On TV Envy: The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards

Latest Video: FilmCrunch 067: Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, Premonition reviewed

Veronica Santiago and Neil Estep review Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, and Premonition in this episode of FilmCrunch.
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Eagle Eye

Despite mixed reviews for his latest film, Shia LaBeouf once again proved he has box office appeal. , a film from Disturbia‘s D.J. Caruso, earned $29.2 million over the past three days and the #1 spot. Even a Friday night presidential debate couldn’t stop the thriller from putting nearly $16 million between itself and Nights in Rodanthe, this weekend’s #2. Although Nights - the third pairing for Diane Lane and Richard Gere - took in $13.4 million, the romantic drama did almost $1 million less than 2002’s Unfaithful.

- a faith-based film starring Kirk Cameron - surprised many with its 4th place finish. Although it was only available in 839 theaters, the movie had an impressive $8111 per screen average. Meanwhile, two films outside the Top Ten boasted averages over the $10,000 mark. The Duchess (ranked #13) pulled in $10,238 per theater while Ed Harris’ Appaloosa (#35) did slightly better with $10,469.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Eagle Eye Soars to #1

Read More | Variety

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Lakeview Terrace

Maybe folks were just out celebrating the last official days of summer?

Over the past few weeks, theater chains have seen less than stellar numbers...and the last three days were no exception. Seven days ago, only four films were able to get past the $10 million mark. Today, only two had earned that right to brag.

Topping the box office this weekend was , the Samuel L. Jackson/Patrick Wilson thriller. The Neil LaBute film pulled in only $15 million, nearly $4 million more than the chart’s second-place finisher (Burn After Reading). Coming in third was My Best Friend’s Wedding, a Lionsgate entry starring Kate Hudson and Dane Cook. The (supposed) comedy fell below expectations and earned only $8.2 million. This gave Hudson her lowest debut since 2003’s Alex & Emma.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Lakeview Terrace Perched at #1

Read More | Variety

Igor

Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

Kung Fu PandaThe upcoming home video release of will break against two long-standing traditions.

Those planning to buy either the DVD or Blu-ray version of the Dreamworks hit have the opportunity to get a brand new companion piece as well. While it’s not a surprise to see direct-to-video sequels of an animated film, those creations are typically produced at a later time. A purchase of the “Pandamonium Double Pack” will give fans an extra disc titled “Secrets of the Furious Five.” This feature will expand on the characters’ backgrounds and will also include the voices of and Dustin Hoffman.

Although Tuesdays are typically reserved for new releases, Paramount Home Entertainment will release this two-disc set (and a single-disc version) on Sunday, November 9th.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Disaster Movie

At any other time of the year, a $14 million take would probably get you a decent ranking in the Top Ten. This holiday weekend, that box office total was enough to put into first place. Again.

Despite a new Vin Diesel entry, the Ben Stiller comedy led the top of the pack for the third weekend in a row. (If it reaches that mark a fourth time, it will have officially reached Dark Knight territory.) Meanwhile, Babylon A.D. settled for second place with only $11.5 million in ticket sales. I’m guessing the sci fi film’s reviews - in particular, the one from the movie’s own director - might have had something to do with the disappointing turnout.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Tropic Thunder Makes It Three for Three

Read More | Yahoo! Movies

Sleeping Beauty Blu-rayThis fall, will be releasing its first Platinum Collection title on Blu-ray. Now we’re being told of five other films that will eventually get the same treatment.

  • Pinocchio - available Spring 2009
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - available 2009
  • Fantasia - available 2010
  • Fantasia 2000 - available 2010
  • Beauty and the Beast - available Fall 2010

The animated classics - with all their extra bells and whistles - will be available for a limited time only. (As if Disney would have it any other way.)

Sleeping Beauty hits the shelves on October 7.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Traitor

Once again, theatergoers will have new options to choose from starting on Wednesday:

Jason Statham in Death Race

Although it was widely believed that (hunky) Jason Statham would emerge as this weekend’s winner, somehow managed to hold its ground. The comedy, which only raked in $16.2 million during this outing, became the third movie this year to make a repeat appearance at #1. (The other two films were those giant blockbusters called Iron Man and The Dark Knight.)

Overall, this was an unimpressive weekend for films. Theatergoers probably confused (like me) by Joan Allen’s participation only poured $12.6 million of their dollars into . Meanwhile, The House Bunny became this week’s highest-grossing chick alternative (Sorry, Sisterhood!) with its $14.5 million gross.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Tropic Thunder Wins the Death Race

Read More | Variety

James McAvoy

Here’s quick look at some of the casting announcements made recently:

It seems as if there isn’t a woman can’t romance. In the past few years, he’s been paired with Gillian Anderson, Keira Knightley, Anne Hathway and, of course, Angelina Jolie. Now the rising actor will be taking on his biggest chemistry challenge yet.

In Gnomeo and Juliet, McAvoy and Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) will voice characters in a CGI-animated version of the Shakespeare drama. But those looking for any Montagues or Capulets will be pleasantly surprised. In this version, the lovers will actually come from rivaling families of garden gnomes.

This film, co-produced by Elton John, will also feature music from the Lion King musician. The feature should be completed by 2010.

Click to continue reading Casting Corner: James McAvoy, Ben Affleck, Nicolas Cage

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Quantum of Solace

Who knew Harry Potter’s departure would have such repercussions?

When Entertainment Weekly produced last week’s Fall Movie Preview edition (the one with that bespectacled wizard on the front), I don’t think they anticipated having such outdated information. Unfortunately, Warner Bros.’ decision to move to July 2009 has set off a series of schedule changes.

Click to continue reading Quantum of Solace Gets a Date Shift

Read More | Variety

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