The Next Three Days- Nov. 19, 2010

Paul Haggis is a gifted entertainer. He is a master of nuances that an intelligent audience craves. That is why when initial critical response claimed that the movie was guilty of the opposite ('Haggis assumes viewers are quick to abandon sense and logic') I was surprised. The Next Three Days seems like too much of a popcorn movie for Haggis' undertaking. I guess always expecting something profound is unfair. Russell Crowe will do his thing, Elizabeth banks will try very hard and the audience may have to really suspend disbelief but it will be entertaining. The trailer seems to over simplify things, marketing it as a Mel Gibson style revenge movie, expect more. I would say that if you are a Russell Crowe fan go support your boy and you won't be disappointed.

Morning Glory- Nov. 10, 2010

Morning Glory is not my kind of movie but it stars Rachel McAdams and that is good. This mature, borderline romantic comedy definitely caters to older movie goers. Look no further than the movie poster and trailer. McAdams may be up front but note Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton bringing it up the rear. Expect strong characters and a heart warming storyline. The writer of the Devil Wears Prada won't disappoint fans. McAdams has been known to work in comedies and I am surprised she hasn't played a role similar to this yet. Morning Glory being released mid week does nothing but help its box office potential. I think it will beat out Unstoppable for top spot. Megamind was for the kids and did what kid movies do, make money. But now its the parents turn.

Unstoppable- Nov. 12 2010

Denzel and Tony Scott team up again for their 4th movie together in five years. Denzel has come to expect a steady payout from working with Scott, and I don't think he will be disappointed this time either. Based on true events, which in a way ruins the 'thrilling' ending, Unstoppable will go head to head against Rachel McAdam's rom com Morning Glory for this weeks box office battle. The classic chicky poo flick vs. Denzel as a public servant turned serious hero flick. Chris Pine in his latest big budget endeavour since Star Trek gets another solid feature film under his belt. This movie will be what everyone expects. Exciting, entertaining but nothing we haven't seen before. Denzel always finds a way to keep the audiences attention and Tony Scott is counting on it.

Top Box Office- Nov. 7, 2010

1. Saw 3D $24.2M
2. Paranormal Activity 2 $16.5M
3. Red $10.7M
4. Jackass 3D $8.5M

Robin Hood- May 14, 2010

Ridley and Russell team up for Gladiator 2. After watching the trailer and some extended scenes it is hard to think this movie will be anything less than epic. Talented screenplay writer Brian Hegeland should do well with the story of the legendary archer. Giving Robin Hood an edge, wheeling a sword, will make the story grittier. But do remember the movie is PG so it won't have the same bloodlust as Gladiator. As far as runtime Mr. Scott has not changed his desire to keep the audience in the theatre past 2 hours. Comparing Gladiator and Robin Hood may be unfair but it is hard not to. The new installment of the Robin Hood series would be lucky to achieve the amount of success as Gladiator.

Nightmare on Elm Street- April 30, 2010

Please don't dismiss this next installment in the Freddy Krueger franchise as just another campy money grab. Jackie Earl Haley as Freddy was strong in the Watchmen and Shutter Island. He deserves some credit. He seems to really give his all to the characters he plays. Not being the biggest horror fan I am still interested in seeing this movie. Michael Bay would not be producing if he didn't believe in the project and feel free to check out his box office numbers. The Wes Craven original could once again make people afraid to sleep. Nightmare on Elm Street should please both loyal and first time Freddy viewers. I don't know if it will take top spot at the box office but it should do just fine.

Top Box Office- April 26, 2010

1. How to Train Your Dragon $15.0M
2. The Back-Up Plan $12.3M
3. Date Night $10.6M
4. The Losers $9.6M
5. Kick-Ass $9.5M

The Losers- Friday April 23, 2010

This seems to be the first movie to test the waters of 'team' action movies. With The Expendables and The A-Team coming out later on in the year this will be a strong indication of box office potential. Director hasn't done much, unless you were a big fan of Stomp the Yard. But the cast is somewhat promising I guess. Zoe Saldana sheds her blue paint, Chris Evans winner of the Captain America franchise and Jeffrey Dean Morgan goes beyond the Watchmen. Another comic book turned movie, The Losers seems average. A standard government espionage double cross plot. There will be some cool scenes but remember it is PG, so no exit wounds will be featured. Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment seem to have half-assed this one just to get it out before Marvel steals the show and dollars with Iron Man 2.

Top Box Office- April 19, 2010

Prediction was on.

1. Kick-Ass $19.8M
2. How To Train Your Dragon $19.6M
3. Date Night $16.7M

Kick-Ass April 16, 2010

I am excited for this movie. Director Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake) makes his return to violence. Don't let the young cast fool you, this is not a kids movie. Anyone familiar with the comic book knows what I am talking about. The critics seem to be enjoying it and despite its R rating expect it to have a solid opening weekend. The young up and coming actors, especially Chloe Moretz as Hit-Girl, will not disappoint. This refreshing twist on the super-hero concept should mix action and comedy very well. Kick-Ass will work in extremes and work well.

