AfterDawn: News

Entertainment columnist fired for reviewing 'Wolverine' workprint

Last week we reported that one month before its theatrical release, a workprint version of 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' had been leaked online, and that hundreds of thousands had downloaded it, despite the fact that it was missing CGI and some scenes.

On Friday, an entertainment columnist for Fox News by the name of Roger Friedman, wrote a review on the leaked film in his column, adding in the review that the leak was so accessible that “it took really less than seconds to start playing it all right onto my computer.”

20th Century Fox, the studio behind the film, immediately put out a statement calling the column “reprehensible.” Later in the day the entire review was taken down.



On Sunday, Mr. Friedman was fired for reviewing the pirated film, with a statement from News Corporation (parent company of the studio) reading: “When we advised Fox News of the facts...they promptly terminated Mr. Friedman.”

News Corp. owner Rupert Murdoch has said in the past that he has a "zero tolerance" policy towards movie piracy. It appears we now know he is not kidding.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 6 Apr 2009 14:55

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• 32 comments

• LissenUp

  Anybody that is a true moviegoer or a true fan of the X-men series is a integrity-less loser for downloading this. Half fast, no CGI, missing scenes. Where's the enjoyment in watching that??? Ohhhhhhh...........the enjoyment is as I have always said..........being the first to steal, leech or jack the movie just so say you did that. I guess that's what makes a person "Cool".
  
  Whatever. Have patience and integrity and wait for it to be released!

  6.4.2009 15:22 #1

• Lothros

  Or we can see if it is a steaming pile before forking out our money to see it in all its glory. I'm glad I did, because It IS a steaming pile, even when you factor in the missing CGI

  6.4.2009 15:26 #2

• snardos

  I thought it was pretty good and I will most likely pay to watch it in the theater. It's interesting to see how they make some of the scenes.

  6.4.2009 16:07 #3

• LissenUp

  Originally posted by Lothros: Or we can see if it is a steaming pile before forking out our money to see it in all its glory. I'm glad I did, because It IS a steaming pile, even when you factor in the missing CGI
  Yet another person using the ol "Hollywood keeps putting out crap" excuse to justify their rampant stealing and piracy. Find another reason and start contributing to society.
  
  That movie will rock. Long anticipated and getting good 'beforehand' reviews.
  
  PLEASE, TELL US ALL..................list the 2 MOST RECENT movies (past several years) that you would say weren't "steaming piles" and that you would sincerly shell out 10 bucks to see at the theatre. I think many would like to know what your idea of a good flick is since you knocked Wolverine.
  
  I'm going to take a shot in the dark though........my guess is when this becomes available on DVD, BD, or downloadable as a DVD/BD rip, you will either steal it or go buy it. Either way.........you'll wind up owning this "stteaming pile".
  
  HA HA HA......It's rough being right about most people.

  6.4.2009 16:37 #4

• beanos66

  Originally posted by LissenUp: Anybody that is a true moviegoer or a true fan of the X-men series is a integrity-less loser for downloading this. Half fast, no CGI, missing scenes. Where's the enjoyment in watching that??? Ohhhhhhh...........the enjoyment is as I have always said..........being the first to steal, leech or jack the movie just so say you did that. I guess that's what makes a person "Cool".
  
  Whatever. Have patience and integrity and wait for it to be released!A "True" fan will download this to go with his/her (her ? Who am I kidding ?) collection of multiple legitimate versions of previous movies in the sequence they PAID for, then when the movie is released will PAY to attend numerous times for the big screen experience, then when the dvd/br becomes available will BUY both versions on the first day, will then, six months later BUY the unrated version. 18 months after that will BUY the SE version. later on they will BUY the Directors cut then will BUY the anniversary editions
  
  Me ? I will watch it Once at the cinema (third week after release so the cinema gets more of my admission fee) if it's very good will maybe buy the dvd and download the mkv

  6.4.2009 16:52 #5

• NexGen76

  Quote:Originally posted by Lothros: Or we can see if it is a steaming pile before forking out our money to see it in all its glory. I'm glad I did, because It IS a steaming pile, even when you factor in the missing CGI
  Yet another person using the ol "Hollywood keeps putting out crap" excuse to justify their rampant stealing and piracy. Find another reason and start contributing to society.
  
