: "Midnight in Paris"

Best Adapted Screenplay

Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillian's razor-sharp adaptation of Michael Lewis' inside-baseball expose made audiences invest in an obscure sports strategy called sabermetrics, much in the same way Sorkin wowed viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Facebook a year ago with "The Social Network," which won him the Oscar.

But don't expect a repeat: Aside from the Best Actor category, this is where the Academy will show its loyalty to "The Descendants," cowritten by director Alexander Payne, Jim Rash (fun fact: he plays the Dean on NBC's "Community"!) and Nat Faxon (fun fact? He plays Tim Kornick on NBC's "Are You There, Chelsea?").

Smart Money: "The Descendants"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Moneyball"
Our Pick: "The Descendants"

Best Animated Feature

It was one of the weakest years for animation in a long time -- a year so weak that for first time in this category's history, there's no Pixar entry to be found (its 2011 release was the much-maligned "Cars 2"). Oh the humanity! But Pixar's absence opened the door for the inclusion of two deserving little-seen "indie" animated features, "A Cat in Paris" and "Chico and Rita."

Of course, neither of them probably stand a chance of winning. That honor will almost certainly go to "Rango," a proudly weird, adult-friendly cartoon Western that still did gangbusters at the box office.

Smart Money: "Rango"
Dark Horse: "A Cat in Paris"
Our Pick: "Rango"

Best Animated Short

Smart Money: "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore"
Don't Be Surprised By: "La Luna"
Our Pick: "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore"

Best Foreign Film

Sony Pictures Classics

This, mis amigos, is one of the easiest mid-major categories to predict. The Middle Eastern export "A Separation," a stunning drama about an Iranian couple attempting to flee the country for the betterment of their child, has won every Best Foreign Film award so far, save for the BAFTA. It almost doesn't even matter what else is nominated: It would take a shocking upset to separate this one from the Oscar.

Smart Money: "A Separation"
Our Pick: "A Separation"

Best Original Song

It's a two-horse race. Literally. Thanks to a bizarre rule in voting of which we won't pretend to know bore you with the details, only two songs made the cut. Luckily, one of them ("Man or Muppet") is the most deserving of any original song to play in a movie this year.

Smart Money: "Man or Muppet," "The Muppets"
Only Other Song Nominated: "Real in Rio," "Rio"
Our Pick: "Man or Muppet," "The Muppets"

Best Original Score

Despite "Vertigo" actress Kim Novak's reported hateration against "The Artist"s' appropriation of that Hitchcock score (not so tastefully comparing it to "rape"), it's unlikely anything can top "The Artist," a wordless film that's relied more on music to push the narrative than any other film in years.

Smart Money: "The Artist"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Hugo"
Our Pick: "The Artist"

Best Costume Design

Look, it's a wide, wide, wide open race! Can "Anonymous" or "W.E." actually hold the title of "Oscar winner"? Could happen, but don't bet on it. This one will probably be another notch on the belt for "The Artist," though "Jane Eyre" is strong contender for its elegant period garb.

Smart Money: "The Artist"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Jane Eyre"
Dark Horse: "Anonymous" or "W.E." or "Hugo"
Our Pick: "The Artist"

Best Cinematography

It's hard to imagine anything topping Terrence Malick's undeniably gorgeous "Tree of Life" here. It may have been nonsensical, but it was pretty damn beautiful.

Smart Money: "The Tree of Life"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Hugo"
Dark Horse: "The Artist"
Our Pick: "The Tree of Life"

Best Art Direction

Paramount

"The Artist" could score again here, but you have to give the upper hand to "Hugo," in which a picturesque Parisian train station played as big a role as anyone.

Smart Money: "Hugo"
Don’t Be Surprised By: "The Artist"
Dark Horse: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"
Our Pick: "Hugo"

Best Film Editing

This prize has gone hand-in-hand with Best Picture six out of the past 10 years, so the odds favor the smartly cut "The Artist." But it's always tough betting against a David Fincher or Martin Scorsese film in this category.

Smart Money: "The Artist"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Hugo"
Dark Horse: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
Our Pick: "The Artist"

Best Sound Editing

Don't discount "Transformers" here -- previous winners include "U-571," "Pearl Harbor" and "The Ghost and the Darkness." "Hugo" has the prestige, but we're going with the only win of the night for David Fincher's "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."

Smart Money: "Hugo"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Dark Horse: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
Our Pick: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

Best Makeup

Please let this be the category in which "Harry Potter" gets its much-deserved loved from the Academy.

Smart Money: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"
Don't Be Surprised By: "The Iron Lady"
Our Pick: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"

Best Live Action Short

Smart Money: "The Shore"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Raju"
Dark Horse: "Pentecost"
Our Pick: "The Shore"

Best Sound Mixing

Know the difference between Sound Editing and Sound Mixing? Here's a tutorial.

Smart Money: "Hugo"
Don’t Be Surprised By: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Our Pick: "Hugo"

Best Visual Effects

How amazing did those damn dirty apes look?

Smart Money: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Hugo"
Our Pick: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"

Best Documentary

HBO

There's a wealth of strong contenders in this race (and an even greater wealth of deserving docs NOT nominated), with the striking 3-D dance documentary (yes, we just said that) "Pina" and the expectedly inspiring high school football drama "Undefeated," not to be confused with the not-so-inspiring, or accurately titled, Sarah Palin doc "THE Undefeated."

But look for a rare Academy Award for a sequel here, with the third entry in Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky's unofficial West Memphis Three trilogy primed to pull off a victory -- albeit one not nearly as significant as the triumph of seeing the wrongly accused trio it features finally released.

