Box Office Report: May 25-28

Incorporating an unparalleled worldwide marketing plan, the third chapter of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series sailed into theaters everywhere over the Memorial Day weekend, taking down the holiday weekend box office record with it.

The film took in nearly $140 million over the four-day period, and more than $150 million, counting the Thursday night previews. The previous record of $122.9 million was set just last year by “X-Men: The Last Stand.”

“At World’s End” is also off to a big start on the worldwide market, taking in more than $400 million on a gazillion movie screens. It, along with “Spider-Man 3” and “Shrek the Third” now make up three of the top four worldwide grossers for the year. “Shrek” will likely move up the charts, once it opens in more foreign markets.

1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Weekend domestic gross - $139.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $404.0 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Shrek the Third”
(Weekend domestic gross - $67.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $239.3 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $18.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $808.6 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Bug”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.02 million)
(Worldwide gross - $4.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Waitress”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.01 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “28 Weeks Later”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $35.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.43 million)
(Worldwide gross - $83.7 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
8. “Georgia Rule”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.41 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Fracture”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.65 million)
(Worldwide gross - $54.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Wild Hogs”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.59 million)
(Worldwide gross - $238.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $808.8 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $440.2 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
3. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $404.0 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $239.3 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $238.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $224.8 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
7. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $178.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $158.0 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
9. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $146.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $144.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Little Children"

Starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, Gregg Edelman, Noah Emmerich, Jackie Earle Haley, Phyllis Somerville
Directed by Todd Field
Official Web site

Deservedly snagging her fifth Oscar nomination in what has become a very impressive young career, Kate Winslet’s performance in “Little Children” practically defines restless yearning. As Sarah Pierce, a housewife stuck in an apparently loveless marriage who also is far from the most confident or competent mother around, Winslet crafts an indelible performance.

Director Todd Field, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Tom Perrotta, based on Perrotta’s novel, captures the complexities of suburban American life in a seemingly almost effortless manner. In much the same way that “American Beauty,” a similarly themed tale of suburban dissatisfaction did, Field ‘s drama manages to throw in a dose of satire into the proceedings of a neighborhood that only on the surface looks like a good place to live.

As the film opens, the neighborhood is dealing with the return of Ronnie McCorvey (Jackie Earle Haley, in a memorable and fearless performance), a convicted sex offender recently released from prison. He moves back in with his mother (Phyllis Somerville), a loving and protective woman who has to deal with concerned residents, who are only further agitated by the anti-Ronnie actions of an overzealous ex-cop (Noah Emmerich).

Ronnie’s first appearance in the movie doesn’t come in for quite a while, but when he makes an unwanted appearance at the public pool, the result is akin to a shark dropping in for a visit. Among the visitors at the pool that same day are Sarah and Brad (Patrick Wilson), who is himself a bit of an aimless father, having failed the Bar exam twice while married to a successful documentary filmmaker (Jennifer Connelly, giving a good performance in an underwritten role). He and Sarah strike up a friendship that almost seems to inevitably lead to a romantic connection, as both ponder their increasing marital difficulties.

Sarah certainly seems to have good reason to believe her marriage is on the rocks, as her husband Richard (Gregg Edelman) seems more interested in visiting sexually explicit Web sites than spending time with his family. She begins spending more and more time with Brad, as both begin taking greater risks in the relationship, including a getaway weekend that demonstrates their passion for each other, yet also shows an irresponsibility to their families.

Field and Perrolta’s screenplay is fairly astute in drawing interesting characters, yet doesn’t make judgments against them. One perfect example is with Ronnie, who, as an ex-con, isn’t drawn as a villain, as that would be too easy. Instead, moments of humanity are included in the role, making the viewer both disturbed and saddened by some of the situations he finds himself in. A sequence that follows a date Ronnie has with another troubled woman (Jane Adams) is particularly emotionally complex.

With so many characters packed into the script, the film seems to have some difficulty coming to a satisfactory stopping point for some of the storylines. If anything, the movie’s probably stretched in too many directions. Still, with such a good cast at his disposal, it’s hard to fault Field for wanting to give his actors some time to shine.

“Little Children” seems less interested in giving its characters a successful conclusion to their stories, than in just shaking up their existence. The fact that Sarah and Brad have their worlds shaken a bit might mean their kids won’t be the only ones to mature as the years go by.

Grade: A-
(Rated R for strong sexuality and nudity, language and some disturbing content.)

Movie Review: "Rocky Balboa"

Starring Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Antonio Tarver, Geraldine Hughes, Milo Ventimiglia, Tony Burton
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
Official Web site

It’s been a long 30-year journey for Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to come to a point where he can finally leave the ring behind in peace. But with the sixth (and hopefully) final installment in the “Rocky” series, Stallone invigorates the franchise with heart – something that had become quite elusive in the previous few attempts.

As writer, director and star of “Rocky Balboa,” Stallone is largely successful in stripping the noise and silly theatrics that had plagued the films ever since Mr. T started chewing the scenery in “Rocky III.” He does so by returning the movie to its roots, on the streets of Philadelphia, where Rocky helps run an Italian restaurant named, appropriately enough, Adrian’s. It’s only one of the many reminders that Rocky has of his wife, who passed away from cancer a few years ago.

