Movie Review: "A Prairie Home Companion"

Starring Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones, Garrison Keillor, Kevin Kline, Lindsay Lohan, Virginia Madsen, John C. Reilly, Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin
Directed by Robert Altman

Perhaps better than any other director in modern motion pictures, Robert Altman has the ability to assemble an all-star cast simply for the chance to work with him. Take a look back at the casts of some of his more recent triumphs, such as “The Player” and “Short Cuts” and you’ll see a who’s who of acting talent on display. That attraction had to be one of, if not the main draw for the great cast assembled for “A Prairie Home Companion,” a somewhat fictionalized big screen presentation of the popular radio variety show started in the 1970s by Garrison Keillor.

Watching the cast have fun singing and gabbing backstage is the central point of enjoyment for the film, which has the slightest of story lines. Keillor portrays himself in the film, or at least some close approximation, acting as the emcee, performer and frequent product pitchman during the variety show. Presumably set in present day Minnesota, where the show plays before a live audience and is broadcast on a local radio station, the movie operates almost entirely within the confines of the theater – almost as if it’s a world all its own. The movie depicts the final night of the show, as a recent company acquisition means that the Axeman (Tommy Lee Jones) cometh, set to turn the theater into a parking lot.

Altman has always displayed a gift at having scenes filled with characters that speak true to life, meaning they stop and start sentences, cut each other off and overlap in conversations. It’s a trait that can take some getting accustomed to, but is one that is likely embraced by the actors, whether it’s an Altman film veteran (Lily Tomlin) or just a truly great and versatile actress (Meryl Streep). Those two women play a musical sister act who lament the end of an era with the show, while another performing duo, Dusty (Woody Harrleson) and Lefty (John C. Reilly), seem to take the pending demise in stride. For his part, Keillor chooses to treat the final show just like any other, with nary a mention to the audience or acknowledgment of anything being out of the ordinary. (That even holds true upon his learning of the backstage death of one of the performers.)

The focus of the film primarily remains on stage with the various musical performances, which are quite well done and give the actors a chance to show off some singing and musical instrument playing ability. Yet, it’s the backstage conversations that allude to some of the background of the characters that hold a bit more interest. However, the movie doesn’t seem very interested in delving much into their backgrounds, beyond cursory tidbits here and there, leaving the audience wanting more.

Operating less as characters and more like plot devices, the roles portrayed by Kevin Kline and Virginia Madsen don’t comfortably fit into the story. Not that that’s a criticism of the actors, who are both very good. It’s just that they tend to take the focus away from the show and its performers.

Ultimately, there’s not a lot of a driving force to the story, which causes it to go a bit slack in places. But the cast helps plow through the slower spots, including a winning performance from Lindsay Lohan as the suicide-preoccupied daughter of Streep’s character.Slight though it may be, “A Prairie Home Companion” still paints a pretty picture of the kind of shows that it would be nice to know that radio still offers. But in this day and age of satellite radio and computer programmed playlists, it’s clear we shouldn’t be holding our breaths for them.
Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for risqué humor.)

The Joy of Technology

Please excuse the recent lack of updates to the site. You can place the blame in the lap of Apple, as I'm currently waiting on a new logic board to be shipped to the repair facility where my eMac is currently collecting dust. They're not even positive it's the board that's the problem, but it's just assumed, as it's been a common problem for eMacs that were produced around the time I bought mine. It's a power failure issue that Apple is paying to repair, at no charge. But unfortunately, the logic boards have been on back order, leaving me helpless in the hands of whenever Apple sees fit to ship them.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still an advocate of Apple products in general. But I am starting to have a new hatred for those Apple/PC ads that are running. And not just because they're kind of annoying.

So bear with me until I can get updates going again at a more consistent rate, hopefully later in November. Until then, a holiday movie preview is upcoming very quickly.

Thanks for the patience,
MC

Holiday Movie Preview 2006

As the holiday season begins its annual approach, Hollywood likewise
gears up its year end offerings. Lots of family-oriented films usually
mix in with those that have award aspirations. This season’s crop of
movies looks to have an intriguing variety, yet no real obvious big box
office standout in November’s group. But as any movie fans know, the month of December isn’t just for holiday seasonal shopping and overstuffing the stomach at the multitude of family meals. It’s also when Hollywood brings out some of its biggest movies of the year, many of which the studios hope will be taking home an armful of golden statuettes, come Academy Awards time early next year.
So let’s take a look at some of the releases that will be keeping people busy in between those diet busting meals and the seemingly endless dashing about shopping malls.

NOVEMBER
“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan”
Starring Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian, Pamela Anderson
Directed by Larry Charles
Previously a character from his popular HBO comedy series “Da Ali G Show,” Cohen plays Borat, a foreigner who comes to America to better understand its culture in this far from timid mockumentary. For the record, the country of Kazakhstan has already publicly denounced the film, which doesn’t really paint their country in the greatest light. But anyone who has seen Cohen, who played Ricky Bobby’s main nemesis in this summer’s “Talladega Nights,” knows how comically inventive he can be. (Nov. 3)

“The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”
Starring Tim Allen, Martin Short, Elizabeth Mitchell, Ann-Margaret, Alan Arkin
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Allen, continuing on his seemingly endless tour of starring in family-oriented films, is back for his third go-around in the “Santa Clause” franchise. This time, he’s dealing with trying to raise a family even as he faces a threat from Jack Frost (Short) looking to take over Christmas. Seems a bit early for a Christmas movie, but the first two in the series both exceeded box office expectations, so who knows? (Nov. 3)

“Flushed Away”
Starring the voices of Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno
Directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell
From the same animation company that created “Wallace & Gromit” comes this story of a pet mouse who gets flushed down the toilet of his penthouse apartment, landing in the sewers of London. Presumably, many life lessons will be learned along the way. This movie actually mixes clay-puppet animation with CG, so it should at least look good.
(Nov. 3)

“Stranger Than Fiction”
Starring Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah and Emma Thompson
Directed by Marc Forster
An appealing cast heads up an intriguing premise for a movie: A nerdy IRS worker (Ferrell) finds his life being narrated by a British novelist (Thompson), a person only he can hear. To make matters worse, he seems linked to her latest novel – one in which she plans to eliminate his character. So he sets out to find her and change his fate. The film mixes in some drama with its humor, which should give audiences a chance to see Ferrell in a different light. (Nov. 10)

“A Good Year”
Starring Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Freddie Highmore
Directed by Ridley Scott
After collaborating to great success with the Oscar-winning “Gladiator,” star Crowe and director Scott go in a completely different direction with this film, which is billed as a cross-cultural fish-out-of-water comedy. Crowe plays an aggressive London banker who inherits a vineyard from his uncle (Finney) in France. He then has to decide what kind of life he wants to pursue. The movie could prove to be a bit of an image makeover for Crowe, who’s taken a bit of a beating in the press and the public in recent years. (Nov. 10)

“Casino Royale”
Starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench, Caterina Murino, Jeffrey Wright
Directed by Martin Campbell
After a highly publicized search for the new James Bond, Craig was hired to take over for Pierce Brosnan in the hugely successful film franchise. The public reaction has been a bit mixed, but the proof will be in the finished product, which judging by the trailer, could be worth the wait. In another bit of a risk, the franchise is rewinding back to the beginning, adapting novelist Ian Fleming’s first 007 book.
(Nov. 17)

“Happy Feet”
Starring the voices of Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Brittany Murphy, Hugo Weaving
Directed by George Miller
An animated talking animal movie? What an original idea! OK, even though this might be the 353rd such movie to come out in the past few years, it does feature CG penguins and the real animals were certainly a hit in the 2005 Oscar-winning documentary “March of the Penguins.” So some of that lovable penguins vibe could prove to be successful for this flick, which certainly has an impressive cast of voices and the director of the “Babe” movies on board. (Nov. 17)