Smart Money: "Paradise Lost 3"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Pina"
Dark Horse: "Undefeated"
Our Pick: "Paradise Lost 3"

Best Documentary Short

Smart Money: "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom"
Don't Be Surprised By: "Saving Face"
Dark Horse: "Incident in New Baghdad"
Our Pick: "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom"

Oscar Predictions 2013, Our Picks Thus Far

Focus Features / Columbia / Lionsgate

PREVIOUS: Who should win Best Supporting Actress? >>

Every year around this time, the beautiful people we call Oscar nominees gather for an exclusive luncheon, served with a side of chopped salad and mingling.

This year's nominees include George Clooney, Octavia Spencer, Rooney Mara and more — check out what they wore for their fancy-pants lunch and red carpet stroll.

More on the 2012 Academy Awards Nominations:

Oscar Nominations Announced
Complete List of Oscar Nominees
Shockers from the 2012 Oscar Nominations
Why Does Oscar Hate Harry Potter?

Film District

It's Academy Award Nominations Day, which means for every sure-thing nominee to applaud (go George Clooney!) or fan fave who squeaks in (woo hoo Melissa McCarthy!), there's a snub to bemoan (where's Albert Brooks?) or a huge surprise to marvel at (who's Demian Bichir?), and this year's list of Oscar hopefuls contains several shockers.

Before we start a month of predictions and odds-making, let's take a moment to point out the many ways the Academy missed the mark or pleasantly surprised us with their picks.

Paramount

Hugonian Domination

We hope Martin Scorsese thanks his wife this morning for demanding he make a movie their 12-year-old daughter could actually see. The Oscar winner's adaptation of a beloved children's book just scored an impressive 11 nominations in basically everything except the performance categories (most notable snubbing: Sir Ben Kingsley). Although it's highly the movie will sweep "Return of the King"-style, it's still a coup for the quintessential New Yorker's film to receive the most nominations of the year.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Nominated

After missing the deadline to be named in most of the critics' best-of-2011 lists and then being passed over for the Globes, it seemed Stephen Daldry's emotional adaptation would remain a tearjerker without any acclaim. But the Academy obviously responded to the 9/11 drama, particularly Max von Sydow's wordless performance; he's up for Best Supporting Actor. Even more surprising? The movie grabbed one of the coveted Best Picture spots.

Melissa McCarthy Better Pick Out Dress Again

Melissa McCarthy may not have nabbed a Golden Globes nomination for her hilariously scene-stealing performance in "Bridesmaids," but the Academy more than made up for the Hollywood Foreign Press' mistake. Not only is McCarthy scoring one for funny ladies everywhere, but she has proven pretending to poop is a fine art. She faces tough competition, but McCarthy is already a winner to us.

Albert Brooks Won't Need Driver

Despite receiving several accolades and award nominations for his surprisingly against-type role as a Los Angeles gangster in "Drive," Brooks was completely (and unforgivably) overlooked for the Academy Awards. We don't want to blame anyone, but it looks like Max von Sydow and/or Jonah Hill stole Brooks' place. And while we're complaining about Brook's lack of a nomination, it's a shame that Nicholas Winding Refn's beautifully acted critical darling isn't represented, save for a Best Sound Editing nod.

No Love for Genre Pics in Best Pic Category

Sony

Some movies just can't break out of their genres. Even with universally fabulous reviews, a ton of fans and stellar casts, movies like "Bridesmaids," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II" and "The Girl With the Drag Tattoo" were all frozen out of the Best Picture race. Is it because James Cameron didn't direct them? We'll never know, but we're still sad (especially about "Potter").

DiCaprio J.Snubbed

Leonardo DiCaprio is no stranger to the Academy Awards; he's been nominated three times, but this was not his year. The "J. Edgar" star's transformation into the legendary FBI head may have been a classic case of Clint Eastwood Oscar bait, but the Academy (for once) didn't bite. Sorry, Leo, but there's always 2013. If anything should earn you some Oscar gold, it's playing Jay Gatsby.

'Tree of Life' Has Enough Ardent Fans

Never underestimate how many Hollywood insiders adore Terrence Malick. The auteur's polarizing treatise on the meaning of life and family didn't score any Golden Globe nominations, but now it's competing in two major categories (Best Picture and Best Director), not just Cinematography as expected. And with its stars Jessica Chastain and Brad Pitt nominated for other films, there will be plenty of 'Life' love on Oscars night.

Shailene Woodley Loses Inheritance

She had one of the biggest breakouts of 2011, but the young actress who went toe-to-toe with George Clooney will have to wait for an Academy Award nomination. Instead, the voters selected Jessica Chastain – ostensibly for "The Help," but probably for impressing audiences in "The Tree of Life" and "Take Shelter" as well last year.

Sony

Jonah Hill, Oscar Nominee

What a milestone year for Jonah Hill. Not only did he lose 40 pounds and join the elite list of men who can claim a Brad Pitt bromance, but he also received an Academy Award nomination for playing Pitt's geektastic sidekick in "Moneyball." And whether or not he goes home with Oscar gold (our money's on Christopher Plummer, who has yet to win), he's now got bragging rights over Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and the rest of his bros.

The Girl With the Oscar Nomination

Last year, Rooney Mara made waves for beating out scores of other Hollywood starlets to land the much-desired role of Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's Americanized take on "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." This year, the 26-year-old actress proved she was the right woman for the job with an Academy Award nomination. We couldn't be more chuffed, because Mara killed as the badass private investigator, and we can't wait to see her play the mysteriously inked character again and again.

We Need to Talk About Tilda Swinton

Swinton's much lauded portrayal of maternal horror in the difficult-to-watch "We Need To Talk About Kevin" (even seasoned movie lovers like us found it cringe-inducing at times) must have been a little too hard for the Academy voters to screen, because Swinton was surprisingly left off the Best Actress list. We think Swinton's nomination went to Rooney Mara instead.

