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SUNDAY PM: Marley stayed top dog! That's because, understandably, family fare was what post-holiday moviegoers wanted this 4-day holiday weekend. So all Top 10 films were PG or PG-13 rated. Attendance on Christmas Day was enormous, with the top two pics setting all-time records for the holiday. Even the cold and snowy weather cooperated. Good thing too because Hollywood had been hotly anticipating the Christmas Day openings of five high-profile movies with potential to be blockbusters (because Christmas releases on average have a 6.9 multiple). Only one movie's debut disappointed. Overall, it's looking like a jolly $190 million 3-day weekend, up 5% from last year. Here are very early numbers for the Top 10 with Oscar-buzzed films below:
1. Marley And Me (20th Century Fox)
$37M 3-day weekend... $51.6M 4-day holiday
Hollywood underestimated the built-in audience for this pic based on the bestselling book. Expected to be runner-up, it easily held onto No. 1 all weekend in 3,480 theaters. (I hope the pooch had first-dollar gross.) When it comes to North American filmgoer favorites, don't ever bet against a dog movie. Remember how well Beverly Hills Chihuahua debuted earlier this year? Marley's strength was in the middle of the country and in the south, and clearly its female-driven audience brought their boyfriends and husbands and families and Kleenex. Concern that moviegoers weren't adequately prepared for the plot denouement, not even hinted at by the pic's marketing, proved not to be a problem. Fox needed a hit film after a lousy summer and fall littered with losers. Chalk up one in the "win" column as well for both Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.
2. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (Paramount)
$27.2M 3-day weekend... $39M 4-day holiday
This pic could have scored more if only its running time hadn't been 2 hours and 47 minutes long. Still its box office was bigger than expected in 2,988 dates, proving skeptics wrong that this would be "Hollywood's most expensive art flick". The Brad Pitt-Cate Blanchett starrer directed by David Fincher was strongest on both coasts and mostly female driven. But its heavy marketing for a hefty price succeeded in delivering both moviegoers and awards buzz. (Studio boss Brad Grey feels a special obligation to try to win an Oscar for his former management client Brad Pitt and their once joint production company Plan B.) Strong word of mouth could push Benjamin Button to a great multiple through the holidays.
3. Bedtime Stories (Disney)
$28.1M 3-day weekend... $38.6M 4-day holiday
This had been expected to lead the pack this weekend since it was Disney-branded family fare starring Adam Sandler with the widest release of 3,681 plays and its 99-minute running time allowed for extra screenings daily. Blame all those kiddie matinees and their half-price tickets. Or the awful reviews that hurt word of mouth. Still, the pic's grosses were big -- just not big enough to qualify as this holiday season's Night At The Museum, which made $575M worldwide.
4. Valkyrie (MGM/UA)
$21.5M 3-day weekend... $30M 4-day holiday
This didn't flop like Tom Cruise's other film for UA, Lions For Lambs. But Valkyrie's Fri-Sat-Sun grosses were less than his opening weekends for even his least successful action pics like Collateral, The Last Samurai, and Vanilla Sky (and not adjusted for inflation or higher ticket prices). So Tom's star power continues to dim. But it's still much brighter compared to the dark place where Valkyrie was a few months ago. What with Cruise in Nazi war movie, directed by Bryan Singer still living down his underperforming Superman Returns, with an ever-changing release date, the pic was a Hollywood joke. But $60M worth of smart marketing turned it around. Sure, Hollywood analysts don't see how this pic will earn out unless it's a blockbuster overseas where Cruise is still considered a huge star. (Lions For Lambs did 3x its domestic take overseas.) But Valkyrie tracked well with males aged 16+ and stole away the weekend's guy audience.
5. Yes Man (Warner Bros)
$16.5M 3-day weekend... $22.4M 4-day holiday... cume $49.8M
The studio is pleased with this comedy's hold and thinks it can get to $100M domestic. I say it'll be a struggle. The real suspense is whether Jim Carrey gets a payday on this film. (See my previous, The Worst Talent Deal Ever?)
6. Seven Pounds (Sony)
$13.4M 3-day weekend... $18.2M 4-day holiday... cume $39M
Sony certainly did what it could to hype this pic, short of giving away the plot twists. With the same star and same director but without the happy ending, the film was no Pursuit Of Happyness juggernaut at the box office. But it was down only 10% from its weather-hurt opening last weekend. Now there's a limit to how much fans will support Will Smith's downer film choices.
7. The Tale of Despereaux (Universal)
$9.4M 3-day weekend... $11.4M 4-day holiday... cume $27.9M
This earnest mouse toon keeps playing very young. But is it too young for parents?
8. The Day the Earth Stood Still (20th Century Fox)
$7.9M 3-day weekend... $10.6M 4-day holiday... cume $63.4M
Well, some people are seeing it. Unclear if they're liking it, however.
9. The Spirit (Lionsgate)
$6.5M 3-day weekend... $10.3M 4-day holiday
Not every comic book can become a hit movie. Movie analysts didn't expect much life from this adaptation of Will Eisner's graphic novels despite a flashy marketing campaign. Lionsgate shouldn't have tried to brave the Christmas competition.
10. Doubt (Miramax)
$5.7M weekend... $7.1M 4-day holiday... cume $7.5M
Strong cast, heavy TV ad rotation, and big award nominations created wannasee for the expansion into 1,267 venues.
As for other Oscar-buzzed pics: Fox Searchlight's Slumdog Millionaire directed by Danny Boyle came in 13th place with a 3-day weekend of $4.4M and 4-day weekend of 5.8M Friday on 614 plays. Its new cume is $19.6M. Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino for Warner Bros was #15 despite playing in only 84 theaters for the best Top 20 per screen average. It took in $2.3M for the weekend and $3.1M for the overall holiday. Its new cume is $4.2M, but look for the pic to pop when it goes wide into 2,400 theaters on January 9th. Revolutionary Road starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio debuted on 3 screens for $67K Friday and and $66K Saturday for a $192K weekend that scored the highest per screen average of $64K set all year. Paramount Vantage expands it into the top 15 markets next week. Focus Features' Milk directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Sean Penn on 311 dates earned $570K Thursday and $670K Friday and $64K Saturday for a $1.8M weekend and cume of $13.5M. Imagine/Universal's Frost/Nixon directed by Ron Howard made $$1.9M for the 4-day holiday from 205 runs for a per theater average of $7,179 and new cume of $3.7M. The Weinstein Co's The Reader with Ralph Fiennes and Kate Winslet can't build any steam with $178K and $205K from 116 venues for a slow per screen average. And Fox Searchlight's The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke playing in 18 theaters maintained an excellent per screen average with $381K for the weekend and $515K for the overall holiday and a new cume of $900K.