  That movie will rock. Long anticipated and getting good 'beforehand' reviews.
  
  
  
  
  PLEASE, TELL US ALL..................list the 2 MOST RECENT movies (past several years) that you would say weren't "steaming piles" and that you would sincerly shell out 10 bucks to see at the theatre. I think many would like to know what your idea of a good flick is since you knocked Wolverine.
  
  I'm going to take a shot in the dark though........my guess is when this becomes available on DVD, BD, or downloadable as a DVD/BD rip, you will either steal it or go buy it. Either way.........you'll wind up owning this "stteaming pile".
  
  HA HA HA......It's rough being right about most people.
  
  Dude please who made you judge & jury ?...How many countless movies Hollywood made that rob people of there hard earn money were they spend more money on the trailer's than the movie itself & we didn't get a refund back.I watch this online plus I'm going to see it opening night i guess this makes me a thief also...lmao

  6.4.2009 17:19 #6

• elk1007

  I just wanted to see the movie early. I still liked it for the most part, although there were a few plot holes I hope they fix up with the to-be-added scenes.
  
  Do I think I'm cool because I saw it early?
  I guess.
  I can tell my friends and family what to expect and then they can decide whether to pay to see it, or just wait and rent it for $2 a night.
  
  LissenUp, how could you possibly know these things? You're claiming knowledge that doesn't exist. People pirate media for different reasons. Some are seen as valid and others immoral, but regardless of what people think, piracy is a subjective topic. If I pirate a movie to see whether it's worth owning, is that bad? Or what if I pirate it and like it, so I buy the DVD or see the theatrical showing when I otherwise wouldn't have? Am I still a 'bad man'?
  
  The line is vast and gray. Hollywood production companies are just trying to protect their money. They don't care about the intellectual property rights of anyone.

  6.4.2009 17:47 #7

• LissenUp

  Originally posted by elk1007: I just wanted to see the movie early. I still liked it for the most part, although there were a few plot holes I hope they fix up with the to-be-added scenes.
  
  Do I think I'm cool because I saw it early?
  I guess.
  I can tell my friends and family what to expect and then they can decide whether to pay to see it, or just wait and rent it for $2 a night.
  
  LissenUp, how could you possibly know these things? You're claiming knowledge that doesn't exist. People pirate media for different reasons. Some are seen as valid and others immoral, but regardless of what people think, piracy is a subjective topic. If I pirate a movie to see whether it's worth owning, is that bad? Or what if I pirate it and like it, so I buy the DVD or see the theatrical showing when I otherwise wouldn't have? Am I still a 'bad man'?
  
  The line is vast and gray. Hollywood production companies are just trying to protect their money. They don't care about the intellectual property rights of anyone.
  Oh man, I knew that my statement would get misinterpreted. Please don't think I geared that towards you. It's geared to those WHO KNOW WHO THEY ARE. For most intents and purposes, it's geared toward those who complain about the movie and constantly use the "Hollywood produces crap" excuse to jack the films. 99% of them are actually "entertained" by the movie and will own it eventually, regardless o the fact that they thought it to be a "steaming pile". Granted I jack films too but I buy DVDs left and right too and AND........I never ever use that as an excuse because frankly......if Hollywood was truly pushing crap out, then they wouldn't be flourishing as well as they are.
  
  I'm just waiting 'til that user responds with my request for 2 flicks they believe worth popping 10 bones on at the theatres.
  
  Oh......and your "piracy" semantics holds no water. People, me, you and those with red blood and that breathe oxygen pirate movies for ONE REASON and ONE REASON ONLY.............because they want something for free and often don't feel it's worth shelling out any cash for it. That's why I do it. Your piracy definition is bogus and there is no "grey" area and it is not "subjective". I would expect that response and mentality from a 10 year old but you type too well for you to be that age.

  6.4.2009 17:58 #8

• ThePastor

  Prediction:
  Star Trek will be pirated as much or more than this movie, and yet will still gross BILLIONS!

