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News

Weekend Box Office for June 26 – 28

#1 Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen from Paramount/Dreamworks debuts at #1 this weekend literally destroying the competition and earning $112 million in 4234 theaters, beating out the #2 spot by almost $100 million. Budget for Revenge of the Fallen was $200 million.

#2 The Proposal from Buena Vista. drops to #2 this weekend earning $18 million in 3058 theaters. Budget for The Proposal was $40 million.

#3 The Hangover from Warner Bros. drops to #3 this weekend earning $17.2 million in 3525 theaters bringing total earnings to $183.2 million. Budget for The Hangover was $35 million.

#4 Up from Disney drops to #4 earning $10 million in 3487 theaters bringing total earnings to $250.2 million. Budget for Up was $175 million.

#5 My Sister’s Keeper from Sony debuts at #5 this weekend earning $12 million in 2606 theaters. Budget for Year One is unknown.

Rounding out the top 10 are:

#6 Year One Weekend Gross: $5,800,000 down 70% / Theaters: 3024, up 2 / Gross $12,030,000 / Budget: $60 million

#7 The Taking of Pelham 123 Weekend Gross: $5,400,000 down 55% / Theaters: 2995, down 82 / Gross $53,406,000 / Budget: $100 million

#8 Star Trek Weekend Gross: $3,606,000 down 34% / Theaters: 1823, down 484 / Gross $246,225,000 / Budget: $150 million

#9 Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian Weekend Gross: $3,500,000 down 55% / Theaters: 2250, down 712 / Gross $163,248,000 / Budget: $150 million

#10 Away We Go Weekend Gross: $1,678,000 up 92% / Theaters: 495 up 363 / Gross $4,056,000 / Budget: $17 million

A note on “Gross”: On average, studios will earn approximately 55 percent of the final gross.

Sources:

Box Office Mojo

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Best Picture Nominated Shows

BSP Episode 095: Forrest Gump and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

These movies were a logic choice to review together.

Check out our reasons why and let us know what you think.

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Back Seat Producers Best Picture Nominated Season 04 Shows

BSP Episode 094: Frost/Nixon and Dick

Another in our Best Picture Series. Check last episode for an explanation of why we are releasing these episodes back to back like this.

Trying to catch up, and you know, someday we might even get caught up.

Also featured in this episode is a promo for Technorama and a review of Opie gets Laid.

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Back Seat Producers Best Picture Nominated Season 04 Shows

BSP Episode 093: Milk

Wow… two months?  Sheesh… good thing we currently have um… 16!!! episodes recorded that we haven’t released… So yeah, this is going to be a good weekend for you guys.

Today I’m releasing the movie that earned Sean Penn an Academy Award for his portrayal of Harvey Milk.

Tomorrow, we’ve got an episode in wherein we discuss a former President of the United States.

Sunday, an episode where we compare two movies that were written by the same screenwriter… and which are ridiculously similar.

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News

Michael Jackson suffers heart attack, reported dead.

Variety, the NY Times, the LA Times and the Associated Press are all reporting that pop icon Michael Jackson has died of a heart attack after being rushed comatose from his home in Bel-Air to UCLA Medical Center, where he could not be revived. As of this writing, CNN still had not confirmed Jackson’s death and there has been no official report.

UPDATE: CNN has just confirmed with the LA coroner that Jackson has in fact died.

Firefighters were called to the popstar’s home around midday on reports that he was not breathing. A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department told CNN that rescuers were called to Mr. Jackson’s home at 12:21 p.m. Pacific. “When paramedics went on the scene, they treated the patient, then they immediately transported the patient to UCLA.”

Television news is showing images of large crowds gathering outside the UCLA Medical Center with security blocking all entrances to emergency room. The reports of Mr. Jackson’s death rocketed around the world at the speed of the internet with the news leading Friday morning newscasts in Japan.

The pop music icon from Gary, Indiana, widley known as the “King of Pop, was attempting a comeback after years of tabloid headlines, most notably his trial and acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005. Jackson was scheduled to perform as many as 50 sell-out concerts in the O2 arena in London, beginning in July and continuing into 2010. The shows were widely seen as a possible comeback for the “King of Pop”, with the potential to earn him up to $50 million.

The seventh child of the famous Jackson family, Michael started in the music business at the age of 11 as a member of the Jackson 5 with his brothers. The group had a number of hits at Motown in the 1970s. Five of his solo albums are counted among the top-selling albums of all time: Off the Wall, 1982’s Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and HISstory. He was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and had 13 Grammy awards and 13 number one singles. He has sold over 750 million albums worldwide and his total earnings have been estimated at $500 million dollars.

Jackson has three children, Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II.

Sources:
Variety
NY Times
LA Times
CNN

Categories
News

Bob Dylan 1978-1989 Both Ends of the Rainbow

Bob Dylan 1978-1989 Both Ends of the Rainbow was the third in a series of Dylan documentaries produced by UK-based Chrome Dreams. Now this classic documentary is available as a limited edition 2 disc set featuring the original film as well as a host of all new extras.

