We all have our little quirks of opinion that we find few people agree with. We find ourselves going against the general consensus of the critical community. We find ourselves going against popular opinion. These are some such cases for me.
1. Corpse Bride is as good as Nightmare Before Christmas.
Of all of Tim Burton's films, Corpse Bride is the most controversial. Many feel like the simplistic storyline and a lack of memorable songs made it disappointing and lame. I disagree. The songs aren't memorable, that is true, but the movie is very enjoyable to watch, despite a somewhat simple story. There's a lot of effort in the film, that comes out beautifully. Nightmare Before Christmas also had a simple, albeit original and interesting plot, but I never found myself invested in the characters as I was in Corpse Bride, and many of the jokes fall flat. However, Nightmare has the music on its side, with "Jack's Lament", "What is this?" and virtually every other song in the movie virtually being a classic. They're both good, but I'm sure a lot of people hate to even compare the two.
2. Beetlejuice is lame
Another Tim Burton film, I never really got Beetlejuice. Nothing really happens. We leave the film in the same situation that it begins. Michael Keaton is fine as always, but not stand-out. Alec Baldwin turns in one of the worst performances of his career. Most of the jokes fall flat, and the ghosts and stuff really aren't that creative. It's still an okay movie, but it's far from ever being considered a classic in my book.
3. Miyazaki is not all that.
To be fair, I've only seen four of his films. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008), Howl's Moving Castle (2004) and Princess Mononoke (1997) and Castle in the Sky (1986). First of all, the animation is not all that. Sure, it's much better than most Japanese animation, and the don't do a lot of the shortcuts they do in those anime (like using excessive key frames, speed lines, etc.) but it's clear they needed more in-betweeners, it always looks quite stilted. Furthermore, and worse, the stories are confusing. Maybe it's because I don't know Japanese mythology or something, but the second halves of his films always involve some weird setting with weird stuff happening for no reason. Furthermore, the characters aren't that like-able or interesting, and they certainly aren't original. The exception to this was Ponyo, where I liked our two mains and Sosuke's mom, but the other characters in his other films are completely forgettable. Of the four films of his I've seen, Ponyo is my favorite. It's the most straight-forward, the most well explained and the least confusing, and (as mentioned before), you actually care about the characters. Even so, Mr. Miyazaki has yet to impress me, although I have yet to see many of his films.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Foreign Film Remakes
It's no secret that Hollywood isn't known for originality these days. Most movies are adapted from books, this is nothing new, but now more and more remakes and sequels are showing up all over. This is common knowledge, but what isn't is that many seemingly original films are actually remakes of foreign films.
Americans don't seem to like foreign films very much. They consistently fail to make even a slight blip on the box office radar. They're typically only seen by film buffs, so most people haven't heard of them. This makes them prime remake material. I recently found out that Dinner for Schmucks, coming out this weekend is based on the French film "The Dinner Game" from 1998. So I knew, I had to make this list.
Here's a short list of the most notable ones from the last 10 years:
China
The Eye (2008) from The Eye (2002)
The Departed (2006) from Internal Affairs (2002)
Denmark
Catch that Kid (2004) from Klatretosen (2002)
Brothers (2009) from Brodre (2004)
French
Taxi (2004) from Taxi (1998)
German
No Reservations (2007) from Bella Martha (2001)
Japan
Dark Water (2005) from Dark Water (2002)
The Grudge (2004) from Ju-On: The Grudge (2003)
One Missed Call (2008) from Chakushin Ari (2004)
The Ring (2001) from Ringu (1998)
Shall we Dance (2004) from Shall we Dansu (1996)
Korea
The Lake House (2006) from Il Mare (2000)
The Uninvited (2009) from A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
Mirrors (2009) from Into the Mirror (2003)
Norway
Insomnia (2002) from Insomnia (1997)
Spain
Vanilla Sky (2001) from Abre Los Ojos (1997)
Quarantine (2008) from REC (2007)
Thailand
Shutter (2008) from Shutter (2004)
Bangkok Dangerous (2008) from Bangkok Dangerous (1999)
Sweden
Let Me in (2010) from Let the Right one In (2008)
and also some older ones you might not expect.
The Birdcage
Jungle 2 Jungle
The Parent Trap
Weekend at Bernie's
True Lies
Three men and a Baby
Americans don't seem to like foreign films very much. They consistently fail to make even a slight blip on the box office radar. They're typically only seen by film buffs, so most people haven't heard of them. This makes them prime remake material. I recently found out that Dinner for Schmucks, coming out this weekend is based on the French film "The Dinner Game" from 1998. So I knew, I had to make this list.
Here's a short list of the most notable ones from the last 10 years:
China
The Eye (2008) from The Eye (2002)
The Departed (2006) from Internal Affairs (2002)
Denmark
Catch that Kid (2004) from Klatretosen (2002)
Brothers (2009) from Brodre (2004)
French
Taxi (2004) from Taxi (1998)
German
No Reservations (2007) from Bella Martha (2001)
Japan
Dark Water (2005) from Dark Water (2002)
The Grudge (2004) from Ju-On: The Grudge (2003)
One Missed Call (2008) from Chakushin Ari (2004)
The Ring (2001) from Ringu (1998)
Shall we Dance (2004) from Shall we Dansu (1996)
Korea
The Lake House (2006) from Il Mare (2000)
The Uninvited (2009) from A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
Mirrors (2009) from Into the Mirror (2003)
Norway
Insomnia (2002) from Insomnia (1997)
Spain
Vanilla Sky (2001) from Abre Los Ojos (1997)
Quarantine (2008) from REC (2007)
Thailand
Shutter (2008) from Shutter (2004)
Bangkok Dangerous (2008) from Bangkok Dangerous (1999)
Sweden
Let Me in (2010) from Let the Right one In (2008)
and also some older ones you might not expect.