“For Your Consideration”
Starring Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey, Eugene Levy, Ricky Gervais, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Fred Willard
Directed by Christopher Guest
Doing away with the mockumentary approach that was largely perfected in movies such as “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman,” director Guest presents a film within a film that centers around a cast and crew that gets swept up in some ill-conceived Academy Award buzz. Lots of familiar faces are sure to crop up in this one, as Guest loves to present acting ensembles in his scripts, with this one co-written by him and Levy. (Limited release Nov. 17, wider Nov. 24)

“Déjá Vu”
Starring Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Paula Patton, Bruce Greenwood, Adam Goldberg and Jim Caviezel
Directed by Tony Scott
Reuniting Washington and Scott (“Crimson Tide”) with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, comes this film about an ATF agent investigating a ferry bombing in New Orleans and the unusual method he and his team employ that might be able to change the past. Sound cryptic enough for you? Well, it stars Washington and Kilmer, which is definitely a good start.
(Nov. 22)

"The Fountain”
Starring Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
To say that this movie has had a rocky journey to the big screen would be an understatement, as it was set for production in 2002, only to have its star (Brad Pitt) bail out. Years later, the film has been reworked and relaunched. But telling a story that spans 1,000 years, it’s certainly no less ambitious. It marks Aronofsky’s first film since 2000’s great “Requiem for a Dream” and co-stars his fiancée, Weisz (coming off her Oscar win for “The Constant Gardener”). (Nov. 22)

“Deck the Halls”
Starring Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis, Kristin
Chenoweth, Alia Shawkat, Sabrina Aldridge, Kelly Aldridge
Directed by John Whitesell
Broderick plays the chairman of his town’s winter festival, who has to deal with an overzealous neighbor (DeVito), who is determined to decorate his home with so many Christmas lights that they can be seen from space. Conflict and the accompanying hilarity (or so the filmmakers hope) ensues. The cast is promising, although the premise is a bit tired sounding. (Nov. 22)

DECEMBER
“Apocalypto”
Starring Rudy Youngblood and lots of Mayans
Directed by Mel Gibson
Well, it’s certainly been an interesting year for Gibson, hasn’t it? His DUI arrest and anti-Semitic comments, followed by lots of apologies and a rehab stint have put Disney, the studio behind “Apocalypto,” in a bit of an uncomfortable position. Add in the fact that the movie is based in the 15th century and features a cast of Mayans speaking in their dialect and you’ve got a tough sell. Of course, lots of people thought “Passion of the Christ” would also be in the same category. Forget the Yucatec Maya dialect – the real problem might be the size of the Gibson backlash. (Dec. 8)

“The Good German”
Starring George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Tobey Maguire
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Longtime friends Clooney and Soderbergh collaborate again in this post-WWII Berlin story that was filmed in black and white (just like Clooney’s “Good Night, and Good Luck). A journalist (Clooney) is assigned to cover the Potsdam conference between Churchill, Stalin and Truman, while also looking to find a former love of his (Blanchett) and deal with a murder mystery at the same time. Talk about a busy guy. Good cast with a good director and story could equate to success come awards season. (Limited release Dec. 8, wider Dec. 25)

“The Holiday”
Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Edward Burns
Directed by Nancy Meyers
Much like her 2003 release, “Something’s Gotta Give,” writer-director Meyers has assembled a very appealing cast to head up her latest foray into the wild and wacky world of romantic relationships. Diaz and Winslet play unhappy women who meet on an Internet house-swap site and decide to switch locales for the holidays. You can probably guess that unhappiness does not remain a part of their lives thereafter. (Dec. 8)

“The Pursuit of Happyness”
Starring Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Despite its intention mispelling in the title (it’s really happiness, kids), Will Smith ventures more into dramatic territory than normal, playing a father desperately trying to keep things together, while dealing with his estranged wife (Newton) and facing eviction. Playing father to the 8-year-old Jaden Smith probably wasn’t too much of a stretch for the former Fresh Prince, as the boy is his actual son. (Dec. 15)

“Blood Diamond”
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly
Directed by Edward Zwick
Based in the 1990s down in the civil-war-plagued Sierra Leone, Hounsou plays a tribal fisherman who comes across a very valuable diamond and has to deal with great danger to himself and his family from diamond cartels looking for it. He finds allies in a South African mercenary (DiCaprio) and an American journalist (Connelly). A very attractive cast for a director not afraid of large scale productions (”Glory,” “The Last Samurai) gives audiences a different option from most of the movies coming out this month. (Dec. 15)

“Dreamgirls”
Starring Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose and Eddie Murphy
Directed by Bill Condon
An adaptation of a 1981 Tony Award-winning stage musical, “Dreamgirls” focuses on a music manager (Foxx) who finds a talented trio (Knowles, Hudson and Rose). Much like the Supremes and Diana Ross, conflicts ensue when Knowles’ character is elevated to the lead of the group. Good word-of-mouth has been circulating about this film, especially around Murphy’s performance as an extravagent singer on a downhill slide in his career. (Limited release Dec. 15, wider Dec. 25)

“Charlotte’s Web”
Starring Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Buscemi, Robert Redford
Directed by Gary Winick
E.B. White’s beloved book about an intrepid hog named Wilbur and fabulous web weaver Charlotte gets the big screen treatment. Featuring Fanning as a human amidst a cast of animals and CG (think of the “Babe” films), this has a chance to be a huge hit for families looking for good, clean enter good, clean entertainment. Some laughs and a few tears just might be shed before the closing credits roll – that is if the filmmakers have done their job correctly. (Dec. 20)

“Rocky Balboa”
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia, Antonio Tarver
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
Never mind he’s old enough to be a great-grandfather (60-year-old Stallone), the Italian Stallion is back for what one could only expect is the final (and he really means it this time) boxing flick in the movie franchise that began 30 years ago. It’s actually been more than 15 years since “Rocky V” and a down in the dumps Rocky decides to take on the reigning champ Mason “The Line” Dixon in an exhibition bout. Admittedly, the trailer is a bit intriguing, but can people really suspend disbelief in a franchise that hit its peak in the 1970s? (Dec. 22)

“Night at the Museum”
Starring Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs and Robin Williams
Directed by Shawn Levy
Another CG-filled family flick, “Museum” stars Stiller as a security guard who discovers that the exhibits at his new job are coming to life after hours. I’m guessing that wasn’t mentioned during his new hire orientation. The trailer makes the film look a bit chaotic, but as a family-oriented picture starring the talented Stiller, hopefully that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. (Dec. 22)

"The Good Shepherd”
Starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, William Hurt
Directed by Robert De Niro
A spy tale starring Damon and Jolie while being directed by De Niro certainly sounds like an appealing project. It’s been a long time since De Niro was in the director’s chair (”A Bronx Tale” in 1993 was the first and only other time), but early Oscar buzz has been building. Not that that’s any guarantee of any awards, but it can’t hurt. (Dec. 22)

“We Are Marshall”
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, David Strathairn, Ian McShane
Directed by McG
Having helmed both of the “Charlie’s Angels” movies, director McG looks to a more substantial film for a change of pace. It tells the true story of coaches (McConaughey and Fox) who decide to rebuild the Marshall College football team in the aftermath of a 1970 plane crash that killed 75 players and most of the coaches on board. It’s the tried and true formula of redemption and a fact-based story – and with football as its central focus, to boot. Could be a late season winner. (Dec. 22)

“Children of Men”
Starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron
In this futuristic tale, adapted from a novel by P.D. James, the human race is facing extinction unless a jaded man (Owen) can deliver the last pregnant woman on Earth to safety. Wow, no pressure or anything. OK, so this isn’t what you can call a happy Christmas-time picture, but it sounds intriguing and has a good cast heading it up. (Limited release Dec. 25, wider Dec. 29)

Box Office Report: Oct. 6-8

Thanks to the big star power heading up his latest movie, “The Departed,” director Martin Scorsese had the biggest opening movie of his long and storied career over the weekend. The crime drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg, raked in almost $27 million, well over Scorsese’s previous weekend box office high of $10 million with “Cape Fear.” The largely positive reviews from critics and strong promotion from Warner Bros. certainly didn’t hurt.

