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It’s deja vu all over again.

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, JANUARY 2-4, 2009

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Marley and Me - $24.1 million | 3,505 | $106.5 million | 2
2. Bedtime Stories - $20.3 million | 3,684 | $85.4 million | 2
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - $18.4 million | 2,988 | $79.0 million | 2
4. Valkyrie -  $14.0 million | 2,778 | $60.7 million | 2
5. Yes Man - $13.9 million | 3,434 | $79.4 million | 3

Does this look familiar? It should. Exact same top 5 order as last week.

Films like Revolutionary Road, The Wrestler and Gran Torino are doing well, but still sitting in limited release.

Next week we’ll get to see very typical January films … a horror (The Unborn), and ... Continue Reading

Here’s the press release from TWC annoucing a war movie that has the potential to be THE GREATEST WAR FLICK OF ALL TIME!.. too much? Have I already over-hyped? Sorry, here’s the info …
December 31, 2008 – The Weinstein Company (TWC) and Universal Pictures announced today that Academy Award-winning director Quentin Tarantino’s World War II epic, Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt, will open domestically August 21, 2009. The announcement was made by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC and David Linde, co-chairman of Universal Pictures who are partners in the film. TWC and Universal are co-financing and co-presenting the film with TWC handling domestic distribution and Universal handling international distribution. International release dates will be announced shortly.
As we reported yesterday, Watchmen is still on schedule to open in theaters (and IMAX) ... Continue Reading

Don’t worry, the Watchmen is still coming.

Fox has been trying to block Warner Bros. from the March release of the film Watchmen.

They say they own some rights to the film based on the most popular graphic novel of all time. Warner Bros. is ignoring them, but it all likelihood, they will have to open up their wallet, and hand some cash to Fox just to get them to shut up.

But all signs still point to March 6 when you can see Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley and Carla Gugino — sorry, I mean — Dr. Manhattan, Rorschach and Silk Spectre.

Source: Variety

There has been talk that Arrested Development has been down two cast members. Michael Cera and Will Arnett had not signed on yet. Well, it sounds like we can ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, DECEMBER 26-28, 2008

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Marley and Me - $37.0 million | 3,480 | $51.7 million | 1
2. Bedtime Stories - $28.1 million | 3,681 | $38.6 million | 1
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - $27.0 million | 2,988 | $39.0 million | 1
4. Valkyrie - $21.5 million | 2,711 | $30.0 million | 1
5. Yes Man - $16.5 million | 3,434 | $49.6 million | 2

Source: boxofficemojo.com

Marley and Me was the no-brain winner of the box-office this weekend. Just think what it could have done if Bedtime Stories (and it’s insanely low Rotten Tomatoes score) would not have come out.

For all the odd disdain for Valkyrie, it still did ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, DECEMBER 12-14, 2008

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. The Day the Earth Stood Still - $31.0 million | 3,560 | $31.0 million | 1

2. Four Christmases - $13.3 million | 3,540 | $88.0 million | 3

3. Twilight - $8.0 million | 3,649 | $150.1 million | 4

4. Bolt - $7.5 million | 3,133 | $88.9 million | 4

5. Australia - $4.3 million | 2,703 | $37.9 million | 3

Source: boxofficemojo.com

The Day the Earth Stood Still was pretty much guaranteed the top spot this weekend. But $31 million is a disappointment. Two new releases of note here … Nothing Like the Holidays failed to capture the spirit, landing at #7 with just $3.5 million. And completely forgotten is ... Continue Reading

More quotes and reactions for actors nominated for the Golden Globes.
The show will be on air January 11, 2009 live on NBC.

KATE WINSLET, nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, THE READER:
“Playing April Wheeler and Hannah Schmitz, two strong and complex characters was a true gift. To be recognized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for both performances is a genuine honor and I am incredibly grateful. I am forever thankful to my husband Sam Mendes, Leo and fellow cast members and for Justin’s beautiful script. I am equally proud to share this day with Stephen Daldry and David Hare.”

JAVIER BARDEM, nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical - VICKY ... Continue Reading

With the Golden Globe nominations out, that means people need to be happy and humble.
Here’s thoughts from Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, David Fincher and Eric Roth.