SATURDAY AM: North American numbers show Fox's Marley & Me based on the bestselling book easily holding onto No. 1 Friday in 3,480 theaters with $14M for a huge projected 4-day holiday of $52.5M. (I hope the studio is purchasing a few treats for the pooch being pimped out.) Paramount's Oscar-touted The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button starring Brad Pitt wound up #2 with $10.2M in 2,988 dates and a 4-day holiday estimate of $38.7M. Which is surprising since it's playing in 700 fewer venues dates and has a much longer running time -- 99 minutes vs 167 minutes -- than Disney's 3rd place Bedtime Stories which was expected to lead all the pics this weekend. The Adam Sandler starrer made $10M in 3,681 runs Friday, thanks to kiddie matinees and gumball dreams kicking in, and what may be a strong 4-day holiday of $39.5M. MGM/UA's Valkyrie sticks at #4 adding another $8.1M grosses from 2,711 dates for what should be a 4-day holiday of $30.5M. Tom Cruise can breathe easy now: he's still a star. The pic's $22M Fri-Sat-Sun estimate is only slightly less than his opening weekends for Collateral, The Last Samurai, and Vanilla Sky not adjusted for inflation or higher ticket prices.
Warner Bros' holdover Yes Man starring Jim Carrey is staying at #5 with a solid $5.9M Friday and a predicted 4-day holiday of $22.4M. Sony's Seven Pounds holds for 6th with $4.8M Friday and a 4-day holiday estimate of $18M. Children packed Universal's The Tale Of Despereaux enabling the toon mouse to scamper into No. 7 with $3.2M Friday and a $11.5M projection for the 4-day holiday. In 8th place, Fox's The Day the Earth Stood Still made $2.7M Friday for what should be a 4-day holiday of $10.5M. But #9, Lionsgate's The Spirit, went from a little disappointing debut to a lot disappointing despite its comic book roots with $2.6M and a projected 4-day holiday of $10.8M. "A true wipeout," a rival studio exec tells me. Rounding out the Top 10, Miramax's Oscar-touted Doubt got a nice 30% bump from Christmas Day after expanding into 1,267 theaters for $1.M and an estimated 4-day holiday of $7M.
FRIDAY 8 AM: Christmas Day was "enormous" for the movie industry with the top two pics setting all-time records for the holiday, studios are telling me. Latest estimates for Thursday box office nationally are: No. 1 Fox's Marley And Me $14.6M in 3,480 theaters, No. 2 Paramount's The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button $11.8M from 2,988 venues, No. 3 Disney's Bedtime Stories $10.5M for 3,681 runs, and No. 4 MGM/UA's Valkyrie $8.3M from 2,711 plays, No. 5 Warner Bros' Yes Man $5.8M for 3,434 theaters, No. 6 Sony's Seven Pounds $4.8M in 2,758 dates, and No. 7 Lionsgate's The Spirit $3.8M from 2,509 venues.
When it comes to North American moviegoing habits, this rule is primo -- don't ever bet against a pooch. So my info is that 20th Century Fox's Marley And Me based on the bestselling book is beating the competition "by a mile". Driven by women moviegoers, the Owen Wilson tearjerker about a man and his dog did twice what was expected -- as did No. 2, Paramount's Oscar buzzed The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button starring Brad Pitt. "It's a classic dovetail: Marley's strength is smack in the middle of the country and the south, while Button is strong on both coasts," one studio insider tells me. I also hear Benjamin Button is rapidly selling out today because of demand and a long running time. Bedtime Stories had been expected to lead the pack of five films opening today. But watch out for it tomorrow because of the Adam Sandler starrer's short running time and kiddie matinees all holiday weekend. Tom Cruise's Valkyrie is definitely doing business and won't flop like his other film for UA, Lions For Lambs), but at least it's not stillborn. In 5th place is holdover Sony's Seven Pounds, again demonstrating Will Smith's box office drawing power even in a downer film. Taking a hit from the new openers is Warner Bros' Yes Man comedy which moved down from 1st to 6th. Will Jim Carrey get a payday on this film? (See my previous, The Worst Talent Deal Ever?)
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You’re almost correct Nikki but you’re off in one position — actually “Marley and Me”. will run away with #1 leaving Sandler’s “Bedtime Stories” gumballed at #2. But the big question is whether there will be any repeat business for “Marley and Me” with such a sad and emotional ending. I know there’s not a chance in hell I’d be able to make it through a second time. I cried like a CAA agent who didn’t get a bonus this year. But it’s a well done film.
I don’t think Bedtime Stories will be huge once word of mouth kicks in.
I hardly ever get bored at movies (there’s usually something redeeming that keeps me busy) but at BS I wondered “how much longer”? It’s soulless, unfunny and unimaginative. Perhaps if the Adam Sandler Show gave some of the other characters a bit more room to breathe….
The target audience isn’t at all clear. Not to mention ridiculous product placement (luxury car few are able to afford). The film is a mess just like this comment, I’m afraid.
Does this mean the SEVEN POUNDS is totally dead in the water? No chance of new life? PIty……except it’s a lousy movie but such a big dud, who would have thought Will Smith could fail so badly?
Benjamin = Overrated
Brad Pitt is not a great actor.
I liked Bedtime Stories when it was called Delirious and starred John Candy.
I think most of the films will do good, but low numbers. Living in an area with multiple 24-screen theaters, most of the films released that would normally get enough screens to play a new showing every 30mins. are getting two screens max. (only BEDTIME, BUTTON (b/c of the length), GRAN TORINO, and MARLEY). Films like THE READER are only getting one and YES MAN from last week dropped one of its 3 screens as well as Seven Pounds, dropping two out of three. VALKYRIE and THE SPIRIT which would normally get around three where I live only have one. I expect a lot of sell-outs, but not as high of numbers considering they can’t hold as many showings with just one screen. It is not the quality of the film, it is the sheer amount of movies out there right now that it is impossible to give them all 2-4 screens. I think that is what will effect most of the revenue.
Nikki, how can you possibly say that Will Smith has major drawing power when his latest movie is number nine in its second week?
If he had major drawing power, the movie would still be in the top three.
What’s the final budget for Valkyrie? I can’t see it making a profit until about a year. When will MGM give that dwarf Tom Cruise the old heave ho? He’s only greenlit two crummy movies since he started at that studio and neither is keeping the studio’s lights on.
