movies filter: Box Office Memo

'Speed Racer' In The Dust

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:24:47 GMT

Did you take your mother to see "Speed Racer?" Probably not.

If I had kids, I'd rather see "Iron Man" too. Not sure why, but I just know this to be true.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Iron Man," $50.5 million.

2. "Speed Racer," $20.2 million.

3. "What Happens in Vegas," $20 million.

4. "Made of Honor," $7.6 million.

5. "Baby Mama," $5.8 million.

--posted by Kim

'Iron Man' Rakes It In

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:07:50 GMT

No surprise here, but "Iron Man"made a whole heck-uv-a-lot of money.

From the AP:

"Fictional billionaire Tony Stark has made a fortune in Hollywood as the superhero adventure 'Iron Man' pulled in $98.6 million domestically in its first weekend.

"That's about $2 million less than distributor Paramount estimated Sunday, but still good enough to put "Iron Man" in second-place behind the original "Spider-Man" on the list of best debuts among nonsequels.

"Counting overseas receipts, 'Iron Man' already has taken in $200 million worldwide.

"Marvel Studios announced Monday that it will have 'Iron Man 2' in theaters April 30, 2010."

Of course they will. And...I bet Ozzy is happy.

--posted by Kim

Big 'Mama'

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:25:03 GMT

With "Baby Mama" number one at the box office, it appears that yes indeed, a woman's comedy, and not a woman's picture necessarily, or rather, that dreaded term "chick flick" (which cover horomone replacement therapy classics like "Beaches," "Steel Magnolias," "Stepmom" and the "A Woman's Revenge: The Epstein Bar Story" -- OK I made the last one up...) can open big.

Women and Hollywood offer a nice write-up:

"Women went to the theatres this weekend and made the Tina Fey-Amy Poehler comedy 'Baby Mama' $18.3 million this weekend. A whopping 68% of the audience was WOMEN so we proved women we are moviegoers and we can definitely open a movie. 55% of the audience was over 25 so that means that us older women (yes, Hollywood thinks you are old if you are over 25) attended the film.

"Members of my girl posse and I went to see the film and we enjoyed it. I still wish that Tina would have written it (the film was written and directed by SNL writer Michael McCullers) cause, at times, it felt that they were trying to hard to be funny. But Tina is awesome. (and if you don't watch 30 Rock on Thursdays on NBC, you are seriously missing something really funny.) The thing about Tina is that she's funny while being awkward and uncomfortable and unsure of herself which is the crux of her appeal. While the funny guys of Judd Apatow's comedies are pathetic schlubs that no girl would want to be with (but who always seem to get the girl), Fey is the real girl who is insecure in life while confident at work AND she's funny, so it's a winning combination. After this weekend both Tina and Amy's phones should be ringing off the hook with new jobs."

Read her entire post here.

--posted by Kim

'Horton' Number One

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:13:51 GMT

"Horton Hears a Who!" was the number one movie this weekend, taking in $45.1 million, the best opening so far this year. Not too surprising.

But what I really want to know is, how many walk-outs were there during "Funny Games"?

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" -- $45.1 million.

2. "10,000 B.C."-- $16.4 million.

3. "Never Back Down" -- $8.6 million.

4. "College Road Trip" -- $7.9 million.

5. "Vantage Point" -- $5.4 million.

--posted by Kim

'10,000' Tops

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:15:46 GMT

Nothing says box office like wooly mammoths and scantily clad hunters and gatherers! Movie-goers took in Roland Emmerich's prehistoric spectacle "10,000 B.C." making it the number one picture over the weekend.

At number two was "College Road Trip," a movie I could have sworn was already made (wait that was "Road Trip" where all of the characters were in college and stopped off at various colleges while...on the road -- silly me). Anyway, both pictures had strong showings in spite of bad reviews.

In the case of "College Road Trip," I'd like to attribute those numbers to Donny Osmond. Donny Osmond needs to appear in more films. (By the way, why is Martin Laurence wearing Donny's famous color in the picture to the right?)

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1."10,000 B.C." -- $35.7M

2. "College Road Trip" -- $14M

3. "Vantage Point" -- $7.5

4. "Semi-Pro" -- $5.8M

5. "The Bank Job" -- $5.7M

--posted by Kim

Spartans Beat Rambo

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:56:56 GMT

Well, I was wrong.

I thought the weekend box office was going to be a duel between John J. and that big green thing stalking New York but it turns out those silly jokey Spartans were a force to be reckoned with. Great. That means there's going to be a "Rambo," "Die Hard," "Rocky" spoof in the works. Unless that was already covered in "Meet the Spartans." Guess I'll have to see the movie. On cable. In a hotel. When all the home decorating shows are over for the night.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Meet the Spartans" -- $18.7 million

2. "Rambo" -- $18.2 million

3. "27 Dresses" -- $13.6 million

4. "Cloverfield"-- $12.7 million

5. "Untraceable" -- $11.2 million

--posted by Kim

Monster Trumps Money

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 02:09:01 GMT

Monsters were all the rage this weekend. Women and their mad money, not so much.