“It is so exciting to be nominated, but working with Emma was reward enough. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to win!”
- Dustin Hoffman, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, nominee for Best Actor (Musical or Comedy)

“Dustin and I had the best time making this film. It seems insane to get an award nomination on top of that, but I’m thrilled.”
- Emma Thompson, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, nominee for Best Actress (Musical or Comedy)

“I would like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Kathy Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Cean Chaffin, Paramount and Warner Bros. for allowing me to make this movie that I’ve wanted to make for ... Continue Reading

The awards have started. Here are the nominations for the 2008 Golden Globes. You may remember last year’s awards ceremony, it was the odd infomercial (due to the writers strike) with Queen Latifah.

Well, my first thoughts are there is no love for Valkyrie and very little love for The Dark Knight.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Leonardo DiCaprio, Revolutionary Road
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kristin Scott-Thomas, I’ve Loved You So Long
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Burn After Reading
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
Mamma Mia!
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

BEST PERFORMANCE ... Continue Reading

Overture Films is trying something new.

Available now on their website, you can download The Visitor and Last Chance Harvey. Though they are really pushing the first.

Overture Films is proud to announce the screenplay of The Visitor is now available online. Please visit www.overturefilms.net/awards/downloads.html to download your copy.

The inspiring story, written and directed by Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent), reminds us of the beauty of human connection and the impact one person can make in the lives of others. In The Visitor,  Richard Jenkins (“Six Feet Under,” Burn After Reading), a veteran actor for over 30 years, steps into the spotlight in his first leading role as Walter Vale, a Connecticut economics professor whose life is transformed by a chance encounter with a young immigrant couple in New York City.  The ... Continue Reading

Maybe it’s because I recently saw The Day the Earth Stood Still, and was completely underwhelmed, but Alien Trespass seems like a tough sell. Simply the names Urp and Ghota are going to be tough to work through. The one thing it does have going for it is the 1950’s. The problem with recent alien invasion flicks is that we have to spend time with technology (cell phones and news casts) instead of focusing on characters.

ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS TO RELEASE ALIEN TRESPASS

STARRING ERIC MCCORMACK

World Premiere at the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival

Los Angeles (December 5, 2008) - Roadside Attractions has acquired the U.S. theatrical rights to R.W. Goodwin’s (The X Files) colorful homage to 1950’s

Sci-fi alien invasion films, ALIEN TRESPASS.  The film stars Will & Grace’s, Eric McCormack in his ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, DECEMBER 5-7, 2008

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Four Christmases - $16.8 million | 3,335 | $70.8 million | 2

2. Twilight - $13.2 million | 3,620 | $138.6 million | 3

3. Bolt - $9.7 million | 3,516 | $79.3 million | 3

4. Australia - $7.0 million | 2,721 | $30.9 million | 2

5. Quantum of Solace - $6.6 million | 3,423 | $151.5 million | 4

Look closely, not one new film made it into the Top 5 this weekend. You’ll have to drop down all the way to the 7 spot … Punisher: War Zone bombed. Thank goodness. We shouldn’t reward mindless violence unless it’s the good kind. Yes, Quantum of Solace, I’m talking about you.

Cadillac Records ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, NOVEMBER 14-16, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Quantum of Solace (Sony / Columbia)
$70.4 million | 3,451 | $70.4 million | 1

2. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Paramount (DreamWorks))
$36.1 million | 4,065 | $118.0 million | 2

3. Role Models (Universal)
$11.7 million | 2,798 | $38.1 million | 2

4. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Buena Vista)
$5.9 million | 3,202 | $84.4 million | 4

5. Changeling (Universal)
$4.2 million | 1,896 | $27.6 million | 4

Source: www.boxofficemojo.com

Just as you would expect, Bond broke records. I predicted last week that it would pass Casino Royale’s opening weekend. But even I am a little surprised by $70 million.

Next week will be very interesting with Bolt and Twilight coming into play. It could be ... Continue Reading

Is there any actor better than Ed Norton right now?.. OK, the answer is probably yes. But please remember this is the man from Fight Club, American History X and The Painted Veil (which more people should have seen)… Well, maybe “Leaves of Grass” will bring him back. I mean, there’s two of him. What could go wrong?

HollywoodChicago.com — TSR’s news partner — just published a first-look production still for the comedic thriller “Leaves of Grass” in which Edward Norton stars as twin brothers. The film, which recently wrapped production in Shreveport, La., is due out in 2010. It also stars Richard Dreyfuss, Keri Russell and Susan Sarandon.

See the first-look “Leaves of Grass” production still at The Scorecard Review partner HollywoodChicago.com.

Sometimes rumors do become true. Will Smith will produce a new version of “The Karate Kid” with his 10-year-old kid, Jaden Smith, in the starring role. The confirmed news surfaced this week in contrast to denied reports from a year ago that Will Smith was planning to wax on a remake of the 1984 classic “The Karate Kid”.