Hello Animated Features We've Never Heard Of

We're not sure what happened to "The Adventures of Tintin," but the nominations for Best Animated Feature included two films that have been completely off our radar: "A Cat in Paris" and "Chico & Rita." Both are foreign animated films ("Cat" is French, "Chico" Spanish), and now we'd love to figure out how to see them. True to its title, "Cat" follows a feline's adventures in Paris, while "Chico & Rita" is a love story about a pianist and a beautiful singer who meet in pre-Castro Havana.

Fassbender, Penis Joke Lovers Both Lose

Nothing would've made us happier than to see a repeat of George Clooney's Golden Globes speech, but alas, it's not meant to be at the Oscars. Maybe Academy voters are more conservative than their foreign press counterparts, because Michael Fassbender's brave and raw (read: full frontal) performance in "Shame" went unrewarded. Penis joke fans everywhere will have to hang their heads down low.

There Were Only Two Good Songs This Year?

Those of us hoping for round two of the Elton John vs. Madonna standoff will have to keep waiting. Neither the Material Girl's Golden Globe-winning "W.E." single, "Masterpiece," Sir Elton's "Gnomeo & Juliet" song, "Hello Hello," OR Mary J. Blige's "The Help" song, "The Living Proof," earned nominations. Don't get us wrong, we loved Bret McKenzie's philosophical "Muppets" anthem "Man or Muppet" and the catchy Brazilian tune "Real in Rio" from "Rio," but really, Academy – only two songs? Did someone lose the names of the other nominees?

Summit

Meet Demián Bichir

We don't want to brag or anything, but we've been fans of Demián since he played Mary Louise Parker's studly third husband, a Mexican politician and druglord, on "Weeds." In Chris Weitz' father-son drama "A Better Life," Bichir portrays a Mexican immigrant desperate to provide his teenage son with all the opportunities the U.S. has to offer. The powerful role earned Bichir career-making reviews, applauding his "quietly potent," "pitch-perfect" performance.

'Tintin' Makes No Motion

Despite its impressive pedigree, the motion-capture adaptation of the renowned European comic books didn't score any Oscar love. Even with two Academy Award-winning filmmakers at the helm, "Tintin" only earned one nomination: Best Score for John Williams (who unlike Spielberg, was also nominated for "War Horse").

Spielberg Loses Directing 'War'

The Academy loves Steven Spielberg, but apparently he canceled himself out with his two December releases. While it's no surprise "Tintin" didn't generate any award buzz for the legendary filmmaker, it's surprising that his six-time-nominated drama "War Horse" failed to earn Spielberg his 7th Best Director nomination. Since he's the movie's producer, however, he still has a chance to take home a trophy.

Oldman Quietly Sneaks In

Like his tightlipped British intelligence officer George Smiley in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," Oldman quietly landed in the Best Actor's race. Understated performances are usually overshadowed by larger-than-life roles, so it's a pleasant surprise that Oldman finally (finally!) earned his first Academy Award nomination. We had to double-check that to be sure, since it seems so incomprehensible, but Oldman has never been nominated before this year. It's about time.

'W.E.' Is Academy-Approved

Many found the pair of Globe Globe nominations (for Best Original Song and Best Original Score) and subsequent win (for the former) for the Madonna written-and-directed "W.E." to be the usual case of Hollywood Foreign Press celebrity brownnosing. But the widely panned film has also made the cut at the Oscars – and no, it's not in a musical category, but rather for Best Costume Design. Will Madge still show?

Do Not Beware the 'Ides of March'

Well, OK, George Clooney's political drama did garner a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, but otherwise it didn't make quite the Oscar splash "Good Night, and Good Luck" did six years ago. But Clooney should be celebrating even if "Ides of March" didn't land more nods. Not only is he up for screenwriting, he's the frontrunner to win Best Actor.

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Theron Won't Three-Peat

Charlize Theron did a terrific job playing a terribly unlikable protagonist in "Young Adult," but her Golden Globe-nominated performance didn't get a chance at a happy ending come Oscar night. In fact, the Diablo Cody-penned, Jason Reitman-directed comedy must have been too snarky for the Academy, which shut out the movie altogether. If she's anything like her character Mavis, Theron will drown her sorrows in a 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke and some fast food.

Trent Reznor Does Not Score

Thanks to John Williams' double nominations for "Tintin" and "War Horse," several equally as deserving composers didn't get a nod this year, including "Harry Potter" scorer Alexandre Desplat (who also composed "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"), Dario Marianelli for "Jane Eyre" and Trent Reznor for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." It must've been too much to expect Reznor, who won last year for "The Social Network," to repeat. Our response: a full-throated Karen O. yell of disapproval!

Ryan Gosling 0-for-3

Rarely does an actor generate so much buzz for three such different and fantastic roles in a single year. Despite his photo-shopped abs and Method acting skills, Gosling still couldn't woo the Academy into honoring him with a nomination (we hoped for "Drive"). We're not sure why the Oscars haven't fallen for Gosling like the rest of us (well, except for his 2006 performance in "Half Nelson"), but he wuz robbed!

Kristen Wiig Is Oscar-Nominated

Even though we're disappointed that "Bridesmaids" didn't end up on the Best Picture list, at least it got two high-profile, well-deserved nominations: one for Melissa McCarthy and one for Kristen Wiig and her writing partner Annie Mumolo (you know, the terrified flier sitting next to Wiig on the doomed flight to Las Vegas) for Best Original Screenplay. If she wins, Wiig should return to Manhattan and treat her "SNL" peeps to one amazing after-party.

Ugh, And for the Last Time… No Harry Potter

We've saved our biggest disappointment for last: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" didn't score a Best Picture nomination (it did, however, score three technical nods). It isn't just because we're unabashed fans of the series or because it's the epic saga's final installment. It's because the movie is genuinely one of 2011's best, or should we say, magical, films, and it deserved to be recognized. As Entertainment Weekly said of the series finale, "the thrilling conclusion to a phenomenal cinematic story 10 years in the telling, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2' is proof that authentic movie excitement is its own form of magic." Amen.

