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)

Movie Review: "Breach"

Starring Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney, Caroline Dhavernas, Gary Cole, Dennis Haysbert, Kathleen Quinlan
Directed by Billy Ray
Official Web site

Having carved out an impressive resume of supporting performances in highly regarded films such as “Seabiscuit,” “Adaptation” and “American Beauty,” it’s good to see the under appreciated actor Chris Cooper get the rare opportunity to tackle a leading role in “Breach,” portraying a double agent of the FBI who spent years fooling everybody, including himself.

Based on a true story, the perfectly cast Cooper plays Robert Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI, who would spend much of that career selling secrets to the Russians, both during and after the Cold War. His years of betrayal are widely considered the largest and most costly security breach in American intelligence history.

Obviously, anybody who is capable of being such an effective mole for so long, has to be an expert in deception. And Cooper plays Hanssen as a cold, calculated, yet devout Catholic, who seems to almost be trying to point out the flaws in the U.S. intelligence agencies through his damaging actions.

Although Hanssen is the driving force in the movie, the story is told through the eyes of FBI operative Eric O’Neill (Ryan Phillippe), who is recruited by the bureau to serve as Hanssen’s assistant. Told by his FBI contact (Laura Linney) to be the eyes and ears of their ongoing investigation into Hanssen’s activities, O’Neill isn’t initially aware of just how widespread and damaging the case has become. Early on, he believes the FBI just wants to bust Hanssen on being a sexual deviant. It’s only as he gets closer to Hanssen, even developing admiration and respect for the veteran agent, that he learns the true depth of his duplicity.

Portraying an agent who has spent years staying at least one step ahead of his colleagues, Cooper dominates most every scene he is in. Whether it’s with a cold, icy stare or verbally dressing down his new assistant, Cooper shows a person who is not trusting by nature (and for good reason). Ironically, that building of trust with O’Neill helped lead to his downfall and eventual capture by authorities in 2001.

Director Billy Ray (who made 2003’s “Shattered Glass,” a superior movie also involving a deceptive character at its center) does a good job at building the tension of the growing investigation. Yet, the movie, billed as a thriller, is mostly short on thrills. Also, a subplot involving the strain the investigation is placing on O’Neill and his wife (Caroline Dhavernas) doesn’t really do much but distract from the film’s primary focus.

However, when the film puts the spotlight on Cooper is when its at its strongest. Cooper’s eyes suggest a man who is realizing his career is coming to an end – and not just because he’s nearing retirement age. Hanssen’s capture doesn’t even seem to come as a surprise to him. Rather, it seems to be more of an inevitability.

Ultimately, Cooper’s performance is the glue that holds the picture together. Too bad it will likely be forgotten, come Oscar nomination time.

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

Box Office Report: June 15-17

Hmm, whattya know? Another sequel takes the top spot at the box office. This marks seven weeks in a row that a sequel has pulled off that feat. This time, it was a strong debut from “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” pulling in more than $58 million, surpassing most expectations. The first film was a decent hit, but didn’t indicate a sure thing for a sequel. However, the early success of this one could signal a green light for a third flick in the series.

Meanwhile, “Pirates” is rapidly gaining on “Spider-Man 3” for the biggest worldwide money maker, as both have surpassed the $800 million mark.

1. “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”
(Weekend domestic gross - $58.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $91.7 million)
(Budget - $130 million)
2. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Weekend domestic gross - $19.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $140.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $92.2 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
4. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $822.6 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
5. “Surf’s Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $40.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Shrek the Third”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $406.7 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
7. “Nancy Drew”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Hostel Part II”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.2 million)
(Budget - $10.2 million)
9. “Mr. Brooks”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.4 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
10. “Spider-Man 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $874.2 million)
(Budget - $258 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $874.2 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $822.6 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
3. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $450.3 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $406.7 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $245.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $227.8 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
7. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $183.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $158.5 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
9. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $149.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $145.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Deliver Us From Evil"

Directed by Amy Berg
Official Web site

Taking on a wide ranging and controversial subject such as pedophilia in the clergy is the bold subject matter covered in writer-director Amy Berg’s quietly devastating documentary, “Deliver Us From Evil.” But rather than attempt to bite off more than she can chew, Berg manages to find an entry point into the topic through a defrocked priest now living in Ireland, who was convicted of child molestation more than 20 years ago.

