9 Tagged Articles at Cinematical
Weekend Box Office: Tyler Perry, the Surest Bet in Town
Filed under: New Releases », Box Office »
Ho-hum, another Tyler Perry movie, another first place opening. The man is a franchise unto himself, obviously, and it's somewhat heartening that this -- his seventh film in four years -- is his consensus best; maybe Lionsgate will actually screen his next one (coming in April, natch) for critics. I Can Do Bad All By Myself didn't put up the numbers that Madea Goes to Jail did earlier this year (despite the apparent presence of Madea -- I wonder if her name in the title is what makes the difference), but $24 million was more than enough for first place on a low-key weekend. Interesting that first second and third place this week went to films by Lionsgate, Focus and the Weinstein Co., respectively. Second place went to Focus's 9, which opened on Wednesday to mixed reviews and around $15 million for the five days; the distributor aimed low, with a 1600 screen release, and the film did probably as well as it could have, despite that spectacular trailer. Inglourious Basterds, still holding up pretty well, took third and crossed the $100 million mark.
Further down the list we see a weird glut of late-summer horror: Whiteout and Sorority Row opened against each other, just a couple weeks after The Final Destination and Halloween II opened against each other. Both of this week's openers wound up with about $5 million to show for it; given that neither is a brand name or particularly distinctive, they probably didn't lose much. Halloween II sank out of the top 10, while The Final Destination hung around and is now the top-grossing movie in the franchise with $58 million.
The top ten films after the jump.
Box Office: Whiting Out Nine Bad Sororities
Filed under: Animation », Comedy », Horror », Box Office Predictions »
Last week's new releases took a pummeling from the holdovers from the previous weeks. None of last week's newbies did better than third, with Mike Judge's new comedy Extract landing way back in ninth place. Here's the top five:
1. The Final Destination: $15.3 million
2. Inglourious Basterds: $14.9 million
3. All About Steve: $14 million
4. Gamer: $11.2 million
5. District 9: $9.1 million
Four new ones this week.
9
What's It All About: Animated feature based on director Shane Acker's short film of the same name. In a post-apocalyptic future where humanity seemingly no longer exists, a group of rag doll-like creatures band together to survive the onslaught of machines intent on their destruction.
Why It Might Do Well: Based on the trailer this looks like an imaginative and beautifully designed film and it doesn't hurt that one of the producers is Tim Burton.
Why It Might Not Do Well: 59% at Rottentomatoes.com is a little discouraging.
Number of Theaters: 1,638
Prediction: $9 million
Sorority Row
What's It All About: A crazed killer is messily dispatching college students who were responsible for the death of a schoolmate.
Why It Might Do Well: Maybe the folks who went to see Halloween 2 are still in the mood for some slice 'em dice 'em action.
Why It Might Not Do Well: No star power and a story that looks even less original than most slasher films.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $8 million
1. The Final Destination: $15.3 million
2. Inglourious Basterds: $14.9 million
3. All About Steve: $14 million
4. Gamer: $11.2 million
5. District 9: $9.1 million
Four new ones this week.
9 What's It All About: Animated feature based on director Shane Acker's short film of the same name. In a post-apocalyptic future where humanity seemingly no longer exists, a group of rag doll-like creatures band together to survive the onslaught of machines intent on their destruction.
Why It Might Do Well: Based on the trailer this looks like an imaginative and beautifully designed film and it doesn't hurt that one of the producers is Tim Burton.
Why It Might Not Do Well: 59% at Rottentomatoes.com is a little discouraging.
Number of Theaters: 1,638
Prediction: $9 million
Sorority RowWhat's It All About: A crazed killer is messily dispatching college students who were responsible for the death of a schoolmate.
Why It Might Do Well: Maybe the folks who went to see Halloween 2 are still in the mood for some slice 'em dice 'em action.
Why It Might Not Do Well: No star power and a story that looks even less original than most slasher films.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $8 million
Discuss: Which Film(s) Are You Anticipating Most This Fall?
Filed under: Action », Animation », Comedy », Horror », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », New Releases », Fandom », Family Films », Movie Marketing »
I may be a jaded and cynical movie 'professional', but that doesn't mean I don't like to get in touch with my innocent side every once in awhile -- which is why, after all this time, I still get excited about the fall movie season. Now, traditionally, the fall season is the time to release those serious Oscar-type films (or awards contenders), but this year there's more to offer than just drama, and this year's slate has a little something for everyone.
This season is littered with kids movies, sci-fi and horror, and a little touch of comedy -- basically you're looking at a line-up that's all over the map. But, everyone has their own tastes, and what makes me froth at the bit may leave you cold, and inevitably some films just naturally find their way the top of your must-see list. So today, I've laid out some of my most anticipated fall flicks, and I hope you'll do the same.
