Weekend Box Office – HOP Holds at Number One with $21.7 Million

Four new releases hit theatres this weekend, including one that was marketed to within an inch of its life.  Still, year-to-year grosses will be down once again by almost 10% and it was a holdover that took the number one title.  Universal’s Hop earned an estimated $21.7 million to put it on top of the US box office for the second week in a row.

	Title	Weekend	Total
1	Hop	$21,700,000	$68.1
2	Arthur	$12,600,000	$12.6
3	Hanna	$12,300,000	$12.3
4	Soul Surfer	$11,100,000	$11.1
5	Insidious	$8,740,000	$27
6	Your Highness	$9,500,000	$9.5
7	Source Code	$9,050,000	$28.6
8	Limitless	$5,690,000	$64.3
9	Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2	$4,885,000	$45.4
10	The Lincoln Lawyer	$4,600,000	$46.4

Hop got the jump on this weekend’s new releases. Going into its sophomore frame Universal increased the family film’s theatre count to minimize the second-week decline on what was 2011’s best debut.  Consequently,Hop fell off by just 42%, giving it a new domestic total of $68.1 million or well above the CGI/live-action comedy’s reported budget of $63 million.  Of course Hop was probably destined to be a repeat at number one.  It had no competition for family audience dollars and a weak field of new releases to leap over.

Chief among those was Warner Brothers’ Arthur.  Despite the fact that there was almost no media event that Russell Brand did not turn up on to promote his first starring turn, the remake of Dudley Moore’s iconic 1981 film failed to achieve even the modest goal of $15 million that the studio was projecting.  From its 3,276 locations Arthur brought in just $12.6 million.  In terms of the film’s reported $40 million budget that estimate could be worse; but with Arthur there are also serious PR costs to consider. Because I doubt there’s a person in this country that missed Brand’s media blitz, I’d say that Arthur deserves to take its place on 2011’s ever-lengthening list of box office misses.

Just how large a miss may be illustrated by the PG-13 revenge flickHanna, the film at number three.  Though by no means a sleeper, Focus Features opened Hanna in fewer theatres than Arthur and concentrated more on targeted marketing as opposed to big, splashy media campaigns.  The result?  Hanna came in less than half a million behind Arthur, with an estimated $12.3 million from 2,535 locations.  The film has a reported budget of $30 million but with pre-sales and finance deals, the production was supposedly ahead of the game even before this weekend’s numbers were released.

So if Hanna is considered a modest hit and an overachiever for having come in just above projections, the number four film Soul Surfer is a runaway success story.  The inspirational biopic was made for a reported $15 million and, going in to the weekend Sony was prepared to get happy if Soul Surfer got close to $10 million.  Instead they went over that with an estimated $11.1 million from 2,214 locations.  The film has had very strong word of mouth (though mixed reviews) and should have a long and lucrative career on the Christian film circuit.

Our final new release will have no afterlife on the Christian circuit.  Nor will it have a long or lucrative career on any circuit, I’m afraid. If Universal’s R-rated comedy Your Highness looked like it was struggling on Friday (when it debuted in fourth place) this weekend’s sixth place finish behind holdover Insidious has put it out of its misery.  From 2,769 locations Your Highness earned only an estimated $9.5 million.  Add to that the fact that the film cost a reported $50 million to produce and that director David Gordon Green’s Pineapple Express debuted to more than double that figure in 2008 and this looks pretty bad for the big name cast.  Luckily, Your Highness should fall out of the top ten by next weekend so they won’t have to live with the shame for long.

Next weekend we may finally see an increase over 2010 grosses (next week last year Kick-Assdebuted in first place).  To that end Fox will launch the animated family film Rio while Dimension unveils Scream 4.  Each of those films should be able to top Kick-Ass’s $19 million, right?

Read More

THE PRESENCE Review

Creating an original idea and executing it are very different things. The Presence manages to succeed at giving a unique story, but its implementation leaves something to be desired. Atmosphere takes hold in director Tom Provost’s debut supernatural thriller, following a woman (Mira Sorvino) visiting a cabin in the woods as an apparition stalks about. Where the film really makes its mark is how it turns genre staples on their head, but getting there may leave some underwhelmed. The film builds to an exciting climax that will leave many talking due to the interesting notions it puts forth or the confusing way it is expressed—but they will be talking. Hit the jump for my full review. 