Universal

While the Academy Awards may have prestige, the Golden Globes are like the rowdy, beer-swilling younger brother that everyone wants to party with. They're the Roger Clinton of awards ceremonies.

Like all black sheep, though, the Globes occasionally embarrass their family with mistakes so heinous it almost makes us want to not pay bail when they get arrested. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced this year's nominees, and before returning host Ricky Gervais even opens his mouth we find ourselves utterly shocked by some surprising inclusions and omissions.

No Melissa McCarthy -- WTF?

After gobbling up awards from New York, D.C., Boston and Las Vegas, we assumed McCarthy was saving room for an inevitable Globe and even an Oscar nomination. Nope! While "Bridesmaids" costar Kristen Wiig got a Best Actress nod, two supporting slots for "The Help" swept this breakout actress under the rug.

'Ides of March' Backstabs 'Drive'

If we were to ask you what super-cool Ryan Gosling movie you expected to get nominated this year, what on Earth would drive you to pick "Ides"? While George Clooney's directorial effort goes up against his own starring vehicle (and presumed Best Picture frontrunner) "The Descendants," we're more furious about the traffic cones it's placed in front of the road-ready, critically adored "Drive."

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Shut Out

Unfortunately for "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," it looks like 9/11 isn't in this year. On the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, Tom Hanks & Co. thought a holiday tearjerker based around the aftermath would be guaranteed to touch the hearts and minds of awards voters. Nope. The film didn't earn a single nominaton.

Jonah Hill!

Columbia

The artist formerly known as "that fat guy from 'Superbad'" is now "that skinny Golden Globe nominee." Oh what a difference a year makes. Hill's fantastic turn opposite Brad Pitt in "Moneyball" as Peter Brand, the Yalie economics wonk who uses sabermetrics to turn the underdog Oakland Athletics around, has been earning the young man serious praise. Could this "Sitter" be babysitting an Oscar soon?

'Tree of Life' Gets Chopped Down

Few films have incited more fervor and passion this year than Terrence Malick's ode to life, the universe and everything. On the downside, it seems like some of that passion was the wrong kind, the divisive kind, and now it's paying the price for swimming too far into the deep end of the artsy pool with nary a nomination in sight.

Also check out: Everything Golden Globes on NextMovie

Hit Musical Comedy 'The Muppets' Gets No Love in Best Musical or Comedy

Might want to keep Animal on his chain this morning, because we're sure he's screaming "WE WUZ ROBBED! WE WUZ ROBBED!" Passing over the year's most Muppetsational musical extravaganza for the likes of "My Week With Marilyn" must have Gonzo feeling pretty blue today. Speaking of which ...

'My Week With Marilyn' Is a Comedy?

Yeah, this is a head scratcher if there ever was one. Is the de facto response to a highly lauded film missing the Best Picture (Drama) boat, "Oh yeah, just shove that into the comedy category, no one will notice"? Last time we checked, there weren't too many jokes in this one. Wait, so is it a musical?

Sorry, Spielberg

Even with "War Horse" galloping its way into the Best Picture race and "Tintin" sleuthing his way to a Best Animated Feature nod, even the intrepid dog Snowy can't sniff out a clue as to why our most beloved (and successful) filmmaker got the shaft in the Director category. Looks like he lost his slot to Woody Allen, who was nominated both here and in Best Screenplay for the surprise hit "Midnight in Paris."

Gosling Locks Himself Out of His Car

FilmDistrict

Again, who dropped the ball on the whole "Drive" thing? One of our favorite actors, Sir Ryan Gosling Esq., delivered three amazing performances this year, but the standout one that had everyone talking and/or making scorpion jacket Halloween costumes ("Drive") was overlooked in favor of "Ides of March" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love." With the exception of mortal lock Albert Brooks, expect this to be a trend as we head into Oscar season.

Gary Oldman Not Wearing Smiley Face

You may or may not have heard, but Gary Oldman has never received an Oscar nomination. Yes, it's a crime, and it would be an even bigger one if his brilliant turn as cunning spook George Smiley in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" was passed over like it was today. A double crime if the actor was denied in favor of Leonardo DiCaprio's putty-faced caricature in the Clint Eastwood whiff "J. Edgar."

The Girl With Only a Best Actress Nomination

Perhaps no film this year has been as heavily hyped as David Fincher's English-language redo of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." Despite the big ramp-up, prognosticators expecting a deluge of awards season love didn't necessarily think about the material itself, which is fairly dark and off-putting -- hence, no Best Picture nod. On the other hand, what may be the most sought-after female lead since Scarlett O'Hara has paid off dividends for Rooney Mara, who scored a Best Actress (Drama) nomination. That's the least they could give the girl for piercing her nipple and shaving her eyebrows.

Harry Potter Leaves Hogwarts Empty Handed

Despite a valiant marketing effort from Warner Bros. to get a nomination for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," the push for a series legacy Oscar seems fruitless at this point, with no Globes in any category. Looks like the downtrodden folks at the studio will just have to take solace in the $7.7 billion in worldwide receipts the franchise has earned so far.

Viggo's 'Dangerous Method' Proves Sound

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, but a Best Supporting Actor nomination could mean even more for Viggo Mortensen, whose role as Sigmund Freud in "A Dangerous Method" puts him firmly in the race for a gold bald guy. While heavy competition from Christopher Plummer and Kenneth Branagh (among others) makes Viggo's winning a longshot, this is just further proof that the man needs to collaborate with David Cronenberg more often.

Angelina Gets Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film!

After the whole "Tourist" controversy from last year, you'd think voters would want to distance themselves from their blatant Angelina worship, but no. Though "In the Land of Blood And Honey," Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, has scored some strong reviews, it is a British-funded, American-directed piece (and thus not eligible for a Foreign Film Oscar nom). No disrespect to Jolie or the film itself, but given the HFPA's rep, you have to wonder if it'd still be nominated had it been directed by someone else.

