Gym Class Heroes' video for 'Cookie Jar' (feat. The-Dream) from The Quilt - in stores September 9th.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Dark Knight Updates
Counting inflation, Warner Bros. Pictures' The Dark Knight has now officially surpassed Spider-Man to become the biggest comic book movie of all time. The Christopher Nolan sequel has reached $492.689 million domestically while Spider-Man hit a total of $491.952 when you look at the inflated number ($403.7 million without inflation).
Looking at the worldwide numbers, Variety says The Dark Knight will reach $900 million this weekend:
Crossing the $400 million milestone will place "The Dark Knight" in a club with only 29 other films. What's equally impressive about the sixth Batpic is that it's first in the series to generate a blockbuster number outside the U.S. "Batman Begins" generated the previous high number with a relatively modest $166 million.
The U.K. has led the way for "Dark Knight" with $86 million, followed by Australia with $40 million, Mexico with $25 million, Brazil with $19 million and South Korea with $18.6 million. With Germany in its second weekend and France in its third, and worldwide grosses going past $900 million this weekend, the Batpic may have enough firepower to become only the fourth film to hit $1 billion in combined foreign and domestic box office (after "Titanic," the third "The Lord of the Rings" and the second "Pirates of Caribbean").
Looking at the worldwide numbers, Variety says The Dark Knight will reach $900 million this weekend:
Crossing the $400 million milestone will place "The Dark Knight" in a club with only 29 other films. What's equally impressive about the sixth Batpic is that it's first in the series to generate a blockbuster number outside the U.S. "Batman Begins" generated the previous high number with a relatively modest $166 million.
The U.K. has led the way for "Dark Knight" with $86 million, followed by Australia with $40 million, Mexico with $25 million, Brazil with $19 million and South Korea with $18.6 million. With Germany in its second weekend and France in its third, and worldwide grosses going past $900 million this weekend, the Batpic may have enough firepower to become only the fourth film to hit $1 billion in combined foreign and domestic box office (after "Titanic," the third "The Lord of the Rings" and the second "Pirates of Caribbean").
John Lennon Biopic in the Works
The story of John Lennon is headed for the big screen with Nowhere Boy, a biopic that will be directed by visual artist Sam Taylor-Wood, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Produced by U.K.'s Ecosse Films, the script from Control screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh will focus on the Beatle's childhood and subsequent journey to icon status. Filming is set to take place on location in Lennon's hometown on Liverpool.
Greenhalgh's script details the story of Lennon as a lonely teenager growing up as his aunt and the mother who gave him up fight for his love. His only escape is music, art and his fateful friendship with Paul McCartney.
The project is currently casting for the major roles.
Produced by U.K.'s Ecosse Films, the script from Control screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh will focus on the Beatle's childhood and subsequent journey to icon status. Filming is set to take place on location in Lennon's hometown on Liverpool.
Greenhalgh's script details the story of Lennon as a lonely teenager growing up as his aunt and the mother who gave him up fight for his love. His only escape is music, art and his fateful friendship with Paul McCartney.
The project is currently casting for the major roles.
It's a Lion! It's Huge! It's Voltron!
Last week, it was reported that New Regency had put Voltron: Defender of the Universe into turnaround. The news said that Relativity Media is now backing the property with a more moderate budget, utilizing the type of cost-effective technology employed in films like 300. A director was going to be attached in a week.
Now, Latino Review has learned that Max Makowski will take on the directing duties for the project, which was written by Justin Marks.
Makowski directed 2005's One Last Dance, rewrote the screenplay for the Hawaii Five-O feature, and is attached to the direct the big screen adaptation of 1970s TV series Kung Fu and the Shinobi remake.
Voltron: Defender of the Universe is described as a post-apocalyptic tale set in New York City and Mexico, where five survivors of an alien attack band together and end up piloting the five lion-shaped robots that combine and form the massive sword-wielding Voltron that helps battle Earth's invaders. It is based on the popular 1980s Japanese animated TV series, comic books and toy line.
Now, Latino Review has learned that Max Makowski will take on the directing duties for the project, which was written by Justin Marks.
Makowski directed 2005's One Last Dance, rewrote the screenplay for the Hawaii Five-O feature, and is attached to the direct the big screen adaptation of 1970s TV series Kung Fu and the Shinobi remake.
Voltron: Defender of the Universe is described as a post-apocalyptic tale set in New York City and Mexico, where five survivors of an alien attack band together and end up piloting the five lion-shaped robots that combine and form the massive sword-wielding Voltron that helps battle Earth's invaders. It is based on the popular 1980s Japanese animated TV series, comic books and toy line.
Nintendo DS Update Rumored
Larger, dual touch screens in the works?
By measure of sheer volume, August is proving to be rumor season. In yet another tidbit of hardware gossip this month, Kotaku is reporting that Nintendo is in the process of updating the Nintendo DS. The news comes, Kotaku says, via "several industry sources outside of Nintendo," which have indicated that the revitalized DS will feature bigger screens on the top and bottom, the former of which will now be touch-enabled. Naturally, a dual touch-screen DS would offer new and exciting interactive play styles, and with them a new crop of games.
The leak comes at a relatively awkward time--post-E3 and GC, and with the holiday season just around the corner. Kotaku's sources maintain that the official announcement will not hit the wire until early 2009, which again, is an unconventional timeframe for such a significant redesign.
By measure of sheer volume, August is proving to be rumor season. In yet another tidbit of hardware gossip this month, Kotaku is reporting that Nintendo is in the process of updating the Nintendo DS. The news comes, Kotaku says, via "several industry sources outside of Nintendo," which have indicated that the revitalized DS will feature bigger screens on the top and bottom, the former of which will now be touch-enabled. Naturally, a dual touch-screen DS would offer new and exciting interactive play styles, and with them a new crop of games.
The leak comes at a relatively awkward time--post-E3 and GC, and with the holiday season just around the corner. Kotaku's sources maintain that the official announcement will not hit the wire until early 2009, which again, is an unconventional timeframe for such a significant redesign.
Oasis Rocks Loudly, Proudly On New Album
Oasis gets back to its stripped-down rock roots on "Dig Out Your Soul," due Oct. 7 via Big Brother/Warner Bros. in the United States. The 11-track set is led by the strident rocker "The Shock of the Lightning," which is already racking up airplay on stations like KVGS Las Vegas and WFNX Boston well ahead of its late September release date.
The album begins with the two-chord dirge "Bag It Up", harking back to "Columbia," from the band's 1994 debut, "Definitely Maybe." It is followed by the insistent "The Turning," which winds its way down to "Blackbird"-style finger-picking and an outtro of passing traffic and car alarms.