I just came back from Benjamin Button and its simply beautiful. Marie, I question if you have even seen the film because everyone in my packed theater cheered loudly at the end. Most even stayed through the credits and clapped again when the names of Brad, Cate and Taraji appeared on the screen. The next three showings at my local theater are sold out and I see this movie having long legs.
yeah…. Underdog and My Dog Skip. Veritable smash hits. Now a mouse… there’s a creature you shouldn’t mess with at the movies (and i’m not referring to the time a rat finished off my ice cream at the Odeon, Leicester Square).
How can Valkyrie not be a flop with a $70M advertising budget? If it recoups that much alone I’ll be surprised. It’s a horrible movie and Cruise was a horrible pick for the role.
I don’t think Marie has seen Benjamin Button. At the end of the first (packed) showing at my local theater not only was there loud and rousing applause, people were shouting “Oscar!”
This movie is great – one of the best stories I’ve ever seen. Brad Pitt is absolutely wonderful in this film. I’ve already told three friends about it and will be telling quite a few more before the holidays are over.
Nikki – Happy Holidays. One thing I want to point out is I probably have only been on this blog for a year or so. I just went back to read that Jim Carey/Yes Man deal article you wrote and I must say – fantastic reporting.
Except now I’m going to be spending Christmas day going through all the archives.
Thanks for a great year.
Just came back from seeing Benjaminm Button. Sold out first show and I had to wait for the 2nd showing. People loved it, clapped and cried and laughed at times, sat through credits at the end. Marie is just talking foolish nonsense, she can’t have seen this great movie. People were still talking about Benjamin Button walking out to their cars. Brad Pitt is superb in this film. I am going back with more friends Sunday to see it again.
Went to an early Valkyrie matinee and expected for it to be laughable. It wasn’t. Then I expected it to be boring. I was on the edge of my seat. then I expected Tom Cruise’s accent to be out of place. It wasn’t.
People, I swear “Valkyrie” is a great movie. And it can all be summed up in two words” Tom Cruise. This movie reminds me why he’s a star.
Tom I’m sorry I ever doubted you. Lets make some more great films!
Just got back from “Bedtime Stories” and I thought it was fun. Its a silly popcorn movie–sometimes, like Button, you go to movies to be blown away, or captivated or left breathless by the artistry. Other times, like Bedtime Stories, you go to movies to just laugh, eat overpriced popcorn and walk out being entertained.
Oh, and hearing Tom Cruise say “Hitler” and “Fuhrer” in the Valkryie previews makes me giggle. Thats probably not a good sign.
Pitt IS a good actor and Button looks like a great film, but the two posts above are clearly plants. When has a movie audience in a local cineplex ever YELLED Oscar at the screen when a film ended?
As for Valkyrie, anything less than a top 3 finish is a disaster. How can anyone claim Cruise is still an A list star if he can’t open a film domestically? Its total budget is around $140 million, and it will barely do half that in the States. They’ll make their money back, but as anyone who’s ever taken an intro to macro econ course knows, tying up $140 million for a couple years and not making a dime on it is actually a huge loss.
Benjamin Button was beautiful and, quite frankly, not a piece of fluff that so many people are wont to see. If we go see intelligently made movies, they will continue to be made.
Buttton,great film,acting,cinematography,story,Theatre was full for the 1:00 pm show,and people lined up for the next show.
I completely agree with Madelyn and Eb regarding Benjamin Button. Marie must NOT have seen this film. This is the first film that I have actually went to see in a theater this year because it seemed more worthy than a DVD rental. I was not disappointed. Both Brad and Cate were excellent. It makes you cry, it makes you laugh, and it makes you think. This is definitely one you must see in the theater. Don’t worry about it being close to 3 hours. It flies by. I’ve been playing the film over and over in my mind all day. GO SEE IT!!!
I didn’t care for Benjamin Button. I expected more and was disapointed.
I even yelled ‘Oscar’ I was so good. A must see. Really. And nobody is paying me to say that. Honest.
“Benjamin Button” was better than “Cats”. I’d see it again and again.
LOL, even the most obsequious of PR flacks would not come up with the ridiculously fawning “Benjamin Button” posts.
I have no plan on seeing the movie and even more, I can’t wait for the incredibly stupid posters and billboards of vacant-looking Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett to come down.
It makes me happy that a movie about a dog beat out Tom cruise at the box office. This guy (Tom Cruise) just does not get it. He needs to come out of the false hood Before anyone gives him any credibility again. This is a perfect example of the saying “Pride comes before the fall”.
Two Big Problems this weekend. Brad Pitt and even worse Tom Cruise. These guy suffer from so much over exposure I can’t even bring myself to spend $8 to see them for two more hours. Stop being over exposed!
How is someone supposed to stop being “overexposed” in these days of popup paps in every corner of the world? If one is out in their own yard behind a 15 ft fence the paps fly over and take pixs! Please.
I actually saw TCCOBB today and it was great, still thinking about it 3 hours later, very moving experience with a superlative performance by Brad Pitt. Not into war movies so will pass on Valkyrie, but some of Tom’s past films have been very good.
Not even Xenu can save Tom Cruise this weekend… the movie is a big fat stinker. I want my money back.
Marley & Me, tons of advertising, Aniston on every talk show and magazine promoting.
Bedtime Stories, some advertising, Sandler hardly promoting.
Marley & Me is also on 700 more screens than BB.
I read the Jim Carrey, Worst deal ever, link also. I’m not an expert, but I will bet my Liar Liar soundtrack, that this deal will make CAA and whoever else is responsible, look like amateaurs.
what a shame that 7 pounds ever saw the light of day
plastic, unreal characters that nobody cared about
received a gift from a guy that nobody cared about
extremely disappointing
how does benjamin button compare to memento?
Seriously? People yell things like “Oscar!” after watching a movie?
That’s a sad image, but somehow I don’t believe those stories are true.
I do not care if T Cruise is 2 ft tall; I do not care if T Cruise believes in worshipping rocks; I do not care who he marries; I do not care if his private life is suspect…what I do care about is entertainment.
He has always entertained me.. I like him on film…I like his movies..I want to see his films..I will be in line tomorrow..
Get a life people…after all he is Maverick!!!
I just saw Valkyrie today, and I was impressed. I read all the negative reviews, but I went into the theater with an open mind. If you’re looking for a tear-jerker, you will hate this movie. If you are looking for a Tom Cruise saves the world type of movie, you will be inconsolable with rage. However, if you are looking for good drama you will enjoy this film.
Valkurie is a movie that doesn’t prey on your emotions to create a storyline. It’s a historical drama about operation Valkyrie. I know everyone loves to hate Tom Cruise,(I personally think he’s a freak of nature) but he does a good job in this film.
