Mo'Nique steps away from comic roots for 'Precious'
Cindy Pearlman: Mo'Nique is unique. The native of Woodlawn, Md., goes where most comedians won't go. She can easily pinpoint the day she figured out that she was funny. "That was December 11th, 1967. That's when I entered into the world, baby," she says with a laugh. She was a child with a goal. "The only thing I wanted to do as a kid was to be famous," she says.

Gray's 'Law Abiding' makes plea as 'something serious'

Chicago native F. Gary Gray knows that he doesn't always call the shots. The director of movies including "Set It Off" (1996), "The Italian Job" (2003) and the current "Law Abiding Citizen" says that Jamie Foxx's mere presence on a set means that things can get unpredictable.

Jigsaw fans cut to the chase
The man who plays Jigsaw in the "Saw" movies isn't so cutting edge. Tobin Bell, 67, mentions that he really loves Halloween candy but refuses to take his young children around as the Jigsaw character. "Would I get a few more candy corn that way? Probably yes," says the soft-spoken, classically trained actor.

Kristen Bell's career turns into a real trip

Kristen Bell is one of the few people out there who is not in desperate need of a retreat.

The tough quest to find out 'Where the Wild Things Are'
Cindy Pearlman: The real wild thing is located in Room 609 at the Beverly Hilton. He doesn't snarl or show his teeth. Spike Jonze just gives you the warning growl. "Keep it up and I'll bite you," he says. The topic is the indie director turning 40 soon. "What have I learned in life?" he muses. "Growing up is not a simple, straightforward experience. It's pretty wild."

'Gossip Girl' hunk takes on 'Stepfather,' paparazzi

The Penn is not just mightier than the sword. He's almost mightier than the paparazzi. "Gossip Girl" star Penn Badgley -- boyfriend of costar Blake Lively -- says that he doesn't let the ever-present shutterbugs get him down.