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Box Office Breakdown: High School Musical at the Top of the Class

High School Musical 3: Senior Year

This past week, the multiplexes had a little bit of something for everyone: politics, animals, music, dancing, thrillers, Oscar contenders and even horror. Not surprisingly, this meant a lot of dollars were shelled out in return.

As expected, the big screen debut of had tweeners (and their loving parents) all atwitter. Thanks to a $42 million debut, the G-rated film officially became the best musical opener of all time. (Mamma Mia! - with its $27.8 million - was the previous leader.)

Meanwhile, a film on the other end of the ratings spectrum was scaring up some decent dollars of its own. , which probably could have waited to premiere on Halloween, took in approximately $30 million over the last three days. Although it was pitted against the highly-anticipated Disney sequel, the movie carved out its own audience and raised first place-worthy numbers. Although the series is currently on its fifth life, the 2008 installment came within $4 million dollars of Saw III, the franchise’s best performer to date.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: High School Musical at the Top of the Class

Read More | Variety

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In Theaters This Weekend: October 24, 2008

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Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

  • High School Musical 3 (G): starring Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale (directed by Kenny Ortega)
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D (PG): starring Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey (directed by Henry Selick)
  • Pride and Glory (R): starring Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight (directed by Gavin O’Connor)
  • Saw V (R): starring Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson (directed by David Hackl)

  • Click to continue reading In Theaters This Weekend: October 24, 2008


    Actors Donate Paychecks to Heath Ledger’s Daughter

    Heath Ledger and MatildaBack in February, it was announced that Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell would all be chipping in to complete Heath Ledger’s final project. Now we’re learning the trio had more than their fellow thespian in mind when they agreed to help. They were also thinking of Ledger’s daughter, Matilda.

    Heath, who died of an accidental overdose back in January, had been working on at the time of his passing. Although it was feared the magical movie would have to be scrapped, director Terry Gilliam was able to have other actors play different versions of Tim, Ledger’s character.

    According to Gilliam, the generosity of the fill-ins extended beyond the film’s set. Out of concern for 2-year-old Matilda, the three fathers donated their paychecks to young girl.

    Click to continue reading Actors Donate Paychecks to Heath Ledger’s Daughter

    Read More | The Sun

    Colin Farrell Comments on Heath Ledger Role

    Collin FarrellJust last week we told you about the interesting plan devised for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, the movie Heath Ledger was working on when he died.

    A trio of A-list actors - Jude Law, and Johnny Depp - will be combining their efforts to fill the void left behind.  Given the magical nature of the film, the substitutes would be able to appear as different versions of Ledger’s character.

    In an interview with Australia’s Herald Sun, Farrell commented on his invitation and the unusual circumstances:

    “It makes me feel uncomfortable to think about it too much and to get into it really here but it’s an incredibly painful honour to have, you know, and an honour I wish wasn’t bestowed but an honour nonetheless.


    It’s about getting Heath’s work out there, get his work out there, he’s too good for any of his work not to be seen, you know, and I’m really keen and looking forward to doing it and just doing the best job I can do.”


    Farrell’s recent project, In Bruges, is still currently in theaters.

    Read More | Herald Sun

    Will Depp, Farrell and Law Fill in for Ledger?

    Heath LedgerA few weeks ago, we said there was a chance Heath Ledger’s last project might still go forward.  Director - who also worked with Ledger on 2005’s The Brothers Grimm - was doing his best to rework the uncompleted film.

    Now a new report claims that Heath (and Terry) may be getting a little help from a group of friends.  According to Ain’t It Cool News, Jude Law, Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp will all be helping to fill the gaps in .

    Parnassus revolves around a theater troupe and their magical mirror.  Audiences members are magically taken through the mirror to have their imaginations explored.

    Click to continue reading Will Depp, Farrell and Law Fill in for Ledger?

    Read More | Ain't It Cool News

    In Theaters This Weekend (2/8)

    Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins

    Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

    Interview With Martin McDonagh and Colin Farrell of ‘In Bruges’

    Colin Farrell and Martin McDonagh


    Last week, FilmCrunch had the opportunity to interview Martin McDonagh and Colin Farrell, director and star of the upcoming film In Bruges.

    Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are two hitmen sent to the Belgian city of Bruges after a botched job in London. They’ve been told by their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes), to do some sight-seeing, lie low and await further instruction. But the city, full of ancient architecture and historical landmarks, can’t satiate Ray and his need for distraction. The men venture out and soon discover that beneath the city’s quaint exterior lies a strange and disturbing underbelly, a surreal setting that causes them to begin to question life and death, right and wrong, and the purpose behind their little “vacation.”

    For more about the film, visit the official site or read the FilmCrunch review.

     

    Click to continue reading Interview With Martin McDonagh and Colin Farrell of ‘In Bruges’


    Review: In Bruges

    In Bruges screenshot


    I love when I come into a film having preconceptions, and they are totally obliterated and replaced with the feeling that I’ve found something unique, something I was unable to foresee. That may seem a bit dramatic—In Bruges is, after all, a fairly linear story. But writer/director Martin McDonagh injects a dark, reflective tone into what could’ve easily been a talk-‘em-up, shoot-‘em-up Guy Ritchie film; those who’ve seen the trailer know what I mean. And while Ritchie films are appealing in their own right, In Bruges deviates significantly, exhibiting characters who somehow transcend their quick wit and hardened exteriors to reveal—much like the city itself—great history and depth.

    Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are two hitmen sent to the Belgian city of Bruges after a botched job in London. They’ve been told by their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes), to do some sight-seeing, lie low and await further instruction. But the city, full of ancient architecture and historical landmarks, can’t satiate Ray and his need for distraction. The job-gone-wrong had been Ray’s first assignment as hitman, but the unspeakable mess left in London is but a slight snag for long-timer Ken, numb to the violence of his profession.

    Check out the FilmCrunch interview with Martin McDonagh and Colin Farrell.

    Click to continue reading Review: In Bruges


    In Theaters This Weekend (1/18)

    27 Dresses

    Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

    • 27 Dresses (PG-13):  starring Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman (directed by Anne Fletcher)
    • Cloverfield (PG-13):  starring Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman (directed by Matt Reeves)
    • Mad Money (PG-13):  starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes (directed by Callie Khouri)

    Click to continue reading In Theaters This Weekend (1/18)


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