Jim,
It never ceases to amaze me how people think that I “plant” on this site. If I make comments that are too effusive I’m accused of being in PR or a plant. If I make comments that are too cerebral I’m accused of “trying to be sincere” but not. When I made positive comments about Tropic Thunder I was ridiculed. I think the amount of business that film made vindicated me and my comments.
When I made positive comments about Australia, negative comments were made in return. Word of mouth on that film has kept it in the top ten I noticed just from looking at what Nikki has posted on this site. I guess here you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
As I have said before, I am a consumer – I don’t work in the industry. I pay for every frickin film I see. I don’t get in for free and I don’t have anyone sending me films to watch.
I go to at least two or three films a week. I can tell a good film from a mediocre film from a bad film. I go to the movies because I like movies. That’s it. Not a film student, not a reviewer, not in PR, don’t work for a studio, etc. etc. etc.
I thought this film was GREAT! But I was surprised people were yelling that out afterward – that’s why I made the comment. Perhaps as surprised as you would have been had you been at the showing I was – it was in Torrance CA. Not a “Hollywood” town by any means. I can only surmise you’re someone in the industry that is perhaps a bit jealous that this film is so good?
I noticed a lot of negative comments from people who post here and I often think that they are someone who is not as successful as the person/film maker they’re bashing. So that makes me believe it’s based on jealousy. JMO
So you can think whatever you like – it happened – I don’t lie and I don’t make things up.
This movie was great. Since I originally posted I’ve called over 10 friends and family members to wish them a Merry Christmas and to tell them to go see this film. I didn’t get a chance to call them this morning because I went to the first showing of the film and it’s almost three hours long so by the time I got back home it was after 2:00 p.m.
People applauded and several people yelled out “Oscar!” at the end. No plant here – just the truth.
You can believe it or not – but it happened.
You have a good one.
Ben Butt was overrated, to be honest, and Pitt was not that good, the make-up and the CGI did the acting for him. Cate was excellent as usual though.
I am still loving Twilight!!!
average movie guy. Valkyrie is NOT a historical drama. It is a whitewashing of history. These officer could have stopped Hitler long before Operation Valkyrie. They amde their attempt because they could not get him to surrender to America r Britain before the Russians got them. READ YOUR HISTORY>
Why would someone want to watch a movie about some internal power struggle inside Nazi party? What is the value here? I hope it is a complete flop
Saw Benjamin Button, full theatre, lots of crying in parts. I am a guy who seldom cries but OK there were some parts that did affect me almost to the point of a few tears forming. Brad was super in this, just really excelled, whole cast was great, Fincher did good. I might go see Tom’s new film this weekend, I have long been a fan, his personal life is just that, personal. Won’t see Marley, my GF read the book and said the dog died, a downer to me.
Just came back from watching B Button. Went to see Taraji Henson in her biggest film thus far. Initially, I was scared her role might continue the legacy of the mammyification of black women and embarrass the race, lol, but she kept it together well.
Loved the movie. Saw it in a packed, diverse theater. Thought I might drop off to sleep when I overheard it was crazy long, but it kept me interested. I was even able to suspend disbelief at the lack of overt racism in a movie set during an era when it was in full throttle!
A friend really wanted to see Marley and Me, but you could not pay me to physically watch that in a theater. That’s straight up a rainy day wait-for-TBS movie.
eb, thanks. Some comments have nothing to do with the films, they sound as if some have not even seen any of the films, or know anything about the theme or content of the films, it is a pity that some appear only focused on the personal lives of actors gleamed from tabloid crap.
I comment every once in a while if a film that I have seen is really interesting to me for some reason and I want to talk about it.
This off the wall commenting based on gossip about an actor’s life is rediculous.
And don’t like Nazis, I sort of agree with you. These soldiers were no heroes, they had been faithful Nazis until the war was about to be lost.
Benjamin Button is doing very well as it is 3 hours long which means fewer daily showings than the other films and is playing on hundreds of screens less than Marley and Bedtime Stories.
Tell a good old fashioned story of life and love and people will pay to see it.
Hear that studios???
I totally disagree with these haters, Seven Pounds was a great movie. The storyline was compelling and the acting was top-notch. The ending was endearing and powerful, great film to see. The chemistry between Will Smith and Rosario Dawson is a thing of beauty. I totally recommend Seven Pounds.
My expectations were so low for Valkyrie that I was actually pleasantly surprised by the solid performances and handling of the subject material. This was a case where the press and critics, eager to write off Tom Cruise and send him packing to Scientology, overreached and wound up only embarrassing themselves. This is a good movie that tells an amazing story worth hearing.
got back from the movies with my 8 yrold son and wife. Bedtime was cute…Marley and Me made us all cry and believe me I don’t cry at movies.
but the ending got me. Well done movie. Wasn’t there to see owen or jennifer but the son wanted to see this one too so we went. Pleasantly surprised. Bring a hanky.
Saw “Valkyrie”. TOM CRUISE IS EXCELLENT IN THE ROLE OF THE GERMAN HERO. The film is two exciting hours of top notch entertainment and all the Cruise gossip hounds and best blood sniffing effort is not going to stop it from being a top boxoffice hit. Credit goes to Cruise and Director Singer because even though we know the outcome they made the film riveting, exciting and suspenseful to the end.
I’ve already seen Valkyrie! It’s been on TV for the past couple of weeks. Almost every commercial. For those of you who haven’t seen it. Germans goe to war. Tom Cruise goes to Africa. Gets shot up. Tom Cruise now with eye patch questions war. Decides, with some other questioning Nazis, that Hitler must go. Briefcase. Boom. Tom misses Hitler from two feet away with bomb. Tom arrested. Tom shot. Other questioning Nazis arrested. Shot. War goes on. Now enough material for “Battle of the Bulge” and “A Bridge Too Far”, plus “Patton”. You get the idea.
It’s too bad no one is mentioning how the expansions will do (Slumdog, Doubt)–I just got back from Doubt and it was a packed house. It’s still quite limited release of course, it’s not like it could ever compete for real, but I’ll be interested to see what the per screen average turns out to be.
Hey Cruise bashers eat this:
TAPS
THE OUTSIDERS
RISKY BUSINESS
TOP GUN
COLOR OF MONEY
RAIN MAN
BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY *(Oscar Nom)
DAYS OF THUNDER
A FEW GOOD MEN
THE FIRM
INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
JERRY MAGUIRE *(Oscar Nom)
MAGNOLIA *(Oscar Nom)
VANILLA SKY
LAST SAMURAI
COLLATERAL
WAR OF THE WORLDS
TROPIC THUNDER
$2.7 Billion Lifetime Boxoffice.
So, respectfully I say: shut the fuck up!