"Cloverfield," the J.J. Abrams' produced NY monster movie came out at number one while the Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah comedy "Mad Money" debuted at a dismal number seven. Ouch.

Here's the breakdown:

1. “Cloverfield” -- $41 million. 2. “27 Dresses,” $22.4 million.
2. “27 Dresses” -- $22.4 million.

3. “The Bucket List”-- $15.2 million.
4. “Juno” -- $10.3 million.
5. “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” -- $8.1 million.
6. “First Sunday” -- $7.8 million.
7. “Mad Money” -- $7.7 million.

--posted by Kim

Golden Box Office

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:45:11 GMT

"The Golden Compass" didn't meet expectations. It was number one but like a demanding girlfriend, that's just not good enough.

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

"New Line's family adventure 'The Golden Compass' opened considerably south of expectations this weekend with $26.1 million in domestic boxoffice.

"The limp bow by the pricey, effects-laden film puts added pressure on international execs, as the mini-major seeks to salvage profitability -- as well as its quest for a new film franchise -- with outsized foreign grosses. Based on a British book series aimed at teens, "Compass" has charted a simultaneous overseas launch since Wednesday with $55 million in foreign grosses.

"Disney's 'Enchanted' and Sony Screen Gems' 'This Christmas' finished second and third on the weekend, with $10.7 million and $5 million, respectively, in each film's third session. Family musical "Enchanted" extended its cumulative boxoffice to $83.9 million, while the cume on the urban-skewing seasonal drama 'Christmas' reached $42.8 million.

"Warner Bros.' seasonal comedy 'Fred Claus' also continued a leggy run, boasting a tiny 15% drop in its fifth frame that produced $4.7 million in fourth place and a $65.6 million cume. Last weekend's sole wide opener, MGM/Weinstein Co.'s 'Awake,' dropped 43% from opening grosses to ring up $3.3 million in ninth place and a $10.7 million cume."

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "The Golden Compass" -- $26M

2. "Enchanted" -- $10.7M

3. "This Christmas" -- $5M

4. "Fred Claus" -- $4.6M

5. "Beowulf" -- $4.4M

--posted by Kim

Return Enchantment

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:13:36 GMT

"Enchanted" and "This Christmas" continued to top box office over the weekend, showing that...people really want to see the Amy Adams/Patrick Dempsey Disney fairy tale "Enchanted."

Or...they don't want to see the medical thriller "Awake" starring Jessica Alba and Hayden Christensen.

How's that for some thoughtful observations regarding viewing habits of the American movie-going public?

Anyway...The Hollywood Reporter discusses the numbers far better than I can. Something to do with after Thanksgiving movie doldrums. Everyone's shopping I guess.

And here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Enchanted" -- $17M

2. "This Christmas" -- $8.4M

3. "Beowulf" -- $7.9M

4. "Awake" -- $6M

5. "Hitman" -- $5.8M

--posted by Kim

Audiences Are 'Enchanted'

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:22:49 GMT

Audiences were feeling festive over the Thanksgiving holiday making the family friendly "Enchanted" number one at the box office:

"Audiences fell under the spell of 'Enchanted,' a fairy-tale romance that debuted as the No. 1 movie and led Hollywood out of its recent box-office doldrums with solid business over the Thanksgiving holiday.

"Starring Amy Adams as a cartoon princess exiled to real-world Manhattan by her fiance's wicked stepmother (Susan Sarandon), Disney's "Enchanted" took in $35.3 million over the weekend and $50.05 million since debuting Wednesday, according to studio estimates Sunday.

"'Enchanted' had the second-best five-day Thanksgiving debut ever, behind the $80.1 million haul of Disney's 'Toy Story 2.' Disney released all five of the top-grossing movie debuts over Thanksgiving, with 'Unbreakable,' 'A Bug's Life' and '101 Dalmatians' trailing 'Toy Story 2' and 'Enchanted.'"

Following the fairy-tale was the holiday picture "This Christmas" starring Delroy Lindo, Regina King and Mekhi Phifer. "Beowulf" dropped to number three.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Enchanted" -- $35.3 million.

2. "This Christmas" -- $18.6 million.

3. "Beowulf" -- $16.2 million.

4. "Hitman" -- $13 million.

5. "Bee Movie" -- $12 million.

--posted by Kim

'Beowulf' Beats Everyone

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:37:57 GMT

In not-so-surprising news, "Beowulf" was number one at the box office over the weekend:

"The animated telling of 'Beowulf,' who rids a Danish kingdom of the feared beast Grendel, slew the box office over the weekend, giving a huge boost to 3-D films in the process.

"The Paramount Pictures release earned $28.1 million in its opening weekend — 40 percent of which came from special 3-D showings in regular theaters and on Imax screens.

