Box Office Report: May 11-13

It was a big drop-off for Spidey in the second weekend of the hit film franchise, with “Spider-Man 3” falling more than 60 percent over its record-smashing opening. Still, Sony Pictures could hardly be shedding any tears, as it still pulled in nearly $60 million over the weekend, easily holding off all newcomers.

Only “28 Weeks Later,” the sequel to “28 Days Later” managed to sniff any respectable opening numbers, drawing nearly $10 million for its first weekend. “Georgia Rule,” the dramedy starring Jane Fonda, Lindsay Lohan and Felicity Huffman earned a rather paltry $6.8 million, amidst largely negative reviews.

Worldwide, “Spider-Man 3” vaulted into the top spot, where it will likely rest for a while. Then again, the third installments of “Shrek” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” are gearing up to take their best shot

1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $58.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $625.7 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “28 Weeks Later”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $9.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Georgia Rule”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $74.2 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
5. “Delta Farce”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Fracture”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $36.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Invisible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $142.7 million)
(Budget -N/A)
9. “Next”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.74 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Hot Fuzz”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.72 million)
(Worldwide gross - $68.5 million)
(Budget -N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $625.7 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $438.3 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
3. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $226.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $224.7 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $172.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $157.7 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
7. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $143.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $142.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Blades of Glory”
(Worldwide gross - $126.7 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
10. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Worldwide gross - $113.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Children of Men"

Starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Claire-Hope Ashitey, Pam Ferris, Danny Huston, Peter Mullan
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron
Official Web site

Like many films set in the future, “Children of Men” doesn’t paint a pretty picture. Set in the year 2027, there have been some technological advances, as could be expected. But the human race itself has largely regressed, and is even on the verge of extinction, due to the sudden and unexplained infertility of women. No more children means no more humans in less than 100 years.

As the film opens, the youngest person on earth, an almost symbolic figure of the absence of youth in the world, has died at the age of 18. Much of society has collapsed into anarchy, with England serving as the last vestige of hope. And even that beacon of light is dimming, with foreigners being hoarded into camps, while many citizens are in full-scale rebellion against the totalitarian government.

A group of rebels, led by Julian (Julianne Moore) and Luke (Chiwetel Ojiofor) have in their possession a potentially society-altering person named Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey). Initially against his will, Theo Faron (Clive Owen) is pulled into the impending showdown between the rebels and the government. He’s recruited to transport Kee to a mysterious group known as “The Human Project.” Desperate for money and as a favor to Julian, his ex-wife with whom he had a son many years prior, he agrees to help. But it’s only when Kee reveals to Theo that she’s very much pregnant does he realize the true significance of the mission.

The story, adapted from a novel by P.D. James, is tackled by five writers, including director Alfonso Cuaron. Like “Blade Runner,” with which it shares a jaded and flawed hero at its center, “Children of Men” is a bleak film in tone, yet it never really feels like a depressing movie watching experience.

Credit for that goes to the cast members, who uniformly draw indelible character portraits, despite the short amount of screen time for some. Owen, as the protector of a woman who could signify the rejuvenation of the human race, gives a powerful performance playing a man who finds a new purpose to his life after years of alcoholism and depression. Of the supporting cast, Michael Caine provides the only real comic relief in the movie as an aging self-sufficient hippie who is one of Theo’s few friends.

But where the film really shines the brightest is on the technical side, with some sensational – and even groundbreaking – cinematography from Emmanuel Lubezki that brings a genuine bit of excitement to the film’s several action sequences. Choosing to use extended takes with a single camera, Cuaron puts the viewer right into the middle of the action, as it seemingly develops in real time before your eyes. It gives the film a bit of a documentary feel at times, with droplets of blood even landing on the camera lens at one point, as Theo dashes for cover from gunfire.

“Children of Men” thankfully doesn’t let itself get bogged down in social and political issues too much, nor does it delve into the cause of why women haven’t been able to have babies since 2009 (the movie essentially shrugs its shoulders on this). However, the struggle between the government and the rebels is a bit too cloudy at times, while the rest of the world’s ills that have led to England being a country for refugees to seek out is unfortunately not addressed.

But as a movie depicting a future that isn’t actually that impossible to imagine, “Children of Men” has some real resonance in present time.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for strong violence, language, some drug use and brief nudity.)

Box Office Report: May 4-6

The easy summary for this past weekend at the box office is that there was “Spider-Man 3,” then there was every other movie. Looking at the chart reveals that the superhero dominated the box office unlike any movie in Hollywood history. Records were broken left and right, as I feel safe in saying that the box office receipts of every other movie in release last weekend didn’t come close to adding up to the $151.1 million Spidey did over the three-day period.

Among its records: Biggest Friday opening ever, biggest Saturday ever, biggest Sunday ever, fastest to $100 million, and biggest IMAX opening ever. The record for largest weekend was just set last July, when “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” opened to $135.6 million. Now Captain Jack and Co. will have to aim at an even tougher target when the third “Pirates” film opens May 25.

Amazingly, counting worldwide grosses, “Spider-Man 3” has already easily recouped its gigantic $258 million budget, and will be taking over the worldwide chart’s top spot from “300” this week.

1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $151.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $381.7 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $66.9 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
3. “Fracture”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $30.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Invisible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Next”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $17.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Lucky You”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $2.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $137.4 million)
(Budget -N/A)
8. “Blades of Glory”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $122.0 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
9. “Hot Fuzz”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $65.6 million)
(Budget -N/A)
10. “Are We Done Yet?”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $50.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $436.3 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $381.7 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $224.6 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
4. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $215.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $158.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $157.2 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
7. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $142.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $137.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Blades of Glory”
(Worldwide gross - $122.0 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
10. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Worldwide gross - $110.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Good Decision, Bad Decision

Here He Comes
Matthew Fox, from ABC’s “Lost,” is the latest actor scooped up for the upcoming live action update of “Speed Racer,” the cheesy 1960s reworking of the original Japanese cartoon. The pic is being produced by Joel Silver with writing and directing duties falling to Larry and Andy Wachowski (“The Matrix”).

Fox will be portraying Racer X, who as all fans of the show will remember, is a rival racer and secretly the brother of Speed, who will be played by Emile Hirsch. Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman are also on board as cast members. So who will be portraying the ever-annoying Spritle and Chim-Chim?

Filming for the movie is set to begin in Berlin this summer, with Warner Bros. Pictures aiming at a May 2008 opening.

‘All of Me’ All Over Again?
From the unnecessary remake department comes the report from Variety that New Line Cinema has signed Queen Latifah to head up the cast of “All of Me,” a remake of the hit 1984 comedy starring Steven Martin and Lily Tomlin.

One would assume Latifah will be portraying Tomlin’s role, although the role originally taken on by Martin has not been cast yet, apparently. Latifah will also act as executive producer.

In the original, Tomlin played a dying heiress whose soul is accidentally transferred into the body of an attorney, played by Martin. The 1984 film, directed by Carl Reiner, was a very funny vehicle for two talented actors and comedians that really has no business being remade. Latifah has even co-starred with Martin in a movie (“Bringing Down the House”), so why remake what was one of his best films?

– MC

Summer Movie Preview - Part 2

With the first couple of months now covered, there have been plenty of heavy hitters that have been unleashed on audiences, but July and August promise more of the same. The Simpsons, Harry Potter, Transformers, Chris Tucker and Robin Williams will all be heading up films in the second half of the summer season. So strap yourself in as this could be a fun, wild (and certainly noisy) ride.

