VIA /Film:

A couple rumors are circulating the interwebs this week, so I thought I’d put together a small round-up.

First up, JoBlo caught wind of an article in the Australian magazine RCI that claims a remake of the 1980′s Arnold Schwarzenegger action classic Commando is being developed. Another site, Cinefools, has also heard rumblings of a Commando reboot, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson rumored to star. Hollywood is rebooting all the other Schwarzenegger action films (Predator, Total Recall..etc) so why not Commando? And The Rock has long been compared as the Arnold of the next generation. Some might recall a mini “passing of the torch” in The Rundown.

Mark this rumor as possible.

Check out these ‘Rappers Turned Actors’ in our gallery below:

Ciara reveals a never-before-seen side of herself in GIANT‘s July ‘09 issue. Check out the provocative photos over at GIANTmag.com! We love the shoot, check it out!

This is what she had to say about her new album:

With a new electro sound, a sexier strut and a gang of successful songwriters, producers and guest vocalists at her disposal, the Austin, Texas-born Atlanta representative is now walking the path of diva and music-video star – like Janet and Beyonce before her – yet the making of C’s Fantasy Ride has been filled with twists, turns and false starts.

“The timing last year was just not right,” Ciara explains about the yearlong delay. “So we pulled back and made sure everything was perfect for the listener.”

Click here to read more at GIANTmag.com!

Shout out to the homegirl, Gina Torres for this one:

“Angela Simmons has taken to her blog on Global Grind.com to respond to Bow Wow’s recent statements in Giant Magazine where he was quoted as saying “Angela Simmons, is the love of my life.” Contrary to that statement, Angela and Bow Wow are NOT DATING and she has cleared it up by blogging, “i jus want to shut down any and all rumors about my relationships because you know how that can get. i am currently in the happiest relationship i have eva been in and MY other half lives in texas.”

To read the rest of the blog, please click here! Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Rosario Dawson learned a lot about sex as a kid. Ironically, that may have been a good thing because the 29-year-old actress didn’t lose her virginity until she was almost legal to drink.

“My mom told me so much about sex at an early age that she scared me: I didn’t have sex until was 20,” the 7 Pounds actress said in a recent interview with the New York Times’ T Magazine.

Dawson went into more detail how her liberal upbringing and almost being aborted by her mom affected her first sexual experience. “I got into trouble at school because one of my friends said, ‘’Lesbians do it with straws.’ And I said, ‘I can tell you how lesbians do it, and there are no straws involved!’ But I think all that talk of sex put me off. The first time I had it, I think it was in a head-to-toe rubber. I was terrified of getting pregnant. My mom was planning to get an abortion when she was pregnant with me. She was at the clinic waiting for her appointment and she felt me move in her stomach. I always tell her it was probably gas. I thank God for gas.”

In the video below, Dawson gets candid and talks more about family, death and sex. She shares how her brother reacted to her nude scene in the movie Alexander and how, as punishment, her mother licked her as a kid.

- Pharoh Martin

GIANT magazine caught up with young up-and-coming Hollywood actors Freida Pinto, Lauren London, Tristan Wilds, Isabel Lucas, Jesse Williams and Luke Grimes for their 2009 Young Hollywood package, appropriately titled “Star Track.”

Watch the exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of these young stars by clicking HERE

While Sportscenter gushes over Santonio Holmes’ catch, the Terrible Towel waving fans of Pittsburgh aren’t the only ones who can celebrate a big win! If you’ve missed the Top 5 Worst Super Bowls ads, then you probably were too busy crying in your Kurt Warner jersey. So, to cheer you up, check out the Top 5 Best Super Bowl commercials.

BEST:

5. GoDaddy.com Commercial With Danica Patrick -

The sexy NASCAR driver did well to deliver on GoDaddy.com’s trademarked sales pitch, but if hot women were all it took to be #1 on this list, then Terrell Owen’s VH1 reality show should win big with audiences, too, huh?

