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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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Box Office Breakdown: Tropic Thunder Wins the Death Race

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: 20th Century Fox, DreamWorks, MGM, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Horror, Musicals, Romance, Sequels, Comedy, Box Office, Lists, New Releases

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

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Box Office Breakdown: Dark Knight Struck Down by Tropic Thunder

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: 20th Century Fox, DreamWorks, MGM, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Horror, Musicals, Romance, Sequels, Comedy, Thrillers, Box Office, Lists

Tropic Thunder

Despite a somewhat disappointing opening last Wednesday ($6.5 million), actually managed to surpass the four-time box office winner. The comedy grossed $25.8 million over the past three days, nearly $10 million more than its caped competitor.

And while Ben Stiller should be happy by his movie’s accomplishment, the Dreamworks/Paramount film still left a lot to be desired. Recent comedies such as Get Smart ($38.6 million) and Step Brothers ($30.9 million) debuted to better numbers. But then those two films didn’t have a distraction like Michael Phelps to contend with.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Dark Knight Struck Down by Tropic Thunder

Read More | Variety

Box Office Breakdown: Batman Smokes Pineapple Express

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Disney, New Line, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Musicals, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Thrillers

Pineapple Express

’ strong open last week made number crunchers wonder: Would this be the week Batman was finally taken down? Unfortunately, breaking the record for ‘Any Wednesday in August’ doesn’t necessarily mean a movie will succeed on Friday or Saturday or Sunday. And despite Pineapple‘s promising start (the movie grossed $12.1 million on its first day), the comedy found itself smoked by the Caped Crusader.

’s recent $26 million take has now pushed the film past $441 million. When the sequel passes Star Wars‘ $461 million (which should happen shortly), it will become the #2 film of all time. By staying on top for the fourth weekend in a row, Knight has also accomplished something that hasn’t been done since 2003’s Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Batman Smokes Pineapple Express

Read More | Yahoo! Movies

Box Office Breakdown: The Dark Knight Fights Off the Mummy

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: 20th Century Fox, Disney, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Family, Music, Mystery, Romance, Sequels, Comedy, Box Office, Lists, New Releases

The Mummy's Michelle Yeoh

It was a close one. A very close one. But after a tight contest, once again emerged as the box office winner this weekend.

Although it initially appeared as if was going to bring Batman down, the three-quel lost steam at the end. The film, which grossed $40.4 million over the past three days, narrowly lost out to Knight and wound up being the lowest performer in its series. (The Mummy opened at $43.4 million in 1999 while The Mummy Returns scored $68 million in 2001.)

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: The Dark Knight Fights Off the Mummy

Read More | Variety

Brangelina Babies Born…What’s Next?

Posted by K.C. Morgan
Categories: Action, Adaptation, Casting, Celeb News, Celebrity Gossip, Upcoming Releases

Brangelina

Unless you managed to seal yourself in a cave the past few weeks, you know the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie twins have been born. This Hollywood power couple has never let grass grow under their feet - so what’s next for the industrious pair? Not much has been confirmed, but one thing is certain - these two just aren’t going to stop making headlines.

In case you haven’t heard the news, is making money hand over fist (domestically, the film has already made well over an astronomical $300 million). It’s only natural that talk of a new Batman installment is already circulating.

None of those associated with the current Batman movies have said much about the possible flick, but one star from the past has stepped forward to put in her two cents. Julie Newmar, the iconic Catwoman who played opposite Adam West’s Batman, has nominated for her former role. “Angelina would own the part,” Newmar stated to the New York Daily News.

Click to continue reading Brangelina Babies Born…What’s Next?

Read More | AOL News

Box Office Breakdown: The Dark Knight Hits $300 Million

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: 20th Century Fox, Disney, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Drama, Family, Musicals, Romance, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Box Office, Lists, New Releases

The Dark Knight

Despite the combined forces of Ferrell/Reilly and Duchovny/Anderson, Team Bale/Ledger could not be slowed down.

This past week, added a few more records to the franchise’s box office mantle:

  • The film became the fastest movie ever to surpass the $300 million mark. (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest crossed that line in 16 days; Knight did it in 10.)
  • The sequel is now predicted to break $400 million in approximately 18 days. Shrek 2 took 43 days to the same in 2004.
  • IMAX theaters also continue to benefit from the blockbuster’s success. Another $4.6 million was grossed over the weekend.
  • It’s now believed the latest Batman installment could soar to $500 million - making it only the second movie to do so. Domestically, ($601 million) still reigns as the box office champ. (The original Star Wars pocketed $461 million while Shrek 2 earned $436 million.)