The modestly-budgeted horror pic, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning,” also did good, but not great business in its opening weekend. “Employee of the Month” certainly indicates that Jessica Simpson isn’t really a movie star in the making. Then again, comedian Dane Cook was probably a larger draw for the film than her, as Simpson’s presence has been largely downplayed in the commercials.

1. “The Departed”
(Weekend domestic gross - $26.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $37.1 million)
(Budget - $90 million)
2. “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning”
(Weekend domestic gross - $18.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.5 million)
(Budget - $16 million)
3. “Open Season”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $50.0 million)
(Budget - $85 million)
4. “Employee of the Month”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.4 million)
(Budget - $12 million)
5. “The Guardian”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $34.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Jackass: Number Two”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $64.0 million)
(Budget - $11.5 million)
7. “School for Scoundrels”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.4 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
8. “Jet Li’s Fearless”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $63.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Gridiron Gang”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $36.8 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
10. “The Illusionist”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $36.0 million)
(Budget - $16.5 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $1.056 billion)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $754.4 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $646.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $458.0 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $452.1 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $395.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $389.4 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $317.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Click”
(Worldwide gross - $210.4 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)
10. “The Break-Up”
(Worldwide gross - $201.6 million)
(Budget - $52 million)

Movie Review: "Thank You for Smoking"

Starring Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello, Sam Elliott, Katie Holmes, David Koechner, Rob Lowe, William H. Macy, J.K. Simmons and Robert Duvall
Directed by Jason Reitman
Official Web site

Bolstered by a standout cast and a sharp script he based on the bestselling novel by Christopher Buckley, Jason Reitman’s directorial debut, “Thank You for Smoking,” is both a witty and entertaining satire of the power of spin control in today’s society.

With the tobacco industry as its primary backdrop, the film wastes no time showing off the speaking prowess of Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), a spokesperson and lobbyist for the tobacco industry, who works for the Academy of Tobacco Studies. Never mind that the academy is largely funded by the big tobacco companies, it’s a way to pay the mortgage, Naylor reasons.

At the film’s beginning, Naylor appears on a talk show and in his few minutes of camera time, manages to bring an initially hostile audience into his corner, by promising a $50 million anti-teen smoking education campaign. Granted, his boss only approved a $5 million campaign, but the goodwill Naylor generates from the appearance more than makes up for the additional money. That’s not to mention that it impresses an industry bigwig (Robert Duvall) so much that he allows him to ride on his private plane – an honor even Naylor’s cranky boss (J.K. Simmons) hasn’t gotten to experience.

With a seemingly effortless charm, Naylor would seem to be a perfect spokesman for an industry that he openly admits kills 1,200 people a day. Whether its dealing with an angry and bitter former Marlboro Man stricken with cancer (Sam Elliott), an ambitious journalist (Katie Holmes), or an anti-smoking senator (William H. Macy), Naylor exudes confidence. In some instances, he’s able to convince people to do things they seem morally opposed to doing. Case in point is a great scene between Eckhart and Elliott involving a giant pile of cash. In another case, he’s able to become sympathetic when somebody tries to kill him, with smoking actually a contributing factor to his survival.

Eckhart largely hits the right notes as Naylor, crafting a character that could easily have become reprehensible into one that actually is a bit difficult to dislike. Achieving that is due to the mostly lighter tone the movie carries, portraying his character as someone who’s very good at his job (he must have been a great debater in high school), but is also trying to be a good father to his observant and intelligent son (Cameron Bright). The scenes with Eckhart and Bright help humanize Naylor a bit more, yet certainly don’t paint him as a saint.

Reitman resists the urge to bludgeon the viewer with anti-smoking rants or heavy-handed theatrics meant to illicit an emotional response. If anything, the movie sets so many targets in its sights that the satire is somewhat diluted and unfocused. With such a big cast at its disposal, it makes you wish to see the characters a bit more fleshed out. For example, two of Naylor’s friends (his only friends, he admits), an alcohol industry spokesperson (Maria Bello) and a firearms industry proponent (David Koechner) are interesting, but given little to do. The regular meetings of the MOD (Merchants of Death) Squad could be an interesting story line all its own.

It might not be as pointed a satire as some of its targets deserve, but “Thank You for Smoking” is certainly well-timed. In a mid-term election year (which includes a tobacco tax on Missouri ballots), the film, through its use of humor, might open up some fresh dialogue about smoking. That would certainly be a breath of fresh air.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for language and some sexual content.)

Box Office Report: Sept. 29-Oct. 1

Last weekend, it was “Jackass” ruling the box office. Now, it’s “Punk’d” creator Ashton Kutcher’s turn at the top, as the young actor actually pulled the top two spots for the weekend. Technically, he was just a voice in the computer-animated talking animal pic (there’s a novel idea for a movie), “Open Season.” But it still counts, as does his co-starring turn in “The Guardian,” with Kevin Costner.

The only other major debut of the weekend, “School for Scoundrels,” didn’t perform very well, taking in $8.6 million for the fourth spot.

1. “Open Season”
(Weekend domestic gross - $23.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.2 million)
(Budget - $85 million)
2. “The Guardian”
(Weekend domestic gross - $18.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Jackass: Number Two”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $52.0 million)
(Budget - $11.5 million)
4. “School for Scoundrels”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.6 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
5. “Jet Li’s Fearless”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $47.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Gridiron Gang”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $33.3 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
7. “The Illusionist”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $32.3 million)
(Budget - $16.5 million)
8. “Flyboys”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $9.9 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
9. “The Black Dahlia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $23.1 million)
(Budget - $50 million)
10. “Little Miss Sunshine”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.4 million)
(Budget - $8 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $1.046 billion)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $754.3 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $645.9 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $454.0 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $443.8 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $395.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $388.9 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $315.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Break-Up”
(Worldwide gross - $200.0 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
10. “Click”
(Worldwide gross - $196.9 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)

Movie Review: "School for Scoundrels"

Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Heder, Jacinda Barrett, Luis Guzman, David Cross, Horatio Sanz, Sarah Silverman and Michael Clarke Duncan
Directed by Todd Phillips
Official Web site

One of the trickier sub-genres to successfully pull off in movies is a black comedy, as it frequently is inhabited by some unlikable characters, or at least puts likable characters into unfortunate situations. Excellent examples of the genre include “A Fish Called Wanda,” “Ruthless People” and of course, “Dr. Strangelove.” There could certainly be some debate as to whether “School for Scoundrels” can actually qualify as a black comedy, as its PG-13 rating almost seems the movie is pulling punches, while also trying to uncomfortably mesh romance into the mix.

But however the film is officially classified, it’s certainly less successful than it should be, taking into account its solid cast.

The film stars Jon Heder (“Napoleon Dynamite”) as Roger, a guy suffering from serious self-confidence issues. First, he’s a parking meter cop, who’s the target of ridicule from his co-workers and has been rejected by several children in the Big Brothers program. Add in his problem with talking to his sweet and available Australian neighbor Amanda (Jacinda Barrett) along with his frequent panic attacks, and you’ve got a ripe candidate for a life overhaul.

