Holiday Movie Preview 2007 (Part 2)

December brings out another film based on a best-selling batch of fantasy books (“The Golden Compass”), a sequel, a musical and the pairing of Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Not a bad month for movies, or so it seems. Here’s a rundown of some of the more notable releases coming by year’s end.

“The Golden Compass”
Starring Nicole Kidman, Sam Elliott, Eva Green, Dakota Blue Richards and Daniel Craig
Directed by Chris Weitz
After initially bowing out of the project, Weitz returned after replacement director Anand Tucker left the first adaptation of a trio of popular fantasy books by Philip Pullman. New Line Cinema is looking at this as their next possible “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. No pressure
or anything. (Dec. 7)
Official Web site

“I Am Legend”
Starring Will Smith, Alice Braga, Salli Richardson
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Smith is labeled in this thriller as the last man on Earth, where a biological attack has left everyone else zombies. This survival story will likely depend on Smith’s charisma to keep from being a total downer. (Dec. 14)
Official Web site

“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”
Starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Ed Harris, Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Some might be wondering why “National Treasure” would be getting a sequel. But this is one of those Nicolas Cage movies that was actually a surprise hit when it hit theaters in 2004. Cage is back as the treasure hunter trying to uncover nothing less than a worldwide conspiracy. Man, those are the worst kind of conspiracies!
(Dec. 21)
Official Web site

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall and Sacha Baron Cohen
Directed by Tim Burton
Easily one of the most intriguing movies of the year, Depp is back in another Tim Burton film, portraying a barber with a taste for violence – an adaptation of a Stephen Sondheim musical. In case you’re wondering, there is a lot of singing in this by the cast, which also features none other than the versatile Cohen (“Borat”). This is certainly a risky venture, but Depp’s never been hotter and Burton has a knack for dark material. (Dec. 21)
Official Web site

“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”
Starring John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig
Directed by Jake Kasdan
It’s good to see Reilly getting a chance to head up a high-profile movie, after so many memorable supporting roles. This one is a satirical biopic about a Dewey Cox (Reilly), a fictional musician that covers six decades and a ton of women in his life. “Walk Hard” could mark the third hit movie of 2007 involving Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up,” “Superbad”), who co-wrote the film with director Kasdan.
(Dec. 21)
Official Web site

“Charlie Wilson’s War”
Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Emily Blunt
Directed by Mike Nichols
An adaptation of a 2003 best-selling book by George Crile, the screenplay is by Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”), directed by an Oscar winner (Nichols) and starring three Oscar winners (Hanks, Roberts and Hoffman). There could be a lot of awards waiting for this film, which tells the story of a congressman (Hanks) who teams up with a CIA agent (Hoffman) and a socialite (Roberts) to arm Afghan rebels against the Soviet Union. (Dec. 25)
Official Web site

Holiday Movie Preview 2007 (Part 1)

A healthy dose of family-friendly pics and Oscar-aspiring selections dot the cinematic landscape for November. Big stars such as Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep are featured, along with animated movies coming from at least one unlikely source (Jerry Seinfeld). So here’s a look at some of the highlights for the month.

NOVEMBER
“American Gangster”
Starring Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ojiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin
Directed by Ridley Scott
A powerhouse acting duo headline a movie that has got Oscar aspirations written all over it. The two leads, director (Scott) and screenwriter (Steven Zaillian) have all won Academy Awards before. In this crime drama, Washington plays real-life 1970 drug lord Frank Lucas, while Crowe portrays the obsessed detective intent on catching him. (Nov. 2)
Official Web site

“Bee Movie”
Starring the voices of Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman and Chris Rock
Directed by Steve Hickner and Simon J. Smith
Joining in on the seemingly ever-growing CG animated animal craze, Seinfeld plays a bee despondent over the lack of career choices for him. He then decides to sue the human race in an attempt to obtain honey profits. With a standout vocal cast at his disposal and several veteran “Seinfeld” writers on board, this comedy should be one of the can’t-miss films of the season. (Nov. 2)
Official Web site

“Lions for Lambs”
Starring Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Michael Pena, Andrew Garfield and Derek Luke
Directed by Robert Redford
Wearing its political leanings on its sleeve, “Lions for Lambs” takes a topical look at the war against terror, featuring three storylines that eventually are tied together. Redford heads up one of the stories, while Streep and Cruise face off as a journalist and Republican senator, respectively, in another. The movie also marks the first release from the Cruise-run United Artists production studio. (Nov. 9)
Official Web site

“Fred Claus”
Starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Miranda Richardson, Kevin Spacey, Kathy Bates
Directed by David Dobkin
Reuniting with Dobkin, his “Wedding Crashers” director, Vaughn will be aiming at a more family-oriented audience with this PG-rated flick, that features him as the ne’er-do-well brother of Santa Claus (Giamatti). He arrives at the North Pole to visit Old Saint Nick, only to shake things up, much to the dismay of his normally jolly brother. (Nov. 9)
Official Web site

“No Country for Old Men”
Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
Adapting a novel by Cormac McCarthy, the Coen brothers also share a directing credit on this crime drama that debuted to rave reviews at the Cannes film festival earlier this year. Brolin plays a hunter who stumbles upon $2 million in drug money and decides to keep it. Hot on his trail is a remorseless killer (Bardem) intent on getting the money back, with Jones as a sheriff dealing with the crimes being left in the wake. The Coens certainly have a good track history of crime dramas (“Fargo,” “Blood Simple”). (Nov. 9, limited)
Official Web site