Bob Dylan 1978-1989 Both Ends of the Rainbow features extensive commentary on one of the most fascinating and controversial periods in Dylan’s career, a period marked by the three recordings that brought Dylan’s new Christian faith to light: Slow Train Coming (1979), Saved (1980) and Shot of Love (1981).

This Special Edition 2 Disc Set from Chrome Dreams and Pride examines this contentious and often misunderstood time in Dylan’s long career, beginning in the late ’70s and culminating with the release of his 1989 album OH MERCY. The set features rare archive footage of Dylan in concert and performing some of his best tracks as well as exclusive interviews with producers, musicians and associates who worked with him throughout the period. The collection also includes material which many say was notably laking in the first including over an hour of incredible audio interviews with Dylan, in which he discusses his conversion to Christianity and his feelings concerning the criticism he received for that conversion. He also speaks at length of the enlightenment this change of faith had brought him.

This documentary is unique in its focus on this period in Dylan’s creative life, a period that is all too often overlooked when it comes to the well documented yet ever elusive man that is Bob Dylan and for the sheer depth of insight into ’80s-era Dylan.

Retailing at only $21.95 and available from SeeOfSound.com This collection is a must have for any Dylan aficionado.

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News

Weekend Box Office for June 19 – 21

#1 The Proposal from Buena Vista. debuts at #1 this weekend earning $34.1 million in 3056 theaters. Budget for The Proposal was $40 million.

#2 The Hangover from Warner Bros. drops to #2 this weekend earning $26.8 million in 3545 theaters bringing total earnings to $152.9 million. Budget for The Hangover was $35 million.

#3 Up from Disney drops to #3 earning $21.3 million in 3832 theaters bringing total earnings to $224.1 million. Budget for Up was $175 million.

#4 Year One from Sony debuts at #4 this weekend earning $20.2 million in 3022 theaters. Budget for Year One was $60 million.

#5 The Taking of Pelham 123 from Sony drops to #5 this weekend earning $11.3 million in 3077 theaters. Budget for Pelham was $100 million.

Rounding out the top 10 are:

#6 Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian Weekend Gross: $7,300,000 down 24% / Theaters: 2962, down 403 / Gross $155,953,000 / Budget: $150 million

#7 Star Trek Weekend Gross: $4,700,000 down 13% / Theaters: 2307 down 331 / Gross $239,444,000 / Budget: $150 million

#8 Land of the Lost Weekend Gross: $3,976,000 down 55% / Theaters: 2945 down 589 / Gross $43,672,000 / Budget: $100 million

#9 Imagine That Weekend Gross: $3,100,000 down 43% / Theaters: 3011 up 3 / Gross $11,351,000 / Budget: $55 million

#10 Terminator Salvation Weekend Gross: $3,070,000 down 35% / Theaters: 1920, down 730 / Gross $119,513,000 / Budget: $200 million

A note on “Gross”: On average, studios will earn approximately 55 percent of the final gross.

Sources:

Box Office Mojo

Categories
News

"Dancing with the Stars" pro to star in "Footloose."

According to Variety Dancing With the Stars pro dancer and country/western singer Julianne Hough will make her feature film debut opposite Chace Crawford in Paramount’s upcoming remake of Footloose.

Chace Crawford signed on to star after teen heartthrob Zac Efron decided in March against toplining another musical after High School Musical 3 and Hairspray. The original version of Footloose became a sensation and rocketed Kevin Bacon to stardom nearly overnight.

Plans are for this to be a more mature version of Footloose. Dylan Sellers is producing alongside Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), Craig Zadan, one of the producers of the original Footloose and Neil Meron.

Filming is set to begin in March ’10

Sources:
Variety

Categories
News

Weekend Box Office for June 12 – 14

#1 The Hangover from Warner Bros. holds at #1 this weekend earning $33.4 million in 3355 theaters bringing total earnings to $105.3 million. Budget for The Hangover was $35 million.

#2 Up from Disney holds steady at #2 earning $30.5 million in 3886 theaters bringing total earnings to $187 million. Budget for Up was $175 million.

#3 The Taking of Pelham 123 from Sony debuts at #3 this weekend earning $25 million in 3047 theaters. Budget for Pelham was $100 million.

#4 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian from Fox holds at #4 this weekend earning $9.6 million in 3365 theaters. Budget for Museum was $150 million.

#5 Land of the Lost from Universal drops to #5 this weekend earning $9.1 million in 3534 theaters. Budget for Land was $100 million.

Rounding out the top 10 are:

#6 Imagine That Weekend Gross: $5,700,000 / Theaters: 3008 / Gross $5,700,000 / Budget: $55 million

#7 Star Trek Weekend Gross: $5,600,000 down 32% / Theaters: 2638, down 564 / Gross $232,028,000 / Budget: $150 million

#8 Terminator Salvation Weekend Gross: $4,695,000 down 43% / Theaters: 2650, down 654 / Gross $113,831,000 / Budget: $200 million

#9 Angels & Demons Weekend Gross: $4,200,000 down 35% / Theaters: 2436, down 489 / Gross $123,300,000 / Budget: $150 million

#10 Drag Me to Hell Weekend Gross: $3,864,000 down 45% / Theaters: 2273, down 237 / Gross $35,146,000 / Budget: unknown

A note on “Gross”: On average, studios will earn approximately 55 percent of the final gross.