  6.4.2009 18:57 #9

• tony2toes

  Sorry to break your hearts, but I was a comic book geek growing up and this movie has little to do with the xmen origins. In fact 90% was made up just to make a movie. It is a steaming pile of crap. another fox work of art. What they did to deadpool was inexcusable.

  6.4.2009 21:09 #10

• embo22000

  Originally posted by tony2toes: Sorry to break your hearts, but I was a comic book geek growing up and this movie has little to do with the xmen origins. In fact 90% was made up just to make a movie. It is a steaming pile of crap. another fox work of art. What they did to deadpool was inexcusable.I hate when people compare movie to the comics i know it would be better if they followed the comics but if they don't get over it and just think of it as a new story. But really Most movies are crap i hadn't gone to the theathers in about 3 years because of it. Until coraline in 3D the #d was cool but the movie was crap and then i watched monsters vs aliens they're both cartoons but the later was 5 out of 5 to me. I would sugest to everyone to save theyre money and only go to theathers for 3d movies until it catches up to home movies. Then it will probably be by bye expensive 65 dollars spend in maybre a good or a crappy movie mostly crapy though.

  6.4.2009 21:42 #11

• inagasake

  I don't know why the studios care so much about workprint and screener piracy. People still go out to the movies to enjoy a social experience so for good movies, piracy has absolutely zero negative effect on the box office. A workprint or a screener is not a replacement. It's just a preview that will help you judge whether it's worth watching it in theatres or not.... Oh Wait! That's exactly why the MPAA doesn't want us to download workprints and screeners! So that we are forced to buy their crap without knowing whether it's good or not first! If we don't go to see crappy movies, that means less profits for the MPAA. They don't care about the moviegoer one bit.

  7.4.2009 00:09 #12

• jhunter

  all i can say is that the way the economy is especially movie ticket prices (i seen one theater charging $12), i'm doing what ever it takes save money to survive...even if it means watching bootleg movies. i'm not saying i support piracy or not, but i'm married with 3 kids when it comes to either watching a movie at a theater or eat or get gas to go to work, i choose the better. some people might say just wait til it comes out on dvd (which now-a-days is 3-4 months) but why should i wait that long and be the one thats missing out on all the hype?

  7.4.2009 00:45 #13

• SSSJDanny

  Saw it, Will See it again in Theaters.

  7.4.2009 02:47 #14

• ak472009

  this movie is a crap of garbage , would not watch it in theaters and waste my dollar bills

  7.4.2009 07:04 #15

• atomicxl

  Ehh, I saw it and will definitely be seeing it when it comes out in theaters. As far as people calling it a steaming pile and saying that they needed to see it first to verify... stfu.
  
  The film is 100% the movie that the trailer makes it out to be. The trailer has:
  - Wolverine saying he's gonna cut someone's head off
  - Gambit hitting backflips and knocking people through walls
  - Wolverine on a motorcycle attacking humvees
  - Wolverine flying through the air and attacking a helicopter, landing on it and then actually riding it.
  
  I can vouch 100% this is that type of movie. That level of ridiculousness either appeals to you or it doesn't. If you liked the trailer, you will totally like this movie. If you hated the trailer, you will hate this movie. The trailer wasn't designed to fool anybody into watching the film.

  7.4.2009 10:47 #16

• imnomyth

  Quote:Originally posted by Lothros: Or we can see if it is a steaming pile before forking out our money to see it in all its glory. I'm glad I did, because It IS a steaming pile, even when you factor in the missing CGI
  Yet another person using the ol "Hollywood keeps putting out crap" excuse to justify their rampant stealing and piracy. Find another reason and start contributing to society.
  
  That movie will rock. Long anticipated and getting good 'beforehand' reviews.
  
  PLEASE, TELL US ALL..................list the 2 MOST RECENT movies (past several years) that you would say weren't "steaming piles" and that you would sincerly shell out 10 bucks to see at the theatre. I think many would like to know what your idea of a good flick is since you knocked Wolverine.
  
  I'm going to take a shot in the dark though........my guess is when this becomes available on DVD, BD, or downloadable as a DVD/BD rip, you will either steal it or go buy it. Either way.........you'll wind up owning this "stteaming pile".
  