September:
Well, we're already a week into the start of the season, and we've gotten Mike Judges' Extract and the action no-brainer Gamer from Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, but there are still some pretty tasty selections coming in the following weeks. So let's get started, shall we?
9 (09/09/09)
Shane Acker's tale of a post-apocalyptic world packed with 'stitchpunks' and killer machines may have had the bonus of getting a bit of a boost from the reputations of its producers (Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov), but there is still plenty of reasons to recommend the animated sci-fi tale. Judging by the buzz surrounding this flick, it could turn out to be one of the big sleeper hits of the season, but there's still the small matter of whether or not Acker's flick will be more than style over substance.
After the jump: the rest of what September has to offer, and my top picks for October and November...
Interview: Tim Burton
Filed under: Animation », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Disney », Focus Features », Comic/Superhero/Geek », ComicCon »
At Comic-Con, legends come a dime a dozen, and those are just the ones on the printed pages of the comics on the exhibition hall floor. But in Hall H, the epicenter of the convention's surprises, revelations and exclusives, true groundbreakers and history-makers are in comparatively short supply. This year, however, there were several, including James Cameron, Peter Jackson, Hayao Miyazaki, and Terry Gilliam; but even in such rarified company, Tim Burton stands head and shoulder above in terms of providing memorable, specific, and ongoing inspiration to the folks who like to look up at these filmmakers' latest projects.
Suffice it to say that a checklist of his most iconic films would be redundant, since virtually all of them qualify, either because of their source material, or his interpretation of it. But the filmmaker has two high-profile projects coming out in the next year or so, each of which applies his inventive style in different ways: first, there's 9, Shane Acker's computer-generated post-apocalyptic odyssey, which Burton is producing; and in 2010, there's Alice in Wonderland, his adaptation of the classic novel by Lewis Carroll.
In between Hall H panels, Cinematical caught up with Burton to discuss his work on 9 and Alice in Wonderland. In addition to talking about the technological opportunities and challenges presented on both films, he offered a few secrets about the forthcoming spectacle of Alice, and reflected on the filmmaking style – and substance – that has made his idiosyncratic body of work a happy home for outsiders and mainstream audiences alike.
SDCC: Burton, Bekmambetov and '9'
Filed under: Animation », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Fandom », Exhibition », ComicCon »
Friday afternoon Hall H attendees were treated to their second chance to speak to Tim Burton (following his appearance Thursday for Alice in Wonderland), and their first look at the new film 9. Directed by Shane Acker, the film is produced by Burton and Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov, both of whom offered a few insights about their own work as they showcased the results of the first-time filmmaker's adaptation of his own animated short film.
Among the details revealed during the 9 panel:
Trailer Park: Beyond the Ninth Surrogate Home for Bruno
Filed under: Action », Animation », Comedy », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Trailer Trash »
Surrogates
Bruce Willis stars in this futuristic science fiction flick based on a graphic novel. Surrogates are remotely controlled robots through which everyone lives there lives. Regardless of what damage is inflicted on the surrogate, the operator remains safe in his or her home. At least that has been the case, but now it seems someone is actually killing people through their surrogates and Willis plays the police detective on the case. Looking forward to this one when it hits on September 25.
Sherlock Holmes
I've never had much more than a passing interest Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous character, but this trailer has got me on the bandwagon. Robert Downey Jr as Holmes? Way cool. Jude Law as Watson? Awesome. Am I reading too much into it or are they trying to make it look like there's some kind of sexual tension between the two? Either way, this looks film will be director Guy Ritchie's Christmas present to the world when it releases on December 25.
9
Not to be confused with another forthcoming film called Nine, this is the second trailer for an amazing looking animated feature about small man-made creatures apparently made of burlap fighting off killer robots in a post apocalyptic world. It comes out on September 9.
Bruno
There's a new trailer for Sacha Baron Cohen's followup to Borat. Bruno is a flamboyantly gay fashionista and as with Borat this film documents his adventures with people who don't realize Cohen is playing a character. This looks really funny and it will be out on July 10.
The Most Hotly Anticipated (Goth) Movies
Filed under: RumorMonger », Fandom », Lists », Images »
When it was revealed that Tim Burton and Dorian Gray ( I mean Johnny Depp) would be taking us all down Lewis Carroll's rabbit hole in 2010's 3D IMAX adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, a million bat-filled brains exploded with joy. Burton, who could perhaps be held personally responsible for the popularity of black-and-white striped stockings, has stocked his fantasia with a panoply of freaky faves, from Crispin Glover ("I can kick high!") and baby mama Helena Bonham Carter to Hammer Horror super-spook Christopher Lee. Anticipation is already running high just from the names attached and the few photos floating around the Internet. Empire Magazine has an interview with Burton in its issue coming out Thursday in the UK, along with a few photos from the movie.