"The film did $8 million in ticket sales on 638 screens equipped with technology from RealD, which uses a special reflective screen and polarized lens glasses that moviegoers can take as a souvenir."

Why is this so uninteresting to me? Why would I rather watch 3-D Vincent Price screaming in a spider web over Beowulf slaying dragons and contending with Grendel? My old Norton Anthology of literature should be coming to life right now, excited the ancient poem is all gussied up via a ripped Ray Winstone and a slinky, tailed Angelina Jolie but, alas and alack...

I just keep thinking of "Annie Hall" wherein Woody Allen tells the adult education learning Diane Keaton: "Just don't take any course where you have to read 'Beowulf."'

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Beowulf" -- $28.1M

2. "Bee Movie" -- $14.3M

3. "American Gangster" -- $13.2M

4. "Fred Claus" -- $12M

5. "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" -- $10M

--posted by Kim

Must Sting A Little...

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:30:05 GMT

"American Gangster" was number one at the box office over the weekend, beating out what would have seemed to have been the more popular entertainment, "Bee Movie." Maybe it was all that Seinfeld cookbook talk, or the mixed reviews, or Larry King fans upset over Jerry giving King a verbal smackdown (which was kind of funny, by the way).

Whatever the case, "American Gangster" received better reviews. Maybe that actually made a difference this time.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "American Gangster" -- $46.3M

2." Bee Movie" -- $39.1M

3. "Saw IV" -- $11M

4. "Dan in Real Life" -- $8.1M

5. "30 Days of Night" -- $4M

--posted by Kim

'Saw IV' Number One

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:30:16 GMT

Gore trumped laughs over the weekend with "Saw IV" making a killing (I can't believe I wrote that...) at the box office, placing Steve Carrell's comedy "Dan in Real Life" at number two.

I'm thinking that part of "Saw's" slice and dice success has something to do with Halloween (which is Wednesday, so get your candy or rather, replace the bags you've already eaten before then) but the Jigsaw Killer movies are popular no matter what the season (or the reason).

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Saw IV" -- $32.1M

2. "Dan in Real Life" -- $12M

3. "30 Days of Night" -- $6.7M

4. "The Game Plan" -- $6.3M

5. "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?" -- $5.7M

--posted by Kim

'30 Days' Takes The Weekend

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:59:18 GMT

Audiences yearning for blood sucking scares (and probably getting few of them-- are vampires ever that scary anymore?) flocked to "30 Days of Night" over the weekend.

The picture received mixed reviews -- some critics hailed the horror movie as scary as "The Descent" (I say, no way) and some were simply bored by it all. Others, like Brian Tallerico of UGO, issued a warning for potential viewers. He wrote: " Your enjoyment of Hollywood's latest vampire flick, '30 Days of Night,' is largely going to depend on how forgiving you are towards the flaws of the 'Underworld' movies."

For screwing up vampires vs. werewolves, I am not so forgiving. Nevertheless, I'm still catching a decidedly unfrightening matinee this week to see if the concept of eternal life, endless days of sleeping in and speaking with a Romanian lilt is at all scary to me. Though to be fair, "30 Days of Night" looks more like a zombie picture, and zombies are scary.

And don't get me wrong, I love great vampire pictures like "Dracula" (both Bela Lugosi and Gary Oldman) and "Interview with a Vampire," and F.W. Murnau's masterpiece "Nosferatu" actually frightens me. But a campy Stuart Townsend in a puffy shirt? Not so much. Maybe it's just me, but if I was going to walk the earth forever, I wouldn't buy all of my clothes at Hot Topic.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "30 Days of Night"-- $16M

2. "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?"-- $12.1M

3. "The Game Plan" -- $8.1M

4. "Michael Clayton" -- $7.1M

5. "Gone Baby Gone" -- $6M

--posted by Kim

Tyler Beats Tony

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:32:44 GMT

Those Tyler Perry movies are unstoppable. Perry's incredibly popular "Why Did I Get Married?" starring Janet Jackson beat out Tony Gilroy's critically heralded "Michael Clayton" starring George Clooney. Both movies opened Friday.

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

"'Married,' which Perry also directed and co-wrote, represents his third-biggest film opening, surpassed by the $30 million debut for last year's 'Madea's Family Reunion' and the $21.9 million opening for 2005's 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman.' In February, Perry's 'Daddy's Little Girls' debuted with $11.2 million, so the win with 'Married' represents something of a return to form for the burgeoning crossover star."

Congratulations to Perry!

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?" -- $21.5M

2. "The Game Plan" -- $11.5M

3. "Michael Clayton" -- $11M

4. "We Own the Night" -- $11M

5. "The Heartbreak Kid" -- $7.4M

--posted by Kim

The Rock's Got 'Game'

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:37:49 GMT

I hope "The Heartbreak Kid's" second place at the box office had something to do with thousands and thousands of curious viewers renting Elaine May's original, classic picture but, yeah...doubtful.