JULY
“License to Wed”
Starring Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, John Krasinski, Christine Taylor, Eric Christian Olsen, Josh Flitter
A newly engaged couple (Moore and Krasinski) believe they have a clear path to the altar, until they run into Reverend Frank (Williams), who won’t bless their union until they have completed his marriage prep course. Doing so is as much a test of their sanity as their love for one another. It’s good to see Krasinski (Jim from “The Office”) getting a chance at a movie role. Hopefully, Williams won’t attempt to overact the cast off of the screen. (July 4)
Official Web site

“Transformers”
Starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, Megan Fox, John Turturro, Jon Voight
Director Michael Bay (“Pearl Harbor,” “Armageddon”) helms another low-key character study about the mysteries of love. Yeah, right. OK, it’s actually another big-budget loud action movie. But this one got a bunch of robots. (Robots!) Oh, and up-and-coming actor LeBeouf as its star, with the film based on the popular 1980s cartoon. Of course, the target audience of the movie probably was too young to remember the cartoon in the first place. Maybe that’s a good thing. I always favored “G.I. Joe” myself. (July 4)
Official Web site

“1408”
Starring John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub
Based on a Stephen King story, novelist Mike Enslin (Cusack) regularly discredits paranormal claims with his books, leading him to the supposedly haunted Dolphin Hotel. A series of deaths have occurred in suite 1408, and Enslin is compelled to stay in the room. Needless to say, he doesn’t get a good night’s sleep. The trailer indicates this film could actually scare up a few thrills and chills, unlike most of today’s horror movies. (July 13)
Official Web site

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson
Starring a cast of thousands, (well, not really) the fifth installment of the very lucrative franchise follows more of the adventures at Hogwarts, focusing on the aftermath of Harry’s encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort. Around the same time as this movie’s release will be the arrival of the final book in the series from author J.K. Rowling, so expect Harry-mania to be at a fever pitch by July. (July 13)
Official Web site

“Hairspray”
Starring John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Queen Latifah
If you’ve ever had a desire to see Travolta in drag, then this is your lucky day, as the actor gets all “Mrs. Doubtfire” on us, playing Edna Turnblad in an adaptation of the 2002 musical, which was adapted from the 1988 film by filmmaker John Waters. Are you following this? At any rate, it’s also a chance to see Travolta sing for the first time since 1978’s “Grease.” Musicals are a rarity in Hollywood nowadays, but when they’ve worked in recent years (“Chicago”), they’ve really worked. (July 20)
Official Web site

“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”
Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Dan Aykroyd
After his solid dramatic work in “Reign Over Me,” Sandler returns to safer, more familiar comedic territory playing Chuck, a fireman alongside “The King of Queens” star James. The two are forced to pretend to be domestic partners in order for Larry’s young children to be named as beneficiaries on life insurance forms. Of course, plenty of attention is thrust upon the two both inside the station house and out. Hopefully, the somewhat shaky premise can avoid the potential homophobic undercurrent present here. (July 20)
Official Web site

“The Simpsons Movie”
Starring the voices of Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille, Albert Brooks
Not just your average, everyday adaptation of a TV show, this big screen of “The Simpsons” has been nearly 20 years and 400 episodes in the making. The actual plot of the film has been kept under wraps, but is a collaboration of 11 (you read that right) veteran Simpsons scribes. So the question that hounds most every TV show that hits theaters is will there be enough material to spread to a feature length. As the show’s still a top 20 ranking program, there will certainly be plenty of fans interested to find out. (July 27)
Official Web site

“No Reservations”
Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin and Patricia Clarkson
An attractive cast heads up this romantic comedy-drama about a master chef at a Manhattan restaurant who intimidates in the kitchen. But it’s she who becomes a bit intimidated when she’s forced to take in her 9-year-old niece Zoe (Breslin) and deal with a new brash sous-chef (Eckhart) at the restaurant. The story may not be the most original sounding, but the cast, which includes “Little Miss Sunshine” herself, Oscar-nominee Breslin, makes the film a potentially intriguing sleeper. (July 27)
Official Web site

AUGUST
“The Bourne Ultimatum”
Starring Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, David Strathairn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez
Playing trained assassin Jason Bourne, Damon returns for his third go around in what has become a solidly successful film franchise. Stiles and Allen also reprise their role from the last picture, as Bourne seeks out how he became an assassin, while plenty of people in various government agencies scramble to stop him from learning the truth. Director Paul Greengrass is also back for this sequel, fresh off his Oscar-nominated success with “United 93.” (Aug. 3)
Official Web site

“Underdog”
Starring Jason Lee (as the voice of Underdog), Jim Belushi, Peter Dinklage, John Slattery, Patrick Warburton, Brad Garrett, Amy Adams
This adaptation of the classic cartoon series, a live-action affair, featuring the voice of Lee (“My Name is Earl”) and lots of special effects, could be a bit of a late summer sleeper. Dinklage as the evil scientist Dr. Barsinister and Warburton as his henchman is a bit of inspired casting. Then again, this movie could just as easily turn out to be a real dog. (Sorry, that was too easy.) (Aug. 3)
Official Web site

“Rush Hour 3”
Starring Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Youki Kudoh, Max Von Sydow, Noemie Lenoir, Vinnie Jones, Yvan Attel, Roselyn Sanchez, Roman Polanski
Clearly showing no rush to return to the movie business, Tucker is back after a six-year absence to star in his first movie since, well, “Rush Hour 2.” It’s certainly not too taxing of a life he leads. But anyway, most would have thought this series had run out of gas after the first film, but audiences keep eating it up. Hopefully, this third installment won’t be just going through the motions. (Aug. 10)
Official Web site

“Stardust”
Starring Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Jason Flemyng, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro
The best-selling graphic novel by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess gets a big budget adaptation with a good cast that tells the story of a young man (Cox) on a quest to protect a fallen star (Danes) from a varied batch of people with selfish desires, including a witch (Pfeiffer) and the sons of an aging king (O’Toole). If properly marketed by its studio, Paramount, this fantasy adventure film with a dose of romance could become a hit. (Aug. 10)
Official Web site

“The Invasion”
Starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, Jackson Bond, Jeffrey Wright, Malin Akerman
Nothing short of the entire human race is threatened by a strange epidemic that alters people’s behavior. Naturally, it turns out to be caused by something extraterrestrial and its up to a psychiatrist (Kidman) and another doctor (Craig, fresh off his success in “Casino Royale”) to save the day. You might also know this movie as “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” of which this is a quasi-remake. The film had a major script rewrite and some additional footage shot in January after its studio, Warner Bros., was reportedly unhappy with some of the results. Not usually a good sign. (Aug. 17)
No official Web site.

“Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
Starring Rowan Atkinson, Emma de Caunes, Jean Rochefort, Antoine de Caunes, Willem Dafoe
Having already been established as a big hit overseas, where it has racked up well over $100 million in box office grosses, the second film based on the popular British television comedy series will hit American theaters. Atkinson plays the title character, a very quiet chap who constantly stumbles into trouble, often wreaking havoc with anyone or anything that has the misfortune of getting in his path. The film’s debut here will be a solid five months after its release in the United Kingdom.(Aug. 31)
Official Web site

Box Office Report: April 27-29

Call this past weekend the calm before the storm. “Disturbia” held onto the top spot at the box office for the third straight weekend, pulling in a fairly meager $9 million. The top debut was the little hyped supernatural mystery movie that pulled in under $8 million, while the Nicolas Cage action pic “Next” did even worse, bringing in a little over $7 million. After Cage’s earlier box office success of “Ghost Rider” in February, it looked like he might be bouncing back as a draw at the ticket turnstiles. Well, I’m sure he’ll have another movie coming out in a couple of weeks or so to push this one out of people’s memories.