It’s really funny to see the fake stories about (packed) audiences cheering and screaming the names of awards statues after the showing. That didn’t happen. Not unless to person screaming “oscar” was the person posting on this talkback.
Nobody believes you. I went out with the family tonight and saw Bedtime Stories. It was a nice poopcorn flick. I enjoy Adam Sandler, but I prefer Nic Cage searching for treasure when it comes to PG Disney family films. There were only two films, though, that had any sold-out showings at the theatre I went to. The films in question being Bedtime Stories and Marley & Me. Benjamin Button, The Spirit, etc. all had plenty of seats open for all of the showings.
Look, guys, no matter how much you liked Button (or whatever movie you try to plug here) it doesn’t validate your obsession any to lie about an audience’s response. You liked it, great. Be happy with that. Don’t lie about people crying/yelling “Oscar”/etc. It’s sad.
Hate Historigal Rewrites,
I didn’t say it was factual. I’m not going to argue that, I really don’t know, or care at this point. So let me correct my statement: “Valkyrie” is a historically based drama. (i.e. is does not involve history to the letter, but gleans it’s inspiration from a historical matter)
I went to see a movie, not a history lesson. I have yet to see a movie come out of hollywood that is factual.(I’m sorry Michael Moore, but not even your “Documentaries” are factual.)
I’ve resigned myself to the fact that it’s not correct historically, so I stopped caring long enough to enjoy the movie.
moving on,,,,
When it comes down to it, I will probably buy Valkyrie, unlike most movies that I’ve seen recently. Now that I’ve enjoyed it, I’m going to hope for the same from the rest of this week’s lineup. I don’t plan to watch “Spirit” or “Marley”, but I might get bored,,,,
There are plenty of actors who are not over-exposed. Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp, Tom Selleck, and Joe Mantegna come to mind, randomly.
Don’t want to be in the papers all the time? Live in the Valley (or in another country), don’t hang out at the Ivy, don’t play dumb games with the paps (tipping them off to where you’ll be), and don’t court “controversy.”
People who end up on the cover of People Magazine, US Weekly, Star, etc. are there because they want to be there. Brad Pitt is one of them, being on the cover of People (which caters to women) is not the same as being the preferred actor for guys (who pay for date movies and form the backbone of theatrical box office).
Cruise, Pitt, guys like Leonardo DiCaprio or Shia LeBoef are actors most guys dislike at best. They are not box office magic but the reverse. They might well win Oscars but who cares anymore?
We will probably see a lot more movies like BEDTIME STORIES than BUTTON because the former generally make money and Oscar bait does not. Particularly if the mega-corps get hard-hit by a lasting recession and the loss of Wall Street money means turning a profit is a requirement for the Studios. I’m sure BEDTIME STORIES is formulaic and manipulative. It’s also aimed at entertaining the general audience in a feel-good way. Not patting Hollywood insiders on each other’s backs. I’m sure BUTTON has great cinematography and “acting” by Blanchett. Who cares? Everyone already saw FORREST GUMP. Twelve years ago.
I’ll bet most people spent Christmas Day not at the movies but with the Video Rentals they got the day before. Blockbuster was packed the other day.
Can Hollywood survive if people shift to waiting for DVD rentals? Heck there’s a Kiosk that rents em out for $1, and Amazon had Iron Man as a digital download for only 99 cents. Folks, that is IMHO the future of Hollywood.
Not BUTTON, or VALKYRIE, or any other insider, back-slapping, make the “stars” happy vanity project, but mass market, widely appealing, stuff that can make money EVEN at 99 a download.
Take a look at Amazon. They have this as a loss leader, but I’m sure that’s where prices are headed. Same thing happened to the music business.
We went to see Benjamin Button and were sorely disappointed. I don’t know that anyone stood up and cheered or cried “Oscar” and many people left before the credits even began to roll. Brad Pitt simply can’t act. I don’t understand those who say it is “Oscar” material because it is far from it. Later we went to see Marley & Me and I was still bawling when we left the theater – and I’m a grown man! It was soooooo good! Have no desire to see Cruise or Sandler in anything. Carey I can only take in a few doses but if there is any movie out there you want to see, go see Marley & Me. What a great film. Aniston and Wilson were the most compatible movie couple I’ve seen in a long time.
The fundamental flaw in Valkyrie which nobody is bringing up is this: Tom Cruise buys into the ’superhuman’ status of Von Stauffenberg the Hero, and neglects the fact that he was a human being (an admittedly brave an intriguing one) with self-interested motives and flaws. This makes for an uninteresting film. The real kicker, though, is that Tom Cruise, through Scientology ‘auditing’, has ‘discovered’ that he is the reincarnation of Von Stauffenberg (the fictional hero, not the real human being). This fact attests both to the insanity of his religious beliefs and to Cruise’s narcissistic, self-important ego. This, more than anything, is what people mean when they accuse it or being ‘revisionist.’ And this is precisely why the film is a failure.
There are two types of movies. The ones made for Hollywood insiders and those made for non hollywood insiders. Hollywood will always have pet project movies that many people will never see yet will always get accolades by those arrogant ahole hollywood insiders that think their own crap doesn’t stink.
I’m #1, suck it Brad!
Valkarie starring Tom Cruise released on December 25th makes perfect sense. He believes in sciectology. Releasing a nazi movie on December 25th and no one going to see the film would not even occurr to the guy, most likely.
Did anybody else besides me and a packed 1:40 PM, AMC theater, see Frost/Nixon? Rarely does the audience clap at the end of a movie but the two or so hours of this film went by in a flash and Frank Langella gave an award winning performance. Ron Howard is brilliat as always and the movie is a must see.
Marley and Me: The movie was not near as well done as the book. I was dissappointed that Anniston and Owens were the lead actors, they just don’t pull it off. Off course, the dog makes up for just about everything.
I was also dissappointed that at the end of the movie the opportunity for a public service announcement was passed up. These folks are going to make millions off the backs of dogs. It would a perfect pitch to the public if Anniston and Owen would have made a statement about the responsibility of having a dog, spay, neuter, something………
Not a movie here that even remotely interests me.
Just back from BENJAMIN BUTTON and I thought it was superb. For my taste, Fincher’s best film (thought ZODIAC was very good, but still overrated). And for those critics, etc who thought it was emotionally removed, I say Bravo. Refreshing for a Hollywood film that addresses profound issues (life, death, love) that isn’t shamelessly manipulative. A young woman on the way out of the theater said, “I wanted to cry”. Fine, but go see MARLEY & ME and you probbaly will. Nothing wrong with that.
Pitt was excellent and again, for those who thought he didn’t deliver the “goods”, I say that BB is a Southern gentleman and isn’t supposed to wear his emotions on his sleeve. Cate, Tilda, Taraji all terrific. Yes, BB will be up for numerous Oscars incl. Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, performances.