  HA HA HA......It's rough being right about most people.Alright, I'm neutral as far as X-men go. I've enjoyed the first three movies, but if it relies on cg effects throughout and not much story, I think I'll pass. Don't be so harsh on the people watching the incomplete version. If it's worth seeing it will just make them want to pay to see it that much more. Personally, I don't see ever blowing 10 bucks on seeing a movie one time, I prefer to wait until dvd/blu-ray release. BTW< don't be concerned with hollywood hurting for money, have you seen what these actors are paid!!??? Get over it.

  7.4.2009 17:41 #17

• ThePastor

  Well, I'm a pro-torrent/pirate kind of guy but you've got to admit that this columnist got exactly what he deserved.
  What kind of idiot gets an illegal copy of a movie and then does an illegal review of it?
  It's actually kind of funny if you think about it!

  7.4.2009 18:49 #18

• sssharp

  I love the first 2 Xmen (own box set). I was expecting a good movie but this is not the hype I was hoping. It reminded me of the Elektra spinoff from Daredevil (I like and own), not very good.

  7.4.2009 22:30 #19

• jookycola

  Originally posted by LissenUp (Newbie) 6 April 2009 16:58: Originally posted by Lothros: Or we can see if it is a steaming pile before forking out our money to see it in all its glory. I'm glad I did, because It IS a steaming pile, even when you factor in the missing CGI
  Yet another person using the ol "Hollywood keeps putting out crap" excuse to justify their rampant stealing and piracy. Find another reason and start contributing to society.
  
  That movie will rock. Long anticipated and getting good 'beforehand' reviews.
  
  PLEASE, TELL US ALL..................list the 2 MOST RECENT movies (past several years) that you would say weren't "steaming piles" and that you would sincerly shell out 10 bucks to see at the theatre. I think many would like to know what your idea of a good flick is since you knocked Wolverine.
  
  I'm going to take a shot in the dark though........my guess is when this becomes available on DVD, BD, or downloadable as a DVD/BD rip, you will either steal it or go buy it. Either way.........you'll wind up owning this "stteaming pile".
  
  HA HA HA......It's rough being right about most people.Wow a studio plant on Afterdawn too!
  this is history right here. Die studio spamming "newbie account" scum.

  8.4.2009 13:20 #20

• logan1957

  tony2toes, I hate to burst your bubble, bub, but if you've been reading the X-men as long as you claim to have you'd know that Wolverine's origins have always been shrouded in mist. He himself has no memories of who or what he was BEFORE the weapon X program. There have been a few comics or graphic novels put out dealing with the very subject you claim is made up by Hollywood for the movie.
  
  We know that wolverine's father was killed by his grounds keeper and we know that wolverine manifested his claws for the first time then and used them to kill "DOG" Logan. What we can't say for sure is if he didn't meet Storm, Scott and Gambit and a few other mutants along the way BEFORE he joined the X-men.
  
  I, on the other hand, have been reading the X-men since it's inception written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack "King" Kirby and cancellation and rebirth back in 1975 with Dave Cockrum as the artist and Chris Claremont as the writer. So, bub, get your head out of the air and take it for what it's worth. So you don't like this version of the origins, so bloody what, others will and your incessant whining will be lost in the wind just like Juggernaut's powers when he met Leech in X-men Last Stand

  8.4.2009 16:18 #21

• eLeCTR0n

  LOL
  
  sucks for the columnist though.

  9.4.2009 14:59 #22

• dbminter

  My main question over this entire subject is this: how good or bad did the review say it was? Sure, it was reviewing a pirated copy, but, was the review taken down for that reason or because the movie got a bad review? Having not seen the review before it was taken down, it leaves that question in my mind.

  9.4.2009 14:59 #23

• cantrellg

  He should have said he watched on a friends PC instead of admitting that he downloaded it.
  
  "News Corp. owner Rupert Murdoch has said in the past that he has a "zero tolerance" policy towards movie piracy."
  
  Where did he admit to selling or bartering this film for personal gain ?
  
  Copyright infringement, maybe. Piracy, NO.

  9.4.2009 16:25 #24

• badkrma

  Quote:Originally posted by elk1007: I just wanted to see the movie early. I still liked it for the most part, although there were a few plot holes I hope they fix up with the to-be-added scenes.
  
