Review: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling Have “Baffling Lack of Chemistry” in The Lucky One

Credit: Warner Bros.

Sorry, this is one of those Nicholas Sparks-adapted tearjerkers that elicits more snickers than swoons.

Zac Efron, 24, visibly struggles playing Logan, a personality-free Marine sergeant in Iraq who cheats death when he stumbles upon a photo of a pretty blonde. Once home, Logan finds his mystery girl (Taylor Schilling, 27) in a small Louisiana town — yet instead of explaining his connection, he clams up and takes a job at her family-run kennel.

PHOTOS: Zac Efron through the years

The two strike up a slowly paced romance illustrated in a series of sunny, Lite FM-scored montages that resemble Country Time Lemonade ads. Then again, at least the interludes detract from the stars’ wincing dialogue (“You should be kissed every day, every hour, every minute!”) and their baffling lack of chemistry. Even the shower-sex scene is merely lukewarm!

PHOTOS: Most romantic movies of all time

Look, it’s perfectly lovely to take in a shameless sappiest on a rainy day. But the next time the clouds roll in, just queue up The Notebook.

[usmagazine.com]

Tyra Banks Fires America’s Next Top Model’s Nigel Barker, J. Alexander and Jay Manuel

Tyra Banks attends the Blossom Ball on March 15, 2012 in New York City.
Credit: Theo Wargo/WireImage.com

Tyra Banks has one photo in her hand . . . and none of them belong to America’s Next Top Model’s Nigel Barker, J. Alexander or Jay Manuel.

Host and producer Banks, 38, has fired her panel of experts, The New York Post’s Page Six reported Friday. They were reportedly informed Thursday morning that their contracts would not be renewed for Cycle 18.

VIDEO: America’s Next Top Model’s wildest meltdowns

Banks later confirmed that photographer Barker, 39, runway coach Alexander, 53, and creative director Manuel, 39, will be leaving America’s Next Top Model via her official Facebook page.

“To my Nigel Barker, Miss J, and Mr Jay: Thank you for all of our years together on America’s Next Top Model,” Banks wrote. “Working with you is always an absolute pleasure. Excited for what the future holds for us.”

Nigel Barker, J. Alexander and Jay Manuel during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on February 15, 2012 in New York City.
Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty

Barker, Alexander and Manuel have been with America’s Next Top Model since its inception in 2003. Previous judges include Janice Dickinson, Kimora Lee Simmons, Twiggy, Paulina Porizkova, Andre Leon Talley, Beau Quillian, Eric Nicholson and Nole Marin. As of Friday, judge Kelly Cutrone is expected to return for Cycle 18.

PHOTOS: Meet the America’s Next Top Model All-Stars contestants

In a statement, executive producers Bank and Ken Mok tell Us Weekly: “Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J. Alexander have been an integral part of the America’s Next Top Model brand and they helped turn this show into the household name it is today. They have been amazing assets to the show and will always be a part of the Top Model family. We will continue to actively work with each of them on future projects.”

Tell Us: Will you watch America’s Next Top Model without Nigel Barker, J. Alexander and Jay Manuel?

[usmagazine.com]

Pregnant Drew Barrymore Covers Up Bump, Wears Super Stretch Jeggings

Drew Barrymore on April 19, 2012 in Los Angeles after seeing a concert at Nokia Theater.
Credit: BONI/AKM-GSI

Drew Barrymore‘s not ready to flaunt her baby bump just yet!

On Thursday, the pregnant star, 37, headed to a Gotye concert in L.A., where she rocked Paige Denim’s “Somersault” stretch jeans.

PHOTOS: A-list pregnancies

She accessorized the printed pants with a bright orange necklace, Converse sneakers–and concealed her growing bump in an oversized gray sweater.

Though the star has yet to confirm her pregnancy, a source tells Us Weekly that the Big Miracle star and her art consultant fiance, Will Koppelman, are ecstatic about welcoming their first child together.

PHOTOS: Drew’s love life

“They have been trying to get pregnant,” the Barrymore insider shares. “That’s why they got engaged. They are very happy! She’s ready to settle down and be a mom.”

[usmagazine.com]

PIC: Somber Pippa Middleton Steps Out for First Time Since Gun Scandal

Credit: INFphoto.com

Not quite the bubbly Pippa the world is familiar with.

On Friday, Pippa Middleton came out of hiding in central London. Wearing a trendy color-block blouse, leggings, heels and sunglasses, Duchess Kate‘s 28-year-old sister wasn’t in the mood to smile as she headed into the Rosano Ferreti Hair Spa.

It’s the first pic of the socialite, entrepreneur and world-famous royal bridesmaid since she was photographed in Paris last Saturday; Middleton seemed to be laughing as she sat in the front seat of an Audi convertible alongside the driver, who pointed what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol at a lurking photographer.

PHOTOS: Pippa’s world-famous body

The photos (as seen in the new Us Weekly) sparked controversy, and even potential fines and jail time for Middleton and her three pals, when they emerged earlier this week.

Middleton had been in hiding, reportedly at the Middleton family home in the English countryside, since the incident.

No word yet on when Middleton will be questioned by French authorities.

While she never addressed the scandal, one of her friends in the car, Viscount Arthur de Soultrait, released a statement to Us Wednesday.

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