LOVED IT! And, no, Im not a Studio Shill.
On the other hand, also checked out BEDTIME STORIES. I usually enjoy Sandler’s schtick, to a point, but after about 40 minutes, I had to flee the theater. Wretched, sub-professional acting, writing, directing. Probably fine if you’re 8 years old or so. But otherwise a MUST-AVOID at all costs. OK, maybe I should’ve watched the whole thing before judging, but Hell, it was Christmas, why should I torture myself?
As the late Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter once wrote: “The past is what you remember, imagine you remember, convince yourself you remember, or pretend you remember” However, regardless how one views history, those who believe we should just avoid it are probably doomed to repeat it in one form or another. I for one see a place for movies like “Operation Valkyrie” if stimulates someone one to pick of a history book somewhere alone the way.
As much as Tom Cruise irritates me Valkyrie was an excellent movie…well written, tight plot, excellent cinematography, fine supporting cast, suspenseful…anybody who think it was lousy is just a Tom Cruise hater…A real man’s movie !!! Obama supporters wont like it even though Cruise is one of their own…
Read the book Marley and Me, thought the movie was good and allmost faithfull to book. Was dumb founded that during the ending that as the movie goers cried like little children the actors shed not a sinle tear!!!!! It lost me then. You can’t sit alone with a dog about to end its wonderfull life and not come apart.
Just returned from Marley and Me…Amazing movie. Very well made. The movie worked for me…When I saw the number of people crying – it worked. It is a tear jerker and it worked on that level. It did not sugar coat the troubles of married life and children…and pointed out the facts about dogs…facts that all dog owners know. the movie works on many levels, it deserves to be number 1.
My opinion was not a plant as well. I live in Charlotte, NC, so I’m far away from any Hollywood crap. Again, Eb hit it on the head. I believe a lot of these negative comments are people in the industry who are jealous of success and talent. More importantly, if you haven’t seen the film, just shut up because you have no idea what you’re talking about. If you saw it and didn’t like, that’s a different thing. If you haven’t seen it, then just shut up.
Prediction: Marley look alike dogs will be in big demand and by late spring the shelters will be full of them.
Shocked that the theatre was so packed for Button. The very mixed crowd ( young, old, male, female, etc.)DID laugh outloud, and DID applaud at the end (didn’t hear OSCAR mentioned) many did watch the credits! Of course, Pitt is very popular here in New Orleans.
Truly, the hidden gem in all of this is Yes Man, which is truly about the genius of Peyton Reed’s directing and the often unmentioned excellent soundtrack.
Taking nothing away from these Christmas Day films, long-term, the good acting, music, and subtle comic nature of Yes Man will have surprising staying power in the theaters, on cable, and via DVDs.
Just say “Yes” to this movie, and your outlook will be remarkably changed for the better.
I saw Benjamin Button last night and finally, after waiting for two years I saw a film with texture, developed characters and a supporting cast that simply takes one’s breath away. If you miss this one truly great motion picture then I pity you. It plays nearly three hours but it seemed to us that it lasted about thirty minutes. Absolutely incredible. Six Stars! Do not miss!
I plan to see Marley and BB. I have heard similar stories about the reaction to BB, so eb doesn’t need to defend himself/herself to me. On the other hand, flacks still pay people to scream at celebrities as they walk down a red carpet, so it is not a reach to think that – FOR A GOOD MOVIE – they also “seed” people to “enhance” an already positive reaction and call for “Oscar” at showings, especially around LA. People at group events can be like lemmings and will follow a lead, in a positive or negative way. Just a theory.
Still, I don’t have a lot of faith in Pitt and Blachett. They are very skillful and gifted actors, but they both come across as so, well, muted or bland in terms of their individual underlying personalities – which is the core of any actor no matter how skillful – that I find that their work tends to put me to sleep.
I don’t think the sad ending will hurt Marley that much. What they lose in terms of repeat ticket sales might be made up for in terms of people who will see it in the first place. But since I am probably the only American who skipped TDK because I didn’t want to see nauseating pointless sadism and violence, I know my opinion is in the minority on that issue.
Brad Pitt is overexposed, not sure if Benjamin is going to receive Oscars. Not a very good year for Oscar season, but Heath Ledger is a shoe-in.
What is with all the anti Tom Cruise rhetoric? Give the guy a break. He makes good movie and it is certainly better than Brad Pitt and the Ben Button. The motives of the nay sayers prior to release should be check out. I suspect that that probably have a axe to grind. I have seen both movies and that is my opinion.
My sons and I saw SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE on Christmas Day
and were blown away. A sweet, powerful romance, an
epic and sometimes horrific adventure of growing up and surviving the slums of Mumbai/Bombay, this movie kept us enthralled and guessing throughout and cheering and fulfilled by the end. Better than any of the other movies playing right now, it’s a TRUE Holiday film!
Seven Pounds is Hancock for people with intelligence. So yeah, a real shortage of them around is going to mean it wont be a blockbuster. You want to be on top, make a kids movie.
Tropic Thunder…See it!!!!!!!Cruise is hillarious…finally relaxed and true self….RD Jr. is brilliant…should win….great job guys…loved it…
No surprise about why Marley & Me is #1. It is the ultimate show to take the vacationing kids to.
Hollywood should know by now that Family Movies make big bucks.
Some of the comments posted here regarding Operation Valyrie are just plain ignorant. First, this was NOT a ower struggle within the Nazi party. Geeez. Second, most of the major players like Klaus von Stauffenberg, Ludwig Beck, Irwin Rommel, Freidrich Olbrict and Werner von Haeften were NOT members of the NAZI party. Thirds, there were many previous attempys on Hitler’s life prior Valkyrie and finally the attempt on Hitler’s life was made on July 20, 1944 in an effort to avoid the anticipated loss of life of thousands people because of the crazed lunatic Fuehrer. They were heroes for their sacrifice.
Marley and Me was such a pleasant surprise in it’s quality. A meaningful well-acted movie. Kudos to Owen Wison and Jen Aniston who just seemed effortlessly perfect in their roles. No. 1 Box Office well deserved, it will be one of the biggest movies ever.
Yes, dog movies do very well. But let’s not lose sight that this dog movie also spent a whopping 18 months as a book on the NY Times bestseller list. Of course, that adds an enormous push to the box office, something most movies don’t get — and all those movie-goers already knew the sad ending.
I saw ‘Benjamin Button’ last night, and it’s a magnificent film. I think it’s going to do well. David Fincher at his finest. Same goes for Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Now, be aware, the movie’s 2hrs45mins long; that’s going to keep some people away until it hits DVD.