“Beowulf”
Starring Ray Winstone, Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Making use of the motion-capture technology he used for “The Polar Express” in 2004, director Zemeckis has crafted an action-filled epic that is supposed to be a departure from the “Beowulf” you likely read in high school. Still, it’s PG-13 rating should still allow students a chance to get the basics of the story, just in case they can’t find time to read the book before the big exam. (Nov. 16)
Official Web site

“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”
Starring Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills
Directed by Zach Helm
Making his directorial debut, Helm has certainly not started out small with this tale of a eccentric and really old (we’re talking 243 years old) toy-store owner (Hoffman) who selects his store manager (Portman) to take over as his successor. The cast is definitely an attraction for the film, which seems heavily influenced by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Nov. 16)
Official Web site

“Enchanted”
Starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Rachel Covey and Susan Sarandon
Directed by Kevin Lima
Disney’s ambitious holiday feature is actually a mix of animation and live-action (mostly live-action) with Adams playing a princess banished from her animated kingdom, landing in New York City, of all places. Dempsey plays a divorce lawyer who falls for the princess. However, she’s soon followed to the Big Apple by her lovestruck prince (Marsden) and an evil queen (Sarandon). Disney’s had a pretty good track record with fairy tale movies, but this one might be its riskiest yet. Still, failure seems highly unlikely. (Nov. 21)
Official Web site

Box Office Report: Oct. 12-14

While the fall movie season’s more adult-themed movies are starting to make their way into theaters, they were only able to make a small dent in the box office charts, with newcomers “We Own the Night,” “Michael Clayton” and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” all failing to take the top spot. That belonged to the latest Tyler Perry movie, he of the “Madea” movies. Not having seen any of his movies, I’ll reserve judgment on their quality. But does he really need to be putting his own name in the titles of the films? If that’s the trend, maybe “George Clooney’s Michael Clayton” would have performed better. Or perhaps “Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg Own the Night” was the way to go?

1. “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $21.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “The Game Plan”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “We Own the Night”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.8 million)
(Budget - $21 million)
4. “Michael Clayton”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Heartbreak Kid”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Kingdom”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $50.2 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
8. “Across the Universe”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Resident Evil: Extinction”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $77.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $961.0 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $936.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $791.7 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $700.8 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $521.9 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $450.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $404.0 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $372.5 million)
(Budget - $110 million)

Movie Review: "Death Proof"

Starring Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Tracie Thoms, Sydney Poitier, Rose McGowan
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Official Web site

When “Grindhouse” hit theaters this past spring, it certainly sounded like a can’t-miss prospect – two popular and respected directors (Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino) helming a double feature filled with fake trailers for other movies in between. But while critical response was largely positive, audiences generally stayed away, with “Grindhouse” pulling in only around $25 million at the box office – a notable and surprising flop.

The two films that made up “Grindhouse” have been split up for release on DVD with “Death Proof,” directed by Tarantino, the first out of the gate. While it certainly falls short of some of his classic previous work (“Pulp Fiction”), it does demonstrate his ability to capture the feel of a genre, as well as making the film stand on its own merits.

Tarantino is a well-documented movie geek who has a particular affinity for 1970s exploitation movies, generally the very kind that would play as double features back then. So with “Death Proof,” Tarantino is paying homage to the slasher horror movies that regularly put women in peril, while also providing a revenge fantasy in the film’s third act.

Granted, films such as those cheesy ones from the ‘70s, would never be able to reel in an attractive cast such as the one in “Death Proof,” nor have dialogue as entertaining to hear. One thing that most any viewer of a Tarantino movie can agree with is that the man likes to write dialogue. Most would also say he’s very good at it, too.

Such is the case with “Death Proof,” which if it’s fair to bill the movie as a horror flick, is easily the most talkative one ever filmed. It’s almost two different films in one. The first half follows one group of girls (featuring Rose McGowan, Vanessa Ferlito and Sydney Poitier) as they enjoy a raucous night on the town in Austin, Texas, only to cross paths with a mysterious stranger named Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell in a great performance). His vehicle (and subsequently, weapon) of choice is a 1970 Dodge Charger, which he uses to chase down and kill his victims.

The second half picks up 14 months later when Mike comes across a new group of female targets who are in a Tennessee town to film a movie. He begins stalking them, only to realize that these “victims” might not be as powerless and scared as he had hoped.

Eschewing the use of CGI, Tarantino films his car chases, including a wildly intense concluding action sequence, using old-fashioned stuntwork and creative camerawork. These are real cars featuring real people, including stuntwoman/actress Zoe Bell (in a standout role) performing some amazing physical feats on the hood of a vehicle.

The movie does meander some in pacing, and Tarantino is maybe a bit too enamored with his dialogue from time to time, but it does deliver some quoteworthy moments, too. Plus, it produces some amazing car crashes and a villain in Stuntman Mike that allows Russell to really get in touch with his emotions. That’s fun to see, and so too is “Death Proof.”
Grade: B+
(Unrated, but contains violent content and adult language.)

Box Office Report: Sept. 21-23

Yet another third installment in a film series managed to take the top spot at the box office over the weekend. But unlike the success of “Spider-Man,” “Shrek” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequels, this one was a bit more of a surprise. “Resident Evil: Extinction” grabbed $23.7 million to easily hold off “Good Luck Chuck,” starring Dane Cook and Jessica Alba, for first place. The debut was the biggest of the three in the inexplicably popular “Resident Evil” series, which is based on a video game.

“The Brave One,” last week’s number one, slid down to third place, with $7.3 million. “Eastern Promises,” the latest from director David Cronenberg, expanded its release and took fifth place.