As one would expect, Berg is able to interview some victims of the priest, who recount the moments in their life when everything changed for them. But amazingly, Oliver O’Grady, the perpetrator of the crimes, discusses some of his nefarious activities that took place over his many years serving the Catholic Church.

O’Grady now lives a free life in his homeland of Ireland, where he was deported after serving seven years of a 14-year sentence in a California prison. For his part, O’Grady seems to show little, if any, remorse for the crimes he committed. He understands that the wrong that he’s done has devastated many lives, but still believes that perhaps if he and the victims came together again, there could be a “reconciliation.” He suggests this in one sequence where he decides to write some of his victims, inviting them to come visit him as a way for them to heal and move on. Naturally, the victims see the invitation in quite a different light.

The juxtaposition of the victims and the priest is compelling enough subject matter, but the documentary delves deeper into why O’Grady (and likely many priests similar to him) are allowed to continue ministering at other parishes. In O’Grady’s situation, when reports of alleged sexual misconduct (all involving children) came to light among the church hierarchy, he was simply repeatedly moved from one California parish to another. The parishioners were none the wiser of the decisions made by church leaders, with current L.A.-based Cardinal Roger Mahony bearing the brunt of the film’s criticism. The documentary stops short of saying the church was complicit in the actions of O’Grady, but certainly lays out a compelling case that it turned a blind eye to the crimes – and turned its back on the victims.

Aside from deposition testimony, in which Mahony repeatedly said he couldn’t recall certain events taking place, the church leaders are absent from the proceedings. That's because the church declined to participate in the making of the film.

There’s no documented total number of victims presented here, as O’Grady himself isn’t even certain. Chillingly, a portion of his interview takes place near a neighborhood park where children are playing. This is happening as O’Grady describes what kind of children he’s attracted to.

The outrage that viewers are likely to feel about how a serial sex offender is free to roam the streets is best expressed through Maria and Bob Jyono, a soft spoken elderly couple, whose daughter was repeatedly raped by O’Grady for several years. Describing O’Grady back in the 1970s as a very cordial and caring man, it becomes clear that the families of the children he violated were also victims. They were duped by a person of authority and responsibility who hid a monster inside himself.

A scene where the generally stoic Bob becomes overcome by his rage and sense of betrayal by O’Grady is devastatingly powerful, as is a later scene where he bluntly states his belief that there is no God. To people like the Jyonos, the church’s silence on the well documented problem, which has continued for many years, presents them with a seemingly impossible dilemma. If they can’t turn to God and the church for answers and healing of the pain that has been wrought against them, where do they turn?

It’s an answer that not even this well made and smartly presented documentary can provide.

Grade: A
(Not rated, but contains language and sexual themes.)

Box Office Report: June 8-10

Yet another third entry in a film franchise, “Ocean’s Thirteen,” took over the box office reigns over the weekend, pulling in just over $36 million. The total puts the movie, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, on a par with the openings of the first two “Ocean’s” films, which all fell within the $35 million to $40 million range on opening weekend.

No other film debuting over the weekend managed to get higher than fourth place, with yet another CG family-oriented flick featuring animals, “Surf’s Up,” pulling in under $18 million.

1. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Weekend domestic gross - $36.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $64.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $746.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
3. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $19.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $65.9 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
4. “Surf’s Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $17.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $19.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Shrek the Third”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $335.5 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
6. “Hostel Part II”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.7 million)
(Budget - $10.2 million)
7. “Mr. Brooks”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.8 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
8. “Spider-Man 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $863.3 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
9. “Waitress”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $523,504)
(Worldwide gross - $86.7 million)
(Budget - $20 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $863.3 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $746.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
3. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $445.7 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $335.5 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $243.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $227.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
7. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $183.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $158.3 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
9. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $147.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $145.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Stellan Skarsgard, Chow Yun-Fat, Jack Davenport, Jonathan Pryce
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Official Web site

Well, if you thought the last adventure of Captain Jack Sparrow and Co. was overly stuffed with a busy storyline, too many characters and just went on too long, you’ll likely feel the same about “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”

Coming in at a bloated running time of nearly three hours, there’s still quite a bit to like about this second sequel to the 2003 hit film. But it would seem the sea legs of this film franchise are getting a bit shaky.