The sludgy, Noel Gallagher sung-"Waiting for the Rapture" nods to the Beatles' "Come Together," while the clap-and-stomp blues rock of "(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady" and the boogie vibe of "The Nature of Reality" extend the back-to-basics feel of the album.
Elsewhere, the Liam Gallagher-penned "I'm Outta Time" incorporates an audio excerpt of a John Lennon BBC Radio interview just days before his 1980 death, and the Noel-sung "Falling Down" nods to the beats from his prior collaboration with the Chemical Brothers, "Setting Sun." Fans who pre-order the new album on iTunes will receive this track as an immediate download.
Noel penned six of the first seven songs on "Dig Out Your Soul," with Liam responsible for three others and bassist Andy Bell and guitarist Gem Archer handling one each.
Oasis begins a short North American tour with Ryan Adams Aug. 26 in Seattle. This morning, tickets for the band's 18-date October U.K. run sold out completely, according to a spokesperson.
The album begins with the two-chord dirge "Bag It Up", harking back to "Columbia," from the band's 1994 debut, "Definitely Maybe." It is followed by the insistent "The Turning," which winds its way down to "Blackbird"-style finger-picking and an outtro of passing traffic and car alarms.
The sludgy, Noel Gallagher sung-"Waiting for the Rapture" nods to the Beatles' "Come Together," while the clap-and-stomp blues rock of "(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady" and the boogie vibe of "The Nature of Reality" extend the back-to-basics feel of the album.
Elsewhere, the Liam Gallagher-penned "I'm Outta Time" incorporates an audio excerpt of a John Lennon BBC Radio interview just days before his 1980 death, and the Noel-sung "Falling Down" nods to the beats from his prior collaboration with the Chemical Brothers, "Setting Sun." Fans who pre-order the new album on iTunes will receive this track as an immediate download.
Noel penned six of the first seven songs on "Dig Out Your Soul," with Liam responsible for three others and bassist Andy Bell and guitarist Gem Archer handling one each.
Oasis begins a short North American tour with Ryan Adams Aug. 26 in Seattle. This morning, tickets for the band's 18-date October U.K. run sold out completely, according to a spokesperson.
LL Cool J Makes A Grand 'Exit' On New Album
After 22 years, LL Cool J comes to the end of his contract with Def Jam with "Exit 13," due Sept. 9, and the veteran rapper says he made sure he "put my heart and soul into this album."
"It took me two years to put this album together," LL Cool J told Billboard.com this week. "On my last couple of albums I was off. I wasn't analyzing what I was doing exactly. I was making movies and music, but I couldn't play two sports at the same time. I turned down eight movies this time around. It was fulfilling for me especially since it's my last album under contract. I just couldn't jerk myself or my culture."
The 19-track set begins with the intro "It's Time for War," which finds him reconfirming his place in hip-hop history and addressing the naysayers. "It's okay if you call it a comeback / and let them know I'm ready for combat / tell those dumb motherf*ckers to fall back," he raps over bells and violins.
He continues to boast on tracks like the kazoo-heavy, Marley Marl-produced "You Better Watch Me," which will be released as a promotional single in the coming weeks. "My style can't be defined / I'll be relevant forever / get it through your mind," he raps.
LL Cool J also pays homage to the music and artists that have influenced him throughout the years on the scratch-heavy "This Is Ring Tone Murder," featuring Grandmaster Caz, and the horn-laden "Old School New School." The sexually driven "Feel My Heart Beat" samples Seduction's "Heatbeat," and is in contention to be released as a second single.
Among the guests on "Exit 13" are up-and-coming Harlem rapper Nicolette on "Get Over Here," Ryan Leslie, who is featured on the electric piano-based "Like a Radio," and Elan from the Dey, who appears on "I Fall in Love."
The album is rounded out by the political "Mr. President" featuring Wyclef Jean, the club track "Come And Party With Me" with Fat Joe and Sheek Louch and "Speedin on Da Highway/Exit 13," with adlibs from radio DJ Funk Master Flex.
The single "Baby" featuring the-Dream, is No. 23 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. A rock remix featuring Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora will be included on the album and was made available on iTunes this week.
"Exit 13" closes with the outtro "Dear Hip-Hop," in which LL seems to jab at former Def Jam head Jay-Z: "If he's so hot / why is the culture frozen? It's more than champagne ... I'm the foundation."
As previously reported, LL Cool J publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with how Jay-Z was running Def Jam last year (Jay-Z announced his affiliation with his Ace of Spades Champagne in 2006). Still, he did suggest he wouldn't be opposed to a collaboration with his former boss and Def Jam artist Nas.
"It took me two years to put this album together," LL Cool J told Billboard.com this week. "On my last couple of albums I was off. I wasn't analyzing what I was doing exactly. I was making movies and music, but I couldn't play two sports at the same time. I turned down eight movies this time around. It was fulfilling for me especially since it's my last album under contract. I just couldn't jerk myself or my culture."
The 19-track set begins with the intro "It's Time for War," which finds him reconfirming his place in hip-hop history and addressing the naysayers. "It's okay if you call it a comeback / and let them know I'm ready for combat / tell those dumb motherf*ckers to fall back," he raps over bells and violins.
He continues to boast on tracks like the kazoo-heavy, Marley Marl-produced "You Better Watch Me," which will be released as a promotional single in the coming weeks. "My style can't be defined / I'll be relevant forever / get it through your mind," he raps.
LL Cool J also pays homage to the music and artists that have influenced him throughout the years on the scratch-heavy "This Is Ring Tone Murder," featuring Grandmaster Caz, and the horn-laden "Old School New School." The sexually driven "Feel My Heart Beat" samples Seduction's "Heatbeat," and is in contention to be released as a second single.
Among the guests on "Exit 13" are up-and-coming Harlem rapper Nicolette on "Get Over Here," Ryan Leslie, who is featured on the electric piano-based "Like a Radio," and Elan from the Dey, who appears on "I Fall in Love."
The album is rounded out by the political "Mr. President" featuring Wyclef Jean, the club track "Come And Party With Me" with Fat Joe and Sheek Louch and "Speedin on Da Highway/Exit 13," with adlibs from radio DJ Funk Master Flex.
The single "Baby" featuring the-Dream, is No. 23 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. A rock remix featuring Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora will be included on the album and was made available on iTunes this week.
