On behalf of the female gender, I don't know if I'm proud of this recent finding, or ... something else I can't quite put my finger on.

According to a new survey, female Trekkies outnumber male Trekkies.

Wow. OK. But you know, Nyota Uhura would be proud. I think.

Here's the story via MTV and their blog called MTV Geek! (sigh ... I miss the "Nightmare Alley" geeks of lore).

"A blog called Subspace Communique recently released the findings from a survey of 5,041 Star Trek fans it conducted in 2010 -- and the results might surprise you! For starters, 57% of the fans were female! Here's some other findings:

• The respondents were mostly single, over 40, and well-educated.
• 43% referred to themselves as "Trekkies."
• 79% said they were involved in Star Trek fandom because they agreed with the philosophical ideals of the shows.
• Fellow fan behavior considered by the interviewees to be "deviant" were was follows: Unable to tell reality from fantasy (89%); considers Star Trek "their whole world" (67%); indulging in cosplay (47%); referring to oneself as a character name or taking on a "rank" (39%); producing fan films (13%); playing in themed music bands (4%).

 

Billy Crystal to host the Oscars? I hope so.

According to E! and Crystal himself, it could very well happen.

Here's more:

"In light of the incredibly warm welcome Billy Crystal received (hello, standing O!) upon taking the stage during the most recent Oscar debacle telecast, one thing was made perfectly, well, crystal clear.

"The folks behind Hollywood's biggest night so need to bring back the eight-time Academy Awards MC for another go-around.

"But will it happen?

"'It might be fun,' Crystal tells the Associated Press.

"Although, the best Oscar host since Bob Hope added that he would only consider it if they actually decided to shake things up a bit.

"'I think the show needs to change,' he pointed out. 'There's too many awards and it has to sort of freshen itself up, and if I can be a part of that, that would be great.'"

 

There's so many movies to watch on St. Patrick's Day, but this one is my pick -- "Angels With Dirty Faces." An Irish-American gangster (James Cagney, one of the most famous Irish-American actors to kiss, slug and tap dance on a movie screen) and an Irish-American priest (Pat O'Brien) go head to head.

With the Dead End Kids! And Anne Sheridan! And Humphrey Bogart! Directed by Michael Curtiz! You can't go wrong.



 

He lived a long life but news like this is always sad.

Michael Gough, best known for playing Alfred (Bruce Wayne's butler) in the pre-Nolan "Batman" movies, passed away at the age of 94.

Here's more from the Huffington Post:

"Gough appeared in more than 150 movies and television shows, including British science-fiction show 'Doctor Who,' and recently voiced characters in Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Corpse Bride.' But he remains best remembered for his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman franchise, opposite three different Batmans: Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney.

The veteran actor died at home in England, surrounded by family, his ex-wife Anneke Wills said through her agent.

"Wills, who herself starred in the 'Dr. Who,' said in an obituary posted on its website: 'As his body was deteriorating this week, he said that he wanted to hang on for St. Patrick's Day. And he did, just. In the end ... there is only love.'

 

No doubt this breaking news will be hotly debated among film fans:

Darren Aronofsky has decided to not work as director on "The Wolverine."

Though Aronofsky has supplied more than a valid reason for leaving "Wolverine (his family), it's not tough to wonder if the director wasn't happy with the direction of this big budget, franchise movie, and slipped out before the going got rough. I'm inclined to believe Aronofsky's reasons, but in either case, it's an interesting case of a filmmaker choosing family or quality over a massive payday.

Here's more from The Wrap:

Darren Aronofsky has exited 'The Wolverine,' saying the length of the shoot would have kept him away from his family for too long. 

"The 'Black Swan' director split from his longtime partner Rachel Weisz last fall. The couple have a young son, Henry Chance, together.

"'As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of ‘The Wolverine’ would keep me out of the country for almost a year. I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time,' Aronofsky said in a statement announcing his decision to step away. 

"'I am sad that I won't be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again.'"

EW reported:

"Twentieth Century Fox echoed Aronofsky’s regret: “While we are of course disappointed that Darren can’t do 'The Wolverine,' we also understand and respect his reasons … Hugh Jackman and Fox both remain fully committed to making 'The Wolverine.' We will regroup and move forward aggressively.”

 

This is not surprising and yet, have that many years gone by?

Yes, indeed they have. Enough for the cast of "American Pie" to grow up, appear in everything from Woody Allen movies (Jason Biggs) to every tabloid in the world (Tara Reid) to the great, underrated "Role Models" (Seann William Scott).

"American Pie" might see a number four in the near future.

Here's more from the Huffington Post:

"Perhaps Jason Biggs will be teaching his son about the joys of baking.

"Hungry for a hit and with a classic property ready in the works, Universal is bringing the original cast from the smash 'American Pie' trilogy back for an awkward fourth coming of age experience. The Wrap relays that Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott and Eugene Levy have already signed on to do a fourth 'Pie' movie, with deals in the works for Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Chris Klein, Mena Suvari and Jennifer Coolidge to come back aboard, as well.

"Though THR doesn't mention Alyson Hannigan, she's listed on IMDB as part of the cast.

Chris and Paul Weitz, the brother director duo that helmed the first film, are signed on as executive producers. Chris spoke with Movieweb.com earlier in the month, and gave some details on the in-development movie.

"'I know that Universal wants to do it. We want to be involved in it. Because of the affection we hold for the story and the characters. We want to get as many former cast members back as possible,' he told the site. 'In some ways, like any reunion, it would be about the nostalgia element. For the time that it came out. For how people felt when they first saw it. And now to experience it again with all the pathos and humor that implies.'"

 

This sounds like a good project for Megan Fox, an actress who, after leaving (or being fired from) the newest "Transformers" movie and her latest picture, "Passion Play" (starring Mickey Rourke and Bill Murray) going straight to DVD, would appear to be having some bad luck lately.

Here's the news from Just Jared:

"Megan Fox is in negotiations to star in a new Judd Apatow comedy!

"The 24-year-old actress would join Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann, who are reprising their Knocked Up roles as husband and wife. Megan's role is still under wraps.

"Megan recently wrapped work on 'Friends with Kids' with Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig."

 

In case you needed any more reasons to see "Jane Eyre" (playing in limited theaters right now), the above photograph from W magazine might tempt you.

That's Michael Fassbender (who plays Rochester) and Mia Wasikowska (who plays Jane) looking very, well, beautiful together. Though you won't see the two stars dressed like this in the movie, their chemistry might make you wonder about ... white tank tops. Or something. (What is Fassbender wearing? I think I own that same shirt.)

I have no idea why I suddenly sound like some lady who talks about her favorite "hunk" while wolfing down an entire carton of Dreyer's slow churned ice cream, but alas, it's been one of those days. I will blame my early morning dental appointment during which two women talked on and on about some Jake Gyllenhaal snaps in Life & Style magazine. It's their fault.