Manny The Movie Guy
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]]>"Alice in Wonderland" Remains on Top with $62 Million, First $200 Million Movie of 2010!
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"Alice in Wonderland" remained magical at the box-office earning $62 million. The No. 1 weekend draw from Johnny Depp and Tim Burton has reached a $208.6 million total, becoming the first $200 million hit released in 2010.
"Alice" becomes the highest top-grossing film for the Depp/Burton partnership, surpassing the $206.5 million domestic haul of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." The pair also worked together in "Edward Scissorhands," "Sweeney Todd," "Corpse Bride," "Sleepy Hollow," and "Ed Wood."
"Alice in Wonderland" is also a hit overseas. For the weekend, the 3-D film took in $76 million, bringing its total to $221 million, and its worldwide gross to $430 million!
The weekend's No. 2 film belonged to Matt Damon's Iraq War thriller "Green Zone." The Paul Greengrass-directed film debuted with $14.5 million. Greengrass was also behind Damon's "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" films. I call "Green Zone" the "Hurt Locker" meets "Jason Bourne!"
Paramount's sweet and raunchy romantic comedy "She's Out of My League" debuted at No. 3 with $9.6 million. The film is the first leading role of Jay Baruchel ("Knocked Up," "Tropic Thunder"). He stars as a lovable geek who falls for the perfect woman!
Meanwhile, "Remember Me" opened at No. 4 with $8.3 million. Starring "Twilight's" Robert Pattinson and "Lost" star Emilie de Ravin, the film is a heartwarming story on love, loss, and redemption.
Here's the complete Top 10 Box Office films for weekend of March 12:
So Warner Bros. wants to turn Leonardo da Vinci, painter, inventor, engineer, architect, mathematician, into a full blow action hero!
The Hollywood Reporter told us that the studio has picked up a treatment titled "Leonardo da Vinci and the Soldiers of Forever" from producer Adrian Askarieh, who is teaming with Vertigo's Roy Lee and Doug Davison.
The iconic painter of "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper" will be reimagined as a member of a secret society (wow, ala "The Da Vinci Code" -- isn't that ironic, don't you think?) who goes to a supernatural adventure that pits him against Biblical demons. The story involves secret codes (yes, again, "The Da Vinci Code"), lost civilizations, hidden fortresses, and fallen angels.
THR says think "National Treasure" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" by way of "Clash of the Titans," I say, all of the above plus "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons."
WB is into fantastical/historical kick lately. First it was "Sherlock Holmes," then explorer "Marco Polo" ("I Am Legend" director Francis Lawrence is attached), now, it's da Vinci!
They should pit him against "Da Vinci Code's" Robert Langdon! :happy]]>See the New "Twilight Saga: Eclipse" Trailer! More Shirtless Jacob!
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Now, I'm giddy like a tween upon seeing the new trailer for "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." Why? Because I love Dakota Fanning from the second film, and there's a little subplot revelation about her in the trailer, and I also love Bryce Dallas Howard who replaced Rachele Lefevre as the vengeful vampire Victoria, and there's a great revelatory shot of her in the trailer as well.
So I squealed after watching the trailer, and I want to share it with you! The third installment is from director David Slade ("30 Days of Night") and is set to open June 30th.
My only problem? Never been a big fan of screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, I thought her scripts did not give justice to the first two installments, but, the third may be the best among the three, or heck, among the four (or five, if Summit moves with plans to divide the last film in two)!
For now ogle at the world of "Twilight" and yes, there's another shirtless Jacob (Taylor Lautner) in there, and a seemingly darker Bella (Kristen Stewart).
Call me intrigued!
]]>Cate Blanchett Joins Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana for Intriguing Action Thriller "Hanna"
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As we reported last month, Eric Bana is set to play Saoirse Ronan's dad in the upcoming action thriller "Hanna." Ronan is set to play a teenage assassin for her "Atonement" director Joe Wright.
Now, Focus informed me that Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett has joined the cast and production will begin filming in Europe next week! Also joining the cast is Niels Arestrup who recently won the César Award (France’s Academy Award equivalent) for Best Supporting Actor for "A Prophet" ["Un Prophète"].