Enter Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton), a mysterious adult education teacher who has a radical confidence-boosting class that tears down its students before building them back up. Dr. P’s class is both secretive and expensive ($5,000), which makes one wonder why people that have this kind of money readily available wouldn’t just seek out counseling.

But that quibble aside, some of the early scenes with Dr. P interacting with his class show promise, allowing Thornton to show off his darkly funny comic timing that he’s honed in movies such as “Bad Santa” and “The Bad News Bears.” However, that does point out that maybe it’s time for the versatile Thornton to start seeking out roles of a different ilk, lest he start being typecast. A trailer for his next film (“Mr. Woodcock”) that ran before “School for Scoundrels” looks quite a bit like more of the same.

The film starts going a bit off the rails once a competition for the affections of Amanda begins between Roger and Dr. P, who seems to make it a habit of destroying the life of one of his students in each class. Evidently, it’s his form of entertainment. Unfortunately, that entertainment doesn’t really cross over to the audience, as the two engage in a contest of one-upmanship that produces few laughs.

Part of the problem is that Heder’s comic range seems rather limited, making his rather sudden transformation into a more ruthless foil to Thornton’s Dr. P a bit of a stretch. Thornton’s comic skills are rather muted in the second half of the film, while skilled comics such as Sarah Silverman and David Cross are largely wasted – a bit of a surprise, seeing as how the film is co-written and directed by Todd Phillips (“Old School”). An uncredited appearance by Ben Stiller as a former student in the film’s third act is a welcome sight, but by then, even he can’t quite lift the comedy much beyond mediocrity.

“School for Scoundrels” seems to want to be a movie that contains both a mean streak and a heart, but ultimately is lacking a little in both departments.

Grade: C
(Rated PG-13 for language, crude and sexual content, and some violence.)

What’s Next
Billy Bob Thornton - Starring with Seann William Scott and Susan Sarandon in “Mr. Woodcock,” as a former high school gym class teacher who made life hell for his students. Now, he’s set to marry the mother (Sarandon) of one of his former students (Scott). Set for release in January 2007.

Jon Heder - A thirtysomething slacker (Heder) who lives with his mom realizes his sweet set-up is threatened when she hears wedding bells with her self-help guru beau. The 2007 release also stars Diane Keaton and Jeff Daniels.

Box Office Report: Sept. 22-24

Not really to any surprise that stupidity reigned this past weekend at the box office, as Johnny Knoxville and his fellow, well, jackasses, easily snagged the top spot on the charts, netting nearly $30 million. “Jet Li’s Fearless” was the only other film to make a dent on its opening weekend domestically, as “Flyboys” and the critically-panned “All the King’s Men” both bombed. Although Sean Penn has been receiving good notices for his performance in “All the King’s Men,” the movie is seeing its Oscar chances rapidly going down the drain.

1. “Jackass: Number Two”
(Weekend domestic gross - $29.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $29.0 million)
(Budget - $11.5 million)
2. “Jet Li’s Fearless”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $40.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Gridiron Gang”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $27.0 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
4. “Flyboys”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.0 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
5. “Everybody’s Hero”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “The Black Dahlia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $19.9 million)
(Budget - $50 million)
7. “All the King’s Men”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.7 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
8. “The Illusionist”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.7 million)
(Budget - $16.5 million)
9. “The Covenant”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $21.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Little Miss Sunshine”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $56.7 million)
(Budget - $8 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $1.045 billion)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $754.0 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $645.9 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $454.0 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $443.5 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $395.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $388.1 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $309.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Break-Up”
(Worldwide gross - $197.0 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
10. “Click”
(Worldwide gross - $184.6 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)

Movie Review: "The Illusionist"

Starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan
Directed by Neil Burger
Official Web site

Taking its cue from some of the early days of filmmaking, the look of “The Illusionist” is as much a character as the cast that inhabits its 19th century Vienna setting. It’s a period piece that centers around the magical, perhaps supernatural abilities of a man with the stage name of Eisenheim (Edward Norton). Arriving to town with little fanfare, he quickly captivates and amazes audiences with his superior slight of hand skills.

Among those he impresses is Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti), who is frequently in the service of the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell, crafting a perfectly dastardly villain). Soon after, the prince and his fiancee Sophie (Jessica Biel) attend a performance that leads to the young woman being incorporated into Eisenheim’s show. But there’s more here than meets the eye, as the two have a history from their childhood. Their brief friendship and blossoming romance as children is captured in beautifully photographed flashbacks that incorporate old-fashioned storytelling fade-outs.

Writer-director Neil Burger chose to shoot the movie in a muted color palate, with sepia tone in the flashbacks that helps the movie look like more than a bunch of actors playing dress up – a problem that has plagued more than a few period pieces over the years. Speaking English in German accents could have been a practical invitation to ham it up, but luckily the actors largely avoid the temptation. They recognize there’s some good storytelling on display here, and choose to service the script, rather than upstage it.

While the pacing is a bit lax in certain stretches, the presence of the always interesting Norton and Giamatti proves to be the film’s greatest asset. Norton brings a quiet intensity to his role as the enigmatic illusionist, playfully sparring with Giamatti in several of their scenes together, while showing some romantic passion for the woman who has unexpectedly reentered his life. To her credit, Biel easily has her best role to date, and doesn’t disappoint.

Having usually stood out in films, even when he’s been superior to the material handed him, Giamatti offers a wonderful performance as the conflicted inspector. At the urging of the prince, who sees Eisenheim as a potential threat for the heart of his fiancee, Uhl is determined to expose the illusionist as a fraud – a task that seemingly becomes more difficult as time passes. Eisenheim accuses Uhl of basically being a puppet of the prince, with the promise of a high position in his regime dangled as a proverbial carrot for his loyalty. It’s a charge that Uhl knows he can’t deny, but refuses to let it deter him from his job – even when it leads him down a path he’d rather not travel.

Some of the story’s twists and turns, particularly in the third act, maybe take a few liberties with logic. But by then, “The Illusionist” has already cast its compelling spell over the audience. One would imagine Eisenheim wouldn’t have it any other way.

Grade: A-
(Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence.)


What’s Next
Edward Norton - Set to co-star with Naomi Watts in “The Painted Veil,” based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Release scheduled to be limited in December and going wider in January 2007.

Paul Giamatti - Cast as a villain in an upcoming action pic, “Shoot ‘Em Up,” coming in 2007. The film will also star Clive Owen and Monica Bellucci.

Jessica Biel - Her next film will be this December’s “Home of the Brave,” as one of several soldiers struggling to adjust back to civilian life after an extended tour of duty in Iraq. Samuel L. Jackson and Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, co-star.

Box Office Report: Sept. 15-17

Apologies for the delay, but vacation called and I answered, so here’s last weekend’s box office report this weekend. Obviously, the next one will be soon to follow in a couple of days. Overall, the newcomers made a mostly unspectacular debut, with the well timed release of “Gridiron Gang” snagging the top spot. Based on its somewhat disappointing first weekend, it would seem that “The Black Dahlia” will depend on word of mouth to recoup its budget costs.

Also look for an upcoming review on “The Illusionist,” which will feature the debut of “What’s Next,” a brief glance at what the movie’s major players have coming up for future projects. Not that the reviews need anything extra to them, but I’m in a giving mood, so just go with it.

