Banks to cut costs to maintain profits

AUSTRALIAN credit growth remained sluggish in May as house prices continued to slide, reducing the pressure for higher interest rates that has been building up in recent months.

Total credit to the private sector rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3 per cent in May from April, and rose 3.1 per cent from a year earlier, the Reserve Bank of Australia said today. Credit growth was flat on-month in April.

At the same time, housing sector credit rose 0.5 per cent on-month in May and business credit rose 0.1 per cent, having fallen 0.5 per cent in April, the central bank added.

The data may encourage economists to push back their forecasts of when the central bank will next hike interest rates to the fourth quarter.

The central bank has held its cash rate target at 4.75 per cent since November 2010 as an uncertain global environment and weakness in Australian housing and consumer sentiment kept it from lifting rates.

Banks still borrow enough from overseas to make it a worry, with ratings agency Standard & Poor's viewing their reliance on those markets as a "soft spot" that needs close monitoring.

That was unlikely to cause S&P to cut the big four banks' double-A credit rating, a measure investors use to judge the safety of a borrower.

The Reserve Bank of Australia also has confidence in the local banks, with assistant governor Guy Debelle saying that they are less vulnerable to global financial shocks than during the 2008 credit crisis.

He added that the Reserve Bank could bail them out more easily than its overseas counterparts if another crisis struck, because most Australian bank borrowing was in Australian dollars.

Additionally, interest rates in overseas markets are now less likely to suddenly rise after Greece's parliament approved budget cost cutting measures in exchange for a 28.4 billion euros ($A38.93 billion) payment from the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

So far, Europe's debt crisis has not caused interest rates to rise substantially for NAB, chief executive Cameron Clyne told a business lunch on Tuesday.

Local banks had very little to no direct dealings in Greece, but a default by Greece or another European country could cause interest rates to rise across the board as lenders worried that they're money was at risk of not being repaid.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a live-action family comedy film distributed by 20th Century Fox starring Jim Carrey, based on the children's book of the same name. The film was originally slated for a release on August 12, 2011, but was moved up to June 17, 2011.

Plot

Mr. Tom Popper (Jim Carrey) is a divorced realtor whose father traveled to many far places around the world during his childhood. When his father dies, a crate containing a penguin shows up at his doorstep. Eventually, due to a miscommunication, more penguins arrive, bringing the total to six. Originally intending to donate the penguins to the local zoo, Popper's children fall in love with them so he decides to keep them. At the same time, Popper is given the task of buying Tavern on the Green, an old restaurant that he used to eat at with his father as a child, with the intent of tearing it down and building a new development in its place. However, its elderly owner (Angela Lansbury) will only sell it to someone who she deems a person of true value.

Having the penguins around helps Popper to become closer to his children, and he begins dating their mother again. The penguins eventually lay three eggs. Two of the eggs hatch, and one does not. Popper becomes obsessed with saving the last egg, losing his job in the process. Upon realizing that the egg cannot be saved, Popper feels he is not capable of raising the penguins and donates them to the zoo. He then refocuses his attention on purchasing the Tavern on the Green. His children and ex-wife, however, are disappointed in his decision, seeing it as wrong.

Popper then finds a lost letter from his father which had been delivered with the first penguin. In it, his father tells him to hold his children close and love them, just as this penguin would love him. He becomes guilt-ridden over his decision to give away the penguins and determines to go to the zoo to take them back. Along with his ex-wife and children, Popper rescues the penguins, who were going to be separated and traded to other zoos. Upon seeing how Popper has reunited his family and rescued the penguins, the owner of Tavern on the Green agrees to sell him the restaurant. Rather than tear it down as originally planned, Popper renovates the restaurant and reopens it.

At the end of the film, Popper and his family go to Antarctica with the penguins, allowing them to live with their own kind. Popper's first penguin, Captain, is revealed to have laid another egg. Popper tells his children that they'll have to come back and visit when the baby is born.

Production

Originally Ben Stiller was going to play Mr. Popper, and Noah Baumbach was originally going to direct; however, they both dropped out. Owen Wilson, Jack Black and Jim Carrey were all considered to replace Stiller, with the role eventually going to Carrey. Mark Waters was chosen to direct. Filming began in October 2010 and finished in January 2011.

On September 21, 2010, it was confirmed that Carla Gugino had joined the cast.

Rhythm and Hues Studios did the penguin animations for certain shots.