Read the full news article at The Scorecard Review partner HollywoodChicago.com.

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, NOVEMBER 7-9, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Paramount (DreamWorks))
$63.5 million | 4,056 | $63.5 million | 1

2. Role Models (Universal)
$19.3 million | 2,792 | $19.3 million | 1

3. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Buena Vista)
$9.3 million | 3,464 | $75.7 million | 3

4. Changeling (Universal)
$7.3 million | 1,855 | $20.6 million | 3

5. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Weinstein Company)
$6.5 million | 2,735 | $20.9 million | 2

Source: boxofficemojo.com

The first Madagascar made $47 million in its opening weekend, so this can only mean one thing … expect more Madagascar.

Zack and Miri is slowly slipping away, already down to number five, the attempt at mainstream just didn’t seem to work for porn ... Continue Reading

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Buena Vista)
$15.0 million | 3,626 | $61.8 million | 2

2. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Weinstein Company)
$10.7 million | 2,735 | $10.7 million | 1

3. Saw V (Lionsgate)
$10.1 million | 3,084 | $45.8 million | 2

4. Changeling (Universal)
$9.4 million | 1,850 | $10.1 million | 2

5. The Haunting of Molly Hartley (Freestyle Releasing)
$6.0 million | 2,652 | $6.0 million | 1

Source: www.boxofficemojo.com

I like to think people chose parties and trick-or-treating with the kids over going to the theater. And I also like to think that the reason I underperformed on the Bayer Box Office Challenge was because I was too concerned on properly draping fake spider webs on the banister.

Here ... Continue Reading

If you haven’t heard … November will be the most important month in our lifetime. And from what I understand it has nothing to do with the latest Bond film.

Go vote.

Before we look forward, let’s take a look back at October.

There was just an insane amount of films released. Nobody even had time to focus on films like How to Lose Friends and Alienate People or Flash of Genius. And there was no film to dominate the box office except Beverly Hills Chihuahua, which I have decided I can’t fully rip on since I haven’t sat through it. It almost sounds worth it.

Here’s a quick list of the best of October.

5. City of Ember
4. Blindness
3. W.
2. Zack and Miri Make a Porno
1. Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist

Since ... Continue Reading

MOVIE OF THE WEEK —

Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Plot: Didn’t you read the title? Two friends (Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks) are out of cash and attempt to make some money through amateur porn.
Buzz: No, Judd Apatow isn’t directing. In fact, this is Kevin Smith’s chance to get back to being hip and relevant again.

Also Opening:
Changeling (wide)
The Haunting of Molly Hartley
RocknRolla
Fear(s) of the Dark
Ballast
Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story

The Haunting of Molly Hartley wasn’t screened in Portland or Chicago, which is probably for the best. Chace Crawford can only do so much right?

More importanly, we have iterviews from the directors of …
Fear(s) of the Dark
Ballast
and
Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story

and now it’s time to play –

Simply pick the Top 5 movies at the box office this ... Continue Reading

A wrap-up from Michael Kutza, the founder and artistic director, of the Chicago International Film Festival ….
50 COUNTRIES, 175 FILMS, 100 DIRECTORS

What more can a city ask for? This year more than ever, the Chicago International Film Festival opened your eyes to things you just don’t see every day. In our 44 years, we have been committed to taking you across the globe to discover some of the most exciting cinema the world has to offer. The new voices, new ideas, new storytellers, new stars. I feel we have the perfect mix of star-studded red carpet premieres and cutting-edge world cinema for serious filmgoers.

The two weeks of the Chicago Festival are still packed full of once-in-a-lifetime events where you will see things that may never hit the Chicago screens again! ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, OCTOBER 24-26, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Total Gross | Week #

1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year - $42.0 million | $42.0 million | 1

2. Saw V - $30.5 million | $30.5 million | 1

3. Max Payne - $7.6 million | $29.7 million | 2

4. Beverly Hills Chihuahua - $6.9 million | $78.1 million | 4

5. Pride & Glory - $6.3 million | $6.3 million | 1

Source: boxofficemojo.com

Just as I predicted … almost.

These were my picks -

1. HSM 3
2. Saw 5
3. Max Payne
4. Pride & Glory
5. Beverly Hills Chihuahua

For some reason I thought Ed Norton and Colin Farrell could somehow manage to make over $7 million and beat a little dog that’s been around for a month now. Next week can we ... Continue Reading

Movie of the WEAK?!