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Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Noms With 'Carnage'

Roman Polanski may be a figure of world controversy, but one thing is for sure: The man knows actors. With both Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet nominated in the Best Actress (Comedy) slot for "Carnage," Polanski continues his streak as a performance-driven director. Of course, this ain't Foster or Winslet's first rodeo, either.

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Noms With Madonna

The Golden Globes must REALLY have wanted Madonna to come to the party, hence two nominations for her directorial effort "W.E." in the only categories it could possibly qualify for: music. With a 30% Rotten Tomatoes rating, recognition for her new track "Masterpiece" and Abel Korzeniowski's score is the only "Ray of Light" the singer should expect.

Redgrave Given Pink Slip

74-year-old acting legend Redgrave recently won awards from both San Francisco and British critics groups for her role as Volumnia, the mother of the title character in Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut "Coriolanus." This did not translate to a Globe nom, but she already has one (and an Oscar) to keep her company.

Brendan Gleeson Puts His 'Guard' Up

We've always had a special place in our hearts for Brendan Gleeson, the ginger-haired Irishman who's clashed swords in "Braveheart," "Troy," "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Beowulf," but who brandishes the sword of drunken racism to hilarious perfection in "The Guard." A well-deserved Best Actor (Comedy) nomination for what has become the most successful independent Irish film of all time.

20th Century Fox

With only a few leading roles under his belt, 27-year-old Jonah Hill has secured his place as one of young Hollywood's top funnymen by crafting characters who are crude, horny yet eerily relatable to most audiences.

His recent move to dramatic fare like “Moneyball” -- and his even more dramatic weight loss -- hasn't robbed him of his comedic talents (see "21 Jump Street" trailer); and with "The Sitter," we see Hill in his usual form. Yes, he shot it before losing the weight, but we mean his knack for being playfully offensive while also portraying a lovable guy next door.

In only six years, Hill has compiled an impressive number of funny moments on screen. Here we take a look at his top nine (warning: some videos are NSFW).

9. 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' (2005)

For many, the first time we saw Jonah Hill was in this funny exchange with Catherine Keener in “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” where really he just wants to buy some shoes. (Before that Hill had a very small appearance in “I Heart Huckabees,” which he got after befriending star Dustin Hoffman’s children.) Based on this gem and his continued work with Judd Apatow’s merry pranksters, he soon found himself headed to unexpected heights.

8. 'Accepted' (2006)

As Justin Long's sidekick in this anti-establishment comedy about a group of college students who create their own university, Hill plays the typical overweight worrywart, but has some of the funniest moments in the movie.

7. 'Funny People' (2009)

Hill had a small supporting role in Apatow’s last directorial effort introducing comedy's old guard, Adam Sandler, to its future, Seth Rogen. Hill played Leo, a buddy of Seth Rogen's character who's also struggling to make it on the comedy circuit. Leo thinks he’s figured out a way to gain attention in Hollywood: by creating viral videos of himself playing around with cute kittens.

6. 'Cyrus' (2010)

Though most audiences didn’t get this dry comedy from indie stalwarts Mark and Jay Duplass, Hill’s performance as an overprotective son highlights his darker side. And the tension between him and John C. Reilly creates uncomfortable comedic moments that you can’t stop watching.

5. 'The Sitter' (2011)

This is one of our favorite scenes from “The Sitter.” When he's forced to take the kids he’s watching into NYC, Noah’s journey brings him to this bar and a hilarious encounter with the doorman. Here’s a tease -- it’s a lot longer in the movie.

4. 'Get Him To The Greek' (2010)

After costarring in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” Hill and Russell Brand reteamed for this raunchy comedy set in the music industry. Hill played Aaron, a record company intern, and Brand reprised his “Marshall” role of rock legend Aldous Snow. Trying to get Snow to a concert in L.A., Aaron is put through a drug- and alcohol-induced adventure -- including having to find heroin, which leads to one of the best scenes of the movie (with a cameo from T.J. Miller).

3. 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' (2008)

In another small supporting role opposite another Apatow regular, Jason Segel, Hill gives a scene-stealing performance playing a drug-dealing waiter. This scene between Hill and Russell Brand is an entertaining side plot to the story, and shows the improvisational chemistry the two would show off in “Greek.”

2. 'Knocked Up' (2007)

In "Knocked Up" Judd Apatow shone a spotlight on the male actors who would become a comedic fixture for the next decade. Hill played Jonah, one of Ben’s (Seth Rogen) burnout friends. He’s the angry one of the bunch, spitting out hilarious rants (though many of his best can be found in the deleted scenes, like this one) and playing the manchild to perfection -- as in this scene, where he wastes time at the hospital before Ben’s baby is born.

1. 'Superbad' (2007)

In the film that catapulted Hill from bit player to comedy star, he played Seth, a horny high schooler who, with his best friend Evan (Michael Cera), attempts to get alcohol to impress two girls. After ending up at a house party full of adults, Seth tries one last-ditch effort to score some booze and ends up with more than he bargained for. (Fun fact: The guys who come across the stain on his pants are Jody Hill and Ben Best, who along with Danny McBride are the creators of the HBO series “Eastbound and Down.”)

20th Century Fox

MTV has two brand-new exclusive clips from the upcoming Jonah Hill comedy "The Sitter" that prove the old adage: Adult men do not babysit things.

Luckily for us, of course, Hill's character -- a typically schlubby permanent houseguest at his mom's place -- is forced to break that rule and watch a neighbor's kid for the evening. But when the "little angel" turns out to be a spoiled demon with a taste for drive-by perfume bombings, it becomes clear that Hill might have been better off staying glued to his couch after all.

So check out "The Sitter" courtesy of MTV and remember: No matter how bad your day is going, at least you aren't babysitting for this family.