Cast

Jim Carrey as Tom Popper

Ophelia Lovibond as Pippi

Carla Gugino as Amanda Popper

Madeline Carroll as Janie Popper

Maxwell Perry Cotton as Billy Popper

Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Van Gundy

Philip Baker Hall as Mr. Franklin

Dominic Chianese as Mr. Reader

Clark Gregg as Nat Jones

Henry Kelemen as Young Tom Popper #1

Dylan Clark Marshall as Young Tom Popper #2

Frank Welker as the voice of Captain, Nimrod, Stinky, Lovey, Loudy and Bitey

Dee Bradley Baker as the voice of Baby penguins

Reception

The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 43% and a consensus reading "blandly inoffensive and thoroughly predictable.

It was also featured on the South Park episode, You're Getting Old in which Stan sees Jim Carrey playing with "shit".

Mr. Popper's Penguins (book)

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a children's book written by Richard and Florence Atwater, originally published in 1938. It tells the story of a poor house painter named Mr. Popper and his family, who live in the small town of Stillwater in the 1930s. The Poppers unexpectedly come into possession of a penguin, then get a penguin from the zoo who mates with the first penguin to have 10 baby penguins. Before long, something must be done before they eat the Poppers out of house and home. This book is often included in the reading curriculum in grades 2, 3, or 4 of American elementary schools.

Plot

Mr. Tom Popper is a poor house painter who dreams of traveling to many far places around the world. He is an avid reader, and usually reads magazines about famous people and distant lands. One day, the Popper family tunes in to a radio broadcast by an Admiral Drake, who is exploring Antarctica. The admiral answers a letter from Mr. Popper on-air and promises him a surprise in the mail.

The surprise turns out to be a penguin, which comes in a large box. Mr. Popper names the penguin "Captain Cook" after the famous James Cook. Mr. Popper cleans out the icebox so that the penguin can sleep inside. As time goes by, the Poppers find that Captain Cook is growing large, but his health is failing. Mr. Popper writes to the curator of a large aquarium, asking for help. The curator replies that the aquarium has a female penguin, Greta, who unfortunately is also experiencing the same symptoms, and he suggests that perhaps the penguins are simply lonely. Soon after, the Poppers receive their second penguin in the mail.

The pair of penguins are revitalized by each other's presence. As both birds cannot fit into the icebox together, Mr. Popper opens the window to let in the cold winter air, creating a snow-covered habitat. As this solution will not work in springtime, Mr. Popper has the main things moved upstairs and a freezing plant installed in the basement for the birds.

As time passes, Greta lays an egg. She continues laying a new egg every three days until the total reaches ten. As penguins do not normally lay so many eggs, Mr. Popper attributes this to the change in climate the birds have experienced. When the eggs hatch, the Popper family now has twelve penguins to feed, and the contractor is looking for payment on the household changes.

Mr. Popper decides to raise money by training the twelve penguins and turning them into a circus act. The act debuts at the local theater, and soon the "Popper's Performing Penguins" are featured throughout the country. But in the theater in New York, the penguins cause trouble; what's worse, they've accidentally shown up at the wrong theater. The manager of the wrong theater is extremely angry and has Mr. Popper arrested, along with the penguins.

Admiral Drake, having arrived to see Popper's Performing Penguins for himself, posts bail for Mr. Popper. After speaking with the Admiral, Mr. Popper decides that show business is no life for a penguin. Drake lets all of the twelve penguins go with him on his expedition to the North Pole, where they will be released experimentally into the Arctic. The Poppers are sad to see the penguins go, especially Mr. Popper himself — that is, until Admiral Drake invites Mr. Popper to accompany him on the trip. The Poppers wave goodbye as Mr. Popper and his penguins sail away towards the North Pole.

Movie review: Mr Popper's Penguins

Jim Carrey is a haunted man and if you’re not careful Mr Popper’s Penguins will follow you to your grave. You think I’m joking? You think this is going to be one of those smart-alec reviews delivered with a knowing wink because it’s just a silly kids movie? Go find a cinema showing this, sit down in front of the screen and spend the next 85 minutes staring into Jim Carrey’s eyes and try to come out of the cinema with a reason to live. Good luck.

Carrey hasn’t been making many films lately – the recently released I Love You Phillip Morris was sitting on a shelf since 2009 and the one before that was the all-CGI Christmas Carol, making his last mainstream comedy 2008’s Yes Man – but whatever it is he had that made him a star, he’s still got it. Mr Popper’s Penguins doesn’t want him using all that much of it because it’s a kids’ movie about adorable CGI penguins, not a rubber-faced loon who gives off a palpable sense of menace. But it’s still there. Only now it’s brought the Devil along for the ride.

The story begins with Popper growing up listening to his explorer dad on ham radio as he tours the world giving his son the gift of emotional distance. It’s a gift that comes in handy 30 years later when he lurches on screen with a divorced wife and two kids who supposedly like him but don’t want to spend any actual time alone with him. Suits him fine, he’s busy being the sleaziest real estate developer ever. This is meant to be a kids’ movie, right?