"Exit 13" closes with the outtro "Dear Hip-Hop," in which LL seems to jab at former Def Jam head Jay-Z: "If he's so hot / why is the culture frozen? It's more than champagne ... I'm the foundation."
As previously reported, LL Cool J publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with how Jay-Z was running Def Jam last year (Jay-Z announced his affiliation with his Ace of Spades Champagne in 2006). Still, he did suggest he wouldn't be opposed to a collaboration with his former boss and Def Jam artist Nas.
Da Brat Gets Three Years For Assault
Rap star Shawntae Harris, better known as Da Brat, has been sentenced to three years in prison for hitting a hostess in the head with a rum bottle during an altercation at a suburban Atlanta nightclub last fall.
The 34-year-old Harris pleaded guilty today (Aug. 22) to aggravated assault in DeKalb County.
She was sentenced to 10 years, to serve three, and must also complete 200 hours of community service, receive substance abuse treatment, undergo mental evaluation and attend anger management classes.
Authorities said Harris was at a private Halloween party at Studio 72, a club in Tucker, when she struck then-Atlanta Falcons cheerleader Shayla Stevens, who was working part-time as a hostess for the event.
The 34-year-old Harris pleaded guilty today (Aug. 22) to aggravated assault in DeKalb County.
She was sentenced to 10 years, to serve three, and must also complete 200 hours of community service, receive substance abuse treatment, undergo mental evaluation and attend anger management classes.
Authorities said Harris was at a private Halloween party at Studio 72, a club in Tucker, when she struck then-Atlanta Falcons cheerleader Shayla Stevens, who was working part-time as a hostess for the event.
T.I. Sets New Record With Hot 100 No. 1 Jump
T.I. establishes the mark for biggest jump to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, as "Whatever You Like" soars 71-1 in its third week on the list.
A No. 1 opening on Hot Digital Songs with debut-week sales of 205,000 downloads is the impetus for the record-setting Hot 100 move, which surpasses the 64-1 hike taken by Maroon 5's "Makes Me Wonder" in the May 12, 2007, issue.
"Like" is the rapper's first No. 1 as a lead artist (he was featured on Justin Timberlake's 2006 chart-topper, "My Love") and his opening-week digital sum is the best by a rap track since Nielsen SoundScan began compiling download data in 2003.
Rihanna's "Disturbia" is thus bumped to No. 2 on the Hot 100 after two weeks on top. Chris Brown's "Forever" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" remain Nos. 3 and 4 respectively, while Kardinal Offishall's "Dangerous" featuring Akon jumps from No. 7 to a new peak of No. 5.
M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" holds at No. 6, Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" slips 5-7 and Ne-Yo's "Closer" inches up 9-8. Pink's "So What" is the top debut at No. 9 after selling 117,000 downloads in its first week. This is the best Hot 100 opening of the pop star's career. Rihanna's "Take a Bow" rounds out the top 10, falling 8-10.
Hit Masters' cover of Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" is the top digital gainer, rocketing 65-19 after selling 96,000 downloads. The original version of the song remains unavailable digitally.
Another cover in the same vein, Studio All-Stars' take on Estelle's "American Boy," debuts at No. 85. The original version was removed from iTunes by Estelle's label, Atlantic, prompting it to plummet 11-37 on the Hot 100 and 6-59 on Hot Digital Songs.
Over on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, J newcomer Jazmine Sullivan scores her first chart-topper as "Need U Bad" jumps 4-1. John Legend's "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000 is the top debut at No. 77.
Keith Urban assumes control of Hot Country Songs as "You Look Good in My Shirt" jumps 2-1. Kenny Chesney's "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven" is moving quickly on its heels, rising 13-6 in just its fourth chart week.
Coldplay begins a second week at No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart with "Viva La Vida." On that tally, Metallica's "The Day That Never Comes" is new at No. 25. It makes an even bigger impact on Mainstrem Rock, debuting at No. 7. Shinedown's "Devour" remains No. 1 there for a third week.
A No. 1 opening on Hot Digital Songs with debut-week sales of 205,000 downloads is the impetus for the record-setting Hot 100 move, which surpasses the 64-1 hike taken by Maroon 5's "Makes Me Wonder" in the May 12, 2007, issue.
"Like" is the rapper's first No. 1 as a lead artist (he was featured on Justin Timberlake's 2006 chart-topper, "My Love") and his opening-week digital sum is the best by a rap track since Nielsen SoundScan began compiling download data in 2003.
Rihanna's "Disturbia" is thus bumped to No. 2 on the Hot 100 after two weeks on top. Chris Brown's "Forever" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" remain Nos. 3 and 4 respectively, while Kardinal Offishall's "Dangerous" featuring Akon jumps from No. 7 to a new peak of No. 5.
M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" holds at No. 6, Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" slips 5-7 and Ne-Yo's "Closer" inches up 9-8. Pink's "So What" is the top debut at No. 9 after selling 117,000 downloads in its first week. This is the best Hot 100 opening of the pop star's career. Rihanna's "Take a Bow" rounds out the top 10, falling 8-10.
Hit Masters' cover of Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" is the top digital gainer, rocketing 65-19 after selling 96,000 downloads. The original version of the song remains unavailable digitally.
Another cover in the same vein, Studio All-Stars' take on Estelle's "American Boy," debuts at No. 85. The original version was removed from iTunes by Estelle's label, Atlantic, prompting it to plummet 11-37 on the Hot 100 and 6-59 on Hot Digital Songs.
Over on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, J newcomer Jazmine Sullivan scores her first chart-topper as "Need U Bad" jumps 4-1. John Legend's "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000 is the top debut at No. 77.
Keith Urban assumes control of Hot Country Songs as "You Look Good in My Shirt" jumps 2-1. Kenny Chesney's "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven" is moving quickly on its heels, rising 13-6 in just its fourth chart week.
Coldplay begins a second week at No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart with "Viva La Vida." On that tally, Metallica's "The Day That Never Comes" is new at No. 25. It makes an even bigger impact on Mainstrem Rock, debuting at No. 7. Shinedown's "Devour" remains No. 1 there for a third week.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Full New Max Payne Trailer!
20th Century Fox has revealed the full new trailer for Mark Wahlberg's action-thriller Max Payne, opening in theaters on October 17. Directed by John Moore, the video game adaptation co-stars Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Olga Kurylenko.
Wahlberg plays maverick cop Max Payne who is hell-bent on revenge against those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner. His obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmarish journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal.
Wahlberg plays maverick cop Max Payne who is hell-bent on revenge against those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner. His obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmarish journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal.
Will Christopher Nolan Do a Third Batman?