1. “Resident Evil: Extinction”
(Weekend domestic gross - $23.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $23.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Good Luck Chuck”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “The Brave One”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.4 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
5. “Eastern Promises”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Sydney White”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Mr. Woodcock”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $126.1 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
9. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $365.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Dragon Wars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $64.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.6 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $932.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $785.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $695.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $504.2 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $413.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $368.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $365.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)

Movie Review: "Fracture"

Starring Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, David Strathairn, Rosamund Pike, Embeth Davidtz, Billy Burke, Cliff Curtis, Fiona Shaw, Bob Gunton
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Official Web site

Highlighted by the pairing of a former Oscar winner (Anthony Hopkins) with an up-and-coming star (Ryan Gosling) who just earned his first Academy Award nomination last year, “Fracture” is watchable, but a bit less than the sum of its parts.

The thriller is at its most interesting when Hopkins and Gosling are pitted against each other, as murder suspect and attorney for the prosecution, respectively. The rest of the time the movie tries to keep the audience interested in the somewhat farfetched courtroom activity as well as the clichés that Gosling’s character has to wade through.

Gosling plays Willy Beachum, a rising young talent in the district attorney’s office who has managed to attain a flawless case record, growing a fairly insufferable ego in the process. District Attorney Joe Lobruto (David Strathairn) knows that Beachum is good, and also knows that he’s looking to advance his career to a higher paying job at a major legal firm.

But before he heads out the DA’s door, he’s given a seemingly cut-and-dried case of a husband shooting his wife, who has fallen into a coma as a result. However, Beachum quickly learns that the case is going to be tougher than he imagined, as the husband, Ted Crawford (Hopkins), chooses to defend himself and proves to be a tricky
opponent.

Some of the scenes between Hopkins and Gosling bring to mind (likely not too much of an accident) mental showdowns that Hopkins had with Jodie Foster in “Silence of the Lambs,” another film that had the star imprisoned for much of the running time. Gosling proves to be a good match in these scenes, showing the confidence of a young attorney slowly being stripped away by a cunning criminal. By showing Crawford shooting his wife (Embeth Davidtz) early in the film, his character’s guilt is never brought into question. It’s simply left up to Beachum to try and outsmart an adversary who seemingly knows how to make the legal system work in his favor.

While Beachum struggles with his case, he’s also attempting to set up his future with the legal firm, receiving help from a rising attorney (Rosamund Pike). Gosling and Pike have a fairly good chemistry in their scenes together, yet the movie trots out the seemingly obligatory romance that not only feels unnecessary, but also farfetched.

Director Gregory Hoblit keeps the story moving, yet doesn’t bring as much to the table as he did in “Primal Fear,” another courtroom centered thriller that featured a superior story and a breakout performance from Edward Norton.

“Fracture” is best defined as a solid, yet unexceptional genre piece that features two strong lead performances. Some of the characters’ actions play out a bit too conveniently for the plot, but the stars should at least keep you interested until the final credits roll.

Grade: B-
(Rated R for language and some violent content.)

Box Office Report: Sept. 14-16

Showing she still has the ability to open a picture after all these years, Jodie Foster’s new crime drama, “The Brave One” opened at number one over the weekend, taking in $13.5 million. Last week’s number one, “3:10 to Yuma,” dropped to second with $8.9 million. The long delayed comedy, “Mr. Woodcock,” starring Billy Bob Thornton, was able to snag third place, while “Dragon Wars” (your guess is as good as mine) debuted in fifth.

The worldwide top 10 movies remained locked in their positions for the second straight weekend, with little chance of movement anytime soon.

1. “The Brave One”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.8 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
3. “Mr. Woodcock”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $114.4 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
5. “Dragon Wars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $51.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $339.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
8. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.32 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $195.7 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
10. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $218.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $928.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $780.2 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $692.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $491.0 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $404.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $364.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $339.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)

Box Office Report: Sept. 7-9

It was hardly an exceptional opening weekend for “3:10 to Yuma,” but the western starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale managed to round up $14 million worth of business to take the top slot. Last week’s number one, “Halloween” dropped to $9.5 million, good enough for second place.

The only other major debut, “Shoot ‘Em Up,” with Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti, did a surprisingly tepid $5.4 million, which could only grab the sixth slot.

1. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.0 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
2. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $103.2 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
4. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.67 million)
(Worldwide gross - $308.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.63 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Shoot ‘Em Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $182.1 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
8. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $214.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Nanny Diaries”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $20.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $147.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.2 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $923.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.4 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $772.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $689.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $484.5 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $392.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $357.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $308.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)

Box Office Report: Aug. 31-Sept. 3

Director Rob Zombie’s remake (or reimagining, or whatever) of “Halloween” was good enough to take the top spot at the box office for the Labor Day weekend, pulling in $31 million. “Halloween” on Labor Day? OK, that makes sense.
“Balls of Fury,” the long awaited look at the seamy underbelly of ping-pong (or table tennis for you purists) earned close to $14 million in its debut, while “Death Sentence,” starring Kevin Bacon, snagged a paltry $5.2 million for eighth place.

1. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $31.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $92.4 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
3. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $277.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $162.4 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
6. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $210.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Nanny Diaries”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Death Sentence”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “War”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Stardust”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $46.0 million)
(Budget - $70 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $959.3 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $911.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.2 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $757.3 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $685.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $469.4 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $373.4 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $353.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $305.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Fall 2007 Movie Preview (Part 2)

Shifting into October, there are Oscar-winning actors popping up all over the place, as some of the subject matter covered by these films grows noticeably more serious (with a few exceptions, to be sure). Still, there’s only a handful of these movies that look like they have real potential to be big box office hits.

At any rate, the following is the skinny on some of the more notable releases that October has to offer.