Of course, there will be plenty of noise at theaters this coming weekend, as the eagerly anticipated and subtly hyped (you might have heard a bit about it) “Spider-Man 3” swings onto the big screen. This marks the official (albeit early) arrival of the summer movie season, so let the records fall.

1. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $57.5 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
2. “The Invisible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Next”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Fracture”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $22.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Blades of Glory”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $117.9 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
6. “Hot Fuzz”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $61.5 million)
(Budget -N/A)
7. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $130.5 million)
(Budget -N/A)
8. “Vacancy”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.8 million)
(Budget - $19 million)
9. “The Condemned”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Are We Done Yet?”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.45 million)
(Worldwide gross - $47.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $431.0 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
2. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $224.5 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
3. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $200.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $156.4 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
5. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $151.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $139.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $130.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Blades of Glory”
(Worldwide gross - $117.9 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
9. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Worldwide gross - $109.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “The Host”
(Worldwide gross - $88.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Superhero News

‘Incredible’ Ed
Having first snagged a director, Louis Leterrier (“The Transporter”), and a release date (June 13, 2008), “The Incredible Hulk” now has its star. And what a great selection it is.

Two-time Oscar nominee Edward Norton will play Bruce Banner, the Hulk’s alter ego, in the new film, with shooting set to begin this summer, according to Marvel Entertainment. Norton will be the second actor to take on the role in the past four years, after Eric Bana (“Munich”) starred in Ang Lee’s take on the Marvel comic book character. None of those associated with 2003’s “Hulk” are expected to be involved in this attempted relaunch of the character.

Whether the green guy will be a CG character, as in the previous movie, remains to be seen. Hopefully, it won’t involve painting Norton green while he parades around in torn clothing, or unleashing Lou Ferrigno out of mothballs.

Marvel and Universal Pictures recently inked a deal that will keep movies cranking out for quite some time, as 10 movies have been agreed upon, with “The Incredible Hulk” number two on the list. Number one is “Iron Man,” starring Robert Downey Jr., which is now filming.

More Web Slinging
Regardless of how much box office business “Spider-Man 3” does this summer (which should be a ton), it sounds like Sony Pictures and the Marvel superhero will be continuing their very profitable partnership. Sam Raimi, who has directed all three of the Spider-Man films said at an April 20 press junket that not only has “Spider-Man 4” been greenlit, but so has a fifth and sixth installment.

That said, the involvement of Raimi and stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst are by no means a sure thing. After all, they may be seeking to develop their careers beyond this franchise at some point. But then there’s that money issue – all that money that Sony will likely throw at them could have a tiny influence on their decision.

– MC

Movie News Returns

In an attempt to get my movie news updates up and running, the DVD releases are taking a little time off, so apologies for that. It’s just that the news has been so lacking here in recent months, that a concerted effort needs to be made by me to start getting some little tidbits every couple of days or so. Hopefully, that will keep you coming back for more.

So take a look below for some interesting recent casting news and remember, there’s more where that came from. And no, I’m not plugged into any Hollywood connection feeding me this stuff. I just keep an eye out for this more than the average Joe or Jane.

Pretty Boys Project
With their latest film together, “Ocean’s 13,” set to hit theaters June 8, stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt will be sharing the screen again quite soon.
Both have signed up for the Coen brothers’ next project, “Burn After Reading.” The story of the black comedy, written by Joel and Ethan Coen, centers around a CIA agent writing a tell-all book about his job and life, only to lose the disc containing it.

Clooney and Pitt’s exact involvement in the film is unknown at this time, but it will also co-star Oscar winner Frances McDormand, who happens to be Joel’s wife.
The movie will mark the third collaboration for Clooney and the Coens, after “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Intolerable Cruelty.”

LeBeouf’s On Board
20-year-old actor Shia LeBeouf’s having a pretty good April. He’s the star of “Disturbia,” a thriller that has been at the top of the box office the past two weekends; he just hosted “Saturday Night Live” last weekend; he’s starring in a huge movie coming this summer (“Transformers”); and he’s officially on board for “Indiana Jones 4,” set for worldwide release May 22, 2008.

LeBeouf is only the second actor that director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas have officially confirmed has signed up, besides Harrison Ford, of course. Those that are in various depths of discussions include Sean Connery, Ray Winstone and Cate Blanchett. Fingers are especially crossed for Connery and Blanchett, as that would make for a really great cast.

The movie’s official name is expected to be revealed sometime around Thanksgiving, at which time the film’s first trailer is set to debut, Lucas has reported. Shooting is set to begin in June, so more casting news will be coming on this soon.

Stay tuned next time for a bit of comic book movie news ...

– MC

Box Office Report: April 20-22

It was a rather quiet weekend at the box office, as none of the newcomers were able to knock off “Disturbia,” last week’s champ, which pulled in another $13 million. “Fracture,” the courtroom thriller starring Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling, was the top debut with $11 million. Nothing else made too much of an impact, although the critically-lauded action-comedy “Hot Fuzz,” had the highest per screen average gross and should be expanding into more theaters next week.

“300” fell out of the top 10 for the first time since its debut several weeks ago, but is firmly in control as the top moneymaker on the worldwide chart.

1. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.8 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
2. “Fracture”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Blades of Glory”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $109.1 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
4. “Vacancy”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.6 million)
(Budget - $19 million)
5. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $118.4 million)
(Budget -N/A)
6. “Hot Fuzz”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $54.3 million)
(Budget -N/A)
7. “Are We Done Yet?”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “In the Land of Women”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Perfect Stranger”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $38.7 million)
(Budget -N/A)
10. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $184.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $421.7 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
2. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $223.6 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
3. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $184.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $154.9 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
5. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $142.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $135.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $118.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Blades of Glory”
(Worldwide gross - $109.1 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
9. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Worldwide gross - $108.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “The Host”
(Worldwide gross - $88.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Box Office Report: April 13-15

“Disturbia,” a thriller aimed as a younger update of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window,” struck a chord with audiences, bringing in more than $20 million and easily snagging the top spot of the weekend box office. “Blades of Glory,” the number one film the previous two weekends, only dropped to second as no other debut movie made much of an impact.

On the worldwide charts, “300” has now passed the $400 million mark, throwing down a legitimate challenge for most of the upcoming summer movies. Impressively, “Mr. Bean’s Holiday,” following the latest exploits of the goofy creation of comedian Rowan Atkinson, has managed to pull in more than $120 million on overseas receipts alone. It’s not set to debut in the U.S. until August.

1. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $22.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $23.9 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
2. “Blades of Glory”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $95.9 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
3. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $97.6 million)
(Budget -N/A)
4. “Perfect Stranger”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $20.1 million)
(Budget -N/A)
5. “Are We Done Yet?”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $35.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Pathfinder: Legend of the Ghost Warrior”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.4 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
7. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $170.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “The Reaping”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $32.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “300”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $404.5 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
10. “Grindhouse”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $19.8 million)
(Budget - $67 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $404.5 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
2. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $221.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
3. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $170.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $153.1 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
5. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $131.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $124.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Worldwide gross - $104.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $97.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Blades of Glory”
(Worldwide gross - $95.9 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
10. “The Host”
(Worldwide gross - $87.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Summer Movie Preview 2007 – Part 1

Sequels are all over the place this summer movie season, which begins early again this year, with none other than “Spider-Man 3” swinging into theaters May 4. Most summers, it would look to be the odds-on favorite to win the box office crown. But at the end of May comes Captain Jack Sparrow, as the third “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie seeks to make it back-to-back years as the box office champ, coming off the record-breaking success of last summer’s sequel.

It’s shaping up to be a real clash of the titans in May, with the third “Shrek” sequel (are you sensing a trend here?) also poised to pull in big numbers. Everybody in the wake of these three will need to hold on tight, as it could be a bumpy ride. That’s not to say there isn’t any competition, as there’s plenty out there that extends well beyond May. But because of that, this first part will just focus on May and June.

So get out those calendars, and start making plans. People have got a lot of movie watching to do over the next few months. Those poor people in Hollywood are depending on your generosity.

MAY
“Spider-Man 3”
Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Rosemary Harris
After the huge success of the first two films, there’s no denying this has the opportunity to be the biggest of the three, with the principal cast and crew returning for the web slinger’s latest adventure. Spidey (Maguire) is dealing with two new villains, Sandman (Church) and Venom (Grace), as well as a changing suit that brings out a darker, more vengeful side of him. Getting an early jump on the competition this summer could mean really big box office receipts. (May 4)
Official Web site

“Lucky You”
Starring Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall, Debra Messing
What an apt name for a movie that gets to open the same weekend as “Spider-Man.” Warner Bros. is obviously seeing this movie as counter programming to the superhero, but why this movie was plucked from its original fall release date to land here is a mystery. For what it’s worth, Bana stars as a professional poker player who runs into his estranged father (Duvall) and falls in love with a singer (Barrymore) while out in Las Vegas. (May 4)
Official Web site

“28 Weeks Later”
Starring Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Catherine McCormack, Imogen Poots, Idris Elba, Mackintosh Muggleton
A sequel to the hit film, “28 Days Later,” this movie takes place, well, as the title suggests, 28 weeks after the aftermath of the deadly virus that struck Great Britain. The war against the virus has been declared won and refugees from the country begin to return. But it’s not long before the virus makes its way back too. The original’s director, Danny Boyle, is back as an executive producer, but the directing reins have been passed over to Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. (May 11)
Official Web site

“Georgia Rule”
Starring Jane Fonda, Lindsay Lohan, Felicity Huffman, Dermot Mulroney, Cary Elwes, Garrett Hedlund
It seemed like much of this movie’s previous publicity centered around problems the producers were having with Lohan and her partying lifestyle. A stint in rehab later and all seems to be OK, right? Well, who knows for real? But having a couple of Oscar winners (Fonda and Huffman) in the cast sure can’t hurt the film’s credibility. And Lohan is no acting slouch, given the right material. (May 11)
Official Web site

“Shrek the Third”
Starring the voice of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Justin Timberlake, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheri O’Teri, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Amy Sedaris, John Krasinski, Ian McShane
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve really enjoyed the “Shrek” movies, but doesn’t it seem like the cast size is becoming increasingly huge. I mean, look at the size of the cast above. Still, that’s some impressive vocal talent at the service of a story that finds Shrek (Myers) seeking a suitable heir to the throne, while Princess Fiona (Diaz) has to unite the kingdom from an attempted coup from the jilted Prince Charming (Everett). As the first real family-oriented picture of the summer, big business is a foregone conclusion.(May 18)
Official Web site

“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Chow Yun-Fat, Stellan Skarsgård, Bill Nighy, Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally and Jonathan Pryce
Following on the heels of the colossal success of last summer’s “Pirates” sequel, Disney is positioning itself to try and capture the top box office grosser again this year, in the midst of some heavy competition in May. But it’s hard to underestimate the sea legs of Captain Jack (Depp) at this point, after such an impressive run less than 12 months ago. A quick return on their investment was a primary reason why the film’s producers shot the sequels back-to-back.(May 25)
Official Web site

JUNE
“Knocked Up”
Starring Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Martin Starr
Writer/director Judd Apatow’s follow-up to 2005’s hit, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” has one of that film’s stars (Rogen) playing a immature slacker whose one-night stand with a young journalist (Heigl) leads to her unexpected pregnancy. She decides to give the guy a chance to be a father, forcing both of them to quickly grow up and learn about each other. OK, so the story’s central plot isn’t groundbreaking. Still, Apatow has shown the ability to mine laughter and find depth in seemingly shallow stories before. (June 1)
Official Web site

“Mr. Brooks”
Starring Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, Dane Cook, William Hurt, Marg Helgenberger, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Danielle Panabaker
Costner’s getting all bloodthirsty here, playing a successful businessman and loving father, who also has a bit of a secret hobby – he kills people. Complete with a sinister alter ego (Hurt), Brooks runs into problems when an amateur photographer (Cook) witnesses one of his crimes, while a relentless detective (Moore) starts putting the pieces together. After many years of portraying good guys on screen, it could be interesting to see Costner only pretending to play another one here. (June 1)
Official Web site

“Ocean’s 13”
Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Elliot Gould and Al Pacino
While a fair number of viewers were put off by “Ocean’s 12,” the gang is back where it belongs for this sequel (Las Vegas), taking on a ruthless casino owner (Pacino) who double crosses one of their own. Steven Soderbergh directs again, with Clooney, Pitt, Damon and Co. looking to recapture that fun Sin City vibe they had in the original. (June 8)
Official Web site

“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Kerry Washington, Andre Braugher
The first “Fantastic Four,” while technically a box office hit, wasn’t a huge hit with audiences or critics. So this one might be the key to determining whether this is really a film franchise or just a couple of expensive and mediocre movies. The title villain has come to earth to destroy it, while the foursome’s arch-nemesis, Dr. Doom (McMahon), has emerged from captivity. Surprise, surprise, surprise! (June 15)
Official Web site

“Nancy Drew”
Starring Emma Roberts, Josh Flitter, Max Thieriot, Rachael Leigh Cook and Tate Donovan
Not that I have anything against Nancy, but how does she get a big screen version of her character before the Hardy Boys? Those guys were awesome! But, back to Ms. Drew (Roberts), she heads out to Hollywood with her father (Donovan) on a business trip, only to stumble over a long-unsolved crime. (June 15)
Official Web site

“Evan Almighty”
Starring Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Goodman, John Michael Higgins, Jimmy Bennett, Wanda Sykes, Jonah Hill
Ditching Jim Carrey, God (Freeman) turns to Evan Baxter (Carell, reprising his role from “Bruce Almighty”) as his next subject to appear before, instructing Evan to build an ark. Evan, who has just recently been elected as a congressman, feels compelled to comply, despite his family and co-workers befuddlement. Carell is a hot commodity right now and while the entire sequel’s cast, save for him and Freeman, is new, this could be a solid hit. (June 22)
Official Web site