20th Century Fox

Finding someone to watch your kids is always an issue, so for better or worse,  many parents let their television do the work. And if you happen to need someone this Thursday night at 7:56 p.m. then you're in luck, because MTV has just taken on a professional "Sitter."

Yes, that's right: This Thursday, Jonah Hill himself will be appearing live on MTV for "MTV First: The Sitter," where he will introduce an exclusive new clip from his upcoming comedy about a schlub who becomes a babysitter with disastrous -- and hilarious -- consequences.

Best of all, he'll then be sticking around to chat with fans (and Josh Horowitz) online for a half hour. So tune in, and let MTV and Jonah Hill give you all the parenting lessons you'll ever need.

Columbia Pictures

It's a dirty job, but Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill have got to do it.

We have to admit, we didn't think "21 Jump Street" was going to go the whole "raunchy R-rated comedy" route. Indeed, the movie version of the beloved '80s television show looks like it could've been made by Judd Apatow. But it looks like this unexpected approach to the material is going to work out just fine.

Tatum and Hill appear to make a fantastic odd couple in this tale of two young police officers who go deep undercover in a high school to stop all the bad kids from doing drugs -- Tatum continues to get more confident with each film role, and this is the first time that the sight of "skinny Jonah" hasn't been a jarring one. Ice Cube and Nick Offerman of "Parks and Recreation" (who can just go ahead and be in every single movie ever made as far as we're concerned) also provide some good laughs.

No sign of Johnny Depp's much-ballyhooed cameo, but you didn't think they would play that card just yet, did you? They certainly play quite a few, though -- the trailer is over three minutes long and chock full of what seem like A-list funny bits.

Check out the (rather long) red band trailer below, courtesy of YouTube. "21 Jump Street" opens March 16, 2012.

WARNING: Most certainly NSFW due to rampant vulgarity and crude hurlyburly.

YouTube

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill: Whose side are you on?

The "21 Jump Street" stars have challenged each other to a Tweet-Off Challenge: Whoever gains the most new Twitter followers by Wednesday, November 2, will get to tweet the red-band trailer for their new movie. The loser will have to make do with tweeting the plain ol' green band trailer on Friday, November 4 -- which is, of course, just plain humiliating.

You can help decide the outcome of this competition, of course. Choose your side on Twitter: @ChanningTatum or @JonahHill.

If you're having trouble deciding, you may be swayed in one direction or another via the YouTube videos below, in which both Tatum and Hill make their cases as to why they should be the ones to get the most Twitter followers. Apparently, there's some mad tension on the "21 Jump Street" set!

"21 Jump Street" opens March 16, 2012.

Getty Images

Hollywood's hunger (games) for adapting young adult fiction for the movies isn't close to being satiated, and that's good news for fans of Cat Patrick's "Forgotten." The science-fiction novel was optioned by Paramount in February before it was even published.

Now, Hailee Steinfeld is attached to star as the 16-year-old amnesiac heroine, London Lane.

London's memory is erased every night so she has to take copious amounts of notes to remember what's happened to her the day before; instead of memories, London sees snippets of the future in "flash-forwards." Things start getting sticky when a cute new boy arrives at school but isn't showing up in any of London's premonitions.

The project's picking up speed now that Paramount's handpicked a writer for the movie adaptation, up-and-comer Oren Uziel. Uziel is currently hard at work on "Mortal Kombat," and his sizzling hot script "The Kitchen Sink" was bought by Sony earlier this year. "Sink," which is about "warring legions of teenage vampires and zombies that put aside their differences long enough to join forces in dealing with an alien invasion," has piqued the interest of Jonah Hill, who wants to direct. Sounds like "Forgotten" will be right up Uziel's alley!

It's very cool to see another YA novel with a great female protagonist making it to the big screen, especially with an Oscar-nominated star like Steinfeld attached. It's impossible to ignore the parallels between Steinfeld's growing career and that of fellow young Oscar nom Jennifer Lawrence, whose role as Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" has already made her a household name. Who will step up to the young adult plate next? We can't wait to see.

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Every town has one: the creepy, weird, maybe slightly off (to put it nicely) resident. And now the sci-fi comedy "Neighborhood Watch" may get one too, as Billy Crudup is in talks to join the cast as the not-quite-all-there neighbor in question.

The tall, dark and quirky Crudup would join an A-list lineup led by Ben Stiller that also includes Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Will Forte and Rosemarie DeWitt, The Hollywood Reporter recounts.

Penned by Seth Rogen, his mainstay writing partner Evan Goldberg and Jared Stern (the scribe behind "Mr. Popper's Penguins" — but don't hold that against him), the story centers on a suburban neighborhood watch group created by a homeowner after a local murder occurs. They find themselves just a wee bit in over their heads, however, when they uncover an alien plot to destroy the world.

If only we had a dollar for every time that happened to us.

With "Saturday Night Live" alum Akiva Schaffer anointed for the director's chair, this is one alien invasion that promises some good old-fashioned cinema fun.

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Funny guy Seth Rogen has something new to smile about: he's married! On Sunday, the comedy star tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, writer Lauren Miller, at Kunde Estate in Sonoma, California.

A female rabbi (who apparently also has a solid sense of humor) officiated the Jewish ceremony on a hilltop overlooking picturesque vineyards. "The wedding was more laughs than anything else," US Weekly reports. "Every other line was a joke and the crowd couldn't contain their laughter. It was nonstop fun!"

As you probably expected, the three-day celebration was a star-studded event. Guests included Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Craig Robinson (0f "The Office" fame), director-producer Judd Apatow and wife Leslie Mann, plus their two freakishly adorable kids. Bet that was one good party.

From the looks of Seth in his tux and Lauren in her ballgown, the wedding day was a bit more traditional than the proposal — which Seth admitted happened while Lauren "was changing in the closet." Ahh, just like every girl dreams about.

