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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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Beverly Hills Chihuahua

On a weekend with seven new wide releases, it was that emerged as Best in Show. The film, one of the few family-oriented titles currently being offered, earned nearly $30 million over the past three days. That amount was enough to easily surpass Eagle Eye, last week’s #1. The talking-dogs feature also gave Disney its best October opening thus far.

Of the other new entries in the Top Ten, one was religion-centric while the other had political overtones. (Could this be an election year?) Coming in at #10 was , the documentary from Bill Maher. Although the movie was only offered in limited release, it pulled in $6,792 per theater. That was the second highest average amongst the chart toppers. Meanwhile, An American Carol, a right-wing satirical comedy, found itself in 9th place.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Beverly Hills Chihuahua is Weekend’s Top Dog

Read More | Variety

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Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese

Paramount Pictures has just announced that and Martin Scorsese will be reteaming for another mob-related project. I Hear You Paint Houses, which is based on Charles Brandt book, will be their first collaboration since 1995’s Casino. The frequent partners have also worked together on such classics as Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Casino and Cape Fear.

In Houses, De Niro will play Frank “the Irishman” Sheeran, a man who reportedly helped kill Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa. Sheeran, who passed away in 2003, admitted being involved in this murder (and a string of other contract hits) to Brandt prior to his death.

Writer - the man behind Schindler’s List, Gangs of New York and American Gangster - has been tasked with adapting the screenplay.

Read More | Variety

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

Nights in Rodanthe

Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

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

William Shatner as James T. Kirk

So was William Shatner’s omission from the upcoming Star Trek movie a choice J.J. Abrams made...or was it ultimately Shatner’s decision? Well, the answer differs depending on who you ask.

Last year, the actor admitted he was bothered by his exclusion from the highly-anticipated prequel.

“I couldn’t believe it. I’m not in the movie at all. Leonard [Nimoy], God bless his heart, is in, but not me. I thought, what a decision to make, since it obviously is a decision not to make use of the popularity I have to ensure the movie has good box office. It didn’t seem to be a wise business decision.”

Click to continue reading William Shatner Denies Being Offered Star Trek Role

Read More | Los Angeles Times

Igor

Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

Burn After Reading

Around this same time last year, Tyler Perry was beating George Clooney in a battle at the box office. Now the Sexiest Man Alive is having his day.

This past weekend, cineplexes were kept busy with a handful of new releases. Although each film had a chance of reaching #1, - starring Clooney, Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand - emerged as the eventual winner. But the news wasn’t so bad for the other three contenders. Theatergoers clearly starving for fresh material placed all four wide release entries into the chart’s four top slots.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Burn After Reading Smokes Past Competition

Read More | Variety

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

Bangkok Dangerous

Eek. And I thought a $14 million weekend was bad.

Seven days ago, Tropic Thunder reached the #1 spot despite an unimpressive box office turnout. This week, accomplished that same achievement—with only $7.7 million dollars.

While number crunchers weren’t expecting stellar numbers (kids are back in school, football’s back gone), the underwhelming response to ’s latest film was a bit surprising. Not only did the film industry have its worst weekend of 2008, Bangkok had the lowest take for any first-placed flick in five years. (Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star topped with $6.6 million in 2003.)

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Bangkok Dangerous Tops Dismal Weekend

Read More | Variety

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