The Birdcage
Jungle 2 Jungle
The Parent Trap
Weekend at Bernie's
True Lies
Three men and a Baby
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thoughts on Comic Con News-So Far
So for those of you living under an iceberg in the north sea, trapped in a nursing home at the bottom of the ocean, or stuck in the delusion that Two and a Half Men is a good show, Comic-con is currently going on right now.
The first thing I want to talk about is Mega-Mind. Dreamworks Animation's new movie has done little to excite me...until now. A 4 minute preview revealed a lot (dare I say too much) about the movie's premise and now I really want to see this movie. Without spoiling anything, there is a very dark, very audacious twist. I think you should go see the film without knowing it, so I suggest avoiding trailers and previews from here on out, but dang, they went there.
No.2, the new teaser for Pirates of the Caribbean 4. When I say teaser, I really just mean Jack Sparrow talking to the camera for about two minutes...somehow this managed to excite me. This was really surprising, because I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE At World's End. One of the worst movies I've ever seen. I'm guessing nostalgia is what makes me want to see this, that and the hope that they can redeem themselves.
"Teaser" for Pirates 4
And now to the controversial stuff. The full cast of the Avengers was finally revealed.
Nick Fury-Samuel L. Jackson
Tony Stark/Iron Man-Robert Downey Jr.
Black Widow-Scarlett Johannsen.
Thor-Chris Hemsworth
Captain America-Chris Evans
The Hulk-Mark Ruffalo
Hawkeye-Jeremy Renner
So...the only real surprise here is Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, which I'm unsure about. What I am sure about, is that this movie will SUCK. Why? Because two of the movies it will follow, Thor and Captain America will SUCK. The Incredible Hulk SUCKED. Iron Man 2 was...mediocre. I have no faith in this movie what-so-ever. Mark my words, it will be a disaster of epic proportions, looked back upon with the same disdain as Batman and Robin and Superman 4.
The first thing I want to talk about is Mega-Mind. Dreamworks Animation's new movie has done little to excite me...until now. A 4 minute preview revealed a lot (dare I say too much) about the movie's premise and now I really want to see this movie. Without spoiling anything, there is a very dark, very audacious twist. I think you should go see the film without knowing it, so I suggest avoiding trailers and previews from here on out, but dang, they went there.
No.2, the new teaser for Pirates of the Caribbean 4. When I say teaser, I really just mean Jack Sparrow talking to the camera for about two minutes...somehow this managed to excite me. This was really surprising, because I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE At World's End. One of the worst movies I've ever seen. I'm guessing nostalgia is what makes me want to see this, that and the hope that they can redeem themselves.
"Teaser" for Pirates 4
And now to the controversial stuff. The full cast of the Avengers was finally revealed.
Nick Fury-Samuel L. Jackson
Tony Stark/Iron Man-Robert Downey Jr.
Black Widow-Scarlett Johannsen.
Thor-Chris Hemsworth
Captain America-Chris Evans
The Hulk-Mark Ruffalo
Hawkeye-Jeremy Renner
So...the only real surprise here is Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, which I'm unsure about. What I am sure about, is that this movie will SUCK. Why? Because two of the movies it will follow, Thor and Captain America will SUCK. The Incredible Hulk SUCKED. Iron Man 2 was...mediocre. I have no faith in this movie what-so-ever. Mark my words, it will be a disaster of epic proportions, looked back upon with the same disdain as Batman and Robin and Superman 4.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Breaking Even in Film: More movies cross the line!
Get him to the Greek
Production Budget: $40 Million
Domestic Gross: $60 million
Overseas: $21 million
Worldwide: $81 million
Get him to the Greek was a decidedly middling comedy, especially when you consider it's from heavyweight Judd Apatow. Still, it managed to make its money back, and it has more coming in overseas.
Predators
Production Budget: $40 million
Domestic Gross: $44 million
Overseas: $37 million
Worldwide: $81 million
After 14 days in theaters, Predators has crossed the mark to make its money back. Despite a very steep drop last weekend, I think Predators still has some legs left, especially overseas. Look for a sequel to be announced any minute now.
Despicable Me
Production Budget: $69 million
Domestic Gross: $138 million
Overseas: $12 million
Worldwide: $150 million
Despicable Me managed to defy predictions earlier this month and is holding onto its glory. It's made its money back, even before you take overseas numbers into account and could be considered the breakout hit of the summer. Obviously it's just getting started overseas, so by the end of its run I wouldn't put $400 million worldwide out of its reach. I'm still surprised they made this film for under $70 million, but boy is Universal happy with this!
Production Budget: $40 Million
Domestic Gross: $60 million
Overseas: $21 million
Worldwide: $81 million
Get him to the Greek was a decidedly middling comedy, especially when you consider it's from heavyweight Judd Apatow. Still, it managed to make its money back, and it has more coming in overseas.
Predators
Production Budget: $40 million
Domestic Gross: $44 million
Overseas: $37 million
Worldwide: $81 million
After 14 days in theaters, Predators has crossed the mark to make its money back. Despite a very steep drop last weekend, I think Predators still has some legs left, especially overseas. Look for a sequel to be announced any minute now.
Despicable Me
Production Budget: $69 million
Domestic Gross: $138 million
Overseas: $12 million
Worldwide: $150 million
Despicable Me managed to defy predictions earlier this month and is holding onto its glory. It's made its money back, even before you take overseas numbers into account and could be considered the breakout hit of the summer. Obviously it's just getting started overseas, so by the end of its run I wouldn't put $400 million worldwide out of its reach. I'm still surprised they made this film for under $70 million, but boy is Universal happy with this!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Inception: Best Movie Ever?