A beautiful cabin sits on an island that has a mysterious presence (Shane West) haunting it. Unmoving, we are left to wonder whether the apparition is merely able to observe or if it can take any course of action. When a woman (Sorvino) shows up to simultaneously explore her childhood summer vacation getaway and get some work done, she has no knowledge of what lurks within the cabin. Strange occurrences start to multiply when her boyfriend (Justin Kirk) drops by unexpectedly, and the presence suddenly becomes more active. Not all is as it seems as the ghost’s reasons are revealed and the seemingly happy couple’s rocky foundations are brought to the surface.

Provost’s script calls for the groundwork of the film to begin without any significant dialog for the first third of the 88 minute runtime. This sets the mood of the film and also hints at the pacing. The Presence is all about atmosphere as the apparition is shown to the audience as he gazes at Sorvino’s character in a haunting way, but his appearances are rarely given any musical cue. Instead, her daily chores are the focus as we are left to ponder about what the ghost’s intentions are. Because of this, some audiences will be turned off, but Provost is smart enough to know that inaction can cause disinterest.

That’s when he begins setting off a series of humorous occurrences that build into something more eerie. Recurring trips to the outhouse become intriguing when birds continually smash into the structure for no apparent reason. At first, it garners laughter, but by the second time one can’t help but wonder if something more sinister is at play. As the tension rises, it’s cut down when the boyfriend makes his appearance. However, he brings his own set of problems to bear as it becomes obvious he is unsure if it was alright to drop by unannounced.

As the story evolves, the woman’s history is explored and the ghost becomes more than just a mere observer. There is a notable shift in tone as the story finally picks up pace and secrets are revealed. However, some of the dialog and interactions feel choppy and forced. The elegance setup in the opening portion of the film is shattered at the beginning of the third act. There was even a smattering of laughter during some of the more tense moments and confused murmurs as the film drew to its conclusion.

All of this is without mention of the acting in the film. Sorvino is as endearing as ever, but her character has her share of flaws. WhenThe Presence works, it’s usually during moments free of dialog. Because of this, some of the phrases Sorvino is given feel hollow and off. Additionally, her chemistry with Kirk stalls in the opening moments. Their interactions feel awkward and the audience is left to guess at how new the couple is. Shane West has a brooding likeness to him that is accompanied by his dark voice. Unfortunately, he is rarely able to showcase more than his visual spectrum of talent, but he does a commendable job of just standing about. One has to wonder how the probable read-throughs went with him in attendance.

Sometimes the idea a film puts forth is strong enough to be worthy of watching, even if the payoff falls short. The Presence isn’t for everyone, but it does a laudable job of giving the audience ideas to ponder. Considering the film lasts less than an hour and a half, the first and second half are incredibly different. That is an unfortunate fact because the most intriguing portion of the film lies within the uneven and rocky finale. If you can stomach the good with the bad, The Presence should prove worthy of contemplation.

Read More

Michael Shannon Cast as General Zod in SUPERMAN Reboot MAN OF STEEL

Viggo Mortensen was never able to find the right hole in his schedule to play General Zod in the upcoming Superman reboot, now officially titled Man of Steel.  Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, however, landed on a fantastic alternative: Michael Shannon.  Shannon was rumored foran unspecified villain role last month — the studios have announced today he will play Zod.  Director Zack Snyder remarked,

“Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t.  Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

I could not agree more.  Henry Cavill will star as Clark Kent/Superman.  The supporting cast includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.  Read the official announcement after the jump.

Terence Stamp portrayed General Zod to memorable effect in Superman II — Shannon is absolutely a worthy successor. Shannon excels when there is something fundamentally creepy, even inhuman about his character.  In Superman II, the Kryptonian villain comes across as an autistic megalomaniac in his destruction.  That is Shannon’s bread and butter, folks.

Alice Eve, Diane Kruger, and Rosamund Pike are reportedly in contention to play Ursa, Zod’s partner-in-crime.  I have yet to hear any names rumored for Non, the third member of the group.  The official casting of Cavill, Adams, Costner, and now Shannon have all been announced on a Sunday afternoon.  So check back next week for more info?  (Same Metropolis time, same Metropolis channel…*)

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, and Deborah Snyder, Thomas Tull, and Lloyd Phillips are producing ; David S. Goyer is writing the screenplay based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  Man of Steel is scheduled for release in December 2012.

MICHAEL SHANNON TO STAR AS GENERAL ZOD IN “MAN OF STEEL” FROM WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES

BURBANK, CA, April 10, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Michael Shannon will star in the role of General Zod in director Zack Snyder’s new Superman film, titled “Man of Steel.”