4. Usama Young ‘NFL Story’ Ad -

The NFL spotlighted Kent State University alum and current New Orleans Saints’ cornerback, Usama Young. This commercial not only showed us how small the world truly is, but it showed the outcome of realizing your dream.

3. Star Trek Movie Trailer -

Totally awesome. J.J. Abrams can finally make up for that vaguely familiar Godzilla-like movie and show off how good Zoe Saldana looks in IMAX!

2. CareerBuilder.com: Tips –

This is probably what goes drove Bernard Madoff’s into a life of crime!

1. Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen Teaser Trailer -

G.I. Joe may have the fanboys anxious to head to the theaters, but it’s Transformers that looks to own the summer once again. I may have to eat crow about those things that I said about Tyrese… unlikely though.

Honorable Mention:

Race To Witch Mountain Teaser Trailer - GIANT Magazine coverboy, Dwayne Johnson’s new flick showcases why he chose Disney paychecks over Vince McMahon’s.

Pepsi Max: I’m Good Ad – Just for the sheer “ouch” factor alone, this one was a goodie.

Year One Teaser Trailer - Jack Black, Michael Cera and McLovin’ in a movie together. Priceless.

From GIANT’s Editor-in-Chief, Emil Wilbekin:

“It’s a brand new day in America. As we kick-off the New Year, it’s clear that we need a resolution: Change. Between the economic crisis, the war, global warming and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we have no choice but to switch it up. Fortunately, we have a leader. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, is here to navigate, direct and support us. It’s incredible that he is an African American and breaking down racial and cultural barriers along the way. But most importantly, he is a visionary. From January 14 to January 22, GIANTmag.com will be covering the “celebrity + style + culture” surrounding this man and this occasion. In honor of Obama’s Presidential Inauguration, a historical event of seismic proportions, we present: A New Day.”

With that known the ragtag bunch of cultural critics have weighed their thoughts and opinions on “a new day” with their usual brand of originality.

Check out these stories/blogs for insight on a GIANT new day:

- The Soul Train

- The Papparazzi President

- Would You Buy Barack-O-Water?!

- Tatted Up For Obama

- The Sickest Obama Artists

- Obama On The Streets

- Malia And Sasha Cutest Inaugural Moments

- Hip-Hop Is NOT Invited!

For more Obama-licious treats, be sure to check out Celebrate 44 on NewsOne and all the goodies stocked up at GIANTMag.com.

Sitting next to our resident film critic Ethan Alter has its merits. My movie questions never go unanswered, and by way of proximity, I’ll never have to get Netflix. Recently I copped Wanted to see how Angelina Jolie could sexy up a gun from Ethan, and in the film, there was Common as an assassin. More than a cameo, Common essentially turned what would have been an otherwise awesome action flick into drinking game based around when he looked like he was about to say “Chicago, ya’ll” and pine for Pharrell’s approval.

Now, contrary to popular belief, I’m all for rappers getting their shine on in film. Law & Order: SVU wouldn’t be what it was if it wasn’t for Ice-T and Andre 3000 was the only good part about Four Brothers. But at some point, rappers who are better at rapping becoming actors has to stop.

Here’s a couple of rappers (and one singer) who will inevitably ruin your favorite film franchise.

Common in Terminator: Salvation

Like Harrison Ford and Orlando Bloom, Hollywood’s looking to make Christian Bale a double bill. Already the best Batman (sorry, Michael Keaton), Bale is going to be the adult version of John Connor in the fourth installation of the apocalyptic Terminator saga. Only some one convinced the studio that it would be a good idea to bring Common along for the ride.

It’s not.

What’s wrong with this?

The only thing worse than clearly seeing The RZA’s Wu-Tang tattoo in American Gangster was having to sit through Common’s performance. It was almost as bad as listening to Okayplayer people lecture on me on how ahead of its time Electric Circus was, when they know it wasn’t.

Unless Common takes on the role of a rapping robot who can have his entire programming rewired by an android who bears a striking resemblance to Erykah Badu, I don’t want to see it.