1. “Gridiron Gang”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.4 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
2. “The Black Dahlia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.0 million)
(Budget - $50 million)
3. “Everybody’s Hero”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Covenant”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Last Kiss”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.6 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
6. “Invincible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $52.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Illusionist”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.1 million)
(Budget - $16.5 million)
8. “Little Miss Sunshine”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $51.4 million)
(Budget - $8 million)
9. “Hollywoodland”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Crank”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.68 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.7 million)
(Budget - $12 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $1.032 billion)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $754.0 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $645.9 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $451.3 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $435.9 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $395.6 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $386.3 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $310.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Break-Up”
(Worldwide gross - $193.3 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
10. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

Box Office Report: Sept. 8-10

It was a rather uneventful weekend at the box office, as the teen horror flick, “The Covenant,” slipped into the top spot with a rather unimpressive $8.9 million. The fact that it was $3 million more than the next newcomer, “Hollywoodland,” is an unfortunate comment on the generally poor numbers for the weekend.

One movie whose numbers have been far from unimpressive is “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” which has officially broken through the $1 billion barrier at the worldwide box office. For the record, it now ranks third on the all-time list, trailing only “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” and “Titanic.”

1. “The Covenant”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Hollywoodland”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Invincible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $45.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Protector”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Crank”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $21.3 million)
(Budget - $12 million)
6. “The Illusionist”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.1 million)
(Budget - $16.5 million)
7. “Little Miss Sunshine”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $41.6 million)
(Budget - $8 million)
8. “The Wicker Man”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $19.3 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
9. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $142.8 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
10. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $67.2 million)
(Budget - $51 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $1.0 billion)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $753.7 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $645.8 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $441.7 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $415.5 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $395.6 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $383.4 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $307.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Break-Up”
(Worldwide gross - $190.9 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
10. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

Movie Review: "The Sentinel"

Starring Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, Kim Basinger, Martin Donovan, David Rasche
Directed by Clark Johnson
Official Web site

In his role as Secret Service agent Pete Garrison, Michael Douglas is in a familiar role, playing a tough talking authority figure who makes a mistake that gets him in trouble. Maybe it’s a role that’s too familiar. Still, it’s tough to deny that Douglas isn’t good as this kind of character, the flawed hero.

“The Sentinel,” directed by Clark Johnson, is a bit of an old-fashioned action flick that doesn’t rely on wildly over-the-top stunts, car chases and explosions to propel the story. Instead, it largely depends on its solid collection of actors to wade through some of the plot’s more implausible situations.

One of those situations involves the rather difficult to swallow premise of Garrison having a secret affair with none other than the First Lady, Sarah Ballentine (Kim Basinger). Having served in the Secret Service for more than a quarter of a century, including taking a bullet for President Reagan in 1981, Garrison has earned a lot of trust among his co-workers and his boss, President Ballentine (David Rasche). But the affair is evidently not a secret to everyone, as Garrison receives mysterious photographs of him with Sarah in her bedroom.

That soon becomes a smaller concern for him once he receives information from an informant about a planned assassination attempt that will be instigated by a mole in the Secret Service. Now how this informant receives this information isn’t really explained, but for the sake of advancing the story, you just have to accept it.

Around the same time, another Secret Service agent is murdered, leading to an investigation by David Breckinridge (Kiefer Sutherland, doing a good impersonation of Jack Bauer from “24”). Naturally, his initial investigation overlaps with the assassination plan, leading to a series of events signaling that Garrison is the number one suspect. Garrison goes on the run with the intent of clearing his name, while Breckinridge is left trying to track down a man who knows very well how the pursuing agency operates.

The building investigation and subsequent pursuit between the mentor and his protégé is quite a bit more interesting than the rather uninspired and predictable final act. The script from George Nolfi (based on a novel by Gerald Petievich) has a number of good moments, particularly when Douglas is on the run, but also contains some plot holes big enough to drive a presidential motorcade through. Viewers enjoyment of the film will likely vary on the ability to overlook such details.

Ultimately, “The Sentinel” is an example of a couple of good actors playing roles they know how to do all too well. And while that can’t necessarily be considered a bad thing, it certainly doesn’t show a lot of creativity.

Grade: C+
(Rated PG-13 for violence, profanity and sexual situations.)

Box Office Report: Sept. 1-4

Scoring another touchdown over the extended Labor Day weekend, “Invincible” maintained its hold at the top of the box office, tackling new films starring Jason Statham and Nicolas Cage, respectively. Slower expansion in theaters and strong word-of-mouth have seemingly paid off for “Little Miss Sunshine” and “The Illusionist,” which both had solid weekends of their own. Otherwise, it was a rather uneventful weekend on the charts.

1. “Invincible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $38.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Crank”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.2 million)
(Budget - $12 million)
3. “The Wicker Man”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.6 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
4. “Little Miss Sunshine”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $35.8 million)
(Budget - $8 million)
5. “The Illusionist”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.3 million)
(Budget - $16.5 million)
6. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $138.9 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
7. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $63.9 million)
(Budget - $51 million)
8. “World Trade Center”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $63.8 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
9. “Accepted”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.63 million)
(Worldwide gross - $29.1 million)
(Budget - $23 million)
10. “Step Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.61 million)
(Worldwide gross - $58.5 million)
(Budget - $12 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $970.1 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $753.5 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $645.8 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $441.6 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $401.3 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $395.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $377.8 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $307.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Break-Up”
(Worldwide gross - $189.0 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
10. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

'13' In Vegas

Filming is currently underway in the third, and according to director Steven Soderbergh, last installment in the “Ocean’s Eleven” film franchise. “Ocean’s Thirteen” will center around Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew looking to pull off another Las Vegas heist, having to deal with a ruthless casino owner (Al Pacino, likely to be in full “hoo-ah” villainous mode) in the process.

While much of the action is being filmed in L.A., where producers have constructed an on-set poker lounge for the cast and crew, the gang is also filming some in Vegas, including at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, site of the first movie. The cast and crew previously filmed there in early August, and are set to return for a week in mid-September. And guess where yours truly will be in mid-September? Vegas, baby, Vegas! I’ll be sure to tell Clooney and Co. hello for you when I inevitably cross paths with them.

With the exception of Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones, all the major players are back, including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, Elliott Gould and Bernie Mac. Release date is set for June 8, 2007.

Box Office Report: August 25-27

As football is poised to kick off its season in September, movie audiences got a bit of a head start on the sport, lifting “Invincible” to the top spot for the weekend, raking in $17 million. The Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear film might want to get as much money as it can now, because once the real football starts, getting gridiron-loving guys into theaters on Saturday and Sunday afternoons is going to be a chore.

Last week’s box office king, “Snakes on a Plane,” had a quick stay on top, dropping swiftly to seventh place, while a much more quietly hyped film, “Little Miss Sunshine,” moved up to third place. Its release was expanded into theaters Friday, and has nearly tripled its budget in its short time in release.

1. “Invincible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $17.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $17.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $128.1 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
3. “Little Miss Sunshine”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $22.9 million)
(Budget - $8 million)
4. “Beerfest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “World Trade Center”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $55.6 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
6. “Accepted”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $20.1 million)
(Budget - $23 million)
7. “Snakes on a Plane”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.18 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.9 million)
(Budget - $33 million)
8. “Step Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.16 million)
(Worldwide gross - $50.9 million)
(Budget - $12 million)
9. “Idlewild”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.75 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.65 million)
(Worldwide gross - $55.5 million)
(Budget - $51 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $964.0 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $753.0 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $645.6 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $441.5 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $400.0 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $394.6 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $361.5 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $305.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Break-Up”
(Worldwide gross - $186.0 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
10. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

Fall 2006 Movie Preview (Part 2)

Last week featured the kickoff of the fall movie season, with September containing quite the variety of films. But October’s list is probably just as eclectic, with multiple Oscar winners involved in several of the upcoming productions. There’s doesn’t appear to be any shortage of quality films coming up, but it remains to be seen if past success for some of these talented filmmakers (Clint Eastwood, Sofia Coppola, Martin Scorsese) will translate to their latest offerings.