Though something tells us if Lauren can hang with Seth, the nontraditional proposal probably didn't throw her off. Congratulations to the happy couple!

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Looks like it's an old-fashioned musical theater throwdown.

Last week on Jimmy Fallon's show, "Moneyball" star and he of the uneven temper Jonah Hill called out Matthew Morrison of the show "Glee" for making him a punchline at a party. Hill threw down the gauntlet and marched towards the cameras in Fallon's New York studio and shouted "Let's see him sing his way out of this one."

Now it turns out that Morrison, who runs the McKinley High School glee club on a weekly basis, is no stranger to competition and is more than ready to duke it out with Hill. He sent in a hilarious video response to the Fallon show, which is sure to make the lead in "Superbad" super mad.

"Guess what, Jonah, I can sing my way out of it and I can DANCE my way out of it," says Morrison before showing off some of his sick dance moves.

How will this battle for honor play out? Fallon promises he will get the two on the show very soon ...

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When he made his first big splash as the overweight horndog high schooler Seth in "Superbad" many would not assume Jonah Hill had aspirations beyond becoming "the Iron Chef of pounding vag."

After semi-serious turns in "Cyrus" and this week's "Moneyball," the now-svelte funnyman is diversifying once again by taking up the directing mantle. His debut as movie maestro is on his pal Sara Bareilles' music video for her tune "Gonna Get Over You." It's an exuberant, zippy entry in the Michel Gondry/Spike Jonze-esque wheelhouse of whimsy.

Hill definitely knows how to move a camera and caps the proceedings with a pretty hilarious punchline at the end. All in all, we'd say the guy's got chops.

Also Check Out: The Top 40 Music Videos With Big Movie Stars

Will Jonah Hill follow in pal Seth Rogen's footsteps directing a feature like "The Apocalypse," in which Hill also co-stars? We hope he enjoyed his first shot at directing, or perhaps he can now see why Orson Welles ate his fat ass to death.

Sony

In the modern information age, where nerds are considered cool 'cause they tend to make a hella lot of money, it takes a pretty-boy like Brad Pitt to recognize the true potential of geeking out in "Moneyball." Thus his character, real-life general manager of the Oakland Athletics Billy Beane, takes on Jonah Hill's Peter Brand to use the new art of sabermetrics to scout players in order to build a competitive team with scant financial resources.

Will the approach pay off, or will Beane be made the laughing stock of baseball? We suggest you ignore every article and Wikipedia entry on the subject and wait until  see the film for yourself. You can cover your bases by watching these four clips ...

1. This guy got into baseball mainly for the fresh air, the exercise, not so much the "ball" aspect.

2. Jonah Hill - Overachiever. Who'd have thought we'd see the day, huh?

3. Brad Pitt teaches his new partner-in-crime the art of negotiation.

4. Beane shows A's manager Art Howe (Philip Seymour Hoffman) just who's boss, while we the audience get to see that mammoth beer gut.

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Jonah Hill may have slimmed down drastically in recent months, but there's one thing about the funnyman that's just as big as ever: his sense of humor.

Hill appeared on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" to promote his upcoming film "Moneyball" when the conversation took an unexpected turn.

The actor, who co-created the upcoming animated Fox series "Allen Gregory," was at an event for the network when he found himself the victim of an unlikely bully: Lima, Ohio's own purple piano-playing show choir enthusiast, otherwise known as  "Glee" star Matthew Morrison.

Hill told Fallon that during the event, Morrison chastised him for interrupting a speaker. To add insult to injury, months later at a Hollywood party, Hill overheard Morrison and "Gossip Girl" star Chace Crawford having a laugh at his expense.

Not one to let sleeping dogs lie, Hill issued a warning to his newfound nemesis.

"Yo, Matthew Morrison, you better bring your s**t the next time I see you, dude," challenged Hill. "I'd like to see him sing his way out of this one."

It looks like the New Directions have a new enemy. Now that's an episode of "Glee" we'd gladly watch.

Check out the clip.

Getty Images

Everybody has an escape plan for the apocalypse. You know, zombies, aliens, nuclear winter -- whatever form the coming apocalypse is going to take, chances are that, however unlikely it may seem, you believe you're going to be one of the tiny number of people who actually survive. But as horrible as the specter of apocalyptic destruction is, now there's an even more terrifying thought to consider: What if you're right?

That's the premise behind Seth Rogen's latest project, "The Apocalypse." Because being eaten by zombies may be bad, but getting stuck in a bomb shelter filled with a bunch of other total a-hole survivors is far, far worse.

Of course, long time Rogen fans may recognize this as the plot of Rogen's short film "Jay and Seth: vs. The Apocalypse," which featured Rogen and Jay Baruchel as two survivors stuck in a house together, barricaded against the outside world but not each other (you can watch the NSFW trailer here).

Now, according to The Winnipeg Free Press, Rogen has announced plans to adapt the short into a feature-length "horror comedy" that will also co-star two other long-time Rogen pals, Jonah Hill and James Franco.

"It's a movie about a bunch of friends who are stuck in a house together as the apocalypse happens outside and they kind of barricade themselves in," Rogen said in an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival. "They think they've kind of survived the worst and then they realize they all really can't stand to be around each other as they're stuck in this house together."

Besides starring in "The Apocalypse," Rogen plans to co-write and co-direct the project with his "Green Hornet" and "Superbad" writing partner Evan Goldberg.

Rogen, Baruchel, Hill and Franco in a comedy about the apocalypse? Now we know what the Mayans were really talking about.

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From young stars near the beginning of their careers (Taylor Lautner, Jonah Hill, Robert Pattinson) to seasoned, award-winning vets (George Clooney, Matt Damon, Johnny Depp), these actors all have the potential to make this a memorable fall and holiday season at the movies.

Lionsgate

We don't know about you guys, but we're glad all that drama between Kanye West and Taylor Swift is finally over, because now the MTV Video Music Awards can get back to focusing on what's really important: movies.