  Do I think I'm cool because I saw it early?
  I guess.
  I can tell my friends and family what to expect and then they can decide whether to pay to see it, or just wait and rent it for $2 a night.
  
  LissenUp, how could you possibly know these things? You're claiming knowledge that doesn't exist. People pirate media for different reasons. Some are seen as valid and others immoral, but regardless of what people think, piracy is a subjective topic. If I pirate a movie to see whether it's worth owning, is that bad? Or what if I pirate it and like it, so I buy the DVD or see the theatrical showing when I otherwise wouldn't have? Am I still a 'bad man'?
  
  The line is vast and gray. Hollywood production companies are just trying to protect their money. They don't care about the intellectual property rights of anyone.
  Oh man, I knew that my statement would get misinterpreted. Please don't think I geared that towards you. It's geared to those WHO KNOW WHO THEY ARE. For most intents and purposes, it's geared toward those who complain about the movie and constantly use the "Hollywood produces crap" excuse to jack the films. 99% of them are actually "entertained" by the movie and will own it eventually, regardless o the fact that they thought it to be a "steaming pile". Granted I jack films too but I buy DVDs left and right too and AND........I never ever use that as an excuse because frankly......if Hollywood was truly pushing crap out, then they wouldn't be flourishing as well as they are.
  
  I'm just waiting 'til that user responds with my request for 2 flicks they believe worth popping 10 bones on at the theatres.
  
  Oh......and your "piracy" semantics holds no water. People, me, you and those with red blood and that breathe oxygen pirate movies for ONE REASON and ONE REASON ONLY.............because they want something for free and often don't feel it's worth shelling out any cash for it. That's why I do it. Your piracy definition is bogus and there is no "grey" area and it is not "subjective". I would expect that response and mentality from a 10 year old but you type too well for you to be that age.
  please chill, you said your point now leave it at that....

  9.4.2009 17:58 #25

• eLeCTR0n

  yea dudes, everyone just chill.

  9.4.2009 18:26 #26

• scottz29

  Originally posted by inagasake: I don't know why the studios care so much about workprint and screener piracy. People still go out to the movies to enjoy a social experience so for good movies, piracy has absolutely zero negative effect on the box office. A workprint or a screener is not a replacement. It's just a preview that will help you judge whether it's worth watching it in theatres or not.... Oh Wait! That's exactly why the MPAA doesn't want us to download workprints and screeners! So that we are forced to buy their crap without knowing whether it's good or not first! If we don't go to see crappy movies, that means less profits for the MPAA. They don't care about the moviegoer one bit.
  +1! How is jacking a movie any worse than NOT jacking a movie and waiting for the reviews to come out? The MPAA doesn't go after reviewers when a movie gets lousy reviews, do they? Fact is, a bad review influences me to stay away just as much as watching a screener of a movie that sucks. In fact, watching a screener may end up influencing me to go see the movie on the big screen, where a bad review may not! But as another poster said, I still may go see a movie even if I think/hear/know it might not be the best, just because it's a night out with my buddies.

  10.4.2009 11:09 #27

• dufas

  An entertainment columnist for Fox News getting fired and the studios being happy about it is the height of hypocrisy.
  
  The movie stars demand and receive fat lump sum wages for their work because the studios are notorious for not paying on their percentage contracts. By using creative bookkeeping, a billion dollar blockbuster will show up as a loss, at least on paper. (The first billion dollar blockbuster, Batman,showed a loss on paper while everyone concerned lived quite a bit higher on the hog....) Many actors that worked for scale plus a percentage of the gross receipts ended up having to sue for their deserved income. The studios also do the same to many workaday subcontractors. TV has the same problem.
  
  One producer was writing checks to a well known actor but cashing the checks himself. Not only is this embezzlement, on paper, it shown that the actor was paid his percentage of the movie's gross. Luckily, the actor, unlike many in Hollywood, had an honest accountant and the ruse was found out. As an added insult and to show how Hollywood works. The actor was 'blackballed' for around ten years but nothing happened to the producer...the studio refused to press charges plus, the producer continued to work.
  