OCTOBER
“The Heartbreak Kid”
Starring Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, Malin Akerman, Jerry Stiller, Rob Corddry
Directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly
Most people won’t remember the 1972 comedy that this movie is a remake of, yet audiences will certainly remember the teaming of Stiller with the Farrelly brothers in “There’s Something About Mary.” The three will certainly be hoping for a repeat of that successful film, with Stiller playing a newlywed on his honeymoon who realizes his new wife isn’t exactly who he thought he married. Complicating matters more is his sudden infatuation with a woman (Monaghan) he befriends. (Oct. 5)
Official Web site

“Michael Clayton”
Starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack
Directed by Tony Gilroy
A corporate lawyer (Clooney) has a crisis of conscience when he’s assigned a case involving one of his firm’s own employees (Wilkinson), who the firm is very scared will start talking about some of its less than noble activities. Feel free to interject your own joke here about lawyers and consciences. (Oct. 5)
Official Web site

“We Own the Night”
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes and Robert Duvall
Directed by James Gray
The careers of Phoenix and Wahlberg are both pretty hot right now, and pairing them together in a tale of a New York City club manager caught in the middle of a struggle between mobsters and his cop-filled family sounds like a smart move. (Oct. 12)
Official Web site

“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish
Directed by Shekhar Kapur
Technically, this movie can qualify as a sequel as it tells the continuing story of Queen Elizabeth and brings back the director (Kapur) and top two stars (Blanchett and Rush). But this is also one of those rare sequels that has aspirations beyond making money, as 1998’s “Elizabeth” wracked up seven Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture. (Oct. 12)
Official Web site

“Reservation Road”
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino
Directed by Terry George
Reteaming Phoenix with director George (“Hotel Rwanda” and “Ladder 49”), “Reservation Road” is based on a novel by John Burnham Schwartz that documents the impact of a fatal hit-and-run accident on two young couples. Clearly, there’s not going to be a lot of laughs in this one, so grab your tissues, folks. (Oct. 19, limited)
Official Web site: Not available

“Gone Baby Gone”
Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, John Ashton, Amy Ryan
Directed by Ben Affleck
Mock some of his decisions on acting roles if you will, but Ben Affleck has won an Oscar before (for co-writing “Good Will Hunting” with buddy Matt Damon). This time out, he’s co-written an adaptation of a Dennis Lehane (“Mystic River”) novel, and is even directing, with his younger brother, Casey, starring. With Freeman and Harris on board in support, this is a tough one to make fun of. (Oct. 19)
Official Web site

“Rendition”
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep
Directed by Gavin Hood
In what might be the best cast of the fall movie season (and that’s really saying something), Witherspoon stars as a mother whose husband is secretly taken into custody by the U.S. government for his possible terrorist connections. Gyllenhaal is a CIA agent in charge of the interrogation, while Arkin and Streep are bereaucrats involved in the case. Oscar-winner Hood (“Tsotsi”) directs this timely political thriller. (Oct. 19)
Official Web site

“Saw IV”
Starring Tobin Bell, Scott Patterson, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Lyriq Bent
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
Hmm, it’s about time for Halloween, which means it must also be time for ... another “Saw” movie. After three successful installments, does it really matter what the story’s about anymore? Expect a few laughs, a few tears and a little bit of blood shed. OK, maybe none of the two former and a lot of the latter. (Oct. 26)
Official Web site

“Things We Lost in the Fire”
Starring Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny, Omar Benson Miller, Alison Lohman, John Carroll Lynch
Directed by Susanne Bier
Since winning her Oscar for “Monster’s Ball” in 2001, Berry has been widely criticized for her film choices. But she might be onto something here, playing a woman struggling to cope after the death of her husband (Duchovny). She invites her husband’s troubled best friend (Del Toro) to stay with her and her kids in the hopes that they can heal each other’s pain.(Oct. 26)
Official Web site

Box Office Report: Aug. 24-26

It sustained a bit of a drop-off in business, as could be expected, but “Superbad” was good enough to hold onto the top spot at the box office over the weekend, taking in another $18 million. There was a trio of newcomers to the top 10, but none could crack the top three, with “Mr. Bean’s Holiday” taking fourth place, just shy of $10 million. That movie, starring Rowan Atkinson as the accident-prone nitwit, has already enjoyed a health overseas box office run, and is very close to the $200 million mark worldwide.

Speaking of worldwide, “Harry Potter” has supplanted “Spider-Man” for the second slot in the world charts, nearing $900 million. It likely will run out of steam before catching the third “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequel, but it’s an impressive accomplishment, nonetheless.

1. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $18.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $68.6 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
2. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $218.8 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
3. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $135.3 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
4. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $198.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “War”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $9.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “The Nanny Diaries”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $443.5 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
8. “Stardust”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $35.4 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
9. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $131.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Invasion”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $957.7 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $895.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.2 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $736.5 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $663.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
7. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $443.5 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $348.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $348.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $301.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Fall 2007 Movie Preview (Part 1)

Well, after a summer packed full of sequels, big explosions and raucous comedies – not to mention the ever-escalating budgets of some of these movies, it’s time for some smaller, quieter and award-seeking entries for the fall film season. That’s not to say there won’t be some fun and just plain dumb movies sliding into theaters. Hollywood can’t make them all great, right?

Anyway, here’s a breakdown of some of the more notable releases that will be coming in September. October will be covered next week. Keep in mind, release dates are subject to change.