By the way, I'd like to know what Charles Grodin thinks of the remake -- if he saw it. (What am I saying? There's no way Charles Grodin sat through that movie.)

Anyway, families (presumably, though there's a lot of single Rock fans who can love the man almost much as say, Charles Bronson or Aldo Ray) said nay on the gross-out humor and yay on Dwayne, keeping The Rock's "Game Plan" at tops o' the boxoffice.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "The Game Plan" -- $16.3M

2. "The Heartbreak Kid" -- $14M

3. "The Kingdom" -- $9.3M

4. "Resident Evil: Extinction" -- $4.3M

5. "The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising' -- $3.7M

--posted by Kim

The Rock's Cookin'

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:12:22 GMT

I love Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I even think he can be an interesting, funny actor as proven when he (and Vince Vaughn) stole the otherwise disapointing "Be Cool" from everyone else on screen.

So with his newest movie "The Game Plan" coming in at number one over the weekend, I'm glad a large portion of Americans love him too. And anything's better than "Good Luck Chuck," right?

Here's the box office reports over the weekend:

1. "The Game Plan" -- $22.7M

2. "The Kingdom" -- $17.7M

3. "Resident Evil: Extinction" -- $8M

4. "Good Luck Chuck" -- $6.3M

5. "3:10 to Yuma" -- $4.2M

--posted by Kim

'3:10' Tops Box Office

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:39:17 GMT

James Mangold's re-make of Delmer Daves 1957 Western "3:10 To Yuma" shot its way to the top box office spot this weekend, upseating the other hit re-make, Rob Zombie's "Halloween."

Receiving considerably better reviews than Zombie's picture, Mangold's "3:10 to Yuma" has already been called by some critics as a re- invigoration of the Western genre, particularly with Andrew Dominik's "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (starring Brad Pitt as the famed outlaw) upon us.

Out with the horror and in with the horses?

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "3:10 to Yuma"-- $14.1M

2. "Halloween"-- $10M

3. "Superbad"-- $8M

4. "Balls of Fury"-- $5.7M

5. "The Bourne Ultimatum"-- $5.5M

--posted by Kim

'Rush' Rules But Doesn't Own

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:20:09 GMT

Though hitting the number one spot over the weekend, Brett Ratner's "Rush Hour 3" didn't do as well as expected.

In 2001 audiences (for some reason) were clamoring to see Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker team up for round two of "Rush." The second picture enjoyed a $67.4 opening over the third picture's $50.2.

The downturn isn't that big of a deal ($50.2 million is you know, a lot but I'm not a studio executive so I guess it's relative) but perhaps the six year break in between movies isn't the best bet. They're not making "Apocalypse Now" for chrissakes.

Speaking of "Apocalypse Now," check out the spread Bratt Ratner shot for Vanity Fair. Yes, that's Kevin Federline and Cisco Adler in Ratner's bachelor pad basement disco. I think my soul just died a little...

And here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Rush Hour 3"-- $50.2M

2. "The Bourne Ultimatum"-- $33.7M

3. "The Simpsons Movie"-- $11.1M

4. "Stardust"-- $9M

5. "Underdog"-- $6.5M

--posted by Kim

Bourne To Be One

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:12:30 GMT

With "The Simpsons Movie" and the universally praised "Bourne Ultimatum" opening in the last two weeks, viewer expectations have been incredibly high. And it looks like most people are happy with what they've seen. I think.

Still, it's better to keep your expectations low. Remember the whole "Phantom Menace" situation in 1999? What's worse was watching an advance screening and then having to break it gently to friends who'd literally been waiting their whole life for the movie. And then watching them spin into a strange denial that only happens when you're willing to stand in line for a movie for two weeks. OK, now I'm depressing myself.

Anyway, the "Bourne" movies are obviously not the cultural milestone that "Star Wars" was but "The Simpsons Movie" almost is. So on a happy note, there's no Jar Jar in "The Simpsons." I went to Jar Jar? That's enough of that.

And here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "The Bourne Ultimatum"-- $70.2M

2. "The Simpsons Movie"-- $25.6M

3. "Underdog"-- $12M

4. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry"-- $10.5M

5. "Hairspray"-- $9.3M

--posted by Kim

I Now Pronounce You Number One

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:12:07 GMT

Despite suffering from bad reviews (like, baaad reviews) the Adam Sandler/Kevin James comedy "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" was tops at the box offfice over the weekend. It beat out "Harry Potter."

The details via MSN:

"'Chuck & Larry' stars Sandler as a firefighter who poses as a gay partner for a widower colleague (James) so his pal can maintain life insurance for his kids.

The movie followed the usual pattern for Sandler comedies: Critics trashed it but loyal fans turned up.

"'The beauty of Adam Sandler is his fan base adores him, and he delivers on comedy,' Universal's Rocco said. 'Adam is a star, and I can tell you we know we're on the way with another $100 million movie for Adam.'