Just (literally just now) got back from Inception. Wow. Just...wow.
Anything I say about the movie will practically be a spoiler. Suffice to say. Wow. GO SEE THIS MOVIE RIGHT NOW! Actually, you can wait for DVD, because even on DVD this movie will still be awesome. Not one for the kids though, they will be confused, and rightly so (as a matter of fact some adults might find themselves lost at certain points).
What can I even say? The script is amazingly layered with more twists and turns than any roller coaster ever built. That's actually a pretty good metaphor for this movie. While many compare your typical action fair to a roller coaster, this movie is a roller-coaster of the mind. The acting is superb from all parties and enhances the story greatly, the direction is solid and the effects are all great, but story is the key player here.
The only thing keeping this from being the perfect film, is the last three seconds. Instead of the satisfying ending we all want, something happens that keeps it away from us. I will say that the final twist remains in the spirit of the film, but for me personally it felt like a slap in the face.
My final rating is still 4/4 stars, but it could have been a 4.1. OR COULD IT! We may never know!!!!
Anything I say about the movie will practically be a spoiler. Suffice to say. Wow. GO SEE THIS MOVIE RIGHT NOW! Actually, you can wait for DVD, because even on DVD this movie will still be awesome. Not one for the kids though, they will be confused, and rightly so (as a matter of fact some adults might find themselves lost at certain points).
What can I even say? The script is amazingly layered with more twists and turns than any roller coaster ever built. That's actually a pretty good metaphor for this movie. While many compare your typical action fair to a roller coaster, this movie is a roller-coaster of the mind. The acting is superb from all parties and enhances the story greatly, the direction is solid and the effects are all great, but story is the key player here.
The only thing keeping this from being the perfect film, is the last three seconds. Instead of the satisfying ending we all want, something happens that keeps it away from us. I will say that the final twist remains in the spirit of the film, but for me personally it felt like a slap in the face.
My final rating is still 4/4 stars, but it could have been a 4.1. OR COULD IT! We may never know!!!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Emmy Noms, who should win and who will win!
None among us is immune to flattery. So when I saw this comment in reply to me on the comment section of tvbythenumbers.com, I was ecstatic.
"You know, a friend of mine was reading the Emmy threads last night and commented that you are the smartest guy on this site. I can see what she means. ;)"
Insert the tossing of roses and thunderous applause.
Needless to say, I was/am ecstatic, and decided to do my own blog post on the subject.
I'm not going to talk about dramas, because, I really only watch 2-4 of them, depending on whether you count Psych and Chuck as dramas or comedies. Nothing I say will really be meaningful here. So, onto our first category.
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Nominations
-Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory)-Shoot me
-Larry David (Curb your Enthusiasm)-Wild Card
-Matthew Morrison (Glee)-What is he doing here?
-Tony Shalhoub (Monk)-Could Win
-Steve Carell (The Office)-My Pick for the Win
-Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)-Will Probably Win
Should've been Nominated
-Aziz Ansari (Parks & Recreation, although he may have submitted as supporting)
Okay, let's look at these noms. First off, I don't watch the Big Bang Theory, but from what I've seen, it's garbage. Anyone could do what Jim Parsons does. If he wins it will be a travesty. Next. I don't watch Curb your Enthusiasm, so I can't really say here, but from clips I've seen it seems like a one-note performance for Larry David, I could be wrong, but whatever. Matthew Morrison of Glee doesn't deserve to be here. There's nothing special about his performance, he's definitely the straight-man of the show, so I can't imagine why he's here, except that the Emmy's love Glee. If he wins, the Emmy's will go down another peg in my book. Tony Shalhoub is sort of a predictable choice at this point, but he hasn't won in a few years. Since this was Monk's final season he could pull off a win, and he would probably deserve it. Although, he's been in that role so long he could do it in his sleep. Steve Carell hasn't won in a few years, which is a shame. I think he delivers the most consistently great performance among any of the nominees, despite a lack-luster year for the show overall. He deserves the win, but probably won't get it due to the show's overall quality. Alec Baldwin from 30 Rock really isn't that great. He's not bad, he does what he needs to, but he's rarely outstanding. Still, he's always believable and funny and isn't a bad choice. Critics have been less ecstatic about 30 Rock this year though, so he could potentially lose out. I'm not sure Aziz Ansari counts as a lead, but I would've liked to see him nominated. He pulls off the total jerk who thinks he's cool perfectly, and knowing what the guy is like in real life makes it all the more funny. Maybe next year Aziz, maybe next year you can bump one of these white guys out of the running.
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Nominations
-Lea Michelle (Glee)-Shoot me.
-Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (New Adventures of Old Christine)-Wild card
-Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)-Could Win
-Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation)-My Pick for the Win
-Tina Fey (30 Rock)-Will probably win
-Toni Colette (United States of Tara)-What is she doing here?
Lea Michelle may be a good singer, but she can't act for beans. She over-acts so badly you'd swear she was acting like she was a bad actress. She's not, she is that bad. If she wins well, you get the idea. I don't watch New Adventures of Old Christine, Nurse Jackie or United States of Tara, but any one of them could win. Apparently, United States of Tara has been a down season for quality, Colette probably won't win it. Tina Fey will probably win, but my pick is definitely Amy Poehler. Amy has turned in a great performance this year, goofy while still compelling, sweet and sour, pitiable yet reliable, she's a joy to watch. That's not to say Tina Fey is bad, but I think she's a much better writer than actress. New Adventures of Old Christine was canceled this year, so Julia-Louis Dreyfuss could upset, and I think that would be cool, even though I've never watched the show. I'd just like to see her tell CBS to "shove it".