While the internet is going crazy with casting rumors that aren't true for Christopher Nolan's possible third Batman movie, the director himself is on vacation as The Dark Knight approaches $500 million domestically.
The Hollywood Reporter has published an interesting article about the film's marketing and the deaths of both Heath Ledger and Conway Wickliffe before the film's release. The piece ends with a bit on the third installment.
And Warners and Legendary are both interested in doing a third in the series, but all involved say it will be up to Nolan to come to them with a story and a plan.
"There are a lot of us who emotionally would love to do it," Roven says. "But it's really Chris' call. Chris is the kind of filmmaker who just doesn't think about the next movie before he has completely finished the movie he is working on."
For now, Nolan is taking a well-earned vacation.
Says Roven, "When he comes back, we will see how he feels."
We will be waiting patiently...
The Hollywood Reporter has published an interesting article about the film's marketing and the deaths of both Heath Ledger and Conway Wickliffe before the film's release. The piece ends with a bit on the third installment.
And Warners and Legendary are both interested in doing a third in the series, but all involved say it will be up to Nolan to come to them with a story and a plan.
"There are a lot of us who emotionally would love to do it," Roven says. "But it's really Chris' call. Chris is the kind of filmmaker who just doesn't think about the next movie before he has completely finished the movie he is working on."
For now, Nolan is taking a well-earned vacation.
Says Roven, "When he comes back, we will see how he feels."
We will be waiting patiently...
Rogue Eyes Strangers Sequel
Variety says that Rogue Pictures is moving forward with a sequel to its summer hit The Strangers and has set Bryan Bertino to return to write the script.
Bertino wrote the original and made his directing debut on the film; it's yet to be determined whether he'll helm the sequel.
The expectation is that Liv Tyler, along with several of the original villains, will return. Production is being slated for early 2009.
Budgeted at $9 million, the film grossed $54 million domestically in a highly competitive summer release slot.
Bertino is also scripting to direct Black, a character-driven thriller with supernatural elements, and is rewriting to direct the thriller Alone. Both are for Rogue.
Bertino wrote the original and made his directing debut on the film; it's yet to be determined whether he'll helm the sequel.
The expectation is that Liv Tyler, along with several of the original villains, will return. Production is being slated for early 2009.
Budgeted at $9 million, the film grossed $54 million domestically in a highly competitive summer release slot.
Bertino is also scripting to direct Black, a character-driven thriller with supernatural elements, and is rewriting to direct the thriller Alone. Both are for Rogue.
Aaron Sorkin Writing Facebook Movie
Writer/producer Aaron Sorkin has announced on his newly-created Facebook page that he is going to be writing a movie about the popular social networking site.
"I've just agreed to write a movie for Sony and producer Scott Rudin about how Facebook was invented. I figured a good first step in my preparation would be finding out what Facebook is, so I've started this page. (Actually it was started by my researcher, Ian Reichbach, because my grandmother has more Internet savvy than I do and she's been dead for 33 years.)"
Mark Zuckenberg created the site in 2004 at Harvard during his sophomore year. It now has over 60 million members and is valued at $16 billion.
Sorkin wrote A Few Good Men, The American President, Malice, Charlie Wilson's War and The Trial of the Chicago 7, which is in pre-production according to him. He's also known for TV series "Sports Night," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "The West Wing."
I can’t help, but wonder if the movie will be anything like this. http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1761982
"I've just agreed to write a movie for Sony and producer Scott Rudin about how Facebook was invented. I figured a good first step in my preparation would be finding out what Facebook is, so I've started this page. (Actually it was started by my researcher, Ian Reichbach, because my grandmother has more Internet savvy than I do and she's been dead for 33 years.)"
Mark Zuckenberg created the site in 2004 at Harvard during his sophomore year. It now has over 60 million members and is valued at $16 billion.
Sorkin wrote A Few Good Men, The American President, Malice, Charlie Wilson's War and The Trial of the Chicago 7, which is in pre-production according to him. He's also known for TV series "Sports Night," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "The West Wing."
I can’t help, but wonder if the movie will be anything like this. http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1761982
Downey Jr. and Fey Voicing MasterMind?
Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Tina Fey ("30 Rock") are in negotiations to voice characters in DreamWorks Animation's MasterMind, scheduled for a November 5, 2010 release.
Produced by Ben Stiller's production company, Red Hour Films, the film is a satirical send-up of the superhero genre, built around the story of a super villain who must find a new motivation after accidentally killing his archrival, Uberman, in the opening scene of the movie.
MasterMind is based on a script from Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons and will be directed by DreamWorks Animation veterans Cameron Hood and Kyle Jefferson.
Produced by Ben Stiller's production company, Red Hour Films, the film is a satirical send-up of the superhero genre, built around the story of a super villain who must find a new motivation after accidentally killing his archrival, Uberman, in the opening scene of the movie.
MasterMind is based on a script from Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons and will be directed by DreamWorks Animation veterans Cameron Hood and Kyle Jefferson.
Clooney Boards Reitman's Up in the Air
George Clooney is in talks to star in Up in the Air, an adaptation of the Walter Kirn novel that Jason Reitman adapted and will direct for DreamWorks, says Variety.
Clooney will play an unapologetic corporate downsizer whose untethered life is consumed by collecting air miles.
The project is set up at the Montecito Picture Company, which has its first-look deal with DreamWorks.
Producers are Ivan Reitman, Tom Pollock, Joe Medjuck and Jeff Clifford for Montecito and Hard C's Daniel Dubiecki and Jason Reitman. Ted Griffin will also be involved in a producing capacity.
Reitman completed the script weeks ago and just showed it to Clooney.
Clooney will play an unapologetic corporate downsizer whose untethered life is consumed by collecting air miles.
The project is set up at the Montecito Picture Company, which has its first-look deal with DreamWorks.
Producers are Ivan Reitman, Tom Pollock, Joe Medjuck and Jeff Clifford for Montecito and Hard C's Daniel Dubiecki and Jason Reitman. Ted Griffin will also be involved in a producing capacity.
Reitman completed the script weeks ago and just showed it to Clooney.
Ron Livingston Joins The Company Men
Ron Livingston (Office Space) will star in indie comedy The Company Men, reports Variety.
Livingston will play an aging businessman who struggles with a collapsing economy as he tries to save a sinking company.
Raul Sanchez Inglis will direct from a screenplay he wrote.
The film, which is being financed by private equity, starts production in mid-October in Detroit. Mathew Robert Kelly is producing.
Livingston will play an aging businessman who struggles with a collapsing economy as he tries to save a sinking company.