"'Order of the Phoenix,' which debuted at No. 1 the previous weekend, raised its domestic total to $207.5 million.

Fellman said the movie lost some business this weekend because of the mania over Saturday's publication of J.K. Rowling's final book in the fantasy series, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.'

"'They wanted to get that book Saturday, lock themselves in the house and read it, because they didn't want their other friends by Monday telling them who made it and who didn't,' said Fellman of Warner Bros.

"'Hairspray' follows the musical adventures of a tubby teen (newcomer Nikki Blonsky) who sets out to racially integrate a TV dance show in the 1960s. The stage musical on which it is based was in turn adapted from John Waters' 1988 cult flick.

"Women made up just over two-thirds of the 'Hairspray' audience, said David Tuckerman, head of distribution for New Line. The studio hopes good word of mouth will keep the crowds coming and bring in more men in subsequent weekends, Tuckerman said.

"'We knew getting the guys on opening weekend was going to be difficult. We knew 'Chuck & Larry' would get the guys and we wouldn't,' Tuckerman said."

As said, most critics loathed the movie, calling it unfunny and worse, offensive (particularly for Rob Schneider's Asian-American stereotype that's being cited as seeming lifted from Mickey Rooney's performance in "Breakfast at Tiffanys"). One contrary take however, was Village Voice's Nathan Lee who wrote:

"Somewhere in the cafeteria at GLAAD headquarters, girlfriend is about to choke on her quiche, but here goes: Tremendously savvy in its stupid way, 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry' is as eloquent as 'Brokeback Mountain,' and even more radical."

Wow.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry," $34.8 million.

2. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," $32.2 million.

3. "Hairspray," $27.8 million.

4. "Transformers," $20.5 million.

5. "Ratatouille," $11 million.

--posted by Kim

Potter-Ville

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:11:58 GMT

As most of you know, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" smashed records, taking in $140 million since Wednesday opening with a massive $77.4 million just over the weekend. People love their Harry Potter.

But over at Cinematical, Erik Davis wants to know why. Why the hell does everyone like this kid, or I guess, at this point, adult, so much?

Writes Davis:

"I have no urge to read and/or see anything that has to do with Harry Potter. I haven't picked up a book, nor have I watched any of the films. Somehow I've managed to write a number of Potter-related posts over the years, but usually I spend about a half hour on Wikipedia, while also running questions past those Potter freaks on the Cinematical staff. Like with comic-related stuff, you get one fact wrong -- one misspelled name -- and the fanatics will attack. And they will attack hard. Here's the thing though -- no one has ever convinced me to read or watch. The people that love Harry simply tell me 'I have to read!' or 'It's so awesome!' -- but that's about as far as they go. I mean, what's so great about this kid? I don't see it. When it came time to decide whether I would watch Lord of the Rings, my friend sat down and explained the world, the backstory and the characters; essentially, he sold me on the series. I subsequently watched all three films and loved them. No one has done that for me with Potter. At least, not yet.

So, I ask you: Here's a chance for you fans to sell us non-fans -- What's so great about Harry Potter?"

Go here and contribute your reasons pertaining to Potter's greatness. And be nice to Erik. He's put himself in the line of Potter-freak fire and we should admire him for that.

--posted by Kim

'Transformers' Number One, Not Good Time

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:48:47 GMT

Surprising no one, Michael Bay's "Transformers" was the number one movie over the weekend.

Since I'm currently on vacation in the middle of rural Pennsylvania, I haven't seen the picture yet but Cinematical's Erik Davis was kind enough to give us a taste of his big screen experience:

"Instead of checking out an advanced critics screening of 'Transformers,' I decided to pony up some cash and see it along with the rest of the country after it officially opened in theaters. And since my friends and I wanted a decent seat, we played it safe and arrived two hours prior to the show. Two freaking hours. And guess what -- there was already a line. So not only did I pay around 20 bucks (for a ticket, soda and popcorn), but I had to stand in a pen for two hours before I was allowed into the theater. Oh, and then as the previous screening let out, the guy next to me insisted upon asking everyone what they thought of the film -- "What was your favorite part," he asked one dude. Thanks, it's bad enough I have to stand here for two hours in a crowd, but now I get to have the movie ruined for me too. And all it cost was twenty dollars! Sweet!

"Four and a half hours later, I practically crawled out of the theater -- waited fifteen minutes to use the bathroom, while listening to some guy yell into his cellphone 'That sh*t was a thousand times better than '300'!!!' -- and smelled worse than I did after Woodstock '99. I find it funny how in this day and age, where 'waiting times' have decreased significantly for practically everything, it's getting worse and worse at the local theater."

Dear Lord. That tick I had to dig out of my leg doesn't feel so bad now.