Outstanding Comedy Series (Best Picture basically)
Nominations
-Curb Your Enthusiasm-Wild Card
-Glee-Shoot Me
-Modern Family-Could Win
-Nurse Jackie-What is this doing here?
-The Office-Lip Service
-30 Rock-My Pick to win, will probably Win
Snubbed: Parks & Recreation, Community, Psych (although Psych might qualify as Drama)
Since my pick, Parks & Recreation was snubbed in a dastardly plot against quality, I have to go with 30 Rock for the win, and win it most likely will. However, Modern Family has the buzz on its side, and could pull it off. Modern Family has been funny, but it's not rofl hilarious. If it won, it would be a fair choice though. With Curb your Enthusiasm in its last season, it could cause an upset, but I can't speak for the quality of the show. Glee shouldn't even qualify as a comedy. It's a soap opera with a few good jokes and some musical numbers. If it wins, well, you get the idea. Haven't watched Nurse Jackie, but I'm pretty sure it falls more on the drama side of things, won't win. The Office is only here because of the strength of previous seasons, not because of this one. It's here out of habit, not actual quality. If it wins, I will be shocked. Now to the snubs. I am so heartbroken over Parks & Rec getting ignored that I won't say anymore about it. Community is also surprising, as that would've been my second choice. Psych I love, but it probably didn't really deserve it, and could be a drama. But, to quote Phil Collins, they'll be in my heart, no matter what they say.
So there's my views, and this is probably the longest blog post I've ever done. Next year parks & rec! Next year!
"You know, a friend of mine was reading the Emmy threads last night and commented that you are the smartest guy on this site. I can see what she means. ;)"
Insert the tossing of roses and thunderous applause.
Needless to say, I was/am ecstatic, and decided to do my own blog post on the subject.
I'm not going to talk about dramas, because, I really only watch 2-4 of them, depending on whether you count Psych and Chuck as dramas or comedies. Nothing I say will really be meaningful here. So, onto our first category.
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Nominations
-Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory)-Shoot me
-Larry David (Curb your Enthusiasm)-Wild Card
-Matthew Morrison (Glee)-What is he doing here?
-Tony Shalhoub (Monk)-Could Win
-Steve Carell (The Office)-My Pick for the Win
-Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)-Will Probably Win
Should've been Nominated
-Aziz Ansari (Parks & Recreation, although he may have submitted as supporting)
Okay, let's look at these noms. First off, I don't watch the Big Bang Theory, but from what I've seen, it's garbage. Anyone could do what Jim Parsons does. If he wins it will be a travesty. Next. I don't watch Curb your Enthusiasm, so I can't really say here, but from clips I've seen it seems like a one-note performance for Larry David, I could be wrong, but whatever. Matthew Morrison of Glee doesn't deserve to be here. There's nothing special about his performance, he's definitely the straight-man of the show, so I can't imagine why he's here, except that the Emmy's love Glee. If he wins, the Emmy's will go down another peg in my book. Tony Shalhoub is sort of a predictable choice at this point, but he hasn't won in a few years. Since this was Monk's final season he could pull off a win, and he would probably deserve it. Although, he's been in that role so long he could do it in his sleep. Steve Carell hasn't won in a few years, which is a shame. I think he delivers the most consistently great performance among any of the nominees, despite a lack-luster year for the show overall. He deserves the win, but probably won't get it due to the show's overall quality. Alec Baldwin from 30 Rock really isn't that great. He's not bad, he does what he needs to, but he's rarely outstanding. Still, he's always believable and funny and isn't a bad choice. Critics have been less ecstatic about 30 Rock this year though, so he could potentially lose out. I'm not sure Aziz Ansari counts as a lead, but I would've liked to see him nominated. He pulls off the total jerk who thinks he's cool perfectly, and knowing what the guy is like in real life makes it all the more funny. Maybe next year Aziz, maybe next year you can bump one of these white guys out of the running.
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Nominations
-Lea Michelle (Glee)-Shoot me.
-Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (New Adventures of Old Christine)-Wild card
-Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)-Could Win
-Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation)-My Pick for the Win
-Tina Fey (30 Rock)-Will probably win
-Toni Colette (United States of Tara)-What is she doing here?
Lea Michelle may be a good singer, but she can't act for beans. She over-acts so badly you'd swear she was acting like she was a bad actress. She's not, she is that bad. If she wins well, you get the idea. I don't watch New Adventures of Old Christine, Nurse Jackie or United States of Tara, but any one of them could win. Apparently, United States of Tara has been a down season for quality, Colette probably won't win it. Tina Fey will probably win, but my pick is definitely Amy Poehler. Amy has turned in a great performance this year, goofy while still compelling, sweet and sour, pitiable yet reliable, she's a joy to watch. That's not to say Tina Fey is bad, but I think she's a much better writer than actress. New Adventures of Old Christine was canceled this year, so Julia-Louis Dreyfuss could upset, and I think that would be cool, even though I've never watched the show. I'd just like to see her tell CBS to "shove it".
Outstanding Comedy Series (Best Picture basically)
Nominations
-Curb Your Enthusiasm-Wild Card
-Glee-Shoot Me
-Modern Family-Could Win
-Nurse Jackie-What is this doing here?