Pride and Glory
Plot: One family has a long history of New York City Police officers. The family’s moral codes are tested when Ray (Edward Norton), investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal involving his own brother-in-law (Colin Farrell).
Buzz: Norton is on the short list for top American actor and Farrell can do it (In Bruges) so we’ll see what director Gavin O’Connor (Tumbleweeds, Miracle) can do with this gritty cop drama.

Also Opening:
Saw V
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D (re-release)
Changeling - In Chicago
Happy-Go-Lucky

I am happy and confident to report that Saw V will not win the box office this weekend. But the fact that it will be taken over by HSM 3 … should I really feel good about any ... Continue Reading

Weekend Box Office Results:

1 Max Payne - $18,000,000
2 Beverly Hills Chihuahua - $11,200,000
3 The Secret Life of Bees - $11,050,000
4 W. - $10,550,000
5 Eagle Eye - $7,343,000

Queen Latifah beats the President. Max Payne kills the chihuahua.

The Secret Life of Bees has the highest per screen average at $6,945.

I haven’t figured out how, but I’m going to change up the box office preview/review. Until I figure out the perfect system, TSR’s Box Office Challenge will be on a slight hold. I’ll still be attempting to predict the order of the top 5, and for the record, I won again …

Jeff Bayer = 9 points

1. Max Payne
2. Beverly Hills Chihuahua
3. W.
4. Sex Drive
5. Body of Lies ... Continue Reading

OPENING THIS WEEK –

Movie of the Week:
W.
Plot: Oliver Stone directs a film about the life and times of George Walker Bush (he’s the president).
Buzz: All signs point to Josh Brolin’s characterization of the president to be spot on. With Stone, it’s always about the buttons he’s attempting to push, not just the story.

Also Opening:
Max Payne
Sex Drive
The Secret Life of Bees
What Just Happened?

And we will have reviews of all the major movies this week.
Max Payne - McLaughlin (the gamer) and Bayer (the wanna-be gamer, but has never actually played the game)
Sex Drive - both him (Pardee) and her (McLaughlin) perspectivies
The Secret Life of Bees - Bayer
What Just Happened? - De Salvo
W. - De Salvo (it just made sense since he was already seeing one movie that started with a ‘w.’

And now ... Continue Reading

I saw Crawford in the Spring at SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas. It’s a film all about the tiny little town of Crawford, TX and the man that moved there. It’s a good documentary that gives yet another angle to President George W. Bush and his political machine.

An independent film can be a tough sell and Crawford is the first film to make it’s debut on Hulu.com–a Web site completely worth checking out, if nothing else for it’s “Saturday Night Live” collection.

And here’s an email from the Crawford team … I recommend checking out the film on hulu.com.
After 3 years of filmmaking, we’re thrilled to say: CRAWFORD is yours!

On our new website you’ll find a beautiful double-disc DVD, replete with some truly incredible extras

Can we ignore the fact that Body of Lies failed to hit the top two at the box office this weekend? Instead let’s focus on the positive, like this Reuters article.

And by the way … this opening will kill chances for Body of Lies to get any notice come awards season. Unless this is a very poor year for Best Supporting Actor, and then maybe Russell Crowe and his 45 extra pounds will get a nomination.

By Bob Tourtellotte

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Born of Hollywood, acting as a teenager, Oscar-nominated by age 19, Leonardo DiCaprio is a product of the film studio’s star-making machine.

He made young women swoon in the biggest box office hit of all-time, 1997’s “Titanic,” but his youthful looks meant the transition to strong, leading man ... Continue Reading

This Last Title
1 1 Beverly Hills Chihuahua - $17,511,000
2 N Quarantine - $14,200,000
3 N Body of Lies - $13,120,000
4 2 Eagle Eye - $11,015,000
5 3 Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist - $6,500,000
6 N The Express - $4,731,000
7 4 Nights in Rodanthe - $4,610,000
8 5 Appaloosa - $3,340,000
9 20 The Duchess - $3,322,000
10 N City of Ember - $3,200,000

N = new release this week
Source: boxofficemojo.com

Do you feel that? That’s the misunderstanding of the world. A talking dog and a horror film beat out two of the biggest stars in the weekend box office.

