Maria Bello

Maria Bello will return to TV this Fall in NBC's new cop procedural Prime Suspect. Based on the British series starring Helen Mirren, Bello plays Jane Timony, a tough-as-nails homicide detective who loves her job and refuses to apologize for it (or her personality). Bello was joined at the TCA with her costars and producers to talk about how the series will differ from the original, and why it was a role she couldn't refuse.

• The pilot largely revolves around Jane taking a lot of flack from her male colleagues — to the point where one of her fellow detectives calls her a wh*re. Executive Producer Alexandra Cunningham said this kind of in-your-face sexism won't be par for the course, as "it's 2011; there's no institutionalized sexism," and from here on in we can expect the focus to shift away from that.
• Costar Peter Garety commented that one aspect that makes Prime Suspect stand out among other cop shows was the fact that it's centered on a woman, saying, "Most of the cop shows I've done didn't have female detectives. I don't expect this cop show to be like any other cop show I've been on."
• As for what separates the show from the UK version, Cunningham said that there will be a lot more humor and it won't harp on alcoholism the way the original did. She also added, "At the end of the day, what we have that no one else has is Maria, and she's so watchable."

To find out what made Bello take on the role, and what Helen Mirren thinks, just read more

NBC's Fall lineup has a ton of comedy, but there is also an equal measure of drama, including a remake of the British series Prime Suspect. Maria Bello stars as Jane Timoney, a tough detective in New York City. Unfortunately, she's not just up against some seriously sick perps; she's the only woman in her division, and the men around her won't let her forget it. Jane has to prove herself while also maintaining some semblance of a personal life.

• Where it works: Bello has perfected the badass woman bit, and she turns in a strong performance here. It's a good thing, too, since the role was originated by Helen Mirren in the British version, and comparisons are inevitable.
• Where it doesn't: The show doesn't bring anything new to the detective procedural game. It has some cache since it's the remake of an acclaimed show, but that may not mean anything to viewers who aren't familiar with the original.
• You might like this show if: You're a crime-show junkie and constantly watch reruns of Law & Order.
• When it's on: Thursdays at 10 p.m. on NBC.

To see a preview and some pictures of Prime Suspect, just read more

Usually when movies tackle a teenage murder or school shooting, most of the focus is understandably given to the victims and their families. But one thing I've always wondered about is the gunman's parents and the guilt they're left to live with. The upcoming film Beautiful Boy shifts the story to their perspective.

Michael Sheen and Maria Bello star as a couple whose lives are rocked after receiving the news that their 18-year-old son opened fire at his college, killing students and faculty members before turning the gun on himself. His actions leave the mother and father completely bewildered: what did they do wrong? Was their son a bad person? It creates a strain on them not only as parents but on their marriage as well, as they try to understand their son's behavior and grieve his death. The trailer looks heavy to say the least, but it appears the film also has a message of hope, which should make it more palatable. Take a peek after the jump

• Two sneak peek pics of Betty White's appearance on Community — EW.com
• Let this guide help you decide what movie to see this weekend — Rotten Tomatoes
• Former James Bond Timothy Dalton is coming to Chuck — Zap2it
• 5 big Emmy upsets to watch for — Movieline
• Little People Big World ends — TV Squad
• Fun back-to-school movies! — Moviefone
• Emmy-winning female characters to love — TrèsSugar
• Nicole Scherzinger to guest on HIMYM as Robin Sparkles's ex-BFF — Ausiello Files
• Stephen Dorff and Maria Bello join forces for the thriller Carjacked — The Wrap
• Summer playlist: 20 tunes for taking a vacay — The Frisky

The movies from this year's Sundance Film Festival are slowly rolling out into wide release, and Ben Affleck's The Company Men is on its way as well. The aptly-timed drama follows the three corporate businessmen (Affleck, Chris Cooper, and Tommy Lee Jones) as their lives are affected by the recession and downsizing at their firm. The trailer is all about Affleck: we see that he gets fired, struggles to find work, cries to his wife, takes a job as a carpenter.

I know it seems like the whole film is being given away here, but there's definitely a lot more going on than what we see in the preview. I really liked the film when I saw it at the festival, though much like the trailer, it tries a little too hard. Still, it's a film that we can all relate to, so check out the preview when you read more

Adam Sandler has made a career out of playing juvenile men. In Grown Ups, he may be older and wiser, but he's still the same old guy who laughs at fart jokes.

Sandler recruits his closest friends for this slapstick version of The Big Chill. Kevin James is the overweight one, David Spade is the lothario, Rob Schneider is the hippie-dippy guy, and Chris Rock is the somewhat effeminate member of the bunch. Indeed, Rock's casting is the only somewhat surprising thing about this movie that's chock-full of pratfalls, hot girls in short-shorts, and never-ending barbs. The boys love to make fun of each other, but unfortunately, their swipes are the meat of this movie. To hear more of what I mean, read more

• Mark-Paul Gosselaar will get it on with Nancy during a cameo on Weeds — Watch With Kristin
• Steven Spielberg announces his War Horse cast — Empire Online
• Most random grouping ever: Gary Oldman, Christian Slater, and Dane Cook join Guns, Girls, and Gambling — PopWatch
• Ron Howard to adapt the graphic novel Legends for the big screen — Cinematical
• CSI: Miami axes Eddie Cibrian — Ausiello Files
• Maria Bello and Jason Isaacs will play Taylor Lautner's parents in Abduction — Movieline
• It's official: Danny Boyle will direct the 2012 Olympics — Vulture
• Real Housewife of NY Alex McCord was once on Blind Date. Just watch — Jezebel
• In honor of Father's Day, 10 books about dads and daughters — TresSugar

If there wasn't enough star power for you on the Oscars red carpet or at the Elton John party, you're in luck because there's even more at the Vanity Fair bash! We took a look at the amazing and adorable inside shots from the event, but the lush greenery outside the Sunset Towers makes for some gorgeous arrivals shots. Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin are becoming pros at posing together, while Jennifer Westfeldt made sure to stick by her handsome man Jon Hamm's side. Taylor Lautner was solo for a bit but spent much of his evening with Twilight saga costar Kristen Stewart, who was spotted sneaking out barefoot at the end of her night. Kate Bosworth and Alexander Skarsgard are still playing the separate arrivals game, and Natalie Portman didn't bring her rumored ballet-dancing boyfriend.

Diane Kruger changed out of her controversial Chanel number and into something beautiful and bright, also upgrading her look by reuniting with Joshua Jackson, who we missed at the Oscars. With one Glee girl holding down the fort at Elton, Dianna Agron looked perfectly poised on her way into VF. Bar Refaeli also went long and white without her own Academy Award nominee, Leonardo DiCaprio. Jessica Simpson in a slimming one-shoulder gown joined in on the award season finale. Lenny Kravitz brought his daughter Zoe out late while he was simultaneously making a funny appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's Handsome Men's Club skit along with Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Josh Hartnett, and many other good-looking guys.

To see more photos from the red carpet of Vanity Fair's party, just read more

Maria Bello joined Olivia Wilde on the gold bandwagon wearing a one shoulder lame mini dress with matching peep toe heels and clutch. Her curly blond locks brightened up the ensemble even more and her pretty pink pout provided the finishing touch. Shop this Herve Leger dress that has a similar shape and other like items now!

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