-The Office-Lip Service
-30 Rock-My Pick to win, will probably Win
Snubbed: Parks & Recreation, Community, Psych (although Psych might qualify as Drama)
Since my pick, Parks & Recreation was snubbed in a dastardly plot against quality, I have to go with 30 Rock for the win, and win it most likely will. However, Modern Family has the buzz on its side, and could pull it off. Modern Family has been funny, but it's not rofl hilarious. If it won, it would be a fair choice though. With Curb your Enthusiasm in its last season, it could cause an upset, but I can't speak for the quality of the show. Glee shouldn't even qualify as a comedy. It's a soap opera with a few good jokes and some musical numbers. If it wins, well, you get the idea. Haven't watched Nurse Jackie, but I'm pretty sure it falls more on the drama side of things, won't win. The Office is only here because of the strength of previous seasons, not because of this one. It's here out of habit, not actual quality. If it wins, I will be shocked. Now to the snubs. I am so heartbroken over Parks & Rec getting ignored that I won't say anymore about it. Community is also surprising, as that would've been my second choice. Psych I love, but it probably didn't really deserve it, and could be a drama. But, to quote Phil Collins, they'll be in my heart, no matter what they say.
So there's my views, and this is probably the longest blog post I've ever done. Next year parks & rec! Next year!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Writing for Box Office Prophets?
Don't get your hopes up but I'm writing a sample review for BOP.com, I'm hoping it gets in. Cross your fingers. I'll post the review here later.
Here's there website. www.boxofficeprophets.com
Here's there website. www.boxofficeprophets.com
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lady Gaga has more fans than God
Yes it's true. On facebook, God (Public Figure) has 3,433,722 fans. Lady Gaga has 12,418,351.
Okay, obviously this isn't reflective of actual numbers. God obviously has more real world fans than Lady Gaga. Heck, according to statistics 90% of Americans believe in God, or at least a god. Oddly, only 12 of my friends are fans of the deity, whereas I'm pretty sure most of my 114 friends are actually Christians of some kind (yeah I know only 114, sue me). Oddly enough, four of my friends are fans of Lady Gaga (if I was honest, I would be too and a few more people would be) considering all things that's a weird statistic. Lady Gaga is also ahead of Barack Obama, who has 10,674,716 fans (two of which are friends of mine).
Anyway, I don't know if I have a point to all of this, I just thought it was weird. For the record, Michael Jackson is the #1 most fanned page on Facebook with over 16 million fans (oddly enough none of my friends are fans). Go figure.
Okay, obviously this isn't reflective of actual numbers. God obviously has more real world fans than Lady Gaga. Heck, according to statistics 90% of Americans believe in God, or at least a god. Oddly, only 12 of my friends are fans of the deity, whereas I'm pretty sure most of my 114 friends are actually Christians of some kind (yeah I know only 114, sue me). Oddly enough, four of my friends are fans of Lady Gaga (if I was honest, I would be too and a few more people would be) considering all things that's a weird statistic. Lady Gaga is also ahead of Barack Obama, who has 10,674,716 fans (two of which are friends of mine).
Anyway, I don't know if I have a point to all of this, I just thought it was weird. For the record, Michael Jackson is the #1 most fanned page on Facebook with over 16 million fans (oddly enough none of my friends are fans). Go figure.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Top 10 Movie Sequels that will probably never happen, Part 2
5. Zombieland 2
Zombieland was a critical and commercial success in 2009, so why wait for a sequel? Because the writers are freaking busy. This probably doesn't belong on the list, but I just want to see it already! The script probably won't even be finished until 2011! Dangit!
4. G. I. Joe 2
Why a movie even got made in the first place is beyond me...oh yea because Transformers made so much money. Despite a strong start at the box office, GI Joe was a commercial and critical failure. So of course, we need a sequel. Here's the kicker, it's being written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Who? The guys who brought you, Zombieland. CHEESE AND FREAKING CRACKERS! >:( So, in case you didn't get that, the reason Zombieland 2 is taking so long is that we all needed another GI Joe movie! DARN YOU CHANNING TATUM!
3. Yet another freaking Mummy movie.
Why? I liked the first mummy, it was a fun little movie, and I prefer it to the National Treasure movies by a lot. The second film, was pure and utter garbage that made Back to the Future 2 look original. The third movie however, looked like it had potential. Which was utterly wasted in a film that somehow managed to be worse than the second Mummy, and is on my list of top 5 worst films I've ever seen. Even though it disappointed in the US, overseas it performed extremely well, thanks China, we all wanted a Mummy 4, didn't we.
2. Goonies 2
okay, this post is spiraling out of control. Maybe I should have actually had 10 films lined up, now this is just movie sequels that never needed to happen...oh well, I never claimed to be consistent. Making a sequel to a film like Goonies, which has now been around nearly 25 years is just silly. Why make it? Well it doesn't matter, they apparently are...they wish. They've been trying for 25 years and are no-where, my guess is it'll never happen, thank goodness. Sometimes, movies just need to be alone. Here's looking at you George Lucas.
1. The Hobbit
Oh my freaking gosh, where do I begin? This has languished in development hell for...well since "Return of the King". After a falling out with New Line, it was clear Peter Jackson wouldn't be directing, and after years of rumors and struggle, finally Benicio Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) signed on. It looked like a sure thing, with a Holiday 2010 release date. And then, for whatever reason it never happened. And now we're back to square one. Coming soon websites have its earliest release date at 2012, but I'm a bit more realistic. The soonest we will see this movie is 2027. That's if we're lucky, and if anyone even cares anymore.
Zombieland was a critical and commercial success in 2009, so why wait for a sequel? Because the writers are freaking busy. This probably doesn't belong on the list, but I just want to see it already! The script probably won't even be finished until 2011! Dangit!
4. G. I. Joe 2
Why a movie even got made in the first place is beyond me...oh yea because Transformers made so much money. Despite a strong start at the box office, GI Joe was a commercial and critical failure. So of course, we need a sequel. Here's the kicker, it's being written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Who? The guys who brought you, Zombieland. CHEESE AND FREAKING CRACKERS! >:( So, in case you didn't get that, the reason Zombieland 2 is taking so long is that we all needed another GI Joe movie! DARN YOU CHANNING TATUM!