Even if that is the case, I still don’t want to see it.

Want to know who else makes the list? Be sure to peep Shahendra Ohneswere’s hilarious rant over at GIANT!

Beyoncé unleashed Sasha Fierce at her recent GIANT cover shoot and luckily we had our cameras rolling to catch it all! Watch it below:

For more Sasha check out the exclusive photo gallery HERE.

Elizabeth Banks, Terrence Howard and Rainn Wilson will join Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Jorge Camara to announce the Nominations for “The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards” on Thursday morning, December 11, 2008 at The Beverly Hilton.

“The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards” will take place Sunday, January 11, 2009 at The Beverly Hilton with a live telecast airing on NBC at 8 PM (EST) and produced by Dick Clark Productions in association with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Orly Adelson, president of dcp, and Barry Adelman will executive produce. Chris Donovan is the director and dcp’s Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production.

“The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards” will be seen in more than 150 countries worldwide and is one of the few awards ceremonies that span both television and motion picture achievements.

Scrubs, Comedy Central, 7:00pm -

Zac Braff and company have a hilarious time as the cast of Scrubs find themselves particularly distressed in this J.D.-Elliot hot-and-heavy episode. As their relationship catches fire, interns and staffers alike find bare their souls to a psychologist. Tune in to the funny at 7:00pm.

Ugly Betty, ABC, 8:00pm -

One of my favorites that I’ve had to reluctantly let go off during this tense political climate, Ugly Betty, is a show worth watching for Thursday! On tonight’s episode, Betty tries to patch things up with an equally reluctant Gio and Daniel, again, reacts to a startling revelation in the Meade family.

Supernatural, CW, 9:00pm -

Having lost a little bit of faith in Smallville, tonight’s primetime slot goes to Supernatural and their Oktoberfest episode. Several unsolved murders occur during an Oktoberfest celebration and the Winchester Brothers find out that the killer is a shape-shifting demon who’s taken on the forms of iconic movie monsters. Will the duo be victorious? Tune in at 9:00pm to find out.

Talk to Me, HBO, 10:00pm -

I have yet to see this movie about the life and times of celebrated Civil Rights radio DJ – Petey Greene, but I will tonight. The ex-con’s biography plays out on the small screen and is portrayed by GIANT Magazine cover-boy, Don Cheadle. To see where we’re going, sit down at 10:00pm to HBO and see where we’ve come from.

Family Guy, Adult Swim, 11:00pm -

Meg gets into extracurricular activities as a flag girl for her high school. Now, “almost” a cheerleader, Meg has to deal with her pesky family – mainly Peter – and his Chris-envy issues. Pop culture references, funny gags and just all-around better than “Simpsons” humor is what you’ll have to look forward to on Adult Swim!

Don Cheadle’s wide array of characters have given us a very in-depth look at the man in front of Hollywood’s wide-eyed lens. From subtly silly roles (Ocean’s 11) to being humbly heroic (Hotel Rwanda), Cheadle musters up his talent once more for the international action thriller Traitor.

Cheadle plays Samir Horn, a traumatized Muslim youth who witnesses his father killed by a bomb. In turn, Horn grows up to become a special operations officer for the United States. Even though such an event was ages ago, he can not relinquish his past and falls in line with the Muhajadeen Muslim faith in Afghanistan.

We stumble upon Horn giving “advice” about explosives to local Islamicists in Yemen. The government tags and bags Horn and his collective, throwing them into a prison that would makethe innmates of Oz shudder. There he comes face-to-face with the FBI. The problem already starts early, though. With Traitor seemingly so loyal to the political thrillers of old, this Syriana-like experience leaves the viewer confused. Where does all of what Samir Horn experienced leave him emotionally and politically? Does his allegiance lie within the Middle East or to the good ole’ U-S-of-A?