While most Park Avenue zillionaires would have those penguins served as sushi at their next cocktail party, Popper keeps them to impress his estranged wife (Carla Gugino) and kids, and even turns his swanky apartment into a glacial winter wonderland. That thaws out his icy heart but it also endangers the biggest deal of his career; to prise a prized Central Park property from a wealthy baroness (Angela Lansbury).

For some unknown reason, director Mark Waters (Mean Girls) has changed the book's plot, where Popper teaches the penguins to dance and takes them on the road. That sounds like much more fun than seeing Carrey in middling middle-aged mode and the penguins as his mildly amusing house guests.

And that raises an interesting point; who is the star of the show here? On the one hand, Carrey shelves much of his manic gifts to let the penguins take centre stage and bring the funny. On the other hand, the penguins (a fairly seamless mix of real Gentoos and computer wizardry) are a rather bland group of waddlers, presented as much as pests as lovable, funny furry friends.

So why put Carrey in a kids' comedy and NOT let him rip? Why put in penguins and not make them adorable, rambunctious and flat-out funny? Either one would be preferable to both being the bland caricatures they are here. That said, there is a neat scene at New York's Guggenheim Museum where the penguins slide down the spiral gallery on their tummies. And as Mr Popper's alliteration-addicted assistant Pippi, the comically named Ophelia Lovibond almost steals the show. Well, she could have - no one else puts up much of a fight.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth, born 11 August 1983 is an Australian actor. He played the role of Kim Hyde in the Australian soap opera Home and Away and the titular character in the Marvel Studios film, Thor. Hemsworth will portray Thor again in the upcoming film The Avengers.

Early life

Hemsworth was born in Melbourne, Australia to Leonie and Craig Hemsworth. His family relocated to a cattle station in the Northern Territory and lived there for a few years before moving to Phillip Island.Chris enjoyed surfing and playing sports while growing up.

Career

In 2004, he auditioned for Home and Away, for the part of Robbie Hunter (played by Jason Smith), but failed to get the part. He was subsequently recalled for the part of Kim Hyde. He was successful in gaining the role of Kim Hyde and moved to Sydney to join the cast of Home and Away, appearing in 171 episodes of the series. He left the cast of Home and Away on 3 July 2007. He has received two Logie Award nominations and has won one for Most Popular New Talent on Home and Away back in 2005.

Hemsworth portrayed James T. Kirk's father, George Kirk, in the opening scenes of J. J. Abrams' 2009 film Star Trek. He also played the character Kale in the thriller A Perfect Getaway the same year.Hemsworth will star in upcoming horror film The Cabin in the Woods executive produced by Joss Whedon and will portray Jed Eckert in the upcoming Red Dawn remake.

Hemsworth portrayed Thor in the film adaption of the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name. Initially, his brother Liam reached the final four for the role, while Chris failed to make the shortlist, but he won the role after director Kenneth Branagh decided to re-evaluate earlier candidates. Chris Hemsworth received advice from his brother, saying "We're competitive, but in the best way." His mother helped him with his audition tape by playing Odin. Hemsworth is also scheduled to reprise his role as Thor in The Avengers, also based on a Marvel comic about a team of superheroes assembled to protect Earth, which is scheduled for release in 2012.

In the 2010 film CA$h, Hemsworth played Sam Phelan, an economically troubled young man. CA$h marked Hemsworth's Hollywood debut, as it was the first film he shot upon his arrival in the United States. In behind-the-scenes interviews, the film's director Stephen Milburn Anderson stated that Hemsworth had only been in the United States for six weeks when he had auditioned for the role. Anderson said, "Here's a guy who is young, has the right look, is a very good actor and, let's face it, he's beautiful. So I say, we need to get this guy in. I was very impressed".

Personal life

Hemsworth is married to actress Elsa Pataky,whom he met through their mutual representative in early 2010. They made their relationship public at a party held by LACMA in Los Angeles on 25 September 2010, and got married three months later.

His older brother Luke and younger brother Liam are also actors, and have had recurring roles as Nathan Tyson and Josh Taylor on Neighbours, respectively.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes

2009 Star Trek George Kirk

A Perfect Getaway Kale

2010 Ca$h Sam Phelan

2011 Thor Thor

2012 The Cabin in the Woods Curt Post-production

Red Dawn Jed Eckert Post-production

The Avengers Thor Production

Snow White and the Huntsman Eric Pre-production

Chris Hemsworth to star in action movie Shadow Runner

Chris Hemsworth, who starred in Kenneth Branagh's critically acclaimed $150 million production Thor, has agreed to play the lead in Columbia Pictures' action thriller Shadow Runner, Variety reports.