“Live Free or Die Hard”
Starring Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Maggie Q, Timothy Olyphant, Jeffrey Wright, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jonathan Sadowski
Some of you will know this better as “Die Hard 4,” but the filmmakers don’t like putting numbers behind these sequels, evidently (see “Die Hard with a Vengeance”). Still, all you need to know is Willis is back as John McClane, ready to trip up the plans of another dastardly villain. This time, he’s got the guy from those Apple computer ads (Long) helping him out. But sorry, there’s no PC in sight. A dozen years after the last sequel, is there enough gas left in this vehicle’s tank? (June 27)
Official Web site

“Ratatouille”
Starring the voices of Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Peter O'Toole, Brad Garrett, Janeane Garofalo, Will Arnett, Julius Callahan, James Remar, John Ratzenberger, Teddy Newton, Tony Fucile, Jake Steinfeld, Brad Bird, Laurent Spelvogel
Looking to continue it’s stellar track record at the box office, Pixar Animation returns with another original concoction, this one surrounding around a group of rats and a gourmet restaurant in Paris. Well, it’s not what you’d consider a slam dunk of a concept. Actually, it sounds a bit unsanitary. But judging that this is coming from Pixar and director Brad Bird (“The Incredibles”), you’ve got to be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. But why use such a tough name for kids (and some adults) to pronounce? (June 29)
Official Web site

Stay Tuned

Sorry for the lack of updates on the site lately. Between a recent illness, doing taxes and a busy work schedule, the updates have fallen by the wayside a bit.

But try to maintain your patience and check back soon. Hopefully, by the weekend's end, you'll see the first of a two-part Summer Movie Preview, along with movie news (an aspect of the site that has been sorely lacking – but I plan to change that). After all, we're coming up on the traditional busy season for movies, so I've got to step up my game to reflect that trend.

Stay tuned ...

– MC

Box Office Report: April 6-8

Holding strong in its second weekend, “Blades of Glory” held off a quartet of newcomers, including a high-profile release from directors Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. To the surprise of industry insiders, “Grindhouse” failed to start a fire at the box office, pulling in under $12 million over the weekend, far short of projections. Granted, the Easter weekend isn’t the best time to debut a action-packed, violent concoction featuring zombies and a murderous motorist, but audiences seemed disinterested in what amounts to a double feature for the price of one. And critical response was largely quite positive, so I guess the moviegoing public just wanted some lighthearted entertainment, judging by the top three finishers.

Also, see below for the debut of the top worldwide grossers of the year – a chart that is currently being run away with by “300.” It’s a mark that likely won’t be challenged until the summer movies are unleashed into theaters, beginning with “Spider-Man 3” next month.

1. “Blades of Glory”
(Weekend domestic gross - $22.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $67.9 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
2. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Weekend domestic gross - $16.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $61.4 million)
(Budget -N/A)
3. “Are We Done Yet?”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Grindhouse”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.6 million)
(Budget - $67 million)
5. “The Reaping”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “300”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $321.6 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
7. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $160.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Shooter”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $38.2 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
9. “TMNT”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $56.3 million)
(Budget - $34 million)
10. “Firehouse Dog”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $321.6 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
2. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $215.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
3. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $160.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $143.7 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
5. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $123.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Worldwide gross - $100.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Host”
(Worldwide gross - $87.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Hannibal Rising”
(Worldwide gross - $71.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Epic Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $71.2 million)
(Budget -N/A)
10. “Blades of Glory”
(Worldwide gross - $67.9 million)
(Budget - $61 million)

Movie Review: "Blades of Glory"

Starring Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, William Fichtner, Jenna Fischer and Craig T. Nelson
Directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon
Official Web site

For anyone who’s seen the trailer or heard the concept behind the latest Will Ferrell movie, they should be well prepared for what’s to follow as the movie unspools on screen: 93 minutes of ridiculous characters, outlandish situations, predictable outcomes and, if all goes well, a healthy dose of laughter. “Blades of Glory” is certainly more than up to the task of the first three items in that list. But while the film lags a bit in the laughter department, the comedically gifted cast keeps the rather thin premise on its feet. Or from falling through the ice. (Use your own skating analogy, if you wish.)

Following in the tradition of his cocky, chauvinistic jerk characters he created in “Anchorman” and “Talladega Nights,” Ferrell’s latest is Chazz Michael Michaels, a figure skating superstar whose talents are just barely greater than his ego. Never mind the fact that Ferrell’s body type (shown in true flabby form here) would hardly be the kind that could produce a gifted skater – it’s all part of the joke, after all.

The chief rival for Michaels is Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder), a much more classically trained skater, who was plucked from an orphanage at a young age by a calculated billionaire (William Fichtner) and engineered into one of the world’s best at his sport. Outfitted with outrageous skating costumes which seem like only a slight exaggeration of the sport’s actual fashion sense, MacElroy and Michaels arrive on a collision course at a competition where they prove that the podium is not big enough for them both. The resulting brawl leads to them being banned from singles competition by a board largely consisting of former actual U.S. skating champions (Nancy Kerrigan, Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill and Brian Boitano are all among the many skaters making largely ineffectual cameos, save for Sacha Cohen’s).

The movie fast forwards more than three years later, with neither Michaels nor MacElroy happy with their life’s current direction. Leave it to a stalker of MacElroy’s (Nick Swardson) to bring up a loophole that would allow both men to continue their professional skating careers, albeit in pairs competition. Out of sheer desperation and because, well, frankly the story requires it, Michaels and MacElroy grudgingly decide to become the first male professional pairs skating team, working under MacElroy’s former coach (a game Craig T. Nelson, essentially playing the straight man).

Naturally, things don’t go smoothly at first, as both show a hesitation to work together and deal with all the touching required. Their first competition demonstrates the audience’s uncertainty on how to react to the new pairing, until the two’s showmanship and willingness to throw caution to the wind wins them over. Ferrell’s facial expressions during this sequence as he tries to maintain a cool exterior are pretty priceless.

The new team’s success is a thorn in the side of the reigning pairs champion team, Stranz and Fairchild Van Waldenberg (Will Arnett and Amy Poehler), who are quite the jealous sibling duo, choosing to use their little sister (Jenna Fischer) as a wrench to throw in the strengthening Michaels-MacElroy machine. Playing a possibly incestuous, definitely weird brother-sister combo, Arnett and Poehler (who are married in real life) offer fine support in the film, in addition to the more predictable character arcs of Ferrell and Heder’s characters.

So yes, the movie does suffer from some predictability problems, including the second act breakup of the pair, and the subsequent and inevitable reconciliation in the third act. But there’s still quite a few laughs that help keep the movie from falling into tedium, with a quite funny extended chase sequence between Ferrell and Arnett that starts out very swift and athletic, only to later come to an almost complete standstill, as each struggles to move on their skates.

While the end result isn’t as wholly satisfying as some of Ferrell’s other work, possibly because the stories and characters are becoming a bit too familiar, it still mostly delivers the laughs audiences are looking for. Still, since his early days on “Saturday Night Live,” Ferrell seems to be an actor who takes his comedy seriously – even when the movie itself is seriously stupid. And so it is with “Blades of Glory.”

Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, language, a comic violent image and some drug references.)

Box Office Report: March 30-April 1

As expected, “Blades of Glory,” starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as rival figure skaters who decide to team up as the first male professional pairs skating team, took the top spot at the box office over the weekend, bringing in $33 million. It marks Ferrell’s second biggest opening, only trailing “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” (Look for a review of it later in the week.)