SEPTEMBER
“3:10 to Yuma”
Starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Peter Fonda, Gretchen Mol, Ben Foster, Dallas Roberts
Directed by James Mangold
Coming off the success of “Walk the Line,” director James Mangold is trying to help revive the western genre with this remake of the 1957 film of the same name. On board are two of today’s most committed and intense actors (Crowe and Bale), playing a murderous outlaw and the rancher who has to deliver him to justice, respectively. Western done well can be very successful (see “Unforgiven” and “Dances with Wolves”). However, those came out over 15 years ago. (Sept. 7)
Official Web site

“Shoot ‘Em Up”
Starring Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci, Stephen McHattie
Directed by Michael Davis
In what could easily have fit in on the summer movie schedule, Owen stars in this wall-to-wall action pic about a reluctant protector of a woman (Bellucci) and her newborn baby. The great Giamatti gets his chance to sink his teeth into a villainous role, as he and his henchmen are out for blood. (Sept. 7)
Official Web site

“Eastern Promises”
Starring Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel, Armin Mueller-Stahl
Directed by David Cronenberg
The star (Mortensen) and director (Cronenberg) of “A History of Violence” reunite in a tale of a group of Russian mobsters living in London and their involvement with a midwife (Watts). For those waiting for Cronenberg to step away from such intense dramatic material and make a hilarious comedy can keep on waiting. This is not that movie. (Sept. 14)
Official Web site

“The Brave One”
Starring Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Naveen Andrews, Nicky Katt, Mary Steenbergen
Directed by Neil Jordan
In some slight echoes of her Oscar-winning role in “The Accused,” Foster plays a victim of a brutal attack that kills her husband and leads to her desperate desire for vengeance. Few actresses can bring sensitivity and pure emotional intensity to a role like Foster, who will undoubtedly get some Oscar talk for this part. (Sept. 14)
Official Web site

“In the Valley of Elah”
Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Francis Fisher and Susan Sarandon
Directed by Paul Haggis
With its story involving the father (Jones) of a soldier seeking answers to his son’s mysterious disappearance, “Elah” is certainly not hurting for Oscar-winning talent. Jones, along with co-stars Theron and Sarandon have all won the gold guy, as has writer-director Haggis (“Crash”). (Sept. 14, limited)
Official Web site

“Good Luck Chuck”
Starring Dane Cook, Jessica Alba, Dan Fogler
Directed by Mark Helfrich
Another film that looks like a castoff from the summer movie season, “Chuck” tells the story of a ladies man (Cook) who has a knack as a quasi-good luck charm by sleeping with a woman, who then falls in love with and marries the next man she meets. He then meets and falls in love with a woman (Alba) with the hopes that he can avoid falling into the arms of another man. Is this based on a true story? (Sept. 21)
Official Web site

“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”
Starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker and Sam Rockwell
Directed by Andrew Dominik
Certainly consisting of the longest title of the year, “Jesse James” is the second western of the month, albeit one with a much more troubled journey to the screen. The film has evidently gone through a lot of different cuts, including some supervised by star and producer Pitt, who plays the legendary outlaw James. Affleck co-stars as a newcomer to the gang, who becomes obsessed with the thief. (Sept. 21, limited)
Official Web site

“The Kingdom”
Starring Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Jeremy Piven, Danny Huston, Richard Jenkins
Directed by Peter Berg
Dealing with terrorism in post-9/11 isn’t the easiest task for films, but a good cast and strong studio support (the movie was reportedly moved by Universal Pictures from the spring to a higher profile fall spot) should help matters. A group of FBI operatives are sent into Saudi Arabia to investigate a terrorist attack, only to find themselves a target in the process. (Sept. 28)
Official Web site

“The Darjeeling Limited”
Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman and Angelica Huston
Directed by Wes Anderson
Having taken a few lumps from critics and audiences with “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou,” writer-director Wes Anderson isn’t shying away from unusual pictures with his latest, focusing on three estranged brothers (Wilson, Brody and Schwartzman). They take a train journey through India hoping to reconnect, following the death of their father. Two Anderson movie vets (Wilson and Schwartzman) combined with an Oscar-winner (Brody) could be an intriguing combination. (Sept. 29, limited)
Official Web site

Fall 2007 Preview Cometh

OK, so you might have noticed a general dearth of updates on the site in recent weeks. Sorry about that, as other outside projects have been draining time from providing updates, such as reviews. I have still been seeing some movies on occasion, just not making the time to post reviews. I will try to do better.

But keep your eyes peeled for the annual fall movie preview, which will likely be coming in two installments – the first of which should be arriving by month's end. There's already looking like some good movie watching options ahead, but I'll let you judge for yourselves real soon.

Stay tuned ...

- MC

Box Office Report: Aug. 17-19

It’s proven to be a pretty good summer for Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow. Both have been involved in two hit movies (“Knocked Up” and “Superbad”), with Rogen starring in the former while co-starring and co-writing the latter. Apatow directed “Knocked Up” and was a producer on “Superbad,” which opened to $33.1 million over its opening weekend.
The only other major debut, “Invasion,” starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, looks to be a clear flop, taking in just $6 million, good for fifth place. Warner Bros. did a terrible job in marketing the film, and has had the sci-fi flick sitting on the shelf for months. Guess it should have stayed there.

1. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $33.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $33.1 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
2. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $97.3 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
3. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $19.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $192.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
4. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $400.4 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
5. “Invasion”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.0 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
6. “Stardust”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.6 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
7. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $121.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Underdog”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $872.8 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
10. “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $115.7 million)
(Budget - $85 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $956.2 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.2 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $872.8 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $736.4 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $660.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
7. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $400.4 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
8. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $338.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
9. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $315.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
10. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $296.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Box Office Report: Aug. 10-12

While not raking in as much money as the opening weekend of its predecessor, “Rush Hour 3” was still strong enough to pull in nearly $50 million to take the top position at the box office. Still, it remains to be seen if the big-budgeted action sequel, yet another third in a series, can hold up in subsequent weekends. Maybe audiences are going to start to realize that wasn’t a whole lot to this franchise beyond its concept introduced in the first “Rush Hour.”