Focus also shared the top secret plot:
Hanna (to be played by Ms. Ronan) is a teenage girl. Uniquely, she has the strength, the stamina, and the smarts of a solider; these come from being raised by her father (Mr. Bana), an ex-CIA man, in the wilds of Sweden. Living a life unlike any other teenager, her upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one; sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe while eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own (Ms. Blanchett). As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity.
Oh this is so freaking intriguing. It reads like a comic book! I love it already! And I love the cast and the director!
Here's more from Focus:
Seth Lochhead wrote the initial screenplay and has written subsequent drafts, as have David Farr, Joe Penhall, and Mr. Wright. Academy Award nominee Leslie Holleran (Chocolat) is producing Hanna with the team of Marty Adelstein and Scott Nemes (who are in post-production on The Experiment). Barbara A. Hall, who executive-produced Focus’ Academy Award-winning Milk, encores in that capacity on Hanna. Focus senior vice president, European production Teresa Moneo is supervising Hanna for president of production John Lyons. European locations for Hanna’s filming will include Finland, Bavaria, Morocco, and Berlin (the latter in part at Studio Babelsberg).
Mr. James Schamus, Focus CEO said, “We’re so pleased to reunite with Saoirse and Joe for Hanna – Focus’ biggest production yet. With Saoirse taking on such a demanding role opposite Cate and Eric, this movie will be not only breathlessly exciting but also emotionally affecting.”
I agree! I can't wait for this movie! ]]>Clint Eastwood to Tackle J. Edgar Hoover!
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J. Edgar Hoover's life will get the Clint Eastwood treatment in a new project being developed by Brian Grazer and Imagine Entertainment.
According to EW.com, "Milk" screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black," has written the script that follows "Hoover’s career, from the founding of the FBI in 1935 to his long tenure as director of the crime-fighting organization that lasted until 1972 when he died. Should Eastwood decide to make it his next film, he will produce it with Grazer through his Malpaso Productions."
There's no studio attached to the project yet, although it was originally set up at Universal. But Eastwood has a longstanding relationship with Warner Bros., so this Hoover project may end up at the WB.
Since the script is written by Black, I'm wondering if Hoover's homosexual activities and relationship will be included! They better!]]>Icon to Icon -- Robert De Niro to Play Vince Lombardi
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The legendary Robert De Niro is set to play football legend Vince Lombardi in the new biopic "Lombardi."
ESPN Films has attached Academy Award winner Eric Roth ("Forrest Gump") to write the script. According to ESPN.com, ESPN Films, Andell Entertainment and the NFL, will tackle Lombardi's illustrious career in football, starting in 1959 when he took over the Green Bay Packers, then the worst team in the NFL. Under Lombardi's direction, the team went on to become champions.
The longstanding drama between Lombardi and Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry will also be featured. No actor has been hired yet to play Landry.
Right now, ESPN Films is on the hunt for a director, and "Lombardi" is set to open nationwide the weekend before the 2012 Super Bowl.]]>My Special One-On-One Interview with Robert Pattinson for "Remember Me"
http://www.mannythemovieguy.com/index.php?entry=entry100310-202356
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm now a fan of Robert Pattinson. He was sweet and shy in person, and he had such honest vulnerability.
When I interviewed him for "Remember Me," we talked about:
*** His involvement with the film (apparently, they offered him "Remember Me" prior to the first "Twilight" -- after "Twilight" came out, he could have easily said no to "Remember Me," but the actor was true to his words, and he really loved the script!) *** His character, Tyler *** Working with Ruby Jerins *** How he identifies with the character
(To read my movie review of "Remember Me," click here)
Here's more info on "Remember Me" from Yahoo:
Tyler, a rebellious young man in New York City, has a strained relationship with his father ever since tragedy separated their family. Tyler didn't think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally through an unusual twist of fate. Love was the last thing on his mind, but as her spirit unexpectedly heals and inspires him, he begins to fall for her. Through their... See Full Description Genres: Drama and Romance Running Time: 1 hr. 53 min. Release Date: March 12th, 2010 (wide) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, sexual content, language and smoking. Distributors: Summit Entertainment, LLC
Cast and Credits
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Lena Olin, Tate Ellington Directed by: Allen Coulter Produced by: Carol Cuddy, Robert Pattinson, Nick Osborne]]>Emile de Ravin Interview for "Remember Me"
http://www.mannythemovieguy.com/index.php?entry=entry100310-201403
Emilie de Ravin was sweet and good-natured in person. In the film "Remember Me," she plays Ally, the love interest of Robert Pattinson.