Raul Sanchez Inglis will direct from a screenplay he wrote.
The film, which is being financed by private equity, starts production in mid-October in Detroit. Mathew Robert Kelly is producing.
Fall Out Boy Sets 'Deux' For November
Fall Out Boy will release its fifth album, "Folie a Deux," Nov. 4 via Island, the same day as the U.S. presidential election. The project was heralded yesterday (Aug. 25) with the release of an online mixtape, "Welcome to the New Administration."
On it were five Fall Out Boy demos expected to appear on the album, including "Lake Effect Kid," "America's Sweethearts," "I Don't Care," "ALPHAdog and OMEGAlomaniac" and "Catch Me if You Can/Proclamation of Emancipation," the latter featuring Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy.
The album's first single, "I Don't Care," will hit radio Sept. 15, sources tell Billboard.
"Folie a Deux" is the follow-up to 2007's "Infinity on High," which has sold 1.3 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Fall Out Boy will hit the road briefly in October in Europe, beginning Oct. 13 in Paris.
On it were five Fall Out Boy demos expected to appear on the album, including "Lake Effect Kid," "America's Sweethearts," "I Don't Care," "ALPHAdog and OMEGAlomaniac" and "Catch Me if You Can/Proclamation of Emancipation," the latter featuring Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy.
The album's first single, "I Don't Care," will hit radio Sept. 15, sources tell Billboard.
"Folie a Deux" is the follow-up to 2007's "Infinity on High," which has sold 1.3 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Fall Out Boy will hit the road briefly in October in Europe, beginning Oct. 13 in Paris.
MARK STEVEN JOHNSON: NO PREACHER ON HBO
Mark Steven Johnson, who brought Daredevil and Ghost Rider to the big screen, told The Continuum that his attempts to bring Garth Ennis' Preacher to HBO as a series were close but ultimately unsuccessful.
"We were budgeting and everything and it was getting really close to going," Johnson told The Continuum. "But the new head of HBO felt it was just too dark and too violent and too controversial. Which, of course, is kind of the point!
"It was a very faithful adaptation of the first few books, nearly word for word. They offered me the chance to redevelop it but I refused. I've learned my lesson on that front and I won't do it again. So I'm afraid it's dead at HBO.
"I've heard someone is in the process of getting the rights to turn it into a feature film. I hope that happens. But I hope it happens as a series of movies as one movie couldn't do it justice. I really love that story and I dedicated a lot of my time to honor Garth's work. But it wasn't meant to be."
Johnson is currently in post-production on When in Rome -- a comedy starrring Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Danny DeVito, Dax Shephard, Jon Heder and Angelica Huston -- and said he is enjoying returning to his comedy roots.
"It's a lot like Grumpy Old Men in feel and I'm having a blast," he said.
"We were budgeting and everything and it was getting really close to going," Johnson told The Continuum. "But the new head of HBO felt it was just too dark and too violent and too controversial. Which, of course, is kind of the point!
"It was a very faithful adaptation of the first few books, nearly word for word. They offered me the chance to redevelop it but I refused. I've learned my lesson on that front and I won't do it again. So I'm afraid it's dead at HBO.
"I've heard someone is in the process of getting the rights to turn it into a feature film. I hope that happens. But I hope it happens as a series of movies as one movie couldn't do it justice. I really love that story and I dedicated a lot of my time to honor Garth's work. But it wasn't meant to be."
Johnson is currently in post-production on When in Rome -- a comedy starrring Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Danny DeVito, Dax Shephard, Jon Heder and Angelica Huston -- and said he is enjoying returning to his comedy roots.
"It's a lot like Grumpy Old Men in feel and I'm having a blast," he said.
Chuck Picked Up for Full Season
NBC has picked up the back nine episodes of the second season of "Chuck," reports Variety.
Also Wednesday, the network renewed summer reality hit "America's Got Talent" for a fourth season.
"Chuck's" full-season order comes more than a month before the show's Sept. 29 premiere date. NBC said they were pleased with the first six episodes in "Chuck's" second season and wanted to keep the momentum going.
In the series, Zachary Levi stars as Chuck Bartowski, an electronics store clerk who accidentally downloads government secrets into his brain -- and must now deal with assassins and terrorists. Adam Baldwin, Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez, Sarah Lancaster and Ryan McPartlin co-star.
"America's Got Talent" comes from FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's Syco shingle. The pickup comes as the show continues to gain viewers -- 13 million this summer, up 16% from last year.
Jerry Springer hosts the talent competition, which continues until Oct. 1; David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan are judges.
Also Wednesday, the network renewed summer reality hit "America's Got Talent" for a fourth season.
"Chuck's" full-season order comes more than a month before the show's Sept. 29 premiere date. NBC said they were pleased with the first six episodes in "Chuck's" second season and wanted to keep the momentum going.
In the series, Zachary Levi stars as Chuck Bartowski, an electronics store clerk who accidentally downloads government secrets into his brain -- and must now deal with assassins and terrorists. Adam Baldwin, Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez, Sarah Lancaster and Ryan McPartlin co-star.
"America's Got Talent" comes from FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's Syco shingle. The pickup comes as the show continues to gain viewers -- 13 million this summer, up 16% from last year.
Jerry Springer hosts the talent competition, which continues until Oct. 1; David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan are judges.
Michael Phelps to Host Saturday Night Live
"Saturday Night Live" makes its 34th season premiere on Saturday, September 13 featuring Michael Phelps and hip-hop superstar Lil Wayne.
US Olympic swimming phenomenon Michael Phelps will make his acting debut hosting the season premiere hot off his record-shattering performance in Beijing.
The "SNL" season premiere kicks off four live shows in a row, a rare practice that generated momentum for the show this past spring when the show returned after the WGA Strike-imposed hiatus. All told, seven all-new SNL's will air on Saturdays prior to the election.
Phelps went a perfect 8-for-8 in Beijing, breaking Mark Spitz's single-Games record for most gold medals won. In addition, Phelps broke another Olympics record, becoming the most decorated Olympian in history, winning a stunning 14 career gold medals. Phelps currently holds seven world records in swimming.
In addition to the revved-up Saturday schedule, "SNL" is ready for primetime with "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday." Three LIVE primetime half-hours beginning October 9 at 9:30pm ET. These primetime special editions will be anchored by the show's signature "Weekend Update." This marks a return to the NBC Thursday night lineup for "SNL," which produced similar live "Update"-centered broadcasts in 2001.