The movie is directed once again by Gore Verbinski, whose role seems more fitting as master of ceremonies over a three-ring circus, judging by the huge cast and busy action sequences. Screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio have been on board the franchise since the beginning, but have made the mistake of simply expanding the cast too much. When you add in the varied motivations, double and triple crosses that take place among some characters, the audience is left to throw up its hands in resignation.

In fact, instead of trying to follow all the twisted logic of the plot, the “Pirates” films, particularly the last two, work better when just letting yourself be swept along by the action. That, and enjoying the work of the great Johnny Depp, back as the selfish, egotistical, but charismatic Captain Jack. After being taken down in the last film to Davy Jones’ Locker as punishment for his debt to the squid-faced villain, Jack is eventually rescued by his crew, along with notables Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush).

His rescue is largely for the goal of assembling a meeting of the world’s pirate lords, as they must decide how to deal with the strengthening British forces, led by the heartless Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander), who seek to wipe them out. That one sentence description is, unfortunately, a lot more straightforward than the movie ultimately plays out the scenario. The pirates gathering, although a bit too raucous (one could make that argument for much of the film), is certainly energetic and features a tongue-in-cheek cameo by Keith Richards, playing none other than Captain Jack’s dad.

This sets the stage for an action-packed, special effects-laden third act that throws everything but the kitchen sink into the fray. The fact that it works at all is a credit to Verbinski and the talented F/X artists.

Depp and Rush have a number of entertaining scenes together, and certainly have their roles down pat. The Will and Elizabeth romance subplot is again dutifully brought out, but to little effect. That’s not really a criticism of the actors, who do their best, but more to the lack of realistic dramatic conflict between the two. The fact that Knightley is looking entirely too pretty here, compared to the grungy and (one would assume) smelly pirates she shares the screen with, actually serves as a distraction.

The rousing action sequences along with the good dose of humor thrown in along the way helps make the long voyage more enjoyable. But despite the possible sequel set up that takes place after the closing credits, it’s probably best these pirates dock their ships.

Grade: B-
(Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action/adventure violence and some frightening images.)

Box Office Report: June 1-3

Much like “Spider-Man 3” and “Shrek the Third” did in their second weekends, the third “Pirates” movie took a steep tumble in overall grosses compared to its debut, pulling in $44.2 million over the weekend. Still, that number was good enough to hold the top spot at the box office. Only the solid $30.7 million debut from “Knocked Up” posed any challenge, as every other debut was well off the pace.

On the worldwide stage, “Pirates” has taken over the second spot, as it chases “Spider-Man 3” for what will likely be bragging rights to highest grosser of the year. Of course, some heavyweights still loom in the coming weeks, but none may present a worldwide appeal such as these two films have shown.

1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Weekend domestic gross - $44.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $628.2 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Knocked Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $30.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $30.7 million)
(Budget - $30 million)
3. “Shrek the Third”
(Weekend domestic gross - $28.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $286.6 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
4. “Mr. Brooks”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.0 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
5. “Spider-Man 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $845.7 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
6. “Waitress”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $9.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Gracie”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $1.4 million)
(Budget - $9 million)
8. “Bug”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “28 Weeks Later”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $40.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Disturbia”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $85.7 million)
(Budget - $20 million)

2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $845.7 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
2. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $628.2 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
3. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $441.8 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $286.6 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Wild Hogs”
(Worldwide gross - $241.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Ghost Rider”
(Worldwide gross - $225.7 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
7. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Worldwide gross - $181.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Norbit”
(Worldwide gross - $158.1 million)
(Budget - $60 million)
9. “Meet the Robinsons”
(Worldwide gross - $146.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Music and Lyrics”
(Worldwide gross - $145.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)