Sources:

Box Office Mojo

Categories
Text Reviews Theatrical Review

Theatrical Review: The Taking of Pelham 123

In brief, four armed men hijack a New York City subway car and hold the passengers of said car hostage, wanting a ransom demand met within an hour’s time frame, with the Transit Authority and the NYPD doing their best to save everyone.

That’s the basic plot of any version of The Taking of Pelham 123 adapted from the novel by John Godey (and no I’ve never read the novel- though in this case, if one day I ever get the chance I certainly will). First given theatrical life in 1974 by director Joseph Sargent and starring Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw, it’s since appeared in a more forgettable TV movie and now re-made again for theatrical release by director Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta.

Now generally speaking, I really don’t mind the practice of re-makes, if something fresh can be made from an existing property and I’m interested in said property, then I’m more than willing to give the filmmakers a chance with it. This is one instance though when I’ve had my own trepidation about this, because the 1974 version of Pelham 123 is right up there as a movie that’s really special to me and knowing what Tony Scott does with his films- bringing in a higher-pitched energy that sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t, well for myself, there was reason for concern. The thing that I like about the original, is that it is of the moment and very matter-of-fact in what it does. On top of that, the New York “feel” is extremely authentic to the timeframe the original is shot in, Matthau, Shaw and all of the other characters have a lived-in quality to them that doesn’t really require any sort of expansion, and everything unfolds in a highly logical way. Plus it’s got this tremendous score from David Shire that’s used very effectively and not at all overdone. And “overdone” was the thing that I was most concerned about with Tony Scott’s version of the film.

I still have a huge preference for the original, but I have to say, for bringing this property to the forefront with a modern audience in mind, I think Scott and scripter Brian Helgeland have done a pretty decent job and fortunately they’ve avoided some of the traps that I thought they’d play up- this being Scott’s overdone style and a modern convention of doing something a little more wise-assed with some of the passengers held hostage (basically making sure that one of the passengers would have to be like Alan Ruck in Speed).

Other than the basic plot though and the lead character’s last name- everything here is different from the original- the character name in common is Garber, that was Walter Matthau in the original (Zachary Garber), who was playing a Transit Authority cop, in this Denzel Washington plays Walter Garber (undoubtedly a tip of the hat to Matthau) and he’s no cop, but a transit authority employee currently acting in a dispatching capacity. The biggest difference here is that I suspect Scott and Helgeland have seen messageboards and seen that a common complaint that comes up is “Where’s the character development?” and so they decided to add a lot more weight to the basic character’s of Garber and the antagonist Ryder, played by John Travolta, than what’s shown in the original film- basically going for a more personal connection to these characters than what Sargent did in the original, which was make the situation one that was more black and white, and what Scott and Helgeland have opted for is something with a lot more shades of grey.

Fortunately, it works here, though my one caveat is the fact that the connection between Ryder and Scott is made pretty high-opera personal by it’s end and that’s something that I don’t think needed to be done, but at least here it’s more a moot point than what it might be with other movies.

The other thing that I have to give Scott credit for is holding back quite a bit on his style- oh sure, things are still highly kinetic, but not necessarily in the way Domino was, but still not as held back as Crimson Tide (my own personal favorite of Tony Scott’s movies). It’s not at all a distraction to this movie, so my hat’s off for that.

Of the cast, well I think Denzel Washington is solid as a rock, and I give him kudos for choosing a role like this that isn’t necessarily as proactive as others that he’s done. John Travolta does a real nice job as Ryder, and coming off of the death of his son when making this, I think he manages something here that’s pretty interesting, if quite a bit more over-the-top than what Robert Shaw did in the original. The original film also plays a lot more with the other three gunmen, and that’s something that’s not really dealt with here, but again this is going for something a little different than the original, so I won’t hold that against this. Filling out the cast is John Tuturro as an NYPD negotiator and James Gandofini as the Mayor of New York, Gandolfini is solid as expected and it’s really nice to see Tuturro play a part where he’s not a douchebag. Tuturro’s character also adds to what Garber has to do here, basically splintering off the function of what Matthau’s character did with the original.

I saw this with three other friends, two of which have seen the original film and one which hadn’t but plans to. My friend who hadn’t seen the original really had a good time with this, and I suspect that others who haven’t seen the original will probably have a pretty decent time with it as well. I’ve seen the original, and as I stated at the top, certainly had my fears going into this, but I don’t think the remake does anything to tarnish the original by any means, and other than the basic plot, it’s a pretty different movie. With that said, the remake of The Taking of Pelham 123 is a pretty taut thriller and I do recommend seeing it. But also, if you haven’t seen the 1974 original and like to watch 70s films, then by all means if you have the chance, catch that as well…