--posted by Kim

Week-End Box Office

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:05:08 GMT

Pixar rats in a French restaurant won out over John McClane this weekend. The French won out over all of us by having a superior health care system. The French named wunderkind Shia LeBeouf has something to do with this. I'm just trying to figure out what that is.

Here's the box office reports over the weekend:

1. "Ratatouille"--$47.227 million

2. "Live Free or Die Hard"--$33.150 million

3. "Evan Amighty"--$15.089 million

4. "1408"--$10.610 million

5. "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"--$9 million

Oh yes, and here's good reason to love the French. Tres Jolie!

--posted by Kim

Mighty Disapointed

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:36:47 GMT

The most expensive comedy ever made, "Evan Almighty" (insert, "I thought 'Superman Returns' was the most expensive comedy ever made" joke here) didn't draw the numbers the studio was hoping for.

Maybe because so many Americans were watching five seconds of this for free, laughing longer and creating more positive buzz than the studios could ever dream of. Maybe.

Oh well. Perhaps, fitting with the movie, a miracle will happen and no one will want to see the newest "Die Hard" this coming weekend. Everyone will be watching this action extravaganza.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Evan Almighty"--$32.112 million
2. "1408"--$20.175 million

3. "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"--$20.150 million
4. "Ocean's Thirteen"--$11.345 million
5. "Knocked Up"--$10.636 million

--posted by Kim

'Four' Dad

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 23:36:38 GMT

Man, what a boring weekend for mainstream motion pictures. And what a jip for Father's Day. Where's the new Adam Sandler, Robin Williams, Steve Martin laugh-fest in which daddy learns a big lesson about growing up?

If not for "Fantastic Four," Dad's might have had to engage in the Norman Rockwell-ian activities of building boats, tossing footballs or lying under cars. Or maybe just sleeping.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"--$57.4
2. "Ocean's Thirteen"--$19.1
3. "Knocked Up"--$14.5
4. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"--$12.0
5. "Surf's Up"--$9.3

--posted by Kim

'Knocked Up' Big Time

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:07:50 GMT

In case you haven't noticed, I find box office talk incredibly boooooring. When you're dealing with the success of "Spider-Man 3," "Shrek" or "Pirates," who really cares? They're all gonna make tons of money, they're all gonna be number one their opening weekend, they're all gonna do fine overseas. When people start rattling off numbers my eyes glaze over and I go into a fugue state.

The exception is when something I like scores big or a movie surprises. Like if a Michael Haneke picture was number one for four weeks in a row (which is obviously impossible but amusing to think about). With that, I'm happy to report that "Knocked Up" killed at the box office and even better, the movie will have legs.

Here's the weekend numbers. And fast, before I dissociate.

1. "Pirates: At World's End"--$43.2
2. "Knocked Up"--$29.3
3. "Shrek the Third"--$26.7
4. "Mr. Brooks"--$10.0
5. "Spider-Man 3"--$7.5

--posted by Kim

Pirates Booty (Hey, I Couldn't Think Of Anything Else)

Wed, 30 May 2007 05:00:02 GMT

I almost forgot!

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Curve" (wait. that's a Jan and Dean song). I mean, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" was the box office winner over Memorial Day weekend. What a surprise.

Luckily, some decided to spend that extra day off with the William Friedkin freak-out "Bug," an infinitely better decision and a less destructive way to celebrate the weekend. Though, I have no room to judge. Not only did I do stupid things at age twenty, I watched "Man of the House" this Saturday.

1. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"--$115 million

2. "Shrek the Third"--$69 million

3. "Spider-Man 3"--$18 million

4. "Bug"--$3.3 million

5. "Waitress"--$3 million

--posted by Kim

Three's Company

Tue, 22 May 2007 02:56:34 GMT

Either viewers finally figured out that "Spider-Man 3" is an eight-legged mess or they needed to drive audiences crazy with their screaming 2-year-olds in the theater (I think it's a little bit of both)...

Whichever the case, "Shrek the Third" debuted as the number one movie of the year.

1. "Shrek the Third"--$121.6
2. "Spider-Man 3"--$29.0
3. "28 Weeks Later"--$5.5
4. "Georgia Rule"--$3.75
5. "Disturbia"--$3.73

--posted by Kim

'Spider-Man 3' Has Amazing BO

Mon, 14 May 2007 18:37:49 GMT

Blah, blah, blah, "Spider-Man 3" holds firm at number one for the second week in a row...blah, blah, blah...continues to break box office records...blah, blah, blah...the movie is actually pretty disapointing in spite of its popularity...blah, blah, blah...

Yes, a little bored by it.

Thank goodness "Delta Farce" came in at number five just to shake things up a bit. Dear God...did people take their mothers to that movie?

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Spider-Man 3"--$60.0
2. "28 Weeks Later"--$10.0
3. "Georgia Rule"--$5.9
4. "Disturbia"--$4.8
5. "Delta Farce"--$3.5

Good for "28 Weeks Later" however.