However, brother-in-law, Paulie (Burt Young), is still around and as moody as ever, feeling guilt over how poorly he treated his deceased sister. Rocky still frequently visits his wife’s grave, but has trouble connecting with their son (Milo Ventimiglia), who feels covered by the heavy shadow of his famous father everywhere he goes.

Rocky even finds the possibility of love coming back into his life, thanks to the budding friendship with a bartender (Geraldine Hughes), who he decides to help out. Thankfully, Stallone doesn’t let the picture get too weighed down by its various subplots, as he knows full well it’s the boxing that most wish to see.

Putting Stalone’s age aside (he’s 60), suspension of disbelief has to be employed to a large degree that someone old enough to be his opponent’s father could stand toe to toe with him in a boxing ring for 10 rounds. But dang if Stallone doesn’t appear to be in peak physical condition. The training and boxing sequences don’t even kick in until well past the hour mark, but Stallone has done a commendable job to that point of painting some brief character portraits, while providing a halfway plausible reason for him to get back into the ring.

The boxing match pitting Rocky against the heavyweight champion Mason “The Line” Dixon (played by real-life boxer Antonio Tarver) is well filmed and feels like an authentic HBO boxing broadcast. Stallone explains in a making-of featurette that he was able to get such footage by piggybacking on an HBO pay-per-view boxing telecast that was to be held at the same time and location. They just simply got permission to go on beforehand and use the same crowd. How’s that for movie magic?

After six films in the series, there’s certainly precious little to surprise audiences with. But what is a bit surprising is that Stallone is able to wring any emotions at all out of a franchise that looked dead in the water when “Rocky V” fizzled with fans and critics in 1990. So let it be known that yes, Rocky gets to retire on better terms this time in what very well could (and should) be the last time the Italian Stallion walks out of the ring.

Grade: B
(Rated PG for boxing violence and some language.)

Box Office Report: May 18-20

To no surprise, “Shrek the Third” ruled at the box office over the weekend, ending the two week reign of “Spider-Man 3” on the charts. The Dreamworks computer animated film pulled in an impressive $121.6 million, making it the third largest weekend opening ever, only behind the aforementioned “Spider-Man 3” and last summer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.”

Speaking of “Pirates,” the third bow for Captain Jack steers its way into theaters, beginning with Thursday night screenings, likely making it a short stay at the top for the big green ogre. Now whether these two pics have got the legs to keep up with the torrid pace set by Spidey should be known in the next few weeks.

1. “Shrek the Third”
(Weekend domestic gross - $121.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $136.4 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
2. “Spider-Man 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $29.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $748.9 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
3. “28 Weeks Later”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Georgia Rule”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.75 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.73 million)
(Worldwide gross - $79.9 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
6. “Fracture”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $44.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Delta Farce”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “The Invisible”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $19.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Hot Fuzz”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.29 million)
(Worldwide gross - $70.9 million)
(Budget -N/A)
10. “Blades of Glory”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $130.5 million)
(Budget - $61 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $748.9 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $439.7 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
3. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $232.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $224.8 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $175.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $157.9 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
7. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $145.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $144.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $136.4 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
10. “Blades of Glory”
(Worldwide gross - $130.5 million)
(Budget - $61 million)

Who Asked For It?

Give Me A ‘Break’
Any movie fans out there remember “Point Break,” the action-packed, borderline silly flick about a gang of bank robbers/surfers, who are infiltrated by an FBI agent/ex-football quarterback? Did you see it being set up for a sequel at its conclusion? No? Well, me neither.

But leave it to Hollywood to come up with the bright idea to greenlight a sequel that nobody was asking for. Peter Iliff, who co-wrote the first film’s script, will write and direct “Point Break 2,” which will be set in Southeast Asia, according to Variety. No official casting has been announced, but don’t go expecting a Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze reunion for this. For one thing, Swayze’s character, Bodhi, was supposedly killed at the end of the first film. Of course, “Point Break” co-star Gary Busey could always use the work. Oh wait, I think he was killed in it too. Well, tough break.

Anyway, the pic should be hitting movie screens sometime in late 2008, a mere 17 years after the original. Sounds like a hit to me.


A Bite of Tyson
Well, you know it had to be coming eventually.
A documentary chronicling the sad but true life story of boxer Mike Tyson has been announced.

The film will involve lots of honest insight from Tyson himself, who has been interviewed at length by director James Toback. Whether it’s his rise to the top of the heavyweight boxing ranks to his stint in jail and eventual collapse of his marriage and career, it should be in the documentary. Tyson is even on board as one of the producers, although one would question if he really even has any money left to actually put any into the film.

All that’s left now is the eventual dramatization of his train wreck of a life on the big screen. As for the documentary, the film is expected to be finished in the fall, with a release date and distributor unannounced at this time.

Box Office Report: May 11-13

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

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

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

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

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

Movie Review: "Children of Men"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Box Office Report: May 4-6

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

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

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

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

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

Good Decision, Bad Decision

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

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

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

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

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

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

– MC

Summer Movie Preview - Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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