But what about the other flicks that are getting our fishnets in a tangle? Naturally, Burton has a slew of projects coming up, including a big-screen adaptation of Dark Shadows with Depp rumored to be Barnabas Collins, and a full-length version of Frankenweenie, but there are a few other films coming out or in production (or in perpetual production) that make it a good time to get your goth on.
Trailer Park: Post Christmas Comedown
Filed under: Trailer Trash »
I don't know about you, but it's the day after the day after Christmas and I've still got visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. To bring myself back down I'm going to scope out some new trailers. Won't you join me?
9
Tim Burton produces this animated feature which is directed by Shane Acker and based on Acker's short film of the same name. In a post-apocalyptic future, creatures who appear to be animated burlap bags fight for survival against monstrous machines intent on their extinction. Definitely not for the kids, but this is a gorgeous looking film and it releases, appropriately enough, on 9/9/09.
State of Play
Russell Crowe is investigating the murder of a Congressman's aid/mistress, with Ben Affleck playing the congressman. It's probably not fair to judge dialog taken out of context, but a few lines like "good reporters don't have friends, only sources," and "I can't protect you anymore" sound like old school news room drama cliches. The cast is strong, though, and the film is based on an award-winning British mini-series. Look for it in theaters on April 17.
Monsters Vs. Aliens
This is the new full-length trailer for Dreamworks' animated homage to sci fi monster flicks from the 50s. I loved the teaser and this new trailer makes me even happier. Rainn Wilson as an earth conquering alien? What's not to love? The monsters will be unleashed on March 27.
Weather Girl
After committing career suicide on the air, a former weather girl tries to find her place in the world. No release info for this yet, though it shows a lot of charm and will be playing January 17 at the Slamdance Film Festiva
Trailers for '9' and 'State of Play'
Filed under: Animation », Drama », Shorts », Remakes and Sequels », Trailers and Clips »
What says the holidays more than apocalypses and killing conspiracies?First up, there's Shane Acker's 9 -- the feature adaptation of his short film -- which you can check out over at Apple.com. The film, which got cooking back in March of 2007, explores a post-apocalyptic world similar to our own where rag dolls fight to survive. Elijah Wood voices the lead rag, 9, while other voices include the likes of Crispin Glover, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Martin Landau, and Christopher Plummer.
The film looks stunning, but I can't help wishing that these players were all face-to-face and live action. You don't get a mix like this every day. Glover with Plummer? Can you imagine the possibilities?! Nevertheless, I'll take what I can get. The film opens, appropriately, on 9/9/09.
Second, you can travel over to Yahoo and see the HD trailer for State of Play. The film stars Russell Crowe as a reporter investigating the murder of a congressman's (Ben Affleck, believe it or not) mistress. This might sound familiar -- it's based on the UK series of the same name.
State of Play looks like your standard "journalist on a mission" drama, and has a decent cast to boot -- Crowe and Affleck are joined by the likes of Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman. But the big question is whether it will all be worth it. You might remember that Brad Pitt backed out of the project because he wasn't happy with the script, and now there are rumors floating around that Crowe is in hot water for not losing his State of Play weight in time for Nottingham. This ones hitting screens much sooner -- April 17, 2009.
Jennifer Connelly, Elijah Wood, Others Join Shane Acker's Animated Epic '9'
Filed under: Animation », Drama », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Casting », Deals », Shorts », Newsstand »
Academy Award nominated director Shane Acker's animated film 9, which is currently in production for Focus Features, is shaping up nicely to include a cast of top-line voice talent. The film, written by Monster House scribe Pamela Pettler, is an expansion of Acker's highly-regarded short film, and is being produced by Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov, and Jim Lemley; Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement.One of the actors who will lend his voice talents to the film is Lord of the Rings alumni Elijah Wood, who will take on the title role of "9." Other notable actors joining Wood on the film include Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly, actor/filmmaker Crispin Glover, Academy Award winner Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer and the versatile John C. Reilly. "This exciting and thought-provoking story has already drawn a strong filmmaking team together to work with Shane in bringing his visionary fantasy world to life. These splendid actors will provide compelling characterizations to go with the visual brilliance," says Schamus.
9 is an action-packed tale which takes place in a post-apocalyptic world parallel to our own. In this world, articulate and fully-mobile rag dolls must fight for survival. In their struggle they find strength and leadership in one of their own, 9, whose qualities may help them survive. Having seen Acker's short film on which this feature is based (which you can catch at YouTube), all I can say is "cool." Acker is an obviously gifted filmmaker with a bright future ahead of him. If the feature version of his short turns out even half as well as the original, he'll have a terrific film on his hands for sure.
Indie Roundup: 'Sweetgrass,' 'Clarkworld,' 'Broken Embraces'
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Watch: Famous 'Matrix' Scene Re-Created with LEGOs
Peter Jackson Says Spielberg's 'Tintin' is Done Filming, but...
Interracial Harmony: 'Ninja Assassin' vs. 'Blind Side'
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