The Avengers...Samuel L. Jackson unveils stellar cast! Jeremy Renner! Robert Downey! Scarlett Johannson!

Actor Samuel L. Jackson unleashed exciting (unexpected) show-biz news at a Marvel Studios presentation at Comic-Con in San Diego over the week-end.

In the midst of six-thousand frenzied fans, the high-profile action-star was inclined to unveil the names of cast members slated to appear in the much-anticipated upcoming big-budget studio production of "The Avengers".

With a nod from Jackson, stars Clark Gregg, Scarlett Johannson, Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Chris Evans (Captain America) trotted out to meet 'n greet the fans.

Robert Downey Jr. - a surprise guest - introduced  popular box-office favorites Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker) and Mark Ruffalo.

The Avengers was an off-beat British television series (1960's) which originally starred Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Ian Hendry, Honor Blackman, and Linda Thorson.

161 episodes of the fifty-minute spy spoof were produced in the U.K.

The first fifty-minute episode aired on ITV/ABC/Thames on January 7th (1961).

The witty bill-of-fare was essentially a spy oddity set in cold war Britain.

Macnee's character - John Steed - was the epitome of style in black bowler hat and Pierre Cardin suits.

Emma Peel (Diana Rigg) played  his foil in an unforgettable portral that still resonates today in old re-runs on cable TV.

Jeremy on board with Avengers!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Madonna..."Filth & Wisdom" directing debut labelled by critics as naughty & nice!

A critic at the Hollywood Reporter hailed - "Filth and Wisdom" - as a foray into "madcap raunchiness".

"Makes a handlebar moustache sexy," a writer at Variety chirped.

With Madonna at the helm in her directorial debut, 'twas expected.

According to the producers - "Filth" - is a hilariously sexy tale of three roommates who must delve into mischievous and naughty behavior in order to pursue bigger and brighter futures.

A Ukrainian immigrant, A.K. (Eugene Hutz) finances his dreams for megastardom by turning tricks as a role-playing cross-dresser.


His specialty is spanking naughty but nice men.

The neo-Nazi performance artist whips the privileged of London into a frenzy as he secretly pines for the object of his affection.

Holly (Holly Weston) is an aspiring ballerina looking for her big break while moonlighting as a pole-vaulting stripper.

In an odd-ball subplot - Juliette (Vicky Mclure) - scoffs drugs from her pharmaceutical job to launch her fuzzy dream to help Africa's youth.

The press packet was quite a teaser.

"The Feature "Filth and Wisdom" is every bit as erotic and playful - as it is poignant and touching - revealing the universal struggles we all face in our pursuits of happiness."

Well, until I slip into the theatre incognito to give "Filth" a gander, I'll hold back on any guffaws or cynicism.

In this instance, the road to hell, is paved with good intentions.