He escapes prison with the help of his new “brothers” and so the adventure begins. Director Jeffrey Nachmanoff, best known for co-writing The Day After Tomorrow, is capable of getting all of the excitement for the destinations covered in the flick — Chicago, Washington, D.C., Toronta and Nova Scotia. But into the movie, you’re really trying to realize what’s going on. Although it shouldn’t be hard with allusions from Horn like, “I don’t feel at home anywhere,” and comments like, “He’s caught between traditional Islam and the West,” adding a twist to a unpredictable plot.

The key to Traitor is its moral gradations. The terrorists aren’t Qu’ran-quoting, frothing-at-the-mouth maniacs, they are believers in their cause. As Horn, Cheadle pulls off the impressive task of blending his unique sense of charisma and emotional blankness necessary that comes with being on both sides of the fence. The scene between Cheadle and Said Taghmaoui are electric and engaging in every scene. While audiences may get muddled down by the dialouge, the underlying focus is not on varying philosophies, it’s about the action and suspense.

With keeping the film lean in runtime and plot, you’d be hardpress not to check out this latest from GIANT Magazine’s latest cover model. Traitor is currently in theaters now.
Be sure to check out the GIANTMag.com for more about Don Cheadle.

Solange Knowles has quite a story to tell. A mom and wife by the time she was 18 and divorced before she could legally drink, Beyonce’s younger sister could probably tell big sis a thing or two about life. But like any real artist she is putting her experiences into her work, not the tabloids.

Today (August 26) her sophomore CD, SoL-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, hits stores and the Urban Daily caught a glimpse of this rising star at a GIANT magazine photo shoot. Is she comfortable going it alone? How does she feel about being in Bey’s shadow? Watch this exclusive video to find out!

GIANT Magazine’s resident video gamer and lover of all cars foreign, Shahendra Ohneswere, recently profiled the newest whip appeal from Ford in this month’s issue. But it is I who got the last laugh! Ford sure knows how to ride in style as they picked my accompanying date and me in a nice lil’ ride. Then we were chauffeured to Chelsea Piers where our chariot awaited.

With a haul-ass 262-horsepower, 3.5 liter V6 engine, one-touch, flip down seats and voice activated SYNC technology, you’d wonder if they were gettin’ their own Mel Gibson by letting me be behind the wheel! The car may carry a 35,000 dollar price tag, but it might as well be another cell phone bill with a digital cell built into the front dashboard. In the end, the Ford Flex extravagnza promised a night of laughs, free swag bags and drinks galore!

Our first stop was at the Cue Art Foundation, where Dizmo (Miguel Ovalle) was doing his thing making customized roofs for some very important people who’d be getting their own fly rides. After plenty of wine and hobnobbing, they took my keys away and the rest of the night kicked into full swing.

My question is this, people: Have you ever been to a restaurant where you knew absolutely nothing on the menu?

Well, I closed my eyes and took a risk at Suba and to my surprise, the food was exquisite! Although my palate is used to the fine dining cuisines of Five Spot, Burger King and Friday pizza days at work – our chef cooked up a splended four course meal that had people shying away from dessert. My date, though, Miss Jamaica couldn’t handle the abundance of wine and skidaddled back to Jersey, leaving me to experience the grand finale all by my lonesome.

I know, I know, I know… “awwww” for lonely, ole’ Kev… But don’t trip, yours truly ended up rounding out the night at Sixty at the Thompson Hotel where all parties should be held at on its beautiful penthouse and an even more gorgeous view of Gotham City at night. I had waaaayyy too much wine and merry cheer for one night and after receiving my bag full of goodies, I was driven straight to my front door in Brooklyn to get some sleep and be ready for the morning work day.

Too bad they couldn’t just give me the exquisitely modest Ford Flex as a gift. That way I can keep my job and entertain you all with a Don’t Lose Your Day Job/Single in the City road trip!

Kung Fu: The Animal Within, Animal Planet, 7:00pm -

Ever wonder where moves like “The Crane,” “The Praying Mantis,” or the dreaded,“Tiger Claw” got their names from in those bootleg karate flicks you buy? Well, Animal Planet examines how the martial art moves and postures reflect those in the animal kingdom.