I almost feel guilty. Here is the winning prediction from Box Office Preview - October 12, 2008 …
Jeff Bayer = 2 points.
1. Body of Lies
2. The Express
3. Beverly Hills Chihuahua
4. Eagle Eye
5. Quarantine

That’s right. Out of nine predictions, there was only one guess that was right. Eagle Eye in the four hole. ... Continue Reading

Movie of the Week:
Body of Lies
Plot: A CIA operative (Leonardo DiCaprio) uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan.
Buzz: Yeah, the plot is secondary. DiCaprio teaming up with Russel Crowe is the real interest here. And so far, when Ridley Scott directs Crowe, good things happen (Gladiator and American Gangster).

Also Opening:
City of Ember
The Express
Quarantine
Happy-Go-Lucky

The Beverly Hills Chihuahua must be stopped and DiCaprio plus Crowe should be enough to do the trick. Quarantine did not have an advanced screening in Portland or Chicago, so as always be careful with that.

We have two new writers joining our staff this week.
The reviews for the weekend…
Morrow McLaughlin - Body of Lies
Nick Allen - Body of Lies & The Express
Jeff Bayer - Happy-Go-Lucky & City of Ember

And now ... Continue Reading

The film Soul Men might have started out at a comedy-drama, but now it has a different meaning. Bernie Mac stars in the film and Issac Hayes has a cameo. Both are featured on the soundtrack. Stax Records will release the soundtrack on November 4. Here is a press release from Stax.
Authentic soul music and superstar musical performances are the consistent theme and backdrop for the side-splitting comedy, Soul Men, starring entertainment icons Bernie Mac, who passed away on August 9, and award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson. The film also includes a cameo appearance by Isaac Hayes who died the day after Mac in unrelated circumstances. Soul Men, directed by Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Undercover Brother, Roll, Bounce) will be released November 7, 2008 nationwide (Dimension ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, OCTOBER 3-5, 2008

1. Beverly Hills Chihuahua - $29.0 million
2. Eagle Eye - $17.7 million
3. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist - $12.0 million
4. Nights in Rodanthe - $7.4 million
5. Appaloosa - $5.0 million

Source: BoxOfficeMojo.com

Beverly Hills Chihuahua also had the highest per screen average with over $9,000. Second was the limited release Bill Maher film Religulous at $6,972 per screen. Barely anyone say Flash of Genius or Blindness.

It’s like my own personal Apocalypse … Audiences flock to a film about a chihuahua, the Iowa Hawkeyes pretty much declare their season is over and the Chicago Cubs … sigh, let’s just say I am canceling my return trip to Chicago for the World Series.

But there is good news as well, the TSR staff won the Box ... Continue Reading

Another huge slew of films hit theaters this weekend.

An American Carol
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Blindness
Flash of Genius
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Appaloosa

We did see everything except An American Carol and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. I can’t imagine anyone is sad about that.

And now it’s time for everyone’s (or at least 12 people’s) favorite new game …
Here’s how it works, just decide the order. Points are awarded as such …
#1 at the box office = 5 points
2 = 4 points
3 = 3 points
4 = 2 points
5 = 1 point

Your goal: Try to beat us. Our goal: Prove our dominance.
Currently our dominance has not been dominant. In fact, we are 0-2.

Dvaid Pohl
1. Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist
2. Beverly Hills Chihuahua
3. Eagle Eye
4. Flash of Genius
5. How to ... Continue Reading

Charlie Kaufman’s mind is at it again. The writer behind Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is set to direct his first feature film, Synecdoches, New York, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, and now the film’s website is following in its creative footsteps. View the Synecdoches, New York website here. Sony Pictures released this statement …

The website for writer Charlie Kaufman’s directorial debut “SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK,” was designed and programmed by 1 Trick Pony, in coordination with Sony Pictures Classics and the filmmakers. Its’ design utilizes a variety of film stills and imagery to convey the movie’s tone which helps illustrate the overlapping of the actors’ roles in the film. Those entering the site can view full profiles of the main Cast and Crew, as well as ‘Synopsis,’ ‘Trailer’ and ‘Reviews & Links’ sections. These sections include cartoon/animations developed by Corduroy Road Productions (who also produced the animation seen in the film). The site has been programmed in ‘Flash’ to allow for the variety of subtle animation techniques and also uses selections from Jon Brion’s unique film score as background audio.

Sony Picture Classics will release SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK on October 24th in select cities and nationally throughout November.