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: The Dark Knight Hits $300 Million

Read More | Variety

Snyder Pleases Fans at Comic-Con With Additional Watchmen Footage

Posted by Kathleen Kane
Categories: Paramount, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Classics, Horror, Noir, Political, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers, Distribution, Filmmaking, Rumors, Trailers, Upcoming Releases

New Watchmen posterContinuing to update you on everything Watchmen related, we’ve got the news from San Diego this past weekend.

Absolutely everyone and their mother were talking about Watchmen after Comic-Con, drooling over the eight new posters revealed, as well as an extended trailer.

One of the last shots of the trailer, that which depicts Mr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) blowing up enemy soldiers, is more gore-happy detailed. The trailer also included quick shots of the Comedian’s (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) scar origins as well as Laurie (Malin Akerman) unzipping her costume…

“People are starting to realize that superhero movies don’t just exist as mindless entertainment. They talk about stuff that’s serious,” director Zack Snyder commented in reference to The Dark Knight. And that’s exactly why we love you and Nolan, Mr. Snyder!

Click to continue reading Snyder Pleases Fans at Comic-Con With Additional Watchmen Footage

Read More | E! Online

Pineapple Express Meets Disinterest at Comic-Con

Posted by Kathleen Kane
Categories: Columbia Pictures, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Box Office, Rumors, Upcoming Releases

Comic-Con goers didn't care much for Pineapple ExpressWhile it never appears to be a good sign when at least a third of an audience leaves prior to one’s panel at Comic-Con, I am definitely rooting for Pineapple Express when it hits theaters in a couple weeks!

As depressing as that can be for anyone at such a hyped event, I would venture to say that Judd Apatow’s latest project failed to meet success at the event due to misplacement. I mean, promoting a stoner movie to die-hard comic book fans? These are audiences who went crazy last year over The Dark Knight and The Incredible Hulk, and this year with Watchmen—not exactly the type whose favorite movies include Dazed and Confused or Dude, Where’s My Car?.

Click to continue reading Pineapple Express Meets Disinterest at Comic-Con

Read More | E! Online

Christian Bale Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Family

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Celeb News, Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Controversy, Rumors

Christian BaleUPDATE: No charges will be filed against Bale for the July 20 incident.

Is as dark off-camera as the characters he plays on screen?

According to Britain’s The Sun, the actor was arrested by police in London earlier today after reportedly assaulting his mother and sister at the Dorchester Hotel on Sunday. That is where Christian has been staying since arriving for Monday’s premiere of . Although the two women reported the incident to police yesterday, officers chose to wait until after the red carpet affair before speaking to Bale.

It is customary in England for police to arrest someone before he has been questioned in connection to a crime. Since the 34-year-old has not yet been charged, a department spokesman could not specifically name Christian in the official statement:

“A 34-year-old man attended a central London police station this morning by appointment. He was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault. He currently remains in custody.”

Bale is next scheduled to be in Spain on Thursday for the Barcelona premiere.

Read More | The Sun

Box Office Breakdown: Record-Breaking Weekend for The Dark Knight

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: 20th Century Fox, Disney, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Musicals, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Box Office, Lists, New Releases

Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight

Okay, let’s not beat around the bush. We all know was huge. But how big exactly was it? Let’s break the numbers down:

  • The film grossed approximately $158.3 million, beating the record set by ($151.1 million) last year. The total already comes within reach of Tim Burton’s Batman. (The $251.2 million grosser has been the best earner in the franchise so far.)
  • Knight pulled in $18.5 million during its Friday midnight screenings alone. The previous record holder was 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith ($16.9 million).
  • The movie had the best Friday total ever: $67.8 million.
  • The sequel earned $6.2 million from IMAX showings alone. That number, again, beat Spider-Man 3 ($4.7 million).
  • In one weekend, The Dark Knight grossed more than the last three Batman installments made in their opening weekends combined.
  • The Christopher Nolan feature, along with the strong performance from , helped the industry attain the best box office weekend ever. Mamma‘s $27.6 million outperformed last year’s Hairspray ($27.5 million) to become the biggest musical opener ever.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Record-Breaking Weekend for The Dark Knight

Read More | Variety

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