In the interview, Ravin revealed:
*** the romantic element of the film *** what attracted her to the character, Ally *** the bond between her character and her father, Chris Cooper's Sgt. Neil Craig *** playing a tough New Yorker *** her love scenes with Pattinson *** How Claire from "Lost" is now all grown-up!
To watch this fun but insightful interview, click here.
(To read my movie review of "Remember Me," click here)
Here's more info on "Remember Me" from Yahoo:
Tyler, a rebellious young man in New York City, has a strained relationship with his father ever since tragedy separated their family. Tyler didn't think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally through an unusual twist of fate. Love was the last thing on his mind, but as her spirit unexpectedly heals and inspires him, he begins to fall for her. Through their... See Full Description Genres: Drama and Romance Running Time: 1 hr. 53 min. Release Date: March 12th, 2010 (wide) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, sexual content, language and smoking. Distributors: Summit Entertainment, LLC
Cast and Credits
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Lena Olin, Tate Ellington Directed by: Allen Coulter Produced by: Carol Cuddy, Robert Pattinson, Nick Osborne]]>Pierce Brosnan Interview for "Remember Me"
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The dashing Pierce Brosnan stars as Charles Hawkins, father of Tyler (Robert Pattinson) and the source of his resentment. I interviewed Brosnan back-to-back for "The Ghost Writer" and "Remember Me."
In this interview, Brosnan revealed:
*** Why he has lots of respect for Pattinson *** He will NEVER star in a James Bond movie ever again! *** What he wants viewers to take away after watching "Remember Me"
Have fun!
(To read my movie review of "Remember Me," click here)
Here's more info on "Remember Me" from Yahoo:
Tyler, a rebellious young man in New York City, has a strained relationship with his father ever since tragedy separated their family. Tyler didn't think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally through an unusual twist of fate. Love was the last thing on his mind, but as her spirit unexpectedly heals and inspires him, he begins to fall for her. Through their... See Full Description Genres: Drama and Romance Running Time: 1 hr. 53 min. Release Date: March 12th, 2010 (wide) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, sexual content, language and smoking. Distributors: Summit Entertainment, LLC
Cast and Credits
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Lena Olin, Tate Ellington Directed by: Allen Coulter Produced by: Carol Cuddy, Robert Pattinson, Nick Osborne]]>Chris Cooper Interview for "Remember Me"
http://www.mannythemovieguy.com/index.php?entry=entry100310-200204
My initial reaction upon hearing that Chris Cooper was starring in a romantic drama, I was like, "why?" Upon seeing the film, I now understand. So here's Academy Award-nominated actor, Chris Cooper, talking about:
*** Why he chose to work on "Remember Me" *** His character, Sgt. Neil Craig *** The father-daughter relationship he had in the film with Emilie De Ravin *** Working in the Philippines for independent film pioneer John Sayles for the new movie "Baryo"
Here you go and have fun!
(To read my movie review of "Remember Me," click here)
Here's more info on "Remember Me" from Yahoo:
Tyler, a rebellious young man in New York City, has a strained relationship with his father ever since tragedy separated their family. Tyler didn't think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally through an unusual twist of fate. Love was the last thing on his mind, but as her spirit unexpectedly heals and inspires him, he begins to fall for her. Through their... See Full Description Genres: Drama and Romance Running Time: 1 hr. 53 min. Release Date: March 12th, 2010 (wide) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, sexual content, language and smoking. Distributors: Summit Entertainment, LLC
Cast and Credits
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Lena Olin, Tate Ellington Directed by: Allen Coulter Produced by: Carol Cuddy, Robert Pattinson, Nick Osborne]]>