From Charlie Kaufman, comes a visual and philosophic adventure, “SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK”. As he did with his groundbreaking scripts for “Being John Malkovich”, “Adaptation”, and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, Kaufman twists and subverts form and language as he delves into the mind of a man who, obsessed with his own mortality, sets out to construct a massive artistic enterprise that could give some meaning to his life. ... Continue Reading

Robert Downey Jr. is still continuing this blockbuster pace. With Iron Man arriving on DVD, and Tropic Thunder still fresh in everyone’s minds, Downey is set to begin production on the most famous detective of all time …

Principal photography is set to begin on location in London for the action adventure mystery “Sherlock Holmes,” being helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie, for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.

Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life as he has never been portrayed before. Jude Law stars as Holmes’ trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Mark Strong stars as their mysterious new adversary, Blackwood. Kelly Reilly will play Watson’s love interest, Mary.

Based on an original story/comic book by Lionel Wigram, inspired by the classic tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the film will be produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin. Steve Clark-Hall and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.

In a dynamic new portrayal of Conan Doyle’s famous characters, “Sherlock Holmes” sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country. ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2008

1. Eagle Eye - $29.2 million
2. Nights in Rodanthe - $13.6 million
3. Lakeview Terrace - $7.0 million
4. Fireproof - $6.5 million
5. Burn After Reading - $6.2 million

Source: boxofficemojo.com

Kirk Cameron, box office star. Whoever had that in your office pool from 1987, congrats, it’s time for your co-workers to finally pay up. Fireproof is Cameron’s latest film that is closely tied to religion. It was only released on 839 screens which means Cameron’s film had BY FAR the highest per screen average of the top 5.

Eagle Eye did what it was supposed to do, and LaBeuof will continue to get starring roles because of it. I just hope he doesn’t simply continue with the action genre. He’s got a small role in New York ... Continue Reading

Opening this weekend:

Eagle Eye
Fireproof
Miracle at St. Anna
Nights in Rodanthe
Choke
Forever Strong
The Lucky Ones

And we have plenty of reviews this week. Three for Eagle Eye (trying something new with a plethora of opinions), two for Miracle at St. Anna, and then we also review The Lucky Ones, Choke, and Nights in Rodanthe.

This was my week of high hopes. I was expecting big things out of Spike Lee, Shia LaBeouf and Sam Rockwell. I guess I’ll wait until next time.

And now it’s time for everyone’s (or at least 12 people’s) favorite new game … Here’s how it works, just decide the order. Points are awarded as such …
#1 at the box office = 5 points
2 = 4 points
3 = 3 points
4 = 2 points
5 = 1 point

Your goal: Try to beat us. Our ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2008

1. Lakeview Terrace - $15.6 million
2. Burn After Reading - $11.3 million
3. My Best Friend’s Girl - $8.3 million
4. Igor - $8.0 million
5. Righteous Kill - $7.7 million

Well, I was right. But unfortunately it was only once. Lakeview Terrace claimed the number one spot. Here’s how the Box Office Preview game played out for Sept. 19…

Bayer, Pohl and Pardee tie. No winners (for the staff) again this week. But Kyle comes out of nowhere and proves sun shines on a dog’s arse every once in a while. Well done Kyle, almost perfect nailing the first four spots for a total of 14 points. Feel free to talk all the trash you want. ... Continue Reading

The new films getting wide release this week are:

Lakeview Terrace - 6/10, reviewed by Pohl
Igor - I’ve seen the trailer, and I’m not impressed with the animation, yet another Cusack miss
My Best Friend’s Girl - no screening in Portland, that smells like a stinker
Ghost Town - 4/10, reviewed by Bayer

Let’s play a game. We attempted this last week, but we’re calling that the preseason.
It’s time to predict the Top 5 at the box office this weekend.
Here’s how it works, just decide the order. Points are awarded as such …

#1 at the box office = 5 points
2 = 4 points
3 = 3 points
4 = 2 points
5 = 1 point

Your goal: Try to beat us.
Our goal: Prove our dominance.

Just add your predictions below, and yes, it’s kind of cheating if ... Continue Reading

With leaves changing, the weather cooling and football fully caked into the air (and weekend plans) it’s time to start thinking ahead of the spend your time in the theaters.

Here’s a quick guide to October movies, but before we get to that, let’s talk about the biggest disappointment this fall. “Saturday Night Live.” Currently 0-2, with Michael Phelps and James Franco hosting the first two episodes there has been one great sketch (Tina Fey as Sarah Palin), and one great idea (James Franco as Agent 420). That’s it. How could they not spend the entire summer thinking and planning? If nothing else every single season premiere should have a sketch of all the things they missed making fun of during the summer.