Looking at the worldwide charts, “300” now stands alone as the only non-summer movie release to have a spot in the top 10.

1. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $49.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $49.1 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
2. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $32.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $135.7 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
3. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $342.3 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
4. “Stardust”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.1 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
5. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $108.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Underdog”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.35 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $106.5 million)
(Budget - $85 million)
8. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $822.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “No Reservations”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $35.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Daddy Day Camp”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $954.7 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.1 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $822.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $733.1 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $631.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.0 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
7. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $342.3 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
8. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $325.8 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
9. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $285.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $277.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)

Box Office Report: Aug. 3-5

Matt Damon grabbed the top spot at the box office for the second time this summer (“Ocean’s Thirteen” being the first), as “The Bourne Ultimatum” fought its way to an easy victory over the weekend, pulling in nearly $70 million. That makes it easily the biggest opener of the film series, a rarity in the world of sequels.

Last week’s number one, “The Simpsons Movie” fell to second, earning $25.1 million, or about 66 percent less than its first weekend. Still, it’s pulled in more than $235 million worldwide, so it would seem far from sad news for the Simpson clan.

1. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $69.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $69.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
2. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Weekend domestic gross - $25.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $235.8 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
3. “Underdog”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $93.7 million)
(Budget - $85 million)
5. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $771.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $90.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “No Reservations”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Transformers”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $591.4 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Hot Rod”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Bratz”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $951.8 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $889.8 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $771.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $727.1 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $591.4 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.0 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
7. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $308.8 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
8. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $279.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $252.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Worldwide gross - $240.1 million)
(Budget - $130 million)

Box Office Report: July 27-29

With 18 years on the TV screen under its belt, “The Simpsons” made a smashing debut on the big screen, taking in $74 million over the weekend, destroying its competition in the process. Its studio, 20th Century Fox, has been aggressively marketing the film for months and is raking in the dough as “Simpsons” fans, both die-hard and casual, made their way to theaters.

The other major debuts, “No Reservations” and “I Know Who Killed Me” debuted in 5th and 9th place, respectively. The pathetic finish of the latter, starring Lindsey Lohan, had to be a real thorn in the side for Sony Pictures, which had the misfortune of having its star getting booked into jail and then taking another trip to rehab a mere week or so before the film’s debut in theaters. That’s probably not quite the PR campaign the studio was hoping for.

1. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Weekend domestic gross - $74.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $74.0 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
2. “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”
(Weekend domestic gross - $19.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $72.5 million)
(Budget - $85 million)
3. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Weekend domestic gross - $17.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $698.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
4. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $63.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “No Reservations”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $63.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Transformers”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $535.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Ratatouille”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $217.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $285.1 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
9. “I Know Who Killed Me”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Who’s Your Caddy?”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $2.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $947.5 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $889.0 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $718.6 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
4. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $698.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $535.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.0 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
7. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $285.1 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
8. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $275.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $252.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Worldwide gross - $238.0 million)
(Budget - $130 million)

Movie Review: "Hot Fuzz"

Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Edward Woodward, Timothy Dalton
Directed by Edgar Wright
Official Web site

Having built up a healthy-sized cult following with the success of “Shaun of the Dead,” a send-up and homage to zombie movies popularized by George Romero, among others, actor Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright have teamed up again to even greater results with “Hot Fuzz.” Skewering any number of American action movies, including “Bad Boys II” and “Point Break,” the film generates plenty of laughs while delivering a fair amount of bang for the buck. It’s a movie that works equally well in the comedy and action departments.

Pegg and Wright collaborated on the script that brings a standout London cop to a sleepy, tiny town of Sandford, where the police department actually responds to calls involving an escaped goose. Nicholas Angel (Pegg in a winning performance) is transferred to Sandford by his superiors simply because he’s too good at his job. His arrest rate is so high, it’s making the rest of the department look bad by comparison.

Predictably, Angel isn’t an ideal fit for Sandford, where crime seems to be nonexistent and the local police department seems overly complacent. Teamed up with Danny (Nick Frost, another “Shaun of the Dead” alumnus), the son of police Inspector Frank Butterman (Jim Broadbent), Angel quickly becomes bored and frustrated by the lack of activity. He also seems a bit hesitant at what to make of the seemingly odd behavior of some of the townspeople, including Tom Weaver (Edward Woodward), the head of a neighborhood watch group and the former James Bond himself, Timothy Dalton, playing an egotistical grocery store owner.

However, things don’t stay quiet for long, as some of the townspeople start dying off, in what at the least could be described as some very coincidental “accidents.” But through the work of Angel and the action movie-obsessed Danny, the pieces of a more sinister plot that connects the deaths together begins to form.

While the laughs come at the viewer pretty consistently throughout the first two-thirds of the picture, it’s in the film’s last act that the movie really cranks up the action. At that point, it makes fun of and accurately becomes a high-octane action movie, complete with endless supplies of bullets blazing out of guns, where seemingly everybody is a threat, including a shotgun-toting grandma.

The primary reason that “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead” work is because Pegg and Wright both obviously have a passion and love for the very movies at which they are poking fun. They know the landscape on which they’re walking very well, thus giving them confidence at having some good-natured ribbing at the genre’s expense. The audience becomes the beneficiary of the fun, as anyone who has ever seen an action movie will instantly recognize some of the clichés being rolled out. The movie does probably go on a bit longer than necessary and the violence quotient is definitely intensified in the last half hour or so. Then again, by that point, you might be too busy laughing to notice or care.