Shear Genius, Bravo, 7:00pm -

The hairstylists who are competiting for a dream job and some cash money must go blow dryer-to-blow dryer and create back-to-school looks for a bunch of rambunctious five-year-olds. Later, they must bring that same creativity and apply it to their loved ones!

101 Most Unforgettable SNL Moments, E!, 8:00pm -

Numbers 60 through 41 are covered tonight as E! takes a look back at the legacy and legends of Saturday Night Live. All your favorite are there, Bill, Eddie, Dan, Steve andGilda to provide the funny, all you gotta do is pull up a chair and relive the magic that is Saturday Night Live.

Universal Soldier, Encore, 8:00pm -

Muscle bound meatheads, Dolph Lundgren and Jean Claude Van Damme team up for the sci-fi action/adventure flick, Universal Soldier. It’s Bloodsport meets Rocky IV as the world, galaxy and all planet’s in-between will never be the same again after this one!

Talk to Me, HBO, 9:00pm -

Don Cheadle stars as legendary and controversial Washington, D.C. radio disc jockey -Petey Greene. Greene was influential during the tumultuous Civil Rights era. A beautiful soundtrack fills this period piece with tunes from Otis Redding, The Dramatics andJames Brown.

Thank You, Mr. President: The Helen Thomas Story, HBO, 9:00pm -

MUST WATCH! For those who don’t want to be bothered with the ghosts of the Civil Rights past or endure the body slams of wrestling, tune in tonight to the story of Helen Thomas. She’s been in the political scene for over six decades and has asked the question no one wants to ask to fifteen presidents. Check out how she son’s Bush during a press conference.

TNA Impact, Spike, 9:00pm -

Awesome Kong competes in single’s competition versus Gail Kim; Booker T. versusRhino in a #1 contender’s qualifying match and Homicide takes on Robert Roode of Beer Money in a hardcore match. Be sure to check this out tonight.

Biography: Elton John, A&E, 10:00pm -

The Piano Man, Elton John, himself has his life chronicled. Everything from his Las Vegas show, “The Red Piano,” and home videos are all showcased tonight.

In the June 2008 issue of GIANT magazine Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo Green reminds us that there is a fine line between genius and insanity. In a candid convo about their new project, The Odd Couple, the singer/MC pulled no punches. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Wearing a Wedding Dress for the album cover:
I do what I want to do. This is where you’ll get this other attitude of mine, what I don’t like to showcase too often, but I don’t give a fuck. It seems a little cliché to say it now but I am a G! I’ll pull up that wedding gown and show you some of the biggest sets of nuts you ever seen!

His Childhood
I don’t remember being a child. I only remember knowing. I feel like I’ve been conscious since conception. I was always a rebel. I was very smart and conscious of it. Damien knows who he is. Even if I told you who I was you wouldn’t believe me.
It’s a blessing, but a cross to bear. This is why people consider ignorance to be bliss. There’s still judgment in that, you make a conscious decision to remain ignorant. It’s like taking the red or the blue pill. Once you know, you’ll always know.

On Psychotherapy…
I do remember being pulled out of class and being given the Rorschach tests. Most of them looked like butterflies to me. I have a butterfly tattooed in my arm and I always thought it was unique looking. Very striking. And all of my life people have been intimidated by me. The butterfly is something that isn’t so pretty to begin with and evolves into a thing of beauty. I just believe my career has been able to showcase how beautiful I really am. Without it, I don’t think people would know at all.

The “Run” video causing seizures
Initially, I wasn’t sure how true it was. It was a little unfortunate, but we found it was something blown so out of proportion. But it ended up being a cool piece of press because it brought an awful lot of attention to us. I read some blogs where people wanted to get a seizure. They were saying “awe this didn’t give me a seizure, this is wack.

Read more ruminations from the mind of Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo Green in the June issue of GIANT magazine