Oh, sure, the VMAs, which air this Sunday live on MTV at 9 p.m. ET,  are technically about great music, incredible live performances and a celebration of the intersection of pop and culture. But for movie fans, there's a whole lot more to the VMAs than just awards or music -- there's also the video part.

And that means movie stars, which is why we've put together our second annual Movie Lover's Guide to the VMAs to help you keep track of all the Hollywood flavor on Sunday night.

Here are the stars to watch:

Taylor Lautner

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Ever since the "Twilight" phenomenon went global in 2008, the franchise's stars have been a ubiquitous presence at high-profile events like the VMAs. This year's appearance by presenter Taylor Lautner is a bit different, though. Sure, he'll likely be giving some love to the "Twilight" gang, but he's also there solo to hype his upcoming thriller "Abduction." This is Lautner's chance to take his first step into the spotlight as a solo star and truly begin his post-"Twilight" career.

Jennifer Lawrence

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Usually the performers and presenters get most of the love at the VMAs, but this time around, all eyes will be on special guest Jennifer Lawrence. That's because Lawrence will be on hand to debut the first footage from the wildly anticipated big-screen adaptation of "The Hunger Games." Lawrence is no stranger to award shows -- she was nominated for an Oscar earlier this year, after all -- but with tens of millions of fans (and Hollywood execs) watching to see if "The Hunger Games" will truly be the next big thing, the stakes have never been higher.

Seth Rogen

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Seth Rogen is pulling double duty at this year's VMAs: Not only is he presenting an award, he also stars in The Beastie Boys' Video of the Year-nominated clip "Make Some Noise." And considering that video is jam-packed with dozens of superstars -- everyone from Will Ferrell to Orlando Bloom to Steve Buscemi has a cameo in it -- don't be surprised if Rogen unveils a special guest of his own. Could "50/50" co-star Joseph Gordon-Levitt make a surprise appearance?

Jonah Hill

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Okay, we know what you're thinking, and for the last time, Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen are not the same person. Not only are they different people, they're also fronting different movies; in Hill's case, it's the upcoming sports drama "Moneyball." Which, by the way, happens to costar Brad Pitt. Will Pitt or his main squeeze Angelina Jolie be on hand? Will we get to see some footage of Hill and Pitt's epic team-up in "Moneyball?" Crazier things have happened.

Jared Leto

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There are crossover artists and then there's Jared Leto, who has established himself in film, television and music. And this year, Leto, who will be on hand as a presenter, has outdone himself, earning a Best Director nomination for the Thirty Seconds to Mars video "Hurricane." Which he also stars in. And, oh yeah, he's the band's lead singer. Musician, actor and now superstar director? Leto has quietly become one of Hollywood's biggest triple threats, and his VMA appearance is poised to be his coming-out party.

Selena Gomez

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Two personalities that are a cute as a darn button are coming together this year for the first time: Selena Gomez and Kermit the Frog. But "The Muppets" isn't the only project Gomez has in the works; she's also going to be presenting at the VMAs and anchoring MTV's black carpet pre-show. Will Gomez give fans a glimpse of her Muppet side? We'll be pretty disappointed if she doesn't.

Chris Brown and J.B. Smoove

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What do Chris Brown and J.B. Smoove have in common? They're both appearing at the VMAs, and they're both starring in the upcoming romantic comedy "Think Like a Man." Smoove will be on hand as a presenter while Brown is currently scheduled to perform, but considering Brown's movie career is taking off even faster than his album sales, don't be surprised if he sneaks in a little Hollywood on the side, either during the show or perhaps during the black carpet pre-show.

Also Check Out: Win a Netflix Subscription, iPad and More in Our VMAs Free S#*T Giveaway

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Jonah Hill is now officially on the lookout.

He's been on-and-off attached to the project for quite some time, but the "Moneyball" man is now officially part of the "Neighborhood Watch," according to Deadline.

Hill joins Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn in the comedy about a city-type who moves to the suburbs and uncovers a vast surveillance conspiracy going on in his otherwise sleepy little neighborhood.  Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg wrote the screenplay, with Akiva Schaffer ("Hot Rod") set to direct.

Also Check Out: Win a Netflix Subscription, iPad and More in Our VMAs Free S#*T Giveaway

It will be good to see Hill reunited with Stiller -- they had a silly yet undeniably funny scene together as rival security guards in "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian." And Vaughn's intense, sometimes grating brand of comedy should go well with Hill's bewildered, often exasperated style.

Also, Jonah Hill is definitely going to look like a new man in this one, as he's slimmed down so much lately as to almost be unrecognizable. This sudden change in appearance was prompted by his preparing to play an undercover cop in "21 Jump Street," opening March 23, 2012.

Hill will next be seen changing the very fabric of baseball recruitment with Brad Pitt in "Moneyball," opening Sept. 23, and swearing a lot in "The Sitter," opening Dec. 9.

"Neighborhood Watch" will hit theaters on July 27, 2012.

20th Century Fox

From the director of "George Washington" and "All the Real Girls" comes a new heartfelt Southern drama that...

Heh heh, no -- that David Gordon Green is long gone. Now there is apparently only the David Gordon Green of "Pineapple Express" and "Your Highness," a man who tries to walk that highly dubious tightrope act between wit and vulgarity.

Green's latest raunchy comedy is "The Sitter," a movie that will make you drop any comparisons to "Adventures in Babysitting" within seconds with its foul mouth and crude sexuality (the red band trailer opens with a young woman enthusiastically expressing her approval of Jonah Hill's skills in the ways of... well, you'll see).

Anyway, lots of swearing and sex stuff and shenanigans involving little kids in jeopardy -- check out the most definitely NSFW trailer below, courtesy of IGN. "The Sitter" opens Dec. 9.

Warning: Contains sexual situations and strong language.