Sad break for the ‘The Spirit’. Advance word on geek movie sites was that the movie was bad and that it would flop. Looks like a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’m staying away from it.
Cruise, washed up- Get lost. You have had some good hits in the past. Take your bow and leave.
Pitt, way to go! Loved it! Yes people, he can entertain!
Aniston, doesn’t even compare to Cruise and that’s not saying much! lol No Acting there. Cute, but……
Honestly, Im so sick of seeing Brad and I’m so sick of Tom and his lies, I have no desire to see their films.
Neither Valkyrie nor Benjamin Button will endure, both marred bypretty boy performances in the lead roles. if you want great screen acting, check out mickey Rourke
in the Wrestler. A man shows the boys what acting is all about.
I honestly don’t see what’s so friggin’ amusing and weird about Tom Cruise playing a Nazi. He’s an actor remember? And aside from the disappointing Superman movie Singer has made a bunch of good films. To me it never seemed like the disaster some were hoping it would be.
I never thought I’d hear “Overexposed” in the context of a David Fincher movie.
Hey now!
… I’m gonna go check out Valkyrie today. Why? Because it’s a thriller plain and simple. Nothing else out there right now interests me right now. Time Crimes hasn’t opened in my town yet.
I’m confused. “CCBB is selling out today because of demand and it’s long running time.” You mean to tell me people actually want to watch a 3 hour long movie? Glad I’m not ya’ll.
If you have 2 hrs and 40 minutes to waste then indeed, go see Benjamin Buttons.
May have been a good 90 minute flick, but 2′ 40″ is over kill and in my party of four, absolutely no one yelled Oscar. Fact is they were bored to death by the end.
Tropic Thunder…See it!!!!!!!Cruise is hillarious…finally relaxed and true self….RD Jr. is brilliant…should win….great job guys…loved it…
Comment by Jessica — December 26, 2008 @ 9:14 am
I’m sorry to rain on your parade but the movie was awful. I was probably as excited as the rest for this movie to come out orignally because I thought it was a brillant idea for a script. However, typical hollywood they killed it when they made it. Tom Cruise actually does deserve an award for his part. Anything else pertaining to this movie was worse than a Naked Gun Movie without all the comedy.
If you have 2 hrs and 40 minutes to waste then indeed, go see Benjamin Buttons.
May have been a good 90 minute flick, but 2′ 40″ is over kill and in my party of four, absolutely no one yelled Oscar. Fact is they were bored to death by the end.
Comment by Chuck — December 26, 2008 @ 10:34 am
Just think, the orignal script was about 379 pages. Do the math.
Sorry to report that I saw BB in the Midwest – and saw people getting up and leaving long before the credits rolled.
If anyone in that theater had yelled “Oscar,” I have the sense it would have been followed by “Harrumph!”
Personally, I thought the film was good, but found Pitt’s performance pretty flat and uninspired.
If he gets the anticipated Oscar nod, it would appear to be attributable to the work of others associated with the film – and Rove-esq manipulation of Hollywood by Brad Grey – and not an award he would have earned with respect to his work in this particular film.
I was relieved that Ms. Finke was able to remove her lips from Will Smith’s ass long enough to get Thursday’s Seven Pounds numbers revised. Smith is nothing more than a poor man’s Tom Hanks, minus the good movies.
I’ve been eagerly waiting for Marley and Me to come out since I heard that they were making the book into a movie. I took my daughter to see it today and it definitely did not disappoint. Owen and Jennifer were great and even though I knew the ending, you can’t help but be moved when you look at the precious face of that dog…made me come home and give my own devil dog a nice big hug!
As for the others…I don’t know. Kate and Brad are about as exciting as watching ice melt (have not seen a movie that Brad pretty much carries alone that I’ve liked since Legends of the Fall) and Tom, well…what can I say about Tom? He lost me at Hello; zero interest. Hollywood “Oscar” buzz is overrated at best with us regular schmo’s so none of it means a thing to me.
Saw Benjamin Button last night and it was OK. I’m not a Brad Pitt fan so that has something to do with my take on the film. It’s way too long in my opinion and the makeup was just plain bad. Cate was good though. I wanted to see Marley & Me but was out voted by the other 3 in my party.
Dear DHD posters.
I am so sorry for the confusion. At a showing of Benjamin Button I got separated from my wife and she yelled my name during the credits.
Apologies
Oscar M.
I would like to personally complain on how I was used in the film “Seven Pounds.”
As any good marine biologist would know. What they do with me in the film has an aftermath that’s impossible.
My venom has cardiotoxic, neurotoxic and highly dermatonecrotic components. To put it simply for you idiots: If you killed yourself with it, the venom would ruin the tissue and nerves in your heart and eyes making them unsuitable for transplant.
So, I call Bullshit! on “Seven Pounds.”
Aquatically yours,
CF
PS: The Great White is still pissed about “Jaws.”
Crypto1 is right. Peyton Reed is an excellent director and often overlooked because he is a nice guy and good to people.
See “Yes Man” it’s a funny and very sweet film.
Welcome back Jim Carey.
You can’t quit all your debating and just go see SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. All I can say is “Wow.” Wow. Loved Revolutionary Road, too. Felt like CCBB went on and on, too long and not enough meat or emotion to sustain it. Slumdog, I saw via screener, but I will pay to see it again. Fantastic, so romantic, there’s action and it’s beautifully shot and acted.
Tom Cruise thinks he can make a cheap antiwar movie one day and then appeal to the kind of men who would enjoy Valkarie the next day.
I hope it bombs I’ll wait for the DVD to hit the discount bin.
So far, best films of the year are Revolutionary Road, Wall-E and The Dark Knight. Benjamin, Slumdog Millionaire, Doubt, and Frost/Nixon were the most overrated, and NOT the best films of the Century as every ad claims. The best performances who deserve Oscars are Kate Winslet and Heath Ledger. Would LOVE to see WALL-E get a best picture nomination, it was brilliant!
“The Strange Case of Benjamin Button” was way too loooong. Only films that I actually enjoyed were “Revolutionary Road” and “The Dark Knight”. “Doubt” and “Milk” were just eh. Will wait to see “Valkrie” on Blu-ray.
I thought Benjamin Button was as good a picture I’ve seen in a long long while. Artful and moving, I was happy to have seen it in a theater with others who were as clearly moved as me.
Loved Revolutionary Road, too.
Comment by macy — December 26, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
Really? I thought that was the most boring, overwrought piece of melodramatic self-important garbage awards seasons has bestowed upon us in a long time.