Last week’s champ, “TMNT,” took a large plunge into fourth place, and is expected to be the lowest grossing of all the movies featuring the crime fighting turtles. This past weekend concludes the first quarter of the year (already?!), meaning the worldwide box office chart will return next week for the first time since last December.

1. “Blades of Glory”
(Weekend domestic gross - $33.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $33.0 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
2. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Weekend domestic gross - $25.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.2 million)
(Budget -N/A)
3. “300”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $308.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
4. “TMNT”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.0 million)
(Budget - $34 million)
5. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $146.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Shooter”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.4 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
7. “Premonition”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $44.5 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
8. “The Hills Have Eyes 2”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.0 million)
(Budget - $15 million)
9. “Reign Over Me”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.83 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.9 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
10. “The Last Mimzy”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.81 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)

DVD Releases - March 27

“Children of Men” (R) - Director Alfonso Cuaron brings an adaptation of a P.D. James novel to the big screen that depicts an infertile population where near anarchy reigns in the streets. Clive Owen, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine star in this critically-acclaimed film that also managed to garner several Oscar nominations.
Extras: Deleted scenes and multiple featurettes.
Official Web site

“Happy Feet” (PG) - Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Film, “Happy Feet” follows a penguin named Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood), who’s got dancing fever. Problem is, emperor penguins are supposed to be able to sing, which makes him a bit of an outsider. Robin Williams, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Brittany Murphy are among those lending their voices to this film from George Miller, the director of “Babe.”
Extras: Two new animated sequences, two music videos, a classic cartoon and a private dance lesson with Savion Glover.
Official Web site

“The Pursuit of Happyness” (PG-13) - Will Smith stars as Chris Gardner, a real-life success story who struggled for a time to make ends meet, while taking on an unpaid internship at a San Francisco stock brokerage firm. The film also stars Smith’s actual son, Jaden, and Thandie Newton, but the proceedings are really fueled by Smith’s Oscar-nominated performance.
Extras: A featurette on the Smith father and son combination, commentary with director Gabriele Muccino, a making-of featurette, and a conversation with Gardner.
Official Web site

“The Shield: Season 5” - Anyone who’s followed this gritty cop drama from its first season should be pleased with how well the show’s overall quality has held up. The fifth season almost takes on the feel of a Shakespearean tragedy by the time it all plays out, with much of the show’s focus landing on a cat and mouse pursuit between Det. Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) and a determined Internal Affairs investigator (Forest Whitaker, in a riveting performance) who’s not above bending the rules himself.
Extras: Tons of deleted scenes, as well as commentaries on all 11 episodes, along with multiple featurettes.
Official Web site

“Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj” (R/Unrated) - In this sequel (pretty much by name only, since the stars of the original, Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid are no shows), Kal Penn takes over as the star, playing Taj, Van’s sidekick, who heads to England to attend a snooty grad school. There’s probably some drinking and sexual situations to follow, don’t you think? This movie was in theaters for about 10 minutes, but now it’s yours to keep on DVD.
Extras: Deleted scenes, a gag reel, music videos and a couple of featurettes.
Official Web site

Box Office Report: March 23-25

It was a very crowded field this past weekend, with six new movies making their debut on the charts. But with the possible exception of two (“TMNT” and “Shooter”), their stays look to be brief. “TMNT,” better known as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, was able to knock off two-week champ, “300” by earning around $24 million. However, “300” still finished a strong second, and is approaching $250 million in worldwide receipts.

Look for “Blades of Glory,” the new Will Ferrell/Jon Heder comedy to make a strong push for the top spot next weekend.

1. “TMNT”
(Weekend domestic gross - $24.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.3 million)
(Budget - $34 million)
2. “300”
(Weekend domestic gross - $19.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $241.3 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
3. “Shooter”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.5 million)
(Budget - $61 million)
4. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $130.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Last Mimzy”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “The Hills Have Eyes 2”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $9.7 million)
(Budget - $15 million)
7. “Premonition”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $33.6 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
8. “Reign Over Me”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.7 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
9. “Pride”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Dead Silence”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.2 million)
(Budget - $20 million)

DVD Releases - March 20

“Blood Diamond: Special Edition” (R) - Nominated for five Academy Awards, director Edward Zwick’s action-filled picture dramatizes the controversial diamond mining practices that take place in various parts of Africa. One worker (Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou) finds a large jewel that becomes a bargaining chip in a reluctant partnership forged with a diamond smuggler (Oscar nominee Leonardo DiCaprio).
Extras: Commentary by Zwick, a documentary tracing the journey of a diamond from the ground to the store, featurettes focusing on DiCaprio’s training, and co-star Jennifer Connelly’s discussion on women journalists at war, and a music video.
Official Web site

“Eragon: Special Edition” (PG) - The discovery by a farm boy (Ed Speleers) of a dragon’s egg leads him on an adventure as a Dragon Rider who must lead a kingdom against a wicked king (John Malkovich). The film co-stars Robert Carlyle, Jeremy Irons and the voice (only the voice?!) of Rachel Weisz.
Extras: Commentary by director Stefan Fangmeier, extended and deleted scenes, a making-of featurette and original storyboards.
Official Web site

“Everyone’s Hero” (G) - In this CGI animated feature originally directed by the late Christopher Reeve, a young boy travels a thousand miles to help Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees win the World Series. This pet project of Reeve’s features the voices of Rob Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, William H. Macy and Mandy Patinkin, among others.
Extras: Commentary from various crew members, a making-of featurette, and a tribute to Christopher and Dana Reeve.
Official Web site

“NewsRadio: Season 5” - The fifth and final season of this great sitcom was unfortunately a little bittersweet, as cast member Phil Hartman was killed following the fourth season. Producers brought on another SNL alum, Jon Lovitz, as a new cast member. But the show, always ratings-challenged, would be axed by NBC by season’s end.
Extras: A gag reel and deleted scenes.
No official Web site.

“Rocky Balboa” (PG) - After the disappointment of the somewhat silly “Rocky V,” most people, myself included, were cringing at the thought of another chapter of the Italian Stallion (Sylvester Stallone) – especially 16 years later. But the general consensus from critics and audiences was that this is the film the series should end on, a better than expected effort that is very respectful of the path the first couple of films laid. Stallone wrote and directed this effort, which co-stars Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia and Antonio Tarver.
Extras: Commentary by Stallone, deleted scenes, boxing bloopers, a making-of featurette and more.
Official Web site

Box Office Report: March 16-18

Despite having to deal with a large portion of the male audience tuned into the annual college basketball tournament ritual known as “March Madness” over the weekend, the action-packed “300” managed to hold onto the top spot, pulling in more than $30 million. Worldwide, it’s already surpassed $150 million and is an unqualified success, as is this weekend’s number two pic, “Wild Hogs,” which has now surpassed $100 million.

The top debut of the week belonged to “Premonition,” the Sandra Bullock film about a wife who’s having a really wacky week. The thriller pulled in more than $17 million, easily holding off “Dead Silence,” a horror film that was basically DOA at the box office. I guess creepy ventriloquist dolls just don’t draw in the crowds at theaters.