The following are some of the notables that October has to offer:

“The Departed”
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin
Directed by Martin Scorsese
(Good Cast Alert!) It certainly doesn’t take much time to see the appeal of this film, as it boasts one of the best male casts of the year – and in a Scorsese flick to boot. Not that the storyline that brought such a solid cast together can be credited with originality, as the movie is a remake of “Infernal Affairs,” a quite entertaining action thriller from Hong Kong that was made a few years back. But Scorsese has done a remake before (“Cape Fear”) to good results, so there’s no reason to think he can’t do it again. (Oct. 6)
Official Web site

“Employee of the Month”
Starring Dane Cook, Jessica Simpson, Dax Shepard, Andy Dick, Tim Bagley, Efren Ramirez and Harland Williams
Directed by Greg Coolidge
After having become a bit of a sensation on the stand-up comedy circuit, Dane Cook takes his first crack at a starring movie role. In this film co-starring Simpson, the blonde beauty and noted thespian, Cook is a store worker determined to win the title award from co-worker Shepard, hoping to attract the attention of you know who. This could either be a clever, funny movie or painfully terrible – it’s difficult to determine which way it will go. (Oct. 6)
Official Web site

“Running with Scissors”
Starring Annette Bening, Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, Evan Rachel Wood, Alec Baldwin, Jill Clayburgh, Joseph Cross and Gwyneth Paltrow
Directed by Ryan Murphy
Unusual eccentrics are in high supply in this adaptation of Augusten Burroughs semi-autobiographical novel of a teenager (Cross) being sent to live with a psychiatrist (Cox) after the collapse of his parents’ marriage. The trailer is a hoot, but one has to wonder if the oddness of the movie will be a bit too much for audiences to handle. How the tone of the film is handled by first-time director Murphy will be a key to its success. (Oct. 11)
Official Web site

“The Grudge 2”
Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Edison Chen, Amber Tamblyn, Arielle Kebbel, Jennifer Beals
Directed by Takashi Shimizu
Yet another sequel, yet another one based on a Japanese horror film, “The Grudge 2” is the follow-up to the fairly successful, yet dull 2003 movie about a angry spirit that spread misery to all who came to its former house. This time, the spirit decides to take a road trip and make life rough for a not so random assortment of characters, including Tamblyn, portraying the sister of Gellar’s character, the star of the first film. Hopefully, something scary will actually happen this time out. (Oct. 13)
Official Web site

“Man of the Year”
Starring Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, Lewis Black, David Alpay, Jeff Goldblum
Directed by Barry Levinson
In what may be a case of wishful thinking, a popular talk show host (Williams) decides as a lark to run for President. Much to his amazement, he wins and has to figure out what’s next. Williams and director Levinson could really use a hit movie around now, and this one shows some promise. But you almost have to feel sorry for the always dependable Linney, who has to deal with Williams, Walken and Goldblum all in one movie. Was the set entirely consumed by these scenery chewers? (Oct. 13)
Official Web site

“Marie Antoinette”
Starring Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Asia Argento, Rose Evans, Molly Shannon, Shirley Henderson, Danny Huston and Steve Coogan
Directed by Sofia Coppola
Having received a mixed reception at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, America will finally get its crack at checking out Coppola’s follow-up to “Lost In Translation.” The unconventional period piece features an intriguing cast, led by Dunst as the doomed young queen. Period flicks can tend to be a bit dry at times, but Coppola has the ability to overcome that potential liability. (Oct. 20)
Official Web site

“Killshot”
Starring Diane Lane, Mickey Rourke, Thomas Jane, Rosario Dawson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Johnny Knoxville
Directed by John Madden
Assembling an eclectic cast, Madden (“Shakespeare In Love”) directs an adaptation of an old Elmore Leonard novel about a couple (Lane and Jane – hey, it rhymes) in a witness relocation program who run into trouble with an assassin (Rourke) and a con man (Gordon-Levitt). When handled well, Leonard’s books can make for some entertaining movies (“Get Shorty,” “Out of Sight”). The talent involved would lead you to believe this one will be of the caliber of those films. (Oct. 20)
No official Web site

“The Prestige”
Starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Andy Serkis
Directed by Christopher Nolan
(Good Cast Alert!) As his follow-up to “Batman Begins,” director Nolan enlists two of that film’s stars to head up a tale of magicians (Bale and Jackman) locked in a bitter rivalry in turn-of-the-century London. Nolan is yet to make a bad movie and based on the trailer, this one looks to be appropriately atmospheric and gripping. If only we could have today’s magicians locked in rivalries. Copperfield vs. Blaine? How cool would that be? On second thought ... (Oct. 20)
Official Web site

“Flags of Our Fathers”
Starring Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, Paul Walker, Jamie Bell, Barry Pepper, John Benjamin Hickey
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Delayed from its original summer release comes a true World War II story based on the book by James Bradley that focuses on the Battle of Iwo Jima. Before you dismiss this as yet another war movie, keep this in mind: It’s directed by Eastwood with a screenplay by Paul Haggis, the same combo that struck Oscar gold in 2004 with “Million Dollar Baby.” You might want to start placing some Oscar bets on this one for 2007. But to get the complete picture, look for another Eastwood movie in December (“Red Sun”) to portray the same event from the Japanese perspective. (Oct. 20)
Official Web site

“Lucky You”
Starring Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall, Debra Messing
Directed by Curtis Hanson
The somewhat surprising surge of popularity in poker over the past few years gets some big-screen exposure with this flick starring Bana (“Munich”) as a rising star who has to deal with pressures from his girlfriend (Barrymore) and his estranged father (Duvall) on his path to success. Good cast with a very good director could equal a good hand. But can poker successfully translate to movie screens from its current home on a million stations on TV? (Oct. 27)
Official Web site

“Saw III”
Starring Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Angus MacFadyen, Bahar Soomekh, Dina Meyer
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
If it’s around Halloween, it must be time for another “Saw” movie. For the third straight year, the nasty villain Jigsaw is back in October to make life just a little bit less pleasant for an assorted collection of unlucky souls. One of the film’s posters has the Roman numeral III spelled out with teeth (yuck!), if that gives you any indication of the “fun” you’re in for if you go see this. (Oct. 27)
Official Web site

Box Office Report: August 18-20

It had a lot of buzz, but ultimately not much bite when it came to the weekend box office numbers, as “Snakes on a Plane” just barely slithered into the top spot. Ricky Bobby was a little snakebit (last pun, I promise), as “Talladega Nights” slipped into the second slot after two weeks at number one. But it did surpass $100 million over the weekend and is the biggest hit remaining in the top 10, save for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” which continues its run towards $1 billion in worldwide grosses. It surpassed $400 million domestically faster than any other movie in history, with the exception of “Shrek 2.”

1. “Snakes on a Plane”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $17.8 million)
(Budget - $33 million)
2. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.76 million)
(Worldwide gross - $114.7 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
3. “World Trade Center”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $45.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
4. “Step Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.7 million)
(Budget - $12 million)
5. “Accepted”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.0 million)
(Budget - $23 million)
6. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $46.1 million)
(Budget - $51 million)
7. “Little Miss Sunshine”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.7 million)
(Budget - $8 million)
8. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $865.0 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
9. “Material Girls”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Pulse”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $814.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $865.0 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $752.1 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $645.2 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $441.4 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $393.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $376.9 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $360.2 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $301.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.8 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Poseidon”
(Worldwide gross - $181.2 million)
(Budget - $160 million)

Fall 2006 Movie Preview (Part 1)

OK, is anybody else about sick of the summer heat? Luckily, the sanctuary of a cold movie theater that can ease the strain of those dwindling hot summer days and should give audiences plenty of options for the next few months, as we head into the fall. In fact, there are so many films of note that the following list is a mere sampling of some of the notables that will be hitting a theater near you over the next couple of months.