"Saturday Night Live" is from SNL Studios in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels. Steve Higgins produces. Marci Klein and Mike Shoemaker are producers. Seth Meyers is head writer. Don Roy King directs.
US Olympic swimming phenomenon Michael Phelps will make his acting debut hosting the season premiere hot off his record-shattering performance in Beijing.
The "SNL" season premiere kicks off four live shows in a row, a rare practice that generated momentum for the show this past spring when the show returned after the WGA Strike-imposed hiatus. All told, seven all-new SNL's will air on Saturdays prior to the election.
Phelps went a perfect 8-for-8 in Beijing, breaking Mark Spitz's single-Games record for most gold medals won. In addition, Phelps broke another Olympics record, becoming the most decorated Olympian in history, winning a stunning 14 career gold medals. Phelps currently holds seven world records in swimming.
In addition to the revved-up Saturday schedule, "SNL" is ready for primetime with "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday." Three LIVE primetime half-hours beginning October 9 at 9:30pm ET. These primetime special editions will be anchored by the show's signature "Weekend Update." This marks a return to the NBC Thursday night lineup for "SNL," which produced similar live "Update"-centered broadcasts in 2001.
"Saturday Night Live" is from SNL Studios in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels. Steve Higgins produces. Marci Klein and Mike Shoemaker are producers. Seth Meyers is head writer. Don Roy King directs.
Hudson Entertainment's Beloved Bomberman Returns for Digital Download on the Wii
The award-winning series will deliver 8-person online multiplayer combat and Mii support for hardcore fans and casual gamers.
Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for Hudson Soft, today announced that they are releasing Bomberman Blast, an all-new Bomberman for digital download for WiiWare on the Wii. Retaining the classic features Bomberman fans have come to love such as online multiplayer battles and numerous arenas, Bomberman Blast also incorporates new gameplay elements, including the use of Mii support and 8-person online multiplayer - the first time for Bomberman on Wii!
"The Bomberman franchise is one of Hudson Entertainment's most popular," said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. "We're driven by the support of the fans and strive to provide unique new gameplay features with each new Bomberman title to please the longtime fans, as well as make the game accessible to newcomers."
Fans of the popular series will be able to compete either solo or as part of a team against the best Bomberman players worldwide, as Bomberman Blast delivers 8-player multiplayer battles online. By using their Miis, gamers will have the opportunity to definitively prove who has the best Mii by sending them into a Bomberman Blast arena, then blowing away the competition! Now who has the best Mii?
Bomberman Blast is the perfect party game, allowing players from around the world to join in on the fun. Up to four players on the same Wii can hop online. Even more, an online leaderboard shows just how good you are! Bomberman Blast is exactly what players would expect from a Bomberman game, with more ammunition, more online battles, and now, the support of Miis!
With the release of Bomberman Blast on WiiWare, Hudson Entertainment will offer several online tournaments, including one that coincides with the game's launch. For more information on the upcoming tournaments and to register, players can visit www.Hudsonentertainment.com.
Bomberman Blast is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
About Bomberman
Originally launched in the US in 1987, the game captured gamers' hearts with its simple yet challenging gameplay. With over 60 iterations on nearly all major consoles since then, and over 10 million units sold, winning accolades as the best multiplayer game of all time, this classic game has stood the test of time. Along the way, it also pioneered the "party game" genre, encouraging groups of 4 or more friends to duke it out in one room, and was the first series to contribute to Hudson's reputation as the number one party game company.
About Hudson Entertainment, Inc.
Hudson Entertainment is the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, an international provider of games and entertainment content founded in 1973. Hudson Entertainment focuses on four key businesses: console games, digital download content, mobile games, and music. Hudson introduced best-selling videogame franchises including Bomberman, Bonk, and Super Adventure Island. Hudson's mobile division is a leading supplier of games and personalized content. Through numerous partnerships with record labels, Hudson has become a leading provider of hip-hop ring tones and mobile content. For more information on Hudson Entertainment, please visit www.hudsonent.com.
Hudson Entertainment, Hudson Soft, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hudson Soft. Bomberman is a registered trademark of Hudson Soft. Trademarks of Nintendo used under license. WiiWare is available only through the Wii console.
Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for Hudson Soft, today announced that they are releasing Bomberman Blast, an all-new Bomberman for digital download for WiiWare on the Wii. Retaining the classic features Bomberman fans have come to love such as online multiplayer battles and numerous arenas, Bomberman Blast also incorporates new gameplay elements, including the use of Mii support and 8-person online multiplayer - the first time for Bomberman on Wii!
"The Bomberman franchise is one of Hudson Entertainment's most popular," said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. "We're driven by the support of the fans and strive to provide unique new gameplay features with each new Bomberman title to please the longtime fans, as well as make the game accessible to newcomers."
Fans of the popular series will be able to compete either solo or as part of a team against the best Bomberman players worldwide, as Bomberman Blast delivers 8-player multiplayer battles online. By using their Miis, gamers will have the opportunity to definitively prove who has the best Mii by sending them into a Bomberman Blast arena, then blowing away the competition! Now who has the best Mii?
Bomberman Blast is the perfect party game, allowing players from around the world to join in on the fun. Up to four players on the same Wii can hop online. Even more, an online leaderboard shows just how good you are! Bomberman Blast is exactly what players would expect from a Bomberman game, with more ammunition, more online battles, and now, the support of Miis!
With the release of Bomberman Blast on WiiWare, Hudson Entertainment will offer several online tournaments, including one that coincides with the game's launch. For more information on the upcoming tournaments and to register, players can visit www.Hudsonentertainment.com.
Bomberman Blast is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
About Bomberman
Originally launched in the US in 1987, the game captured gamers' hearts with its simple yet challenging gameplay. With over 60 iterations on nearly all major consoles since then, and over 10 million units sold, winning accolades as the best multiplayer game of all time, this classic game has stood the test of time. Along the way, it also pioneered the "party game" genre, encouraging groups of 4 or more friends to duke it out in one room, and was the first series to contribute to Hudson's reputation as the number one party game company.
About Hudson Entertainment, Inc.
Hudson Entertainment is the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, an international provider of games and entertainment content founded in 1973. Hudson Entertainment focuses on four key businesses: console games, digital download content, mobile games, and music. Hudson introduced best-selling videogame franchises including Bomberman, Bonk, and Super Adventure Island. Hudson's mobile division is a leading supplier of games and personalized content. Through numerous partnerships with record labels, Hudson has become a leading provider of hip-hop ring tones and mobile content. For more information on Hudson Entertainment, please visit www.hudsonent.com.