  This is not to say pirating movies is right, it is to just point out the hypocrisy of the MPAA, studios, and other Hollywood types who think nothing of screwing anyone they can while crying how they are abused by others. I lived and worked for 18 years in Hollywood. I never met one person that was trustworthy.
  
  Some actor or actress, after snorting a line of cocaine, popping some pills, or toking some meth would announce to anyone near that they were scheduled next week to make a public service announcement about the dangers of drug abuse would always leave me incredulous.
  
  I have watched personalities that security had to keep them apart when off camera but when the cameras roll or news people are around, they become the best of friends. Some of those accidents that were blamed on the action in the movie/tv script was really a couple of actors or actresses that slipped by security............
  
  Much of the entertainment industry is a literal illusion..

  10.4.2009 16:01 #28

• pmshah

  Originally posted by elk1007: I just wanted to see the movie early. I still liked it for the most part, although there were a few plot holes I hope they fix up with the to-be-added scenes.
  
  Do I think I'm cool because I saw it early?
  I guess.
  I can tell my friends and family what to expect and then they can decide whether to pay to see it, or just wait and rent it for $2 a night.
  
  LissenUp, how could you possibly know these things? You're claiming knowledge that doesn't exist. People pirate media for different reasons. Some are seen as valid and others immoral, but regardless of what people think, piracy is a subjective topic. If I pirate a movie to see whether it's worth owning, is that bad? Or what if I pirate it and like it, so I buy the DVD or see the theatrical showing when I otherwise wouldn't have? Am I still a 'bad man'?
  
  The line is vast and gray. Hollywood production companies are just trying to protect their money. They don't care about the intellectual property rights of anyone.Just like Shareware, Try before you buy. I surely wish Hollywood came up with something like this. Since they haven't the viewers have!

  12.4.2009 01:03 #29

• SoulGLOW

  message to all boneheads who keep calling this piracy:
  
  Legal definition of a copyrighted material being pirated is: Unauthorized reproduction for sale or profit.
  
  It is not watching it or sharing it or downloading it or even uploading it. If someone charged you and u paid then THEY have committed piracy... and your dumba$$ bought a piece of crap or second rate knock-off--at least in this case. now if you buy a 1 for 1 copy of a complete movie then u really are screwing these guys out of money and buying from a "pirate". Otherwise you & 40 of your buddies can get together and watch the movie at the same time and only pay a $1 to $5 rental fee for all of you....Or 4 million it doesnt matter cuz that isnt illegal... but it is unethical at some point. Although i do beleive that uploading in general is an attempt to circumvent paying for something people would otherwise rent or buy. Legally though it is not piracy

  7.5.2009 02:56 #30

• SoulGLOW

  And by the way i havent seen this movie in either form yet . And the first two x-m en were okay, decent even, but that last one completely pissed me off. it sucked so bad i couldnt stop bitching about it for days. but i will give this a shot.
  I just hope that it wasnt done by the same writers or directors of that last x-men movie. if it is then im sure that it will be more nonsensical BS that will piss me of again.
  In fact if it is then im probably going to go find the guy that approved these writers & directors and staight cold bitch slapp him or her and then make them read all the comics i have read and then go watch those movies again. it will be a grand justice...especially to watch them weep and cry "what have i done!". But i think I'll still want to b--ch slap'em again. and i probably will. Man did that last X-man movie ever suck!!!! ARGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7.5.2009 03:13 #31

• SoulGLOW

  And by the way i havent seen this movie in either form yet . And the first two x-m en were okay, decent even, but that last one completely pissed me off. it sucked so bad i couldnt stop bitching about it for days. but i will give this a shot.
  I just hope that it wasnt done by the same writers or directors of that last x-men movie. if it is then im sure that it will be more nonsensical BS that will piss me of again.
  In fact if it is then im probably going to go find the guy that approved these writers & directors and staight cold bitch slapp him or her and then make them read all the comics i have read and then go watch those movies again. it will be a grand justice...especially to watch them weep and cry "what have i done!". But i think I'll still want to b--ch slap'em again. and i probably will. Man did that last X-man movie ever suck!!!! ARGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7.5.2009 03:24 #32