In fact, to give you as much of the big releases as possible, this list will be broke into two parts. So, first up is September, with October soon to follow. Lest you think this list is a bit incomplete, keep in mind November and December will be tackled at a later date as part of a holiday movie preview. At any rate, Hollywood looks to be churning out an intriguing blend of films this season, with the potential for some box office blockbusters and Oscar-appealing offerings in the mix. There have been some last minute schedule scrambling going on, so as usual, these release dates are subject to change at the whim of the studios – and often do.

SEPTEMBER
“The Wicker Man”
Starring Nicolas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, Molly Parker, Leelee Sobieski, Frances Conroy, Kate Beahan
Directed by Neil LaBute
It’s been more than 30 years since the British cult pic “The Wicker Man” was released, so clearly it’s time for a remake. But having LaBute as the writer-director and Cage as the star certainly should help ease the minds of potential detractors. Cage plays a cop investigating the disappearance of an ex-girlfriend’s daughter on a private island that’s just filled with secrets the residents would rather not reveal – particularly to a cop. Sounds sensible. (Sept. 1)
Official Web site

“Hollywoodland”
Starring Adrien Brody, Diane Lane, Ben Affleck, Bob Hoskins, Robin Tunney, Joe Spano
Directed by Allen Coulter
(Good Cast Alert!) An investigation by a private eye (Brody) into the death of George Reeves (Affleck), better known as TV’s “Superman” in the 1950s, is met with a fair amount of dislike and physical opposition as he takes the case into the Hollywood hierarchy. Lane plays the wife of a studio chief who might have more than a little insight into Reeves’ personal life. (Sept. 8)
Official Web site

“Gridiron Gang”
Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Xzibit, Kevin Dunn, Leon Rippy
Directed by Phil Joanou
Based on a true story of Sean Porter (Johnson), a juvenile detention officer who decides to turn a group of felons into a football team. Life lessons are learned all around and everyone lives happily ever after. Well, OK, maybe not. But with football season just getting under way as this hits theaters, it has the potential to make some dough from football hungry fans.(Sept. 15)
Official Web site

Everyone’s Hero”
Starring the voices of William H. Macy, Rob Reiner, Brian Dennehy, Raven-Symoné, Robert Wagner and Whoopi Goldberg
Directed by Christopher Reeve, Daniel St. Pierre and Colin Brady
A boy looks to find the stolen bat of Babe Ruth on the eve of the 1932 World Series in this CG animated feature film that also was originally directed by Reeve, prior to his death. (Sept. 15)
Official Web site

“The Guardian”
Starring Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Neal McDonough, Melissa Sagemiller, Clancy Brown and Sela Ward
Directed by Andrew Davis
Kutcher looks to take another step away from Kelso, his doofus character he played for several seasons on TV’s “That ‘70’s Show,” with this action pic about Coast Guard rescue swimmers. Playing a young hotshot (imagine that!) training under Costner, the film will draw the inevitable “Top Gun”-type comparisons. Only Kutcher’s pretty far from Cruise at this point in his career. (Sept. 29)
Official Web site

“The Black Dahlia”
Starring Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, Mia Kirshner, Mike Starr, Fiona Shaw and Hilary Swank
Directed by Brian DePalma
A sordid 1947 true-life murder case forms the basis for this fictionalized account of the investigation by a pair of detectives (Hartnett and Eckhart). Johannson and Swank co-star for director Brian DePalma (“Carlito’s Way,” “Blow Out”), in this adaptation of James Ellroy’s novel. The last adaptation of Ellroy, “L.A. Confidential” turned out well for all parties involved. Could it happen again? (Sept. 15)
Official Web site

“The Last Kiss”
Starring Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett, Casey Affleck, Rachel Bilson, Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkinson
Directed by Tony Goldwyn
As a follow-up to his very well received “Garden State” Braff is on board as just the lead this time out, playing a man struggling with commitment in the relationship with his girlfriend (Barrett). While Braff didn’t write the screenplay on this one, Paul Haggis (“Million Dollar Baby,” “Crash”) did, and word is he seems to be pretty good. (Sept. 15)
Official Web site

“All The King’s Men”
Starring Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Clarkson and Anthony Hopkins
Directed by Steven Zaillian
(Good Cast Alert!) After being delayed from a release and Oscar run at the end of last year, Sony Pictures will undoubtedly go full speed ahead in awards promotion with this remake of the 1949 film that took several Academy Awards of its own upon its release. Zaillian (an Oscar-winner himself for adapting “Schindler’s List”) is the writer-director that focuses on Louisiana politics in the Depression-era. (Sept. 22)
Official Web site

“Jackass: Number 2”
Starring Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Preston Lacy, Ryan Dunn
Directed by Jeff Tremaine
Oscar-bait, this ain’t. But more so than any other movie this fall, the audience is firmly built in. Either you’re on board with the stupid, reckless and sometimes gross antics of Knoxville and Co. or you’re not. There’s simply no in between. (Sept. 22)
Official Web site

“Feast”
Starring Navi Rawat, Krista Allen, Balthazar Getty, Judah Friedlander, Jenny Wade and Clu Gulager
Directed by John Gulager
There’s a certain amount of curiosity surrounding this horror movie, which was the subject of the last season of TV’s “Project Greenlight.” The movie has had its release date pushed back time after time, but looks to be finally getting its shot in theaters. The show that followed the production of the film was certainly fascinating and entertaining, having aired in early 2005. But can the actual movie follow suit? (Sept. 22)
Official Web site

“School for Scoundrels”
Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Heder, Jacinda Barrett, Luis Guzman, David Cross, Horatio Sanz, Sarah Silverman and Michael Clarke Duncan
Directed by Todd Phillips
Not diverting too much from their recent career paths, Heder plays a bit of a loser, while Thornton plays a bit of a jerk in this comedy from Phllips (“Old School”). Heder takes a confidence-building class with Thornton as the teacher, only for both to fall for the same girl (Barrett). Thornton can probably do this kind of role in his sleep, but he’s so good at it. The rest of the cast’s not too shabby, either. (Sept. 29)
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Strangers With Candy"

Starring Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Maria Thayer, Dan Hedaya, Matthew Broderick and Ian Holm
Directed by Paul Dinello
Official Web site

Ask most anyone and they’ll tell you the first day of high school is bit of an intimidator. You’re young, maybe naive and just hoping you don’t make a fool out of yourself.

Now imagine your first day comes more than 30 years after it should and you get an indication of the difficult situation that Jerri Blank finds herself in. The fact that she’s an ex-junkie whore who just got out of prison sure doesn’t help matters.

Played with a comic fearlessness that few comedians possess, Amy Sedaris embraces Jerri in all her politically incorrect, borderline offensive glory. Recreating her role from the cult series that aired for three seasons on Comedy Central in 1999-2000, Sedaris is joined for the big screen version of “Strangers With Candy” by numerous other co-conspirators, including Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello (who also directs). The three combined on the screenplay, hinging the somewhat flimsy story on a science fair that Jerri hopes will inspire her father (Dan Hedaya) to awaken from a coma presumably brought on by her imprisonment and the death of her mother. Did I mention this is a comedy?

The science fair is of much less interest than the interactions that Jerri has with her family and fellow students. Having mostly learned her social skills and tact from her years in prison, most of her encounters with them don’t go well. But for someone who has likely spent much of her life behind bars, Jerri’s has a remarkably sunny disposition. She strongly desires to be the good little girl that her father never had, yet really doesn’t really want to put out the effort to do so. For example, she brings a cookbook and phonebook with her to class for the first day.