--posted by Kim

'Spider-Man 3' Breaks Records

Mon, 07 May 2007 18:41:14 GMT

Sick of Hollywood's "It" boy (Shia LeBeouf, in case you didn't know and no, viewers aren't really sick of him), audiences attended the opening of "Spider-Man 3" in droves this weekend. The comic book picture broke box office records, outperformed the second "Pirates" movie and probably disapointed a lot of viewers. And we're getting another "Spider-Man" out of the deal.

Not content to enjoy the box office success with a vacation or a good book and a hot cup of cocoa, Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal claims that due to weekend numbers, the studio is already working on the next instalment.

"'We're a lot further on than we usually are,' she said. 'We usually don't talk about the next movie until the current one is released, but we're already talking about what we want to do in the next one.' She added that conversations about bringing back Raimi and the other principals would begin once a script is in place because 'that's what they sign on to do.'"

Why does her last remark sound like a vague threat?

Anyway, here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Spider-Man 3"--$148.0
2. "Disturbia"--$5.7
3. "Fracture"--$3.4
4. "The Invisible"--$3.1
5. "Next"--$2.8

--posted by Kim

'Disturbia' Number One Again

Tue, 01 May 2007 17:10:32 GMT

Jeez Louise. Audiences really dig their Shia LeBeouf.

The teen "Rear Window" re-mix "Disturbia" beat out openers "The Invisble" and "Next" for the number one spot over the weekend. Can "Hot Fuzz" find its way to more theaters please? Sick of this.

Here's the top five movies. (I almost fell asleep while writing this. Nothing exciting to report).

1. "Disturbia"--$9.0

2. "The Invisible"--$7.7

3. "Next"--$7.1

4. "Fracture"--$6.8

5. "Blades of Glory"--$5.2

--posted by Kim

Not Enough Love For 'Fuzz'

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:58:48 GMT

So it's a "smaller" movie. And it's British. And it doesn't star Shia LeBeouf. I don't give a rat's rear quarters. It should have been number one! Number ONE!

But alas and alack, "Hot Fuzz" got a 6 at the box office. Which, OK, isn't bad. And Ryan Gosling (AKA the original and better LaBeouf) scored a number 2 picture with "Fracture" (those Anthony Hopkins "I Shot My Wife" posters probably helped)...but still.

Here's the top six movies over the weekend:

1. "Disturbia"--$13 million

2. "Fracture"--$11 million

3. "Blades of Glory"--$7 million

4. "Vacancy"--$7.6 million

5. "Meet the Robinsons"--$7 million

6. "Hot Fuzz"--$5.8 million

--posted by Kim

Teens Top With 'Disturbia'

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:27:48 GMT

I predicted the wrong film would make it to number one this weekend. Big time. But I was on the line and could not conceive that Shia LeBeouf's PR machine was that powerful. Now I know that I should never underestimate such things.

My pick (and this does not mean I wanted it to be number one) was "Perfect Stranger" based purely on star power. But no one really cared about Berry and Willis sexing it up. It was all about the teen "Rear Window" riff starring a talented young actor who is all over the place (he talks about his "craft" a lot. And Jon Voight.). He even hosted SNL Saturday.

So, again, I was wrong, Shia is the new big thing (I guess) and "Blades of Glory" is still hot on ice.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Disturbia"--$23.0 million
2. "Blades of Glory"--$14.1 million
3. "Meet the Robinsons"--$12.1 million
4. "Perfect Stranger"--$11.5 million
5. "Are We Done Yet?"--$9.2 million

--posted by Kim

'Grindhouse' Number Four, Still Groovy

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 18:05:20 GMT

Before I report the totals of this weekend's box office, let me just say that I am not surprised.

That's right, "Grindhouse" languished at number four, beaten out by two return offenders ("Blades of Glory" and "Meet the Robinsons") and, not so shockingly, a family film ("Are We Done Yet?").

Why am I not surprised? Well, for one, even though I, along with plenty other folk, did not celebrate this weekend (OK, I ate one of those gross Cadbury Eggs. I also bought a large stuffed bunny, but I just needed the excuse)...anyway, as I was sayinig, I wasn't involved in an Easter egg hunt or spending time at church services praying, "Oh lord Jesus, pray that 'Grindhouse' at least makes it to number two this weekend. I know it's your holy holiday, but families need to watch Rose McGowan's one-legged prowess with a machine gun. They need to." I wasn't. But other's were (minus praying for box office) and probably thought Will Ferrell ice skating to Billy Squire's "Stroke Me" sounded like a good way to make the entire family, even Granny Gwelda, happy.

That being said, I'm sorry the film didn't perform as well as the studio and filmmakers would have liked. I think the other culprit is the picture's long running time, but that makes me annoyed with people. It's a double feature! You get two movies for one. Don't we like value in this country? What's the problem?