The flick is based on an original idea by Oscar-nominated writer Hossein Amini, who wrote the screenplay for Ryan Gosling's new film Drive, 2008 film Killshot, The Four Feathers (2002) and 1997's The Wings of a Dove. The plot remains underwraps.

Plot details are being kept secret but the project is based on an original idea from Hossein Amini, who is one of the writers of Snow White and the Huntsman, which also stars Hemsworth.

Australia-born Hemsworth is best known for his star-turning performance as "Thor," a character he will reprise in next summer's "The Avengers."

Sony last month picked up U.S. distribution rights to "Hurt Locker" director Kathryn Bigelow's timely movie on the killing of Osama bin Laden by an elite Navy Seal team.

Nicole Kidman arrives in Australia for family reunion

Oscar winner flew into Sydney on Tuesday, the Seven Network reported.

Kidman was carrying baby Faith Margaret, six months, and holding hands with elder daughter Sunday Rose, two, as she left the airport.

She was due to head to the city's north to spend time with her family, including sister Antonia who now lives in Singapore with her second husband Craig Marran and her five children, including the couple's baby son Nicholas.

Faith Margaret was born on December 28 in Nashville, Tennessee, through a surrogate mother and is the biological child of Kidman and husband Keith Urban.

Faith was carried by her famous mother as the family arrived at Sydney airport and were met by her sister Antonia with son Nicholas.

Mini me: Nicole Kidman's daughter Faith, who was born to a surrogate last December, showed off her red hair as they arrived in Australia

It was something of a family reunion for the Kidmans, as TV presenter Antonia now lives in Singapore while Nicole is based in Nashville with husband Keith Urban.

Nicole kept a firm grip on little Faith who, like Antonia's adorable son Nicholas, was born last December.

And Nicole also clutched eldest daughter Sunday as they arrived Down Under after a long flight from the U.S.

Reunion: Nicole's sister Antonia is also in town from Singapore with her five children including little Nicholas (pictured)

Urban was not on the trip, and Antonia's husband, banker Craig Marran was also absent.

It was clearly a time for these devoted siblings to catch up alone, and to enjoy the miracle of their latest children who were born so close together.

Antonia, home from Singapore, also brought her other four children with her for the family reunion.

Ten faces business-wide cost restructure

Staff in sales and programming, as well as those working for its outdoor advertising arm, Eye Corp, face redundancy as a result of a strategic review ordered by interim chief executive Lachlan Murdoch in February.

Jim Carroll, the news director who hired 60 journalists for the extended news and current affairs schedule, resigned because he disagreed with the direction Ten was taking under Mr Murdoch. The Australian can reveal another Ten executive, Sydney station manager and head of broadcast control Darren Farnham, has also resigned.

Mr Farnham is the latest executive to stand down since Mr Murdoch and James Packer acquired 18 per cent of the free-to-air network in November and began to dismantle some of the news strategy. Carroll's well-attended farewell was held at the Lord Dudley pub in inner Sydney on Friday and the mood was sombre as news spread of the fate of many of the journalists working in newsrooms across the country.

About 90 staff, including programmers David Mott and Beverley McGarvey and state news directors, toasted Carroll's 10-year tenure at the network at what was seen as a last hurrah before the axe fell.

On-air staff who attended included newsreaders Natarsha Belling, Deb Knight, Kath Robinson and Brad McEwan.

Executives who have left the network since November include chairman Nick Falloon, chief executive Grant Blackley, head of sport David White, chief financial officer John Kelly, head of integrated sales Jude Allen, and chief digital officer Nick Spooner.

The network's news department, which received a massive $20 million boost six months ago, is expected to be hit hard by the cost restructure. A significant proportion of the sixty journalists hired by Ten as part of the news expansion are now under threat.

The future of current affairs programme 6.30 with George Negus is also in doubt, the Herald Sun reports. While the move to 6:30pm has improved its standing, the show remains well behind the offerings on Seven and Nine.

However, network insiders believe Ten Late Night News and Sports Tonight will be dropped before anything else. Such a decision could make longtime newsreader Sandra Sully the first high-profile casualty. The Daily Telegraph also claims Ten's local weekend news bulletins could be axed.

Ten already confirmed last week that it would not pursue rights to any AFL games from next year.

Meanwhile, Ten's Sydney station manager and head of broadcast control, Darren Farnham, is reportedly the latest executive to resign. It follows news director Jim Carroll stepping down earlier this month after disagreeing with the direction Murdoch is taking the network.

These represent just two in a long line of executive departures since Murdoch and James Packer purchased 18 per cent of Ten in November. Others include chairman Nick Falloon, chief executive Grant Blackley, general manager for sport David White, chief financial officer John Kelly, head of integrated sales Judy Allen, and chief digital officer Nick Spooner.