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)
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
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
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
Monday, August 21, 2006
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)
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)
Sunday, August 20, 2006
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
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
Thursday, August 17, 2006
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.)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
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.
Monday, August 14, 2006
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)
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)
Friday, August 11, 2006
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.)
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
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.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Box Office Report: Aug. 4-6
“If you’re not first, you’re last.” So says Ricky Bobby in “Talladega Nights” – an appropriate, albeit dumb remark for this week’s box office, as the dim-witted NASCAR racer did indeed easily finish in first over the weekend, raking in nearly $50 million. Last week’s number one, “Miami Vice,” dropped hard to fourth place, while yet another computer animated flick featuring animals took the second place slot (“Barnyard”).
Although it finished in third place domestically for the weekend, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” has wrestled the worldwide top spot from “The Da Vinci Code,” as it takes aim on more than $800 million at the box office. That’s a lot of booty!
1. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $47.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $47.0 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
2. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.8 million)
(Budget - $51 million)
3. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $771.9 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
4. “Miami Vice”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $54.9 million)
(Budget - $135 million)
5. “The Descent”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “John Tucker Must Die”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.15 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.7 million)
(Budget - $18 million)
7. “Monster House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.8 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
8. “The Ant Bully”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “You, Me and Dupree”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.64 million)
(Worldwide gross - $71.1 million)
(Budget - $54 million)
10. “The Night Listener”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $771.9 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $747.3 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $644.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $440.8 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $386.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $365.7 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $336.7 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $286.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.1 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Poseidon”
(Worldwide gross - $178.5 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
Although it finished in third place domestically for the weekend, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” has wrestled the worldwide top spot from “The Da Vinci Code,” as it takes aim on more than $800 million at the box office. That’s a lot of booty!
1. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $47.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $47.0 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
2. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.8 million)
(Budget - $51 million)
3. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $771.9 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
4. “Miami Vice”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $54.9 million)
(Budget - $135 million)
5. “The Descent”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “John Tucker Must Die”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.15 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.7 million)
(Budget - $18 million)
7. “Monster House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.8 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
8. “The Ant Bully”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “You, Me and Dupree”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.64 million)
(Worldwide gross - $71.1 million)
(Budget - $54 million)
10. “The Night Listener”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $771.9 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $747.3 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $644.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $440.8 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $386.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $365.7 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $336.7 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $286.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.1 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Poseidon”
(Worldwide gross - $178.5 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Movie Review: "My Super Ex-Girlfriend"
Starring Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Anna Faris, Rainn Wilson, Eddie Izzard, Wanda Sykes
Directed by Ivan Reitman
Official Web site
While the film’s premise is ultimately more clever than its execution, “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” is able to largely slide by on the energy and likeability of its solid cast.
In a twist on both superhero and romantic comedy genres, “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” positions Uma Thurman as the seemingly unstoppable superhero G-Girl, while Matt Sanders (Luke Wilson) has unknowingly started to date Jenny Johnson, her alter-ego. Problem is that Jenny, while appearing to be a nice, timid soul on initial dates, is also a jealous, emotionally unstable woman deep inside.
Still, Matt is intrigued by her, especially her aggressiveness in his bed (she actually breaks it during one coupling). This leads to Jenny eventually falling in love with Matt, to whom she reveals her secret identity. Naturally, most any guy that realizes he’s having sex with a superhero is going to be pretty excited about it. But for Matt, the news carries a decreasing level of thrills as time goes on. For one, he can’t tell anybody – not even a pair of good friends and co-workers Vaughn and Hannah (Rainn Wilson and Anna Faris).
His relationship with the latter is a very sore spot for Jenny, who views Hannah as a threat to her new man. Matt, meanwhile, starts to see Jenny’s darker, borderline psychotic side. He decides to try to end the relationship amicably, to which Jenny responds by trying to fry his goldfish with her heat vision before leaving his apartment – through his ceiling. This is just the beginning of her campaign to make Matt’s life a living hell, literally sending his car into orbit, as well as wreaking havoc on his career.
The screenplay by Don Payne (an occasional writer on “The Simpsons”) has some fun with the superhero genre by placing a woman, albeit a neurotic and unstable one, as the person with the power. Casting Thurman was a wise choice, as her beauty and near-Amazonian size makes you believe she could be a superhero. Being not that far removed from her very physical role in the “Kill Bill” movies certainly helps.
Wilson also does some fine work as a confidence-challenged man who is at first excited, then concerned, then outright terrified at what this new relationship could mean for his life. Although the film incorporates a good supporting cast, who all get some decent moments, Wilson, Farris and Wanda Sykes, as Matt’s sexual harassment-obsessed boss, aren’t utilized to their full potential. That’s especially true of Eddie Izzard as Professor Bedlam, the supposed archenemy of G-Girl. Izzard is given relatively little to do, as his role as the film’s supervillain is never developed or explained beyond an incident in his and Jenny’s childhood.
Much like he did in '80s hits like the “Ghostbusters” movies, director Ivan Reitman demonstrates a skill with comedic action, but this is more an example of the talent outclassing the material. In a summer with superheros and larger-than-life characters filling the screen, this one just doesn’t fly very high.
Grade: B-
(Rated PG-13 for sexual content, crude humor, language and brief nudity.)
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Movie Review: "Dave Chappelle's Block Party"
Starring Dave Chappelle, Kanye West, The Roots, The Fugees, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu
Directed by Michel Gondry
Official Web site
Despite a genuinely good-natured vibe emanating from the proceedings, “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” plays more like a get-together where you feel like you should be having a better time than you are.
Clearly that wasn’t a problem for the several hundred (maybe several thousand) people Chappelle invites and busses into Brooklyn from Dayton, Ohio, near his hometown in Yellow Springs, to see an unpublicized concert featuring a multitude of rap and hip-hop artists. Among the musical acts featured are Kanye West, the Roots, Erykah Badu, and a reunited Fugees (best known for the hit remake of “Killing Me Softly,” performed here in about the only uninterrupted performance of the film). Chappelle even manages to get an entire Ohio college marching band to the show, promising free transportation, food and board.
“Block Party” certainly shows a softer side to the frequently funny, yet controversial comedian who is probably now more noted for walking away from his hit Comedy Central show than for the sometimes brilliant content of the show itself. Just so people don’t think this was Chappelle’s answer to the pressures he said he was feeling from the show, the film quickly mentions the events leading up to and including the concert took place in September 2004 – well before his much publicized “escape” to Africa last year.
The documentary itself is played out in a rather disjointed style, which keeps viewers on their toes, but can also be rather disconcerting. This is especially true with the heavy editing done during the various musical performances, as songs are started and frequently intercut with backstage comments presumably filmed after the concert, as well as moments with Chappelle interacting with some of the concert invitees.
To be fair, the material that is included in between the music is often more interesting than what’s happening on stage (of particular interest is an extremely odd Brooklyn couple who own a towering mess of a home near where the concert will be filmed). But director Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind”) keeps the film from feeling very cohesive, which is likely going to make some viewers wish for more music, while others, including myself, will desire to see more of Chappelle.
As it is, the film is sporadically funny with occasionally interesting musical moments, including an impromptu performance of “Jesus Walks” with West and the marching band. But ultimately, “Block Party” is not entirely successful in the laughter or musical departments. On the other hand, it sure looked like the concert’s audience had a good time. Maybe you just had to be there.
Grade: C
(Rated R for language.)
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