Grade: A-
(Rated R for violent content including some graphic images, and language.)

Box Office Report: July 20-22

In what became one of the truly competitive weekends of the summer, the top three films of the weekend box office finished within less than $7 million from each other, with “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” climbing on top with $34.2 million. Close behind was “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” getting $32.5 in its second weekend, while the musical “Hairspray” finished strong as well, with $27.5 million.

The worldwide chart saw a little shuffling on the list, as more of the summer movies are supplanting the spring standouts.

1. “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”
(Weekend domestic gross - $34.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $34.2 million)
(Budget - $85 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Weekend domestic gross - $32.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $559.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $27.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $27.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Transformers”
(Weekend domestic gross - $20.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $453.6 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Ratatouille”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $195.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $241.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
7. “License to Wed”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $38.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “1408”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $68.9 million)
(Budget - $25 million)
9. “Evan Almighty”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.56 million)
(Worldwide gross - $98.2 million)
(Budget - $175 million)
10. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $152.1 million)
(Budget - $30 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $940.1 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $888.4 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $701.6 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
4. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $559.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.0 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
6. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $453.6 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $269.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $252.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $241.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Worldwide gross - $233.6 million)
(Budget - $130 million)

Box Office Report: July 13-15

As the final book in the franchise is looming, Harry Potter showed he’s still magical at the box office, as “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” got off to a very strong start, taking in $77.1 million in its opening weekend. It also has already surpassed the $300 million mark in worldwide grosses.

Last week’s number one, “Transformers” easily snagged second place, with $37 million and is approaching $400 million in worldwide receipts. Most of the remaining top 10 simply slipped down a spot, with several solid hits emerging among them.

1. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Weekend domestic gross - $77.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $332.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
2. “Transformers”
(Weekend domestic gross - $37.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $370.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Ratatouille”
(Weekend domestic gross - $18.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $160.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $194.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “License to Wed”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $30.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “1408”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.93 million)
(Worldwide gross - $62.1 million)
(Budget - $25 million)
7. “Evan Almighty”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $92.2 million)
(Budget - $175 million)
8. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $145.0 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
9. “Sicko”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.8 million)
(Budget - $9 million)
10. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $262.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $929.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $885.8 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $679.3 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
4. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $455.6 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $370.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $332.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
7. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $262.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $251.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $228.7 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Worldwide gross - $225.2 million)
(Budget - $130 million)

Movie Review: "Curse of the Golden Flower"

Starring Chow Yun Fat, Gong Li, Jay Chou, Lie Ye, Chen Jin, Ni Dahong, Li Man, Qin Junjie
Directed by Zhang Yimou
Official Web site

Having created impressive historical epics such as “House of Flying Daggers” and “Hero,” director Zhang Yimou certainly knows how to craft tales with incredible visual flair. But unlike those previous two films, “Curse of the Golden Flower” is much more style over substance. Ultimately, the story, nor the characters that inhabit it, are worth getting worked up about.

Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li star as the emperor and empress of a seriously dysfunctional family in 928 A.D. China. By the time the story begins, the royal couple’s marriage is already a fairly lifeless entity. Both are in the midst of betrayals – she’s cheating on him, while he’s trying to slowly poison her to death. Meanwhile, the family’s three sons are caught up in their parents’ power struggle, with at least two of them eyeing a chance at the throne. Never mind the fact that one of them is the very person with whom the empress is having her affair (I told you the family’s dysfunctional).

Throw in an attempted military coup within the palace walls, and you’ve got the ingredients to a compelling story. Unfortunately, the individual parts simply don’t add up to a satisfying whole. Part of the problem is that with such a troubled family at its core, there needs to be somebody worth rooting for amidst all the soap opera-ish developments. But alas, this is not the case, as every family member is either underdeveloped or simply despicable (in some cases, both).

The normally charismatic Chow Yun Fat seems too reigned in here, portraying an emperor who has seemingly long since given up hope in his family’s redemption. With the exception of a swordfight with one of his sons in the early portions of the film, he’s given little to do. While Chow Yun Fat seems to underplay his role, Gong Li tends to go the other direction here, playing up the melodramatic aspects of a woman descending into madness. Still, she looks pretty great doing so.

In fact, all of the sets and costume design are sensational, as colors practically leap off the screen. Likewise, some of the action sequences, most of which are filled in the film’s busy third act, are very eye-catching, complete with excellent cinematography. However, there is an overreliance on CGI during the climactic battle scenes that tends to distract and reduce the human drama taking place. Of course, with such an unlikeable clan at its core, the eventual outcome of the family’s infighting seems irrelevant. As there’s really no one to root for, there’s little reason to care who survives. In the end, you’ll probably just be glad to not have to spend the holidays with this family.

Grade: C-
(Rated R for violence.)

Box Office Report: July 6-8

A movie that was released, appropriately enough, right in time for the Fourth of July fireworks, caused some of its own at the box office, taking in more than $70 million for its opening weekend. Counting up its worldwide grosses, the movie has already surpassed $260 million, allowing director Michael Bay to more easily forget the box office failure of his last film, “The Island.”

The only other major new release, “License to Wed” managed to snag the fourth place position, but was torn apart by critics and will likely have a short stay on the charts.

1. “Transformers”
(Weekend domestic gross - $70.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $262.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
2. “Ratatouille”
(Weekend domestic gross - $29.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $119.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $17.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $122.1 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
4. “License to Wed”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $19.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Evan Almighty”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $83.9 million)
(Budget - $175 million)
6. “1408”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $54.8 million)
(Budget - $25 million)
7. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $136.1 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
8. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $206.9 million)
(Budget - $130 million)
9. “Sicko”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $11.9 million)
(Budget - $9 million)
10. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $250.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $911.1 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $884.4 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $642.5 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
4. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $454.2 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $262.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $250.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $250.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $228.5 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
9. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Worldwide gross - $206.9 million)
(Budget - $130 million)
10. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $184.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Ocean's Thirteen"

Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Official Web site

It’s good to be back in Las Vegas.