Snyder stated, “Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t.  Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

As General Zod, Shannon will go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill, who plays the new Clark Kent/Superman in the film.  The main cast also includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.

Michael Shannon was honored with an Academy Award^® nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sam Mendes’ “Revolutionary Road,” with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.  Shannon was most recently seen in the award-winning HBO drama series “Boardwalk Empire,” from executive producer Martin Scorsese.  He will next be seen in Sony Pictures Classics’, “Take Shelter,” from director/writer Jeff Nichols.

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film.  The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

“Man of Steel” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Read More

Teaser Trailer for THE WOMAN IN BLACK Starring Daniel Radcliffe

The teaser trailer for the ghost thriller The Woman in Black has gone online. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, the film is based on the classic ghost story by Susan Hill that centers on a young lawyer visiting a remote English town that, naturally, holds many ghostly secrets. The trailer is very much a teaser, and doesn’t really give much of the plot away, but I’m liking the air of creepiness and general unease that it suggests.

Hit the jump to check out the teaser for yourself. The Woman in Black hits theaters in the UK on February 10^th, 2012 with a US release date currently unknown.

Here’s the synopsis for The Woman in Black:

The story follows a young lawyer, Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe), who is ordered to travel to a remote village and sort out a recently deceased client’s papers. As he works alone in the client’s isolated house, Kipps begins to uncover tragic secrets, his unease growing when he glimpses a mysterious woman dressed only in black. Receiving only silence from the locals, Kipps is forced to uncover the true identity of the Woman in Black on his own, leading to a desperate race against time when he discovers her true intent.

Read More

Charlie Sheen's Women

Take a tour of Charlie's most memorable lady-friends, ex-wives and madams.

Read More

The Best of Justin Bieber

Read More

Jennifer Aniston: 'I'm Not a Big Fan of Dating'

It's no secret that Jennifer Aniston has been through her fair share of bad experiences in the relationship department (she's "not a big fan" of dating), so the actress is grateful for the group of really awesome friends who've helped her through them all.

"Where would you be without friends?" she said (via Usmagazine). "The people to pick you up when you need lifting? We come from homes far from perfect, so you end up almost parent and sibling to your friends -- your own chosen family. There’s nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend. Nothing."

So, with a list of pals that includes Chelsea Handler and Courteney Cox, who's her best friend? She can't pick! "So many, I couldn't do that," she says. "I'll say me!"

The actress adds that it's always important to be in tune with yourself. "You also have to have your own personal love," the Switch star said. "What inspires you, what excites you when you wake up in the morning?"

Read More

Jennifer Lopez Reveals the Key to Body Confidence

Jennifer Lopez is smokin' hot at 41. The mom of 2 still flaunts her midriff, wears dresses as tight as Kim Kardashian's and even higher heels, and is an overall bombshell -- but, she doesn't always feel that way. The singer says it's easy for her, and women in general, to forget their self-worth so she has a few tricks of her own to keep feeling good about herself.
She said: “I know it’s hard for women to tap into that feeling of self-worth. We need to get the message out that you are valued, you are a goddess and don’t forget that. It’s about stopping those thoughts of negativity and insecurity. I think changing that and really recognizing yourself triggers control of how you feel, so you’re able to go, ‘No, I’m awesome man, I’m amazing, there’s nobody like me.’ I think that’s the big secret to body confidence.”

Despite her positive outlook, Jennifer admits she can’t help but worry about negative opinions and responses to her work. She told Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine: “It’s easy to let negative stuff get to you. I’m no different to anybody else. If I’m performing for 200,000 people and there’s one person near the front row who’s not enjoying themselves, it’ll be that one person who’s going to bother me. That’s why it’s important to remember you’re special, so those messages register more than the few negative ones.”

Read More

Mila Kunis Not Keen to be Sheen's Next "Goddess"

Shockingly, Mila Kunis is not jumping at the opportunity to beCharlie Sheen's newest "goddess." In fact, the beautiful Black Swan star is apparently disgusted by the idea entirely. 

Stopping in Columbus, Ohio for his "Violent Torpedo Of Truth" live tour, Sheen told a raucous crowd that he was eying Kunis as his next "goddess" in waiting. Elaborating on his plan, Charlie said (via RadarOnline): "I'm going to go on her Facebook page and discover her likes... I'm going to buy them all and then she can come steal them." 