1. “300”
(Weekend domestic gross - $32.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $154.4 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
2. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $19.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $107.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Premonition”
(Weekend domestic gross - $17.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $17.6 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
4. “Dead Silence”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.8 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
5. “I Think I Love My Wife”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $85.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Ghost Rider”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $197.6 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
8. “Zodiac”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $29.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
9. “Norbit”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $112.2 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
10. “Music and Lyrics”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $104.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)

DVD Releases - March 13

“Bosom Buddies: Season 1” - Look who’s making its debut on DVD – it’s that show about the couple of average joes (Tom Hanks and the other guy, aka Peter Scolari) who out of desperation (or secret desire), dress up as women to secure a place in an all-women apartment building. Dozens of women, save for a few who keep their secret, are fooled on an everyday basis. Let the hilarity begin!
Extras: Nothing! What a drag!
No official Web site.

“Casino Royale” (PG-13) - Daniel Craig, the latest incarnation of James Bond, got more than his fair share of criticism when it was announced he would be taking over the role from Pierce Brosnan. But after a big box office haul and a warm embrace from movie critics and fans alike, Craig is sitting pretty. The franchise’s producers were taking a big risk with Craig and the decision to relaunch the series, by showing a more reckless and violent Bond. Fears of the franchise’s death can be put to rest.
Extras: A music video and several featurettes, including ones looking at Craig, as well as the “Bond Girls.”
Official Web site

“The Holiday” (PG-13) - Between this and “Something’s Gotta Give,” her last feature film, director Nancy Meyers is becoming quite the expert in the romantic comedy. This time out she gets quite a cast, including Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Edward Burns and Rufus Sewell. You could do a lot worse than spending time in the company of these folks. But isn’t a 138-minute running time a bit bloated for a romantic comedy?
Extras: Commentary by Meyers and “guests,” and a making-of featurette.
Official Web site

“Without a Trace: Season 2” - This hit CBS show just keeps on plugging away, picking up pretty big ratings, even as it seems to fly under the radar. Perhaps because there are no real big names in the cast, save for Anthony LaPaglia. Then again, most people probably don’t know who he is either. Regardless, the special FBI unit that seeks out missing people is back for a 24-episode visit.
Extras: “Missing Evidence,” also known as deleted scenes.
Official Web site

Box Office Report: March 9-11

It was No. 1 – easily – for “300,” director Zack Snyder’s action-packed comic book adaptation of Frank Miller (“Sin City”), as it stormed into theaters, leaving with more than $70 million in its opening weekend. Surpassing box office expectations, its huge debut makes it the largest March opening ever and is more in line with what Hollywood usually sees in the summer movie season.

Last week’s champ, “Wild Hogs,” dropped to second but still managed to draw in another $27.6 million, as it nears $80 million in total box office receipts.

1. “300”
(Weekend domestic gross - $70.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $77.4 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
2. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $27.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $77.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $74.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Ghost Rider”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $179.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Zodiac”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $23.6 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
6. “Norbit”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $107.6 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
7. “The Number 23”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $38.0 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
8. “Music and Lyrics”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $88.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Breach”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $29.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Amazing Grace”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.48 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Zodiac"

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, Elias Koteas, Donal Logue, John Carroll Lynch, Dermot Mulroney
Directed by David Fincher
Official Web site

When director David Fincher’s “Se7en” opened in 1995, it seemed to inspire so many copycat movies that the serial killer storyline became a sub-genre all its own. So the marriage of Fincher with the true-life story of the Zodiac killer who terrorized northern California in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s would seem to be a natural fit. Indeed, the director has shown a propensity of building his career filming dark stories with tortured characters. So his selection of material here is hardly a surprise. But what is the real surprise is in his presentation of “Zodiac,” choosing to tone down his typical visual flair behind the camera, while serving up a story that is his most developed and cerebral to date.

Based on a book by Robert Graysmith, a former cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle during the Zodiac’s reign of terror, Fincher and screenwriter James Vanderbilt have crafted a compelling and gripping movie that keeps only a peripheral vision on the killer himself. Its primary focus is on those that were left to piece together the aftermath of the Zodiac’s crimes – namely San Francisco police detectives David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and William Armstrong (Anthony Edwards), along with reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) and Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Spanning a time frame of more than 20 years and filled with a huge cast, “Zodiac” is meticulous in its depiction of the crimes, which were recreated according to police reports. Yet, Fincher (who certainly knows a thing or two about depicting violence on screen) shows a measured amount of restraint in filming the murders, demonstrating the swiftness such violent action can have. For all intents and purposes, the movie’s violence quotient essentially drops off the charts by about a third of the way through its expansive two hour, 40-minute running time.

By the time detectives Toschi and Armstrong report to the seemingly unexceptional crime scene of a murdered cab driver in the Presidio Heights section of San Francisco, the Zodiac has already been involved in the attacks on at least four other people, killing two of them. To this day, the number of murders the killer is actually responsible for is a source of disagreement between various law enforcement agencies and the press.

The San Francisco media was already on the trail of the Zodiac by this time, as the killer wrote several letters to local newspapers, urging them to run them along with cryptic ciphers that he said would reveal his identity. Graysmith, while not directly involved with the case, becomes obsessed with discovering the Zodiac’s identity, choosing to hound crime reporter Avery to pick up any clues he can. Played by Downey with a jaded weariness fueled by alcohol and drugs, Avery is at first amused and even impressed with Graysmith’s tenacity at helping. But as time passes and the leads in the case grow cold, Avery’s temperament becomes increasingly sour.

Of course, that description could apply to more than one person connected with investigating the Zodiac case, as an endless number of potential suspects, false leads and a general lack of physical evidence at the crime scenes conspire to keep the case open. The movie has no qualms at jumping ahead in time, moving weeks, months and in one visually arresting sequence, years into the future (depicted with a time lapse construction of the city’s Transamerica building). Characters move in and out of the picture with the passage of time, as the failure at cracking the case take its toll.

Graysmith obsession with the case eventually breaks up his marriage and ends his employment at the paper, as he spends all his time pouring through old press clippings and police reports about the crimes. Meanwhile, Tocci (who was the basis for Steve McQueen in “Bullitt”) has to fend off Graysmith’s persistent questions, as he realizes the odds the case will ever be closed shrink with each passing day.

It’s as much a credit to the actors involved, as it is with Fincher and Vanderbilt that any kind of suspense can be generated from a movie in which a criminal investigation is burdened by frustration and disappointment. Imagine an episode of “Law and Order” that never gets to the “order” part and you can see the difficulty involved. That’s not to say that the case has no forward momentum, as “Zodiac” clearly makes a case against Arthur Leigh Allen (John Carroll Lynch), a hulking pedophile with a calm demeanor. But the investigation’s lack of any evidence beyond circumstantial poses endless amounts of roadblocks.

The cast is uniformly excellent, providing strong, but not showy work, in keeping with the low-key style of the film. Ruffalo and Edwards both are quite convincing in their roles as the dutiful, but increasingly frustrated cops (who actually never draw their guns in the movie – what a genuine surprise), while Gyllenhaal demonstrates a man in true tunnel vision, practically leaving common sense and his own safety in his rearview mirror.

“Zodiac” is a film that can frustrate, to be sure, but it also can stimulate the mind. It’s a movie approaching three hours in length that actually didn’t feel quite long enough. And no, it doesn’t really have a satisfying conclusion, but considering the actual state of the case today, it’s an ending that’s as true to life as you can get.

Grade: A-
(Rated R for some strong killings, language, drug material and brief sexual images.)