At least that’s what the cast and crew (and subsequently, the audience) should be saying about “Ocean’s Thirteen,” the caper film franchise starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and company.

After a very entertaining stint in Vegas in 2001’s “Ocean’s Eleven,” its 2004 sequel turned off some critics and fans with its European sojourn and overly self-pleased tone. But now the gang is back in Sin City with a movie that, while not as fun and fresh as the first film, still steps lively and is quite enjoyable to watch.

The motivation for Danny Ocean (Clooney) and his crew this time around is pure revenge, as compatriot Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould) finds himself ruthlessly squeezed out of his co-ownership in a dazzling new hotel/casino on the Vegas Strip. He suffers a heart attack due to the betrayal by partner Willy Bank (Al Pacino, in good villainous form here) and is hospitalized. Ocean sees the move by Bank as an affront to his entire gang, and after getting rebuffed by the businessman in a face-to-face meeting, he sets out to administer some payback.

Of course, Ocean’s crew is much too smart to just get back at someone through violence, so they set in motion a plan to hit Bank where it will really hurt him – in the pocketbook and his reputation. Their primary focus is to take out the state-of-the-art security system installed at The Bank (named after, well, you get it), in an attempt to allow the casino players to have the advantage over the house, for once. This strategy is aided by the fact that the team has found a way to rig a number of the casino games via loaded dice, card shuffling machines and more.

The ingenious, albeit rather farfetched plan, is laid out in fast-talking scenes filled with intricate detail that challenges audiences to keep up. Whether it’s Ocean and his right-hand man, Rusty Ryan (Pitt) discussing the seemingly impregnable security system with an associate (Eddie Izzard) or the plan to destroy Bank’s string of coveted Five Diamond Awards for his hotel, the revenge plot is presented in tightly edited sequences. It certainly helps that the script is crafted by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, a pair certainly familiar with the world of gambling, having written “Rounders,” a 1998 movie also starring Damon.

Much like the first two films, “Ocean’s Thirteen” has style to spare and is beautifully shot and directed by Steven Soderbergh (who also serves here as cinematographer under the name “Peter Andrews”). If anything, the film’s maybe a bit too cool for its own good, as there’s little suspense or sense of danger in the gang’s plan. You won’t necessarily know how they’re going to be able to pull it off every step of the way – you just know that they will.

So while a little edginess to the proceedings might have made it work a bit better, when you’re in the hands of skilled pros like this star-studded cast (which also includes Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac and Ellen Barkin), it gets a little hard to complain much. For the pure bang for your entertainment buck, hanging with these guys for a couple of hours hardly seems like a gamble at all.

Grade: B+
(Rated PG-13 for brief sensuality.)

Box Office Report: June 29-July 1

After eight weeks of sequels ruling at the top of the box office heap, “Ratatouille,” the latest offering from the clever minds at Pixar, ended the streak, pulling in $47 million over the weekend. It actually held off another sequel, with the fourth in the “Die Hard” series, “Live Free or Die Hard,” coming in second place, with more than $33 million.

And after a huge head start, “Spider-Man 3” was surpassed over the weekend on the worldwide charts, as “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” surpassed $900 million, and is looking likely to become the overall box office champ for the summer, if not the year. Of course, there’s still the second half of 2007 to come, but $900 million will be a very hard figure to beat.

1. “Ratatouille”
(Weekend domestic gross - $47.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $47.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $33.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $88.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
3. “Evan Almighty”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $66.2 million)
(Budget - $175 million)
4. “1408”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $42.0 million)
(Budget - $25 million)
5. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $175.3 million)
(Budget - $130 million)
6. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $123.3 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
7. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $227.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $905.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
9. “Sicko”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.5 million)
(Budget - $9 million)
10. “Evening”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $905.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $882.6 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $576.1 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
4. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $452.6 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
5. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $249.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $228.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
7. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $227.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $184.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Worldwide gross - $175.3 million)
(Budget - $130 million)
10. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $158.6 million)
(Budget - $60 million)

Box Office Report: June 22-24

The number has now hit eight weeks and counting for sequels to dominate the box office top spot, as this time it was “Evan Almighty” snagging the position, pulling in a decent, but hardly spectacular $31.2 million. When factoring the comedy’s huge $175 million budget, it will really have its work cut out to try and recoup its costs over the long haul – especially when you figure this picture won’t have a huge appeal overseas.

By contrast, the much smaller and less hyped horror/thriller “1408” pulled in more than $20 million, nearly recouping its fairly modest budget in one weekend.

1. “Evan Almighty”
(Weekend domestic gross - $31.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $37.0 million)
(Budget - $175 million)
2. “1408”
(Weekend domestic gross - $20.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $20.6 million)
(Budget - $25 million)
3. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Weekend domestic gross - $20.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $159.0 million)
(Budget - $130 million)
4. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $192.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $110.9 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
6. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $873.0 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
7. “Surf’s Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $53.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Shrek the Third”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $479.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
9. “Nancy Drew”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $17.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “A Mighty Heart”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.9 million)
(Budget - $16 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $879.1 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $873.0 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
3. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $479.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
4. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $452.5 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
5. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $247.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $228.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
7. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $192.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $184.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Worldwide gross - $159.0 million)
(Budget - $130 million)
10. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $158.6 million)
(Budget - $60 million)