The good news … Anna Faris is hosting 9/28 ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Burn After Reading (Focus Features)
$19.4 million | 2,651 | $19.4 million | 1

2. Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys (Lionsgate)
$18.0 million | 2,070 | $18.0 million | 1

3. Righteous Kill (Overture Films)
$16.5 million | 3,152 | $16.5 million | 1

4. The Women (2008) (Picturehouse)
$10.1 million | 2,962 | $10.1 million | 1

5. The House Bunny (Sony / Columbia)
$4.3 million | 2,763 | $42.2 million | 4

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

Wow, what happened to Tropic Thunder — it dropped out of the top 5. Oh well, guess it was time to go with so many new films opening this weekend.

And we have a new competition here on TSR. Staff ... Continue Reading

Press Release from Focus Features –

Production begins today on location in Minnesota on A Serious Man, for Focus Features and Working Title Films. Joel and Ethan Coen, Academy Award winners for No Country for Old Men and Fargo, are writing, producing, and directing the film. Working Title co-chairs Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are executive-producing the film with Robert Graf, who has worked on the Coens’ last six features in various producing capacities.

The director of photography on A Serious Man is seven-time Academy Award nominee Roger Deakins, who is marking his tenth feature collaboration with the Coens. Mary Zophres is the film’s costume designer, marking her ninth feature collaboration with the Coens. Jess Gonchor is the production designer, marking his third feature collaboration with the Coens. ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Bangkok Dangerous (Lionsgate)
$7.8 million | 2,650 | $7.8 million | 1

2. Tropic Thunder (Paramount (DreamWorks)
$7.5 million | 3,446 | $96.8 million | 4

3. The House Bunny (Sony / Columbia)
$5.9 million | 2,736 | $37.0 million | 3

4. The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.)
$5.7 million | 2,575 | $512.2 million | 8

5. Traitor (Overture Films)
$4.7 million | 2,108 | $17.7 million | 2

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

Wow, no one saw movies this last weekend. I assume this was due to some football. Both college football and the NFL were in full swing this weekend, and next to Nic Cage in an action movie, there wasn’t much of a choice.

“The Dark ... Continue Reading

Bruce Springsteen is back to working on soundtracks. Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain) has gotten the Jersey native to craft a song for the final credits to his new film The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke. This quote is directly from Aronofsky’s blog.

off to venice on wednesday. but i wanted to just share with you all the other music news i talked about in the past post. bruce springsteen wrote a beautiful original song for the closing the film. called THE WRESTLER it is a wonderful acoustic piece. makes me choke up every time i hear it. he really captured the spirit of the film and mickey’s character in the piece.
This adds to the already impressive list of “Streets of Philadelphia,” “Dead Man Walkin’” and “Secret Garden.” ... Continue Reading

About a week ago, I tried to find a decent guide to the Fall TV season. It couldn’t be done, and Entertainment Weekly hadn’t completed their Fall TV issue yet, so I was lost.

Now I am found. The TV Addict designed a nice, printable guide to the Fall 2008 TV season.

I am shocked to learn that I have to wait until October 30, 2008 for the first “30 Rock” episode. And I assume I have to watch “Friday Night Lights” online this season since I don’t have DirecTV. Perhaps someone will explain.

Anyway, I fully believe their is more to life than movies, and the TV Addict clearly understands.

CLICK HERE to download the Fall TV 2008 Season Premiere Printable Calendar ... Continue Reading

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Tropic Thunder (Paramount (DreamWorks)
$14.3 million | 3,473 | $86.6 million | 3

2. Babylon A.D. (Fox)
$12.0 million | 3,390 | $12.0 million | 1

3. The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.)
$11.0 million | 2,750 | $504.7 million | 7

4. The House Bunny (Sony / Columbia)
$10.2 million | 2,714 | $29.8 million | 2

5. Traitor (Overture Films)
$10.0 million | 2,054 | $11.5 million | 1

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

My “quality rank” of the Top 5.
Dark Knight
Tropic Thunder
House Bunny
Traitor
Babylon A.D.

My scores for those films actually goes 9, 8, 7, 6 and then Babylon messes everything up by getting a 4. I haven’t written that review yet and might just give a quick blurb. Good start, terrible finish pretty much seems ... Continue Reading

Roger Ebert, the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times wrote an open letter to Jay Mariotti, who recently quit the newspaper. This is the opening …

What an ugly way to leave the Sun-Times. It does not speak well for you. Your timing was exquisite. You signed a new contract, waited until days after the newspaper had paid for your trip to Beijing at great cost, and then resigned with only an email. You saved your explanation for a local television station.