Taking one of the standard scenes featuring new students in school, Jerri is asked to introduce herself to the class by science teacher Chuck Noblet (played with equal parts passion and exasperation by Colbert, of “The Colbert Report,” another Comedy Central show). The fact that Jerri begins her introduction with “My name is Jerri and I’m an alcoholic,” before adding in comments about her years as a prostitute and drug addict, gives you an idea of the movie’s twisted sense of humor. It’s basically as if one of those after-school specials was turned into a bizarre, R-rated feature film.

Although filled with notable supporting and cameo roles featuring Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alison Janney, among others, the success or failure of the movie rests on the small frame of Sedaris. Playing a character that is at times as hideous on the inside as she is on the outside (and that’s saying something), Sedaris should have fans of the show laughing consistently. Those experiencing the character for the first time may be taken aback by Jerri, but should eventually be able to warm up to her “quirks,” one of which includes an unhealthy attraction to Tammi (Maria Thayer), one of her science fair partners.

Then again, there’s probably lots of unhealthy things about Jerri to be concerned about. But with a character as ridiculous and at times, clueless as she is, you’ll likely be too busy laughing to notice. “Strangers With Candy” is both a slight, yet oddly satisfying film that’s filled with heart – albeit one that definitely has an irregular beat to it.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for sexual content, language and some drug material.)

Character Actor Exits Stage

Bruno Kirby, a New York born actor, who many might remember for supporting performances in films such as “City Slickers” and “When Harry Met Sally,” passed away from leukemia Monday, Aug. 15. Aside from those roles co-starring with Billy Crystal, one of his best performances came in 1990, when he was featured along with Matthew Broderick and Marlon Brando in “The Freshman,” one of the best comedies of the 90s. In 1995, he guest starred in a prominent role in the NBC police drama “Homicide: Life on the Street,” in one of the best episodes in the series’ seven season history.

In recent years, he largely had disappeared from the acting scene, only occasionally popping up in smaller roles in mostly forgettable projects. But Kirby’s proof that you can never have enough good character actors out there. He was 57. Incidentally, he was born Bruno Quidaciolu Jr.

Box Office Report: August 11-13

Although he managed to stay on top for the second straight weekend, Will Ferrell saw a group of high schoolers almost come in and surprise for the top spot. “Step Up,” a high school set film centering around the tried and true formula of a good girl falling for the bad boy exceeded box office expectations, surpassing the much higher profile debut of “World Trade Center.” But the Oliver Stone-directed drama, starring Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena, also managed to make a strong showing, bringing in almost $19 million. Perhaps audiences are starting to embrace 9/11 centered films, or maybe credit should go to Paramount Pictures for focusing on an uplifting rescue that took part in an otherwise tragic day. The ads certainly play up the heroics, not the tragedy.

On the worldwide grossing front, all spots remained the same from the previous week, as “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” continues its runaway success. Could cracking $1 billion in box office receipts be in the cards?

1. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $22.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $90.3 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
2. “Step Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $20.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $20.7 million)
(Budget - $12 million)
3. “World Trade Center”
(Weekend domestic gross - $18.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $26.5 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
4. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $33.7 million)
(Budget - $51 million)
5. “Pulse”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $856.1 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
7. “Miami Vice”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $63.8 million)
(Budget - $135 million)
8. “The Descent”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $17.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Zoom”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Monster House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $74.1 million)
(Budget - $75 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $856.1 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $750.0 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $644.9 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $441.1 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $386.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $376.1 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $347.6 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $286.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.1 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Poseidon”
(Worldwide gross - $180.1 million)
(Budget - $160 million)

Movie Review: "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby"

Starring Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Amy Adams, Michael Clarke Duncan, Greg Germann, Leslie Bibb
Directed by Adam McKay
Official Web site

If it wasn’t clear before now, there can be no doubt that Will
Ferrell’s got playing dumb down cold. As the central character in
“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” (now in theaters)
Ferrell and his comedic co-conspirators take stupidity for a ride,
while pushing the boundaries of its PG-13 rating.

The sport of NASCAR and its growing popularity serves as the main stage
for the eminently watchable and occasionally hilarious comedy,
reteaming Ferrell with co-writer and director Adam McKay. The two
collaborated in 2004 with the equally stupid, but more consistently
funny “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy.”

Like that movie, “Talladega Nights” centers around a somewhat clueless
dimwit with an unchecked ego, practically begging to be taken down a
notch or two. In this case, it’s Ricky Bobby, who is raised with the
need for speed, largely pumped into him by his deadbeat of a dad (Gary
Cole, oozing just the right amount of sleaze). He gets into auto racing
first as a pit crew member, then as a driver.

Along with his best friend Cal (nicely portrayed by John C. Reilly),
Ricky quickly ascends to superstar status in NASCAR, as his confidence
and cockiness grows with every first place finish. Obstacles inevitably
are placed in his path, first with new French rival Jean Girrard (Sacha
Baron Cohen), then with the psychological damage done from a serious
car crash, that leaves Ricky convinced he’s paralyzed.

If some of the story elements seem overly familiar, it’s because they
are, as the Tom Cruise vehicle “Days of Thunder” covered some similar
ground. Of course one difference is that “Talladega Nights” contains
some intentionally silly dialogue and situations.

Another area that Ferrell’s film is superior to Cruise’s is in the racing scenes themselves. McKay and cinematographer Oliver Wood capture the speed, noise and intensity of NASCAR better than any racing movie to date. Yet, there’s probably too much reliance on racing footage here, as there’s few laughs generated from these scenes. However, the climactic race does manage to generate some of the movie’s biggest laughs, including a choice plug for Applebee’s.

Some NASCAR fans might bristle at some of the shots taken at the sport,
but most of it is good-natured ribbing, and “Nights” was obviously
allowed fairly open-ended access, making use of several racers,
announcers and some of the circuit’s actual tracks.

One of the movie’s assets – its very good supporting cast – also serves
as a drawback, as some of the talent involved (Molly Shannon and Andy
Richter, in particular) is given next to nothing to do. Perhaps the DVD
will find some of these roles sitting on the cutting room floor.

While the laughs don’t come as frequently as they did in “Anchorman,”
Ferrell shows that he’s hardly above making himself the fool. Whether
it’s sprinting around the race track in his underwear or getting mauled
by a cougar (don’t ask), Ferrell’s commitment to Ricky Bobby is a sight
to behold.

Still, there’s a question of whether Ferrell, McKay and Co., can
continue to lean on thinly plotted dumb comedies as they head towards
middle age. For now, though, audiences are eating it up, proving that
playing stupid is financially pretty smart.

Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, language, drug references and brief comic violence.)

Drawing the Joker

While it’s hardly breaking news at this juncture, Warner Bros. has cast the villain for its upcoming sequel to “Batman Begins,” the successful 2005 relaunching of the Batman film franchise. Heath Ledger (“Brokeback Mountain”) was announced last week as Batman’s arch-nemesis, the Joker. This will be the second incarnation of the Joker in the past 20 years, after Jack Nicholson’s scene-stealing role in Tim Burton’s “Batman” (1989).

Clearly, Ledger will have to take the character in quite a different direction, as it’s safe to say he and Nicholson are nothing alike in acting styles. After the success director Christopher Nolan had with “Batman Begins,” it’s difficult to question his decisions, yet it would have been nice to see the franchise divert away from a very familiar villain such as the Joker – especially with a memorable performance of the role still somewhat fresh in the memories of fans.

Incidentally, the sequel is titled “The Dark Knight,” and is set to begin filming early next year with an anticipated release date in summer 2008.