Here's the top five over the weekend:

1. "Blades of Glory"--$23.0 million

2. "Meet the Robinsons"--$17.0 million

3. "Are We Done Yet?"--$15.0 million

4. "Grindhouse"--$11.6 million

5. "The Reaping"--$10.1 million

So...Easter is over. Passover is over. And you know you wasted four hours web surfing for whatever it is you're seeking (pictures of feet? Look to your right) so...go see "Grindhouse."

--posted by Kim

'Blades' Finds Box Office Glory

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:08:54 GMT

The Will Ferrell/Jon Heder ice skating comedy "Blades of Glory" went all the way to number one this weekend (did I just write that? Am I Casey Kasem?) while "Meet the Robinsons," the animated movie no one was talking about made it to number two. I don't get it. Oh yeah, children.

Anyway, millions of people said "Two for 'Wild Hogs'" for yet another week and, and...I have nothing to say about that.

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Blades of Glory"-$33 million
2. "Meet the Robinsons"--$25.056 million
3. "300"--$11.155 million

4. "TMNT"--$9.160 million
5. "Wild Hogs"--$8.8389 million

--posted by Kim

Come On Get Happy...Again

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:36:39 GMT

So for one gory week Americans chose to dip into the bloody pool of "Apocalypto." And I've got no problem with that.

But presumably after remembering how, uh, happy they were with those darn penguins, audiences rushed back to the familar. Only this time, they packed Will Smith's father-son drama "The Pursuit of Happyness." And no, that movie has nothing to do with penguins. It's about a "competitive internship with Dean Whitter!" (is it me or does this line sound like something Max Fischer would say?).

Personally, I would have forgone the penguins and chosen some pig. "Charlotte's Web" was the best movie that opened this weekend.

Anyway, here's the top five.

1. "The Pursuit of Happyness"-- $27 million.

2. "Eragon"-- $23.45 million.

3. "Charlotte's Web"-- $12 million.

4. "Happy Feet"-- $8.5 million.

5. "The Holiday"-- $8.2 million

Wonder if Mel's thinking of ways to incorporate "Happy" into his next movie title? --posted by Kim

'Apocalypto' Triumphs, Violence Spills Over Into Headlines

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:49:43 GMT

The good, wholesome holiday fun of Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" propelled it to the top of the box office heap over the weekend, grossing about $14 million.

"The Holiday," a romantic comedy with Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Kate Winslet and Jude Law, and "Happy Feet," that penguin thing, followed in the second and third spots, the AP reports.

The violence of Gibson's Mayan murder-fest led to some vivid headlines. For example, MTV.com's report on the weekend's ticket sales read: "'Apocalypto' Now: Mel Mangles Penguins, Diaz To Grab Box-Office # 1." Which isn't really a sentence you want to read first thing on a Monday morning.
--posted by Kevin

Wonder If Daniel Craig's Seen 'Happy Feet' Yet?

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 22:10:38 GMT

James Bond may be kicking arse internationally but for us Americans, it's all about those wacky, fluffy penguins.

And yet, the holy power of Mother Mary couldn't beat out ATF agent Denzel Washington and his super sexy time portal. But then, come to think of it, our number one J.C. ( James Caviezel) co-stars in that film so...

Here's the top five movies over the weekend:

1. "Happy Feet"--$17.1
2. "Casino Royale"-- $15.1
3. "Deja Vu"--$11.0
4. "The Nativity Story"--$8.0
5. "Deck the Halls"--$6.6

--posted by Kim

Bond Beats Birds Everywhere. Everywhere But Here, That Is.

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:14:25 GMT

"Casino Royale," the latest James Bond movie, tops the box office at 50 of the 51 countries in which it's playing, according to reports from Nikki Finke at Deadline Hollywood Daily and the Guardian.

The lone holdout is America, where we apparently just can’t get enough of those damn penguins.
--posted by Kevin

Penguin Got My Bond!

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 22:09:44 GMT

As you can see from my below Smurf love, I don't feel like reporting on anything human today so again...back to the penguins.

Yes, penguins. Or the penguins who tap danced their "Happy Feet" all over James Bond's tautly toned arse this Thanksgiving weekend:

1. "Happy Feet"-- $37.9

2. "Casino Royale" $31.0

3. "Deja Vu"--$20.8

4. "Deck the Halls"--$12.0

5. "Borat"-- $10.4

--posted by Kim

Audiences Get 'Happy'

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:48:23 GMT

In terms of weekend box office, we all thought it would be a fight between the suave and the subversive but in a surprising twist of events, audiences chose...happy.

The animated penguin picture "Happy Feet" reigned over the weekend, beating out "Casino Royal" and "Borat."

Yes folks, there is no stopping the indomitable force of cute.

Here's the top five:

1. "Happy Feet"-- $42.3

2. "Casino Royale"-- $40.6

3. "Borat"--$14.4

4. "Santa Clause 3"--$8.2

5. "Flushed Away"--$6.8

--posted by Kim