Box Office Report: March 2-4

Surpassing even the most generous of projections, the buddy road trip comedy, “Wild Hogs” brought in close to $40 million in its opening weekend, easily holding off the crime drama “Zodiac” and knocking off the previous champ, “Ghost Rider.”

The movie also marked the best opening ever for both John Travolta and Tim Allen, a rather surprising accomplishment. So I guess we can expect the sequel sometime in 2008?

The only other major release, “Black Snake Moan,” was only able to climb to the eighth spot. So there’s not a huge audience for blues musicians chaining up sexaholic girls to a radiator? Well, color me surprised.

1. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $39.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Zodiac”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.4 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
3. “Ghost Rider”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $157.1 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
4. “Bridge to Terabithia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $62.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Number 23”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $29.8 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
6. “Norbit”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $92.3 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
7. “Music and Lyrics”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $71.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Black Snake Moan”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.1 million)
(Budget - $15 million)
9. “Reno 911!: Miami”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.9 million)
(Budget - $10 million)
10. “Breach”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)

DVD Releases - March 6

Having taken off last week (sorry about that), the DVD releases are back this week...

“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” (R) - Everybody’s favorite gypsy-hating Kazakh journalist (Borat Sagdiyev, played by the versatile Sacha Baron Cohen) can now come to your house on DVD, having taken theaters by storm this past fall. (Nice!) This outrageous comedy is certainly not for the easily offended, but Cohen’s fearlessness at pursuing a laugh is truly amazing. Cue the sequel!
Extras: Deleted scenes, a Kazakhstan spoof of “Baywatch,” a rodeo news report and a world promotions tour featurette.
Official Web site

“Fast Food Nation” (R) - Led by an ensemble cast including Greg Kinnear, Wilmer Valderrama, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ethan Hawke and Bruce Willis, writer-director Richard Linklater and co-writer Eric Scholsser collaborate on a fictional take of Schlosser’s bestselling nonfiction book of the same name. The movie spreads its focus on the fast food industry, following various characters on different levels of the corporate food chain, as it were.
Extras: Commentary with Linklater and Schlosser, a making of featurette and multiple animation shorts ominously titled “The Meatrix.”
Official Web site

“Hawaii Five-O: Season 1” - This show is just now making it debut on DVD? Well, anyway, the elite branch of the Hawaii State Police headed by Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) is in action in 24 episodes this first season.
Extras: “Cocoon,” (no, not the Ron Howard film) the original pilot movie, as well as a retrospective with James McArthur (you know, Danno).
No official Web site

“Peter Pan: Platinum Edition” (G) - OK, forget those other versions of the Disney animated adaptation of the J.M. Barrie book, as this is the one to own. And Disney really means it this time too. And just so you don’t sit on those wallets or purses, this two-disc edition will only be out of Disney’s vaults for a limited time. Then they’ll seal it up to deprive future generations from a classic. Real nice, Disney.
Extras: Quite a bit, actually. An all-new digital restoration, deleted songs, a DVD storybook, several multi-level games, an “In Walt’s Words” featurette and a never-before-seen alternate opening.
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos"

Directed by Paul Crowder and John Dower
Official Web site

It’s long been considered the world’s most popular sport, but few may remember that there was a brief time when soccer looked like it just might maintain a foothold in the American sports landscape.

In the mid- to late-1970s, the New York Cosmos, part of a fledgling professional soccer league, was the toast of the Big Apple. Containing a roster peppered with superstars and deep pockets among its owners, the team seemed destined to bring soccer to a new peak of popularity in America.

Then, almost as quickly as it seemed to be built up, the Cosmos and subsequently, the league itself, collapsed spectacularly in the 1980s. How these corresponding highs and lows were met are the central focus of “Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos,” a fast-paced and entertaining retrospective on the team and those who remember its impact on the sport of soccer and the city where it played.

In the mid-1970s, the North American Soccer League was struggling to gain attention in the U.S. But one team in the league would get a huge boost when Steve Ross, then Warner Communications Chairman, decided to buy the Cosmos with the help of Atlantic Records founders Ahmet and Nehui Ertegun. As explained by Ross’ son, Mark, his dad really hated to lose. So knowing that the team he purchased was mediocre at best, Ross set out to find the best players available to improve its fortunes.

That led to the signing of Pelé, considered by most to be the greatest soccer player of all time. In one of the more amusing segments of the documentary, a number of people reflect on the struggle to sign the superstar, with none seeming to agree on just how much money Pelé’s contract was actually worth. Even then-Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (a big soccer fan himself) was enlisted to help in the negotiations with Brazil, Pelé’s home country.

Following the signing, the team’s fortunes quickly improve, establishing a huge fan base for the team, with attendance records being set just about every place Pelé would play. The spending would continue, with Ross snagging Italy’s Giorgio Chinaglia, then Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer, which would lead to huge crowds and back-to-back league championships for the team.

Like any team that becomes hugely popular, especially in New York, the potential for distractions was great – a point the film doesn’t shy away from documenting. Whether it was some of the player’s propensity for attracting the ladies, or frequent partying at the social hotspot, Studio 54 (where the team had its own table), the Cosmos had seemingly become as popular, if not more so, than the hometown Yankees.

Blending a steady stream of great soccer footage (you certainly don’t need to be a fan to appreciate the skill involved) with a huge ‘70s soundtrack, co-directors Paul Crowder and John Dower keep the action on screen lively and interesting. Granted, they are certainly helped by the assortment of characters interviewed in the documentary, particularly the egotistical Chinaglia, who makes no apologies for his actions during that time. Perhaps unfairly, a decent amount of the team’s eventual collapse is laid at Chinaglia’s feet, as some believed him to be a negative influence on Ross and a cancer in the locker room.

But there were plenty of other factors involved, including Pelé’s retirement, the rapid overexpansion of the league, and a disastrous first (and only) season of network television broadcasts by ABC. If anything, there would seem to have been so many reasons, that placing blame on any one person plays out a little bit as sour grapes.

There’s a lot of nostalgia and a certainly a little bit of regret from those interviewed in “Once in a Lifetime,” as soccer has seemingly never come close since then to achieving true popularity in America. Still, one only needs to look at the huge amount of soccer leagues operating on spring and summer weekends to know that there’s still life in this country for the sport. But achieving true lasting popularity on a professional level would seem, at this time, to remain a difficult goal to score.

Grade: B+
(Rated PG-13 for language and some nudity.)

(On a side note, a screening of “Once in a Lifetime” was recently held at the Show-Me Missouri International Film Festival in Springfield, where editor and co-director Crowder appeared for a Q&A session. He addressed the conspicuous absence of recent footage of Pelé in the film, as he was the only major player who did not participate in the film. The reason? Money, of course. Crowder said many attempts were made to involve Pelé. Crowder himself said he spoke with him on e-mail a couple of times. The first time, Pelé asked for $100,000. The second time, the amount went up to $150,000. He then asked Crowder if he would like to make a third attempt. No thanks, Crowder replied.

He also answered my question regarding the licensing fees involved with all the music contained in the film. He said getting the rights to use the music was surprisingly easy, yet it was far from cheap. Crowder said each song basically cost $5,000 to use, of which there was a whopping 65 in the film. You do the math. The use of the music was a very important part of the film, yet took up a big chunk of the budget, he added.

In fact, the only song he said he was unsuccessful in obtaining was Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” as he said they weren’t able to get Steven Tyler to release the rights to it.)