Hudson Entertainment, Hudson Soft, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hudson Soft. Bomberman is a registered trademark of Hudson Soft. Trademarks of Nintendo used under license. WiiWare is available only through the Wii console.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Exclusive: 'Lost' Resurrects Michelle Rodriguez!
Well, this should be interesting.
Michelle Rodriguez, arguably one of the more polarizing personalities to have ever gotten Lost, is returning to the show this season, multiple sources confirm to me exclusively.
Details of her comeback are, not surprisingly, shrouded in secrecy, but here's what I can tell you:
Michelle Rodriguez, arguably one of the more polarizing personalities to have ever gotten Lost, is returning to the show this season, multiple sources confirm to me exclusively.
Details of her comeback are, not surprisingly, shrouded in secrecy, but here's what I can tell you:
- Rodriguez is back for one episode, most likely this season's second. As a result, the risk to Hawaii's roadways is said to be minimal.
- Given that Ana Lucia's bullet-riddled body is probably entering the final stage of decomposition, conventional Lost wisdom (if there is such a thing) points to her appearing in someone's flashback or via hallucination. The fact that Cheech Marin is also on the guest list for eppy 2 suggests that it's most likely a Hurley-centric outing. And after his encounter with Charlie's ghost last season, it's certainly feasible that Hurley would have an imaginary run-in with Ana Lucia. There's also this theory, put forth by EW's own Doc Jensen: "Maybe Ana Lucia busted L.A.-based Ghost Hustler Miles during her pre-crash LAPD days, and now the freighter folkster is seeing visions of the late Tailie on the Island!"
- Rodriguez's return follows last season's "resurrection" of fellow doomed Tailie Cynthia Watros (Libby), who appeared in a vision to Michael. Could Mr. Eko be next, thus completing, as Jensen jests, the "Busted Tailie Story Line Redemption Tour"?
Vin Diesel Promises Two More Riddick Sequels
Four years after his character Richard B. Riddick last graced the silver screen, and some years after telling reporters that there would be another Riddick film in his future, Vin Diesel told MTV News that he no longer thinks there will one day be a Riddick sequel.
He now thinks there will be two.
“David Twowy right now is writing the scripts. The only question is whether we take a page from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ guys and try to shoot the two chapters at the same time. There are two more in mind,” he said of Riddick, the Furyan warrior first introduced in the 2000 film “Pitch Black.” “‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ was presented as a three part trilogy that would answer ‘Pitch Black’ in the same way that ‘Lord of the Rings’ answered ‘The Hobbit.’”
Those are lofty goals indeed for a movie that was very poorly received when it opened in 2004, and had a mediocre performance at the domestic box-office (where it made just $57 million). Diesel, though, is undaunted, insisting that the long space between sequels has nothing to do with convincing others to get on board, and everything to do with wanting to get it right. (To be fair, “Riddick” performed well overseas, and also spawned a best-selling video game which many considered to be better than the movie.)
“Everyone knows I love the Riddick character and I’m always working on it,” Diesel asserted. “It just takes five years to make another one because David Twohy and I are so precious about it.”
So where will Riddick go next? After taking the throne of the Necromonger King at the end of the last chapter, is there any doubt?
“Sooner or later we all end up in the Underverse,” he said of where we can expect the next chapter to take place, adding in a Riddick-like voice, “Sooner or later.”
He now thinks there will be two.
“David Twowy right now is writing the scripts. The only question is whether we take a page from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ guys and try to shoot the two chapters at the same time. There are two more in mind,” he said of Riddick, the Furyan warrior first introduced in the 2000 film “Pitch Black.” “‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ was presented as a three part trilogy that would answer ‘Pitch Black’ in the same way that ‘Lord of the Rings’ answered ‘The Hobbit.’”
Those are lofty goals indeed for a movie that was very poorly received when it opened in 2004, and had a mediocre performance at the domestic box-office (where it made just $57 million). Diesel, though, is undaunted, insisting that the long space between sequels has nothing to do with convincing others to get on board, and everything to do with wanting to get it right. (To be fair, “Riddick” performed well overseas, and also spawned a best-selling video game which many considered to be better than the movie.)
“Everyone knows I love the Riddick character and I’m always working on it,” Diesel asserted. “It just takes five years to make another one because David Twohy and I are so precious about it.”
So where will Riddick go next? After taking the throne of the Necromonger King at the end of the last chapter, is there any doubt?
“Sooner or later we all end up in the Underverse,” he said of where we can expect the next chapter to take place, adding in a Riddick-like voice, “Sooner or later.”
Astin, Weston and Foster Get Demoted
Sean Astin ("The Lord of the Rings"), Celia Weston and Sara Foster will star alongside Michael Vartan and David Cross in the indie comedy Demoted.
The film centers on two tire salesmen (Astin, Vartan) who delight in playing cruel pranks on their co-worker (Cross). When the victim unexpectedly becomes their boss, he places the humiliated duo in secretarial jobs.
Foster will play the wife of Astin's character, who's tricked into believing he was promoted. Weston will play the head secretary who inspires the best friends to plot their revenge.
J.B. Rogers will direct from a screenplay by Dan Callahan. Production begins next month in Michigan.
The film centers on two tire salesmen (Astin, Vartan) who delight in playing cruel pranks on their co-worker (Cross). When the victim unexpectedly becomes their boss, he places the humiliated duo in secretarial jobs.
Foster will play the wife of Astin's character, who's tricked into believing he was promoted. Weston will play the head secretary who inspires the best friends to plot their revenge.
J.B. Rogers will direct from a screenplay by Dan Callahan. Production begins next month in Michigan.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sex Drive (2008) Trailer
Eighteen-year-old Ian Lafferty sets out on a cross country drive with his best friends Lance and Felicia in order to lose his virginity to a red-hot babe he met on the Internet. But the journey, filled with hilarious misadventures and raunchy escapades, teaches all three more than they expected about life and love. Randy, raucous and unexpectedly romantic, "Sex Drive" follows three friends on the road trip of a lifetime!
Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, Seth Green, James Marsden
Release Date: October 17, 2008
The trailer reminds me of a combination of Euro Trip, Harold and Kumar, The Girl Next Door, and all other movies like that, so it might be good. What do you think?
Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, Seth Green, James Marsden
Release Date: October 17, 2008
The trailer reminds me of a combination of Euro Trip, Harold and Kumar, The Girl Next Door, and all other movies like that, so it might be good. What do you think?