3. Yet another freaking Mummy movie.
Why? I liked the first mummy, it was a fun little movie, and I prefer it to the National Treasure movies by a lot. The second film, was pure and utter garbage that made Back to the Future 2 look original. The third movie however, looked like it had potential. Which was utterly wasted in a film that somehow managed to be worse than the second Mummy, and is on my list of top 5 worst films I've ever seen. Even though it disappointed in the US, overseas it performed extremely well, thanks China, we all wanted a Mummy 4, didn't we.
2. Goonies 2
okay, this post is spiraling out of control. Maybe I should have actually had 10 films lined up, now this is just movie sequels that never needed to happen...oh well, I never claimed to be consistent. Making a sequel to a film like Goonies, which has now been around nearly 25 years is just silly. Why make it? Well it doesn't matter, they apparently are...they wish. They've been trying for 25 years and are no-where, my guess is it'll never happen, thank goodness. Sometimes, movies just need to be alone. Here's looking at you George Lucas.
1. The Hobbit
Oh my freaking gosh, where do I begin? This has languished in development hell for...well since "Return of the King". After a falling out with New Line, it was clear Peter Jackson wouldn't be directing, and after years of rumors and struggle, finally Benicio Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) signed on. It looked like a sure thing, with a Holiday 2010 release date. And then, for whatever reason it never happened. And now we're back to square one. Coming soon websites have its earliest release date at 2012, but I'm a bit more realistic. The soonest we will see this movie is 2027. That's if we're lucky, and if anyone even cares anymore.
Top 10 Movie Sequels that will never happen!
Self-explanatory.
10. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters
After Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, despite its ridiculously long title, debuted to over $30 million domestically, 20th Century Fox declared a sequel to be on the way, adapting the next book, The Sea of Monsters. What have we heard of it since? Jack. Not that I care, as I have never and probably will never see the first movie. The reason for its apparent cancellation was the poor reception and the quick box office decline. That, or the fact that the title would be even LONGER. Who cares, moving on.
9. The Amber Spyglass (Sequel to The Golden Compass)
This may seem strange, since The Golden Compass sort of flopped here in the states. But overseas, the film scored massive numbers, and it looked like a sequel could happen. Despite this, WB has decided not to make a sequel, and I can't blame them. Oh well. Who cares, moving on.
8. Hoodwinked 2
Okay, I've had several blogs featuring this movie, but we're now over half-way through 2010, and a release date still hasn't been stated. Originally planned for release in January 2009, this movie has been well below the radar. It's been completed for quite a while now, but just can't seem to get released. Maybe the quality is so terrible that the Weinstein's are embarrassed to release it. That would be sad indeed. This is the only film on the list to have entered production.
7. A Series of Unfortunate Events Sequel
It's been six years since the first film, and sequel rumors continue. How the heck they will pull it off is anyone's guess, since the kids are older now. There's been talk of a stop-motion film, but that would just be weird. I would like to see a sequel though, since this is without a doubt my favorite series of Children's Books. However, realistically it will never happen.
6. Superman 6
2006's Superman Returns was a commercial and critical disappointment for WB. Why make a sequel? They supposedly made money, and Superman has had great success in his past. Originally, a film directed by Bryan Singer was scheduled for a 2009 release, titled "Superman: Man of Steel". This would have been ideal for me, as I actually liked Superman Returns (don't stone me). Of course it didn't happen and talks of a reboot have been floating around forever. Will it ever happen? Well, yes probably, but not in the foreseeable future.
5-1 coming soon.
10. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters
After Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, despite its ridiculously long title, debuted to over $30 million domestically, 20th Century Fox declared a sequel to be on the way, adapting the next book, The Sea of Monsters. What have we heard of it since? Jack. Not that I care, as I have never and probably will never see the first movie. The reason for its apparent cancellation was the poor reception and the quick box office decline. That, or the fact that the title would be even LONGER. Who cares, moving on.
9. The Amber Spyglass (Sequel to The Golden Compass)
This may seem strange, since The Golden Compass sort of flopped here in the states. But overseas, the film scored massive numbers, and it looked like a sequel could happen. Despite this, WB has decided not to make a sequel, and I can't blame them. Oh well. Who cares, moving on.
8. Hoodwinked 2
Okay, I've had several blogs featuring this movie, but we're now over half-way through 2010, and a release date still hasn't been stated. Originally planned for release in January 2009, this movie has been well below the radar. It's been completed for quite a while now, but just can't seem to get released. Maybe the quality is so terrible that the Weinstein's are embarrassed to release it. That would be sad indeed. This is the only film on the list to have entered production.
7. A Series of Unfortunate Events Sequel
It's been six years since the first film, and sequel rumors continue. How the heck they will pull it off is anyone's guess, since the kids are older now. There's been talk of a stop-motion film, but that would just be weird. I would like to see a sequel though, since this is without a doubt my favorite series of Children's Books. However, realistically it will never happen.
6. Superman 6
2006's Superman Returns was a commercial and critical disappointment for WB. Why make a sequel? They supposedly made money, and Superman has had great success in his past. Originally, a film directed by Bryan Singer was scheduled for a 2009 release, titled "Superman: Man of Steel". This would have been ideal for me, as I actually liked Superman Returns (don't stone me). Of course it didn't happen and talks of a reboot have been floating around forever. Will it ever happen? Well, yes probably, but not in the foreseeable future.