Top Box Office- April 12, 2010

So my prediction was $200,00 off, in movie terms that is nothing.

1. Date Night $27.1M
2. Clash of the Titans $26.9M
3. How to Train Your Dragon $25.4M

Date Night- April 9, 2010

The old mistaken identity device. Not the biggest fan of the directors past works but who can argue with Fey and Carell. Although they had little to do with the writing, their comedic delivery can usually turn a mediocre script into hilarity. This should make a little coin considering it is a pretty safe date movie. I don't think it will trump Clash of The Titans, but just wait for Kick-Ass. As far as content for Date Night think Adventures in Babysitting and I guarantee a happy ending. The cast is strong so watch a little go along way plot wise.

Top Box Office- April 5, 2010

1. Clash of the Titans $61.4M (told you)
2. Tyler Perry's What Did I Get Married Too $30.2M
3. How to Train Your Dragon $29.2M
4. The Last Song $16.2M

Clash of the Titans- April 2, 2010

A pretty solid cast of leading men in Hollywood. Sam Worthington's next thing after Avatar. He is no stranger to CGI and neither is the director. It is a remake of the 1981 film of the same title but it won't be just another ripoff. This movie will be epic; and most likely mythically inaccurate but who cares. Giving it a PG rating it opens up to a wider audience. Look for this one to be number atop the box office next week. If the notable names in the special effects department have put in the effort with the CGI this shouldn't just pass. It will be a fun digital ride through Greek mythology and get ready for monstrous battles. A little 3D never hurt nobody.

Top Box Office- March 29, 2010

1. How to Train Your Dragon $43.3M
2. Alice in Wonderland $17.3M
3. Hot Tub Time Machine $13.7M
4. Bounty Hunter $12.4M
5. Diary of Wimpy Kid $10.0M

Hot Tub Time Machine- March 26, 2010

it must be some kind of hot tub time machine.

The director Steve Pink has a pretty solid sense of humour (his production resume would suggest) so HTM could deliver some strong laughs. I am also a big fan of that black dude from the Seth Rogen movies, Craig Robinson. Anything that comes out of his mouth seems to induce at least a giggle. Hopefully he will overshadow the others except for Cusack, he can stay. If you like absurdity you will no doubt like HTM. It will be hardcore comedy, nudity, foul language, anything for a laugh. Hot Tub Time Machine seems to have 'personality'. If this movie is even somewhat successful writer Sean Anders has had a big two weeks with She's out of My League pulling in a decent 6M. The Red Band trailer makes this movie look significantly better so expect get ready for some crude.

Top Box Office- March 22, 2010

Alice in Wonderland 34.5M
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 21.8M
Bounty Hunter 21.0M
Repo Men 6.2M
She's Out of My League 6.0M

The Runaways- March 19, 2010

A rock bio-epic about the 70s rock and roll band The Runaways (Joan Jett). Semi-famous music video director takes a stab at a full feature. Hopefully this movie is as raw as it should be and with the R rating it looks to be on the right track. With Dakota Fanning and Kirsten Stewart trying to prove that they can handle 'big girl' roles look for some sexual content. They certainly look the part. The movie should have a pretty good soundtrack full of 70s classic rock. So if you are feeling like brushing up on your rock history and getting a heroin shot of girl power The Runaways could be for you.

Repo Men- March 19, 2010

A really cool concept. If the red band trailer is any indication, Repo Men promises to be incredibly violent. A fresh director with a strong art background will keep the grit and artistic integrity of each scene. Jude Law looks to go physical and why not? The look of the film will be well thought out and with such a grim topic look for an strong sense of humour. The movie is refreshingly unique for Hollywood.

TOP BOX OFFICE

1. Alice In Wonderland $62.0M
2. Green Zone $14.5M
3. She's Out of My League $9.6

She's Out of My League- March 12, 2010

With it being the director's and Jay Baruchel's first time leading a mainstream project there is not a lot of hope for this movie. The preview presents some mediocre laughs which is what should be expected throughout the whole feature. The average Joe meets sexy ass woman plot is getting a bit warn out. Alice Eve, who also has a fairly short resume, will work as eye candy and with the R rating the male fans can hope for more.

Green Zone- March 11 2010

An American middle east war spin on the Bourne series. Same director and same beauty main actor (damon) as the bourne movies. same basic rogue agent premise. shaky camera action with damon putting foot to ass. won't disappoint but nothing new. explosions and M4 carbines mediocre reviews. Looks to be a little more political than Bourne.

TOP BOX OFFICE

1. Alice in Wonderland- 116.1M
2. Brooklyn's Finest- 13.4M
3. Shutter Island- 13.2M
4. Cop Out 9.3M
5. Avatar 8.1M