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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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Remake News: The Thing, The A-Team, East of Eden and More

The Thing

The Thing: Universal - apparently feeling the winter blast - has decided to redo the classic John Carpenter film. In the 1982 version, research teams in Antarctica are killed off by a shape-shifting alien. The reimaging, which will be directed by Matthijs Van Heijningen, will be based off the same source material as the Kurt Russell vehicle. Ron Moore, Battlestar Galactica‘s executive producer, is in charge of the script.

Click to continue reading Remake News: The Thing, The A-Team, East of Eden and More

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

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Box Office Breakdown: Gran Torino Expands to a Win

Gran Torino

He may have lost out to Bruce Springsteen last night, but Clint Eastwood was still a big winner this weekend. After 4 weeks in limited theaters, the 78-year-old’s film became the top movie in wide release.

Eastwood’s directorial project not only pulled in $29.4 million over the last three days ($40.5 million to date), it outranked the vehicles from Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Will Smith. also earned the best per screen average of any charter in the Top Ten.

Despite opening on approximately 600 more screens than the first place finisher, #2’s grossed nearly $4000 less per theater. The Kate Hudson-Anne Hathaway comedy also averaged less than #3’s The Unborn.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Gran Torino Expands to a Win

Read More | Variety

Box Office Breakdown: Marley & Me Ends 2008 on Top

Marley & Me

Aside from a few changes at the bottom of this week’s Top Ten, every single movie remained planted in their positions from last Monday. Since Friday’s new entries (Good, Defiance) were only offered in limited release, there really wasn’t much of a battle.

Over the last three days, tacked on another $24 million and officially crossed the $100 million mark. The Fox adaptation became the 25th film from 2008 to accomplish that. Meanwhile, the only new charter was #10’s . Although it was only shown in 612 theaters (that’s down two from last week), the Fox Searchlight feature helped push The Spirit down to #13. The probable Oscar contender also earned a better per screen average than all the films ahead of it.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Marley & Me Ends 2008 on Top

Read More | Variety

Box Office Breakdown: Marley & Me is the Weekend’s Top Dog

Marley & Me

When it comes to the box office, has no problem pushing best friends (Courteney Cox), exes (Brad Pitt) or former leading men (Jim Carrey) aside.

After a record-breaking Christmas Day, pulled in approximately $36.4 million over the last three days. The PG-rated film, which earned nearly $51 million since December 25, gave Aniston bragging rights and Owen Wilson his best Friday-Sunday gross ever.

Although he eventually lost out to Jen, Brad Pitt really had nothing to complain about. , the weekend’s #3 finisher, had the 2nd best ($12 million) Christmas day opening. Meanwhile, Bedtime Stories - starring Adam Sandler and Courteney Cox - now ranks 3rd ($10.6 million) on the all-time Dec. 25 debuts list.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Marley & Me is the Weekend’s Top Dog

Read More | Variety

In Theaters This Holiday Week: December 25, 2008

The Spirit

Here are some possible suggestions for your holiday weekend:

Sequel News: Hairspray, Anchorman, School of Rock

Hairspray

Here’s the latest scoop on the sequel buzz spreading across Hollywood:

The film that inspired a Broadway show and an update may soon spawn another creation: a sequel. New Line Cinema, obviously encouraged by the success of the High School Musical franchise (and last week’s debut of Mamma Mia!), has asked John Waters to begin writing a treatment for a follow to .

According to Variety, the studio hopes to reunite members of last year’s cast in time for a 2010 release. The story would again be set in the 60’s, just where the Turnblad family left off.

While no actors have yet been lined up, most of the musical’s key players - including director/choreography - are scheduled to return.

Click to continue reading Sequel News: Hairspray, Anchorman, School of Rock

Read More | Variety

Disney Needs to Say No to Step Up Sequels

Step Up 2 PosterWhile this came as quite a shock to me, Disney is in serious talks with Step Up/Hairspray producer duo, Jennifer Gibgot and , to work on a third installment of the series.  This news comes after Step Up 2 the Streets surprisingly raked in $29 million over the President’s Day weekend.

The triquel is tentatively titled , as I’m sure Disney believes that format is the new way to go.  The recently successful Hannah Montana film was also released in 3D.

Someone needs to tell them to stop making so many bad movies. Seriously.

Read More | Variety

FilmCrunch 067: Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, Premonition reviewed


In this episode of FilmCrunch, Veronica Santiago and Neil Estep review Hairspray, along with the DVD release of Premonition. Neil also hits us with a 60 second review of I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. All that, plus your typical dose of hilarity, in this episode.

Now we want to hear from you - hit the forums and let us know what you think, what you want us to watch next, and any other recommendations you have for the show.


My Advice for Waitress’ Keri Russell

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Drama, Comedy, Casting, Celeb News

Ms. Russell:

Keri RussellI just recently watched the DVD of release of - you know, the movie you’ve been receiving all the acclaim and buzz for.  Let me first start off by saying that I thought you did an amazing job.  I was really happy to see you solidify your comeback since your heydey on Felicity.  (I’ll even forget that your critically panned exists.)

So now that I’ve gotten the compliments out of the way, I must now move on to the purpose of my note.  I read a very disturbing piece of news the other day and I’m hoping you will dispute the rumors. 

Please tell me it’s not true.  Please tell me you will not be starring in a comedy with .

Granted, (Hairspray) is slated to helm .  I understand the appeal.  But I’m begging you—don’t make an about face and go backwards with your career. 

If this film were on the dramatic end of the Sandler spectrum (like Reign Over Me, Spanglish or Punch-Drunk Love), you might have my support.  But playing the romantic interest in any Sandler comedy hasn’t really helped anyone.  Don’t align yourself with the of the world.  You’re better than that.  And how about ?  How did Click benefit her?  And does anyone remember role in Mr. Deeds?

You’ve already proven your comedic chops with your stint on .  Now it’s time to take advantage of the awards season hoopla.  Don’t tempt fate now by coming anywhere near a possible appearance.  Please.

Read More | Variety

Box Office Breakdown:  Geeks Fight Off Statham, Jet Li

Superbad

No, you are correct.  Superbad is one of the few movies that has managed to stay at #1 for more than one week this summer.  The movie that only cost $20 million to make now shares the Two-Timers title with Spider-Man 3 and Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End.  (And I’m guessing those movies cost a bit more to produce).

Not only did the high-schoolers hold back the action-packed War (starring Jason Statham and Jet Li), but so did the aging Bourne Ultimatum and British goof Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean’s Holiday).

Unfortunately, the Top 5 was so testosterone-laden that it didn’t leave any room for the film adaptation of The Nanny Diaries.  I’m wondering if more women were eager to see that hunky Statham than be reminded of their bratty kids waiting at home…

1. Superbad, Sony, $18,044,369
2. The Bourne Ultimatum, Universal, $12,472,215
3. Rush Hour 3, New Line, $11,706,643
4. Mr. Bean’s Holiday, Universal, $9,889,780
5. War, Lionsgate, $9,820,089
6. The Nanny Diaries, Weinstein Co., $7,480,927
7. The Simpsons Movie, Fox, $4,317,689
8. Stardust, Paramount, $3,872,560
9. Hairspray, New Line, $3,265,384
10. The Invasion, Warner Bros, $3,093,428


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