5-1 coming soon.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Universal will Survive
Despicable Me went far and above my expectations this weekend, earning over $60 million. This is especially impressive since it only cost $69 million to produce. I don't see why so much money is spent on animated films, this doesn't look much cheaper than the other animated features this year, which were all more than twice that much to produce. The real news here though, is this is the first time a Universal picture has been #1 since "Couple's Retreat" last October. That's a long dry spell. It's also Universal's biggest opening since "Fast and Furious" last April. Fast and Furious was the highest grossing film of the year for Universal, but it ranked #17 on the overall chart. It's no secret that the studio has been in trouble as of late, their last picture to make over $200 million was "The Bourne Ultimatum" in 2007. In that time, WB has had seven pictures to cross that mark. Fox has had 3, Sony managed 1, Disney afforded 5, and Paramount has had a shocking eight. Despicable Me could conceivably cross $200, but it's certainly not money in the bank. Still, this is good news for a studio with only one profitable film this summer, Get him to the Greek.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Weekend Box Office Predictions July 9-11
Despicable Me
Predicted Opening: $45 million
Predicted Final Gross: $150 million
Despicable Me has done a great job of raising awareness. For the past three or four months ads for the thing have been non-stop. This may end up turning people off of the film, but I doubt it as most of the ads are quite appealing (well, the first time you see them). I imagine this will come in mid-range for animation, below Pixar, but well within Dreamwork's range. It should be somewhere around How to Train your Dragon in terms of initial attendance, but I expect it to drop-off more quickly. Although the movie is spaced out a full two months before the next animated feature, Alpha and Omega (Which looks terrible by the way), it will be facing competition in the family market quite soon. July 16th, the Sorcerer's Apprentice opens, and while I don't see it being gangbusters, it could hurt Despicable Me a little. Perhaps more worrisome is Ramona and Beezus on the 23rd, and then Cats and Dogs 2 on the 30th. By this time though, Despicable me should have made most of its money, so it will do all right, just not How to Train your Dragon numbers.
Predators
Predicted Opening Weekend: $20 million
Predicted Total Gross: $50 million
On the opposite end of the marketing spectrum is Predators. Hardly anyone seems to know this is coming out and even fewer people care. It seems like it will appeal to the hard-core Predator fan-base, but outside of that I'm predicting a bomb. Even if it does okay its first weekend though, it will crash next weekend when Inception opens. This seems doomed, now all it can hope for is a strong life on DVD and the development of a cult following.
Predicted Opening: $45 million
Predicted Final Gross: $150 million
Despicable Me has done a great job of raising awareness. For the past three or four months ads for the thing have been non-stop. This may end up turning people off of the film, but I doubt it as most of the ads are quite appealing (well, the first time you see them). I imagine this will come in mid-range for animation, below Pixar, but well within Dreamwork's range. It should be somewhere around How to Train your Dragon in terms of initial attendance, but I expect it to drop-off more quickly. Although the movie is spaced out a full two months before the next animated feature, Alpha and Omega (Which looks terrible by the way), it will be facing competition in the family market quite soon. July 16th, the Sorcerer's Apprentice opens, and while I don't see it being gangbusters, it could hurt Despicable Me a little. Perhaps more worrisome is Ramona and Beezus on the 23rd, and then Cats and Dogs 2 on the 30th. By this time though, Despicable me should have made most of its money, so it will do all right, just not How to Train your Dragon numbers.
Predators
Predicted Opening Weekend: $20 million
Predicted Total Gross: $50 million
On the opposite end of the marketing spectrum is Predators. Hardly anyone seems to know this is coming out and even fewer people care. It seems like it will appeal to the hard-core Predator fan-base, but outside of that I'm predicting a bomb. Even if it does okay its first weekend though, it will crash next weekend when Inception opens. This seems doomed, now all it can hope for is a strong life on DVD and the development of a cult following.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Last Airbender
Well, I finally went to see the Last Airbender yesterday...and it took me a while to figure out how I felt about it. I went in expecting total garbage, which the reviews pointed towards...That wasn't quite what I found. The acting was bad, the camera work was uninspired, the action was dull...but it was a coherent story with some great (albeit wasted) special effects. So it wasn't all that bad. I was literally going between a thumbs up and a thumbs down. But then I realized I was thinking of the film in terms of what wasn't bad, not in terms of what was good. There really was nothing about this film that was really good. Thus I have to give it a thumbs down, for horribly wasted potential. And to top it all off, the ending is a total Eragon, hinting at a sequel that will likely never get made (despite a strong first weekend showing for the film). M. Night Shyamalan is getting the blame for the film's quality, and so he should, not because he isn't talented (Heck, I even liked Lady in the Water) but because he just doesn't seem to care. He clearly picked this film to re-invent himself and pull in strong box office. However, it's clear his heart isn't in it and it just comes across as lazy.
As bad as the acting is, there are a few decent performances (or else they just look that way next to the other horrible actors). Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire turns in a serviceable, but one-note performance. But a total lack of characterization is what kills this movie. Honestly, it is too short, coming in at just over 100 minutes. Consider it was based on the first season of the tv series, which is over 400 minutes. Even so, parts of the film seem like they could have been cut out, and others desperately need expanded. Ultimately, this is a mess. You might have a little fun with it, and it's not "indescribably bad" as one critic stated, but it really is just a movie with great potential, squandered by lazy film-makers. 1.5 stars out of 4.
As bad as the acting is, there are a few decent performances (or else they just look that way next to the other horrible actors). Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire turns in a serviceable, but one-note performance. But a total lack of characterization is what kills this movie. Honestly, it is too short, coming in at just over 100 minutes. Consider it was based on the first season of the tv series, which is over 400 minutes. Even so, parts of the film seem like they could have been cut out, and others desperately need expanded. Ultimately, this is a mess. You might have a little fun with it, and it's not "indescribably bad" as one critic stated, but it really is just a movie with great potential, squandered by lazy film-makers. 1.5 stars out of 4.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Breaking Even in Film
It's a generally understood fact in Hollywood, that to make money on a film you have to surpass the budget. Usually, if the worldwide gross is twice the film's budget, it is considered to have broken even, and is typically considered successful, considering the money that will be made on DVD. Why double? Due to marketing costs, and the fact that about 50% of the gross actually goes back to the studios. Considering that, even films considered successful often don't make money until the DVD comes out. I consider breaking even the most important thing for a film to achieve, so I'm going to list the films this summer that have done so, and in future posts I may include more of them...just cuz I wanted to. Note: While production budgets are readily available, marketing costs are usually kept under wraps, so that part will be conjecture on my part. Usually there's one wide release every week that manages to actually make money.