The crowd loved everything coming out of Charlie's mouth and gave him his second standing ovation of the tour.  Kunis, however, has no plans to be Sheen's "goddess," or to be associated in any way with Mr. "Wild Thing." As a friend close to Kunis's put it, (via PopEater) the mere thought of joining Sheen's harem "grosses Mila out." 

If Kunis is out, who will Sheen target next?

Read More

Nicole Scherzinger Isn't 'In Touch' with Former Pussycat Doll Bandmates

Nicole Scherzinger had a lot of fun with the Pussycat Dolls -- while the band lasted. Now that the PCD are no more, she's having a blast with her solo career. 

The 32-year-old singer, who starred in the band with Ashley Roberts, Melody Thornton, Kimberley Wyatt and Jessica Sutta before leaving in 2010, feels “empowered” to have left the group and insists she feels “happy” for all her former bandmates.

She said: “A few of the girls left the group and I was like, ‘Am I the only Doll standing here?!’
“We’re not in touch. We’re all busy, and I’m happy for everyone. Once all the girls went off, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to go and to my music and what I love. It’s been liberating and amazing. It’s empowering to come into your own in that way.”

Nicole also confirmed the majority of her shelved debut solo album, which was initially intended for release in 2007, ended up on a Pussycat Dolls LP. She told Attitude magazine: “There just wasn’t the right timing before, but I was fortunate enough to be able to put a lot of those tracks on the next PCD album.”

Read More

The Kardashians Are Krazy for 'Khloe & Lamar'

The latest Kardashian spinoff, Khloe & Lamar, airs tonight on E! and, of course, the internets are buzzing with the news. Klearly, Khloe, Kim, Kourtney, Kris and the gang can't stop tweeting about the debut, and SNL even spoofed the show last night!

Here's a sampling of the buzz:

Kris tweeted: "Who is as excited as I am for Khloe and Lamar show on E! At 10/7PST tomorrow night??!!!! SEASON PREMIER!!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! BEYOND FAB"

Kim tweeted: "I can't wait for Khloe & Lamar too! I haven't see any clips yet! I honestly can't wait!"

Even pal Nicole Richie chimed in: " I feel like breaking out an electric guitar, cuz tonights the season premiere of Khloe & Lamar!!" she wrote.

Khloe has been tweeting right and left about the premiere, telling fans she's "excited and nervous" about tonight.

The Saturday Night Live mention poked some fun at the show, but was undoubtedly good publicity anyway. The spoof involved the Kardashian sisters (played by SNL castmembers) filing their taxes. 

"We gave Khloe her own show," the pretend Kim says.

"Well, we can write that off as charity," Andy Samberg (acting as tax guy Mort Feingold) says with a laugh.

Tune in tonight for all the action -- and to see some drama when brother Rob moves in with Khloe and Lamar.

Read More

Courteney Cox on Family Life: 'All I Really Want is to Be Happy'

Courteney Cox and husband David Arquette split in October after 11 years, but they haven't officially ended their marriage -- and they could very well get back together. The actress says she and her estranged hubby are putting their 6-year-old daughter first and are trying to work out their differences.
She told You magazine: "I don't know what's going to happen between David and me, but we'll always have a special bond and I love him very much. No one ever wants to get divorced and when you get married, you think it's going to be for life, so we'll see. Taking care of Coco is the most important thing to us right now."

Courteney -- who stars alongside David in Scream 4 - says the couple are working on their problems to see if the marriage is worth saving. She said: "The important thing for us is to be open with one another. We're pretty good about that, but we probably could have been a little better. I feel like this is a very important time right now and one where I need to find out who and what I am, and it's the same for David. It takes a lot of courage to switch things up and not drift in a relationship, so we'll just have to see where it goes. All I really want is to be happy."

Read More

Katherine Heigl is Making a Return to TV

Katherine Heigl's days as Dr. Izzie Stevens on Grey's Anatomy are long gone, but it looks like the former TV starlet is making a return to the small screen. Apparently she'll produce and star in an upcoming HBO movie!

She and her mother Nancy are reportedly co-producing the TV movie, based on the novel The Knitting Circle, reports Pop Eater. Heigl will play a mother who turns to a group of knitters for support after the death of her child.

This will be Heigl's first time back on TV since her departure from Grey's in 2010. She left the show to work on her film career and her departure from the hit program wasn't without a fair share of drama: She panned the show's writers during the 2008-2009 season, took herself out of the Emmy race, and the final straw was apparently when she didn't show up for work one day.

Also in the works for the actress: New Year's Eve, which hits theaters in December, and One for the Money, which will be released in 2012.

Read More