As someone who was working here for 24 years before you arrived, I think you owed us more than that. You owed us decency. The fact that you saved your attack for TV only completes our portrait of you as a rat.

To read the article in its entirety – ... Continue Reading

A press release has announced that beginning today, DreamWorks Pictures is offering an original documentary “Rain Of Madness,” for download exclusively on the iTunes Store.
________________________
“Rain of Madness,” starring Jay Baruchel, Jack Black, Steve Coogan, Robert Downey Jr., Bill Hader, Nick Nolte and Ben Stiller is a companion piece to the hit comedy “Tropic Thunder,” which debuted in theaters nationwide on August 13, and serves as a documentary of the making-of the feature film. It was shot on location in Hawaii, at the same locations used in the feature film, and details the demise of the fictitious cast & crew of “Tropic Thunder”, as they struggle to finish shooting their film despite numerous shooting, budgeting and casting problems.

“We wanted to do a fake documentary about the making of the movie ... Continue Reading

SCI FI Wire is now confirming that star Shia LaBeouf’s hand injury has become part of the film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. LaBeouf’s hand was injured in a car accident earlier in August. The film is hoping for a release date of June 26, 2009.
“Shia just got back to the set last week,” Roberto Orci, co-writer, said in an interview in New York on Aug. 25, where he was promoting his upcoming Fox TV series Fringe. “We incorporated his injury into it. Not because it was absolutely necessary, but [director] Michael [Bay] in particular wanted to be able to protect him on the set.”

“He’s still going to be running around in this movie,” said Orci. “[Bay] literally just wanted, for [LaBeouf's] safety, … to make sure that we weren’t ... Continue Reading

Atlantic Records has announced the release of “NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST: ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK,” the musical companion to the upcoming Columbia Pictures/Mandate Pictures film.

Due in stores and online on September 23rd, the album features tracks from some of indie rock’s best and brightest, including Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses, We Are Scientists, Bishop Allen, and Devendra Banhart. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is slated to open in theatres nationwide on October 3rd.

In addition to songs by such artists as Richard Hawley, The Real Tuesday Weld, and the late, great Chris Bell, the soundtrack also features a previously unreleased tune from L.A.-based newcomers Army Navy, as well as an exclusive selection from the film’s score, performed by its legendary composer, Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO, Rugrats, Big Love ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, AUGUST 22-24, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Tropic Thunder (Paramount (DreamWorks))
$16.1 million | 3,352 | $65.7 million | 2

2. The House Bunny (Sony / Columbia)
$15.1 million | 2,714 | $15.1 million | 1

3. Death Race (Universal)
$12.3 million | 2,532 | $12.3 million | 1

4. The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.)
$10.3 million | 3,163 | $489.2 million | 6

5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner Bros.)
$5.7 million | 3,452 | $25.0 million | 2

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

Wow, this played out exactly like I hoped. Tropic Thunder deserves a second week at the top, House Bunny definitely had enough laughs and clearly appealed to more than just girls. Death Race … should have been much better.

So far ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, AUGUST 15-17, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Tropic Thunder (Paramount (DreamWorks)
$26.0 million | 3,319 | $37.0 million | 1

2. The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.)
$16.8 million | 3,590 | $471.5 million | 5

3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner Bros.)
$15.5 million | 3,452 | $15.5 million | 1

4. Mirrors (Fox)
$11.1 million | 2,664 | $11.1 million | 1

5. Pineapple Express (Sony / Columbia)
$10.0 million | 3,072 | $62.9 million | 2

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

Some good news and bad news. Batman is dead. OK, not dead, just not first anymore. But Ben Stiller’s Tropic Thunder definitely worked hard to entertain. Perhaps the best news is The Clone Wars underperformed. True, this will probably only make George ... Continue Reading

Warner Bros. Pictures released the following statement…
Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that it has moved back the release date of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” to Summer 2009. The sixth installment of the blockbuster Harry Potter franchise will now open day-and-date domestically and in the major international markets on July 17, 2009. The announcement was made by Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros.

In making the announcement, Mr. Horn stated, “Our reasons for shifting ‘Half-Blood Prince’ to summer are twofold: we know the summer season is an ideal window for a family tent pole release, as proven by the success of our last Harry Potter film, which is the second-highest grossing film in the franchise, behind only the first installment. Additionally, like every other studio, we are ... Continue Reading