Iron Man 2
Production Budget: $200 million
Domestic Gross: $308 million
Overseas: $303 million
Worldwide: $611 million
Even when marketing is taken into account, you can't deny that this movie made money. Despite a weaker overall performance domestically, this has surpassed the first film worldwide.
Letters to Juliet
Production Budget: $30 million
Domestic Gross: $51 million
Overseas: $8.9 million
Worldwide: $59.9 million
Okay, this technically has not broken even, but it will within a few days, and then some once the overseas market kicks in (it has yet to be released in most markets). This is a good example though of how difficult it is to break even on a film, even with a modest budget. Taking into account marketing costs, this movie probably won't make money till the DVD comes out, but I think the studio was counting on that.
Shrek Forever After
Production Budget: $165 million
Domestic: $233 million
Overseas: $137 million
Worldwide: $370 million
Despite performing far below the other Shrek films, (although it has better legs than Shrek 3) Shrek 4 has managed to more than break even, and is still just getting started on the foreign side of things. With marketing, it still has a ways to go but will probably make it by the time all the foreign markets are tallied.
Sex and the City 2
Production Budget: $100 million
Domestic: $93 million
Overseas: $172 million
Worldwide: $265 million
Another movie that did below expectations domestically, Sex and the City 2 has managed to make money, despite a bloated budget and horrible reviews. The DVD will have to recoup most of the marketing costs, but (sadly) a third film is not entirely out of the equation...blech.
The Karate Kid
Production Budget: $40 million
Domestic: $155 million
Overseas: $24 million
Worldwide: $179 million
A run away success, which I predicted. No matter how much was spent on marketing the studios have made a boatload of cash on this picture, and it will only increase, since it has yet to launch in many major overseas markets, and is still playing strongly here in the US.
Toy Story 3
Production Budget: $200 million
Domestic: $301 million
Overseas: $151 million
Worldwide: $452 million
Who didn't expect this? Even with a $200 million budget to conquer, this is one of the most recent films to make it's money back. It's still playing strongly here, and has yet to launch in many places overseas. When all is said and done on the box office side, this will probably be the highest grossing film of the summer. Almost certainly.
Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Production Budget: $65 million
Domestic: $175 million
Foreign: $100 million
Worldwide: $275 million
After only six days of release, Eclipse is one of the most profitable films of the year, having made more than 4 times its budget back. In the end its profits will be unimaginable, proving that a big budget is almost always a hindrance more than a help. Take notes Hollywood, and you can all make money. (preferably however, have better stories than Twilight, my point is special effects and big names do not box office make)
Iron Man 2
Production Budget: $200 million
Domestic Gross: $308 million
Overseas: $303 million
Worldwide: $611 million
Even when marketing is taken into account, you can't deny that this movie made money. Despite a weaker overall performance domestically, this has surpassed the first film worldwide.
Letters to Juliet
Production Budget: $30 million
Domestic Gross: $51 million
Overseas: $8.9 million
Worldwide: $59.9 million
Okay, this technically has not broken even, but it will within a few days, and then some once the overseas market kicks in (it has yet to be released in most markets). This is a good example though of how difficult it is to break even on a film, even with a modest budget. Taking into account marketing costs, this movie probably won't make money till the DVD comes out, but I think the studio was counting on that.
Shrek Forever After
Production Budget: $165 million
Domestic: $233 million
Overseas: $137 million
Worldwide: $370 million
Despite performing far below the other Shrek films, (although it has better legs than Shrek 3) Shrek 4 has managed to more than break even, and is still just getting started on the foreign side of things. With marketing, it still has a ways to go but will probably make it by the time all the foreign markets are tallied.
Sex and the City 2
Production Budget: $100 million
Domestic: $93 million
Overseas: $172 million
Worldwide: $265 million
Another movie that did below expectations domestically, Sex and the City 2 has managed to make money, despite a bloated budget and horrible reviews. The DVD will have to recoup most of the marketing costs, but (sadly) a third film is not entirely out of the equation...blech.
The Karate Kid
Production Budget: $40 million
Domestic: $155 million
Overseas: $24 million
Worldwide: $179 million
A run away success, which I predicted. No matter how much was spent on marketing the studios have made a boatload of cash on this picture, and it will only increase, since it has yet to launch in many major overseas markets, and is still playing strongly here in the US.
Toy Story 3
Production Budget: $200 million
Domestic: $301 million
Overseas: $151 million
Worldwide: $452 million
Who didn't expect this? Even with a $200 million budget to conquer, this is one of the most recent films to make it's money back. It's still playing strongly here, and has yet to launch in many places overseas. When all is said and done on the box office side, this will probably be the highest grossing film of the summer. Almost certainly.
Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Production Budget: $65 million
Domestic: $175 million
Foreign: $100 million
Worldwide: $275 million
After only six days of release, Eclipse is one of the most profitable films of the year, having made more than 4 times its budget back. In the end its profits will be unimaginable, proving that a big budget is almost always a hindrance more than a help. Take notes Hollywood, and you can all make money. (preferably however, have better stories than Twilight, my point is special effects and big names do not box office make)
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