Michael Keaton Cast in Toy Story 3
Michael Keaton will voice the role of Ken (as in Barbie’s boyfriend Ken) in Toy Story 3. Jodi Benson (who voiced Barbie in the Toy Story series) revealed the news to IESB. This will be Keaton’s second appearance in a Pixar film, after voicing Chick Hicks in Cars.
What We Already Know about Toy Story 3:
What We Already Know about Toy Story 3:
- Toy Story 3 will be released in digital Disney 3D on June 18th 2010.
- Directed by Lee Unkrich, who edited the previous films, and co-directed Toy Story 2
- Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, and Jodi Benson are confirmed to return.
- The story follows the toys as they are dumped in a day-care center after Andy leaves for College.
- Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall-E) wrote the Treatment
- Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine) wrote the screenplay
- Randy Newman will provide the scrore
House Bunny Beaten by Ben's Boys at Box Office
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend. Be sure to check back on Monday for the final figures based on actual box office.
There were a number of close calls this weekend but the success of Anna Faris' new comedy The House Bunny (Sony) on Friday, winning the top spot with $5.8 million, wasn't enough to keep it from losing the weekend to Ben Stiller's war comedy Tropic Thunder (DreamWorks), co-starring Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. The ensemble comedy remained at #1 for its 2nd weekend in a row, grossing $16.1 million and bringing its total to $65.7 million. The House Bunny ended up with an estimated $15.1 million in 2,714 theaters, averaging $5,500 per site, the best per-theater average for any movie playing this weekend.
Jason Statham and Tyrese Gibson starred in Universal's fourth action movie of the summer, Paul W. S. Anderson's remake of Roger Corman's Death Race, projected to win the weekend but having to settle for third place with an estimated $12.3 million in 2,532 theaters.
Christopher Nolan's mega-blockbuster The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.) continues to thrive with $10.3 million in its sixth weekend, the first time since since opening where it's not in the Top 5 for its respective weekend compared to other movies. (See the corresponding comparisons here.) Even so, its running total domestically is up to $489 million, which means it could hit that elusive $500 million mark by Labor Day. That amount has only been seen once before domestically, by James Cameron's Titanic, which made more than twice Dark Knight's weekend gross in its own sixth weekend.
The other two new movies in wide release, Ice Cube's family football drama The Longshots (MGM/Dimension) and Rainn Wilson's rock comedy The Rocker (20th Century Fox) both bombed. The former opened in eighth place with $4.3 million (less than $1,000 more than the hit musical Mamma Mia!) while the latter opened outside the Top 10 at #12 with $2.7 million, averaging less than a million per site in the widest release of the new movies.
Instead, the top 5 was rounded out by George Lucas' animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner Bros.) with $5.6 million, nearly a 60% drop from its disappointing opening weekend, having amassed just $25 million. It came out just ahead of Sony's stoner comedy Pineapple Express, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, which has grossed $73.9 million to date, a considerable success compared to its cost. The 20th Century Fox horror movie Mirrors with Keifer Sutherland, followed at #7 with $4.9 million, a sizable drop from its opening weekend with a total gross of $20 million.
The Universal Pictures movies reversed order as the musical Mamma Mia! came out ahead of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, both grossing just over $4 million on the weekend. The Meryl Streep musical brings its box office total to $124 million while the Brendan Fraser action flick has grossed just $93.8 million after four weeks, compared to its reported production budget of $145 million.
Opening in limited release in 103 theaters, the weekend's third comedy Hamlet 2 (Focus Features) starring Steve Coogan (also in Tropic Thunder), opened with a disappointing $435 thousand, averaging just $4,223 per site. Focus still plans on expanding the movie nationwide on Wednesday in hopes of bringing in some word-of-mouth business over the extended Labor Day weekend next week.
The Top 10 grossed an estimated $82.6 million, down just 2% from the same period last year.
There were a number of close calls this weekend but the success of Anna Faris' new comedy The House Bunny (Sony) on Friday, winning the top spot with $5.8 million, wasn't enough to keep it from losing the weekend to Ben Stiller's war comedy Tropic Thunder (DreamWorks), co-starring Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. The ensemble comedy remained at #1 for its 2nd weekend in a row, grossing $16.1 million and bringing its total to $65.7 million. The House Bunny ended up with an estimated $15.1 million in 2,714 theaters, averaging $5,500 per site, the best per-theater average for any movie playing this weekend.
Jason Statham and Tyrese Gibson starred in Universal's fourth action movie of the summer, Paul W. S. Anderson's remake of Roger Corman's Death Race, projected to win the weekend but having to settle for third place with an estimated $12.3 million in 2,532 theaters.
Christopher Nolan's mega-blockbuster The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.) continues to thrive with $10.3 million in its sixth weekend, the first time since since opening where it's not in the Top 5 for its respective weekend compared to other movies. (See the corresponding comparisons here.) Even so, its running total domestically is up to $489 million, which means it could hit that elusive $500 million mark by Labor Day. That amount has only been seen once before domestically, by James Cameron's Titanic, which made more than twice Dark Knight's weekend gross in its own sixth weekend.
The other two new movies in wide release, Ice Cube's family football drama The Longshots (MGM/Dimension) and Rainn Wilson's rock comedy The Rocker (20th Century Fox) both bombed. The former opened in eighth place with $4.3 million (less than $1,000 more than the hit musical Mamma Mia!) while the latter opened outside the Top 10 at #12 with $2.7 million, averaging less than a million per site in the widest release of the new movies.
Instead, the top 5 was rounded out by George Lucas' animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner Bros.) with $5.6 million, nearly a 60% drop from its disappointing opening weekend, having amassed just $25 million. It came out just ahead of Sony's stoner comedy Pineapple Express, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, which has grossed $73.9 million to date, a considerable success compared to its cost. The 20th Century Fox horror movie Mirrors with Keifer Sutherland, followed at #7 with $4.9 million, a sizable drop from its opening weekend with a total gross of $20 million.
The Universal Pictures movies reversed order as the musical Mamma Mia! came out ahead of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, both grossing just over $4 million on the weekend. The Meryl Streep musical brings its box office total to $124 million while the Brendan Fraser action flick has grossed just $93.8 million after four weeks, compared to its reported production budget of $145 million.
Opening in limited release in 103 theaters, the weekend's third comedy Hamlet 2 (Focus Features) starring Steve Coogan (also in Tropic Thunder), opened with a disappointing $435 thousand, averaging just $4,223 per site. Focus still plans on expanding the movie nationwide on Wednesday in hopes of bringing in some word-of-mouth business over the extended Labor Day weekend next week.
The Top 10 grossed an estimated $82.6 million, down just 2% from the same period last year.
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