I love every actor in the film. But man oh man, what a boring film.
i’m glad for so many reasons that seven pounds is tanking. what a ridiculous idea, what shotty, manipulative storyline and direction and what was Sony thinking, banking all end of year money and awards on this? Was anyone in charge here? Oh, I guess Will was….
Oscar M.
That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever read on here!
SEVEN POUNDS was a great movie, solid storyline and terrific acting—forget the so-called critics and the will smith haters, the movie is showing its legs (because of the holiday season) and i wont be surprised if it actually gets 100 mill or close to it ($80-90 mil range).
Went and saw Valkyrie. Thought it was very good. All the hate aimed at it truly mystifies me.
On second thought, no you guys are right, they’re a bunch of egomaniacal assholes for making a movie based on a gripping true story. The nerve of some people.
Frost/Nixon was the best movie I have seen in a few years!!!
The Nixon guy is fantastic!!
Tom Cruise! I have never felt such disdain for an actor in my life. With that said, I truly hope Valkyrie fails so badly that Tom never works in front of (or behind) the cameras ever again.
Just finished seeing the 4th of the big four. Valkyrie: Tom Cruise is sharp, but I had no interest in the subject matter and I can not figure out if there is a point to it that makes it relevant to 2008. Button: Too long, fluff; well acted. Blanchett rocks, but I’d rather not have spent the time and money. Bedtime stories: not my cup of tea. Marley: Yellow Dog II. Like Wilson and Anniston, so I didn’t mind the experience. Unfortunately Gran Torino is not playing in my area. P.S. People cried and shouted at Button? Not where I’m at.
Saw Marley and Me. The advertising that is is for “the whole family” is misleading, as the sexual references are not what I wanted my family to see on Christmas day. The sexual stuff was totally unneccesary to the plot. That it was presented somewhat discreetly- no nudity- is admirable, I guess, but the film as is should not be marketed as entirely family-friendly.
Just got back from Valkyrie. Not a big Cruise fan but went to it because I think Singer is one of the more interesting young(er) directors out there.
I’d heard it sucked but I walked out of that theater completely entertained! I LOVED it!
Go see that movie, people! You won’t be sad you did.
I saw Valkyrie in a sold-out movie theatre, and it was the second sold-out showing of the day. I found the movie to be very compelling. It doesn’t matter that we know what happened with this 15th attempt to assassinate Hitler – this movie is still suspenseful from the first moments to the end. It is an excellent story well told, well written, well acted, excellent soundtrack, stunning scenery. It will stay with me as most movies do not. It is a story of a nation in the grip of an untenable situation, and the vast range of human responses. It is worth seeing for the questions that it leaves you with. History repeats itself. What would you do?
I hate Brad pitt movies because I get tied of looking up his flared nostrils for two hours.
In the Cruise movie do they kill Hitler and prevent WW2?
I too don’t like Tom Cruise either but I was impressed with him. It was better then “The Last Samurai” Good movie over all. It’s not for everyone, this movie will appeal to people with a brain. If you don’t like it then your a moron.
I’ve heard from a lot of people that were anticipating Marley and Me who read the book. When I went to the movie theatre today, there seemed to be a lot of people infront of me ordering Valkyrie tickets.
Obviously it’s a small sample size, but if nothing else, I’m betting Valkyrie managed to siphon off the intended audience for The Spirit.
Personally though I saw Doubt and was very impressed, especially with Meryl Streep. Those who want to see true acting should certainly see it. Hopefully I can catch Benjamin Button tomorrow, which from speaking to friends who don’t normally see anything besides popcorn flicks, seems to be highly anticipated. I guess it’s just a good weekend to go to the movies…
Twilight is the best movie of the year. LOOOVVVEEE Edward (Rob Pattinson) Cullen.
“Valkyrie” simply had to be one of the most useless re-tellings of the familiar Failed-Plot-to-Kill-Hitler tomes ever put on film. It is an utter waste of time for any movie goer who ever had a simple Modern World History class in high school. Cruise’s career as a domestic “star” is OVER, OVER OVER. He should simply wait for the Galactic Federation to beam him up and then, along with Miscavage and the cult of Scientology, he can rule the universe from afar. Uhhh….Don’t go away mad, Tom; JUST GO AWAY…NOW….DON’T LET THE SCREEN DOOR HIT YOU ON THE WAY OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on, everyone has to admit that they are (pleasantly/ very unpleasantly, head popping with rage) surprised that Valkyrie came 4th on Christmas day(even though as mentioned its his second lowest opener).
Like Nikki Finke I thought ‘The Spirit’
(which is getting abysmal reviews but hey it doesn’t have Cruise so it must be good!)
was going to steal the demographic.
“Some of the comments posted here regarding Operation Valyrie are just plain ignorant. First, this was NOT a ower struggle within the Nazi party. Geeez. Second, most of the major players like Klaus von Stauffenberg, Ludwig Beck, Irwin Rommel, Freidrich Olbrict and Werner von Haeften were NOT members of the NAZI party. Thirds, there were many previous attempys on Hitler’s life prior Valkyrie and finally the attempt on Hitler’s life was made on July 20, 1944 in an effort to avoid the anticipated loss of life of thousands people because of the crazed lunatic Fuehrer. They were heroes for their sacrifice.”
-They were just looking for any excuse to blast the film without seeing it or even reading about it (besides Roger Friedmans).
Went to see Benjamin button and i was not disappointed. The movie is way up there with my faves, and to be honest i am a bit surprised of how powerful the story was , all though is fictional.A must see movie, the second one this year, after The dark knight.
Oscar M.
That was hysterical!
Almost forgot – will definitely go see Slumdog Millionaire!! It may be the real sleeper at the Oscars (not your house Oscar M.).
“BEDTIME” & “MARLEY” ARE KILLER.
“VALKYRIE” IS ONE HELLUVA THRILLER.
“YES” & “BUTTON” ARE JUST RIGHT,
“SEVEN POUNDS” KINDA LIGHT.
AND “THE SPIRIT” FELL RIGHT IN THE SHITTER.
saw BB and was disappointed. i’m in denver and you can be sure that there we no people shouting “oscar”. it was long an drawn out. pitt didn’t even seem to be acting, just reading out horrible line. no emotions. blanchette was good but the star was hilda swinston, who is always amazing.
i do not think pitt will be winning any awards and if he does, then there is something wrong with the movie industry. this could have been a great movie but it just wasn’t. too much CGI as well.
Marely and Me was good and a tear jerker. i have dogs so i had to see this as well. i thought that is was not quite a family with young kids movie but it was realistic to life and what families go through.
To the comment about people getting look-a-like dogs. After 101 Dalmations or Men in Black, plenty of people get the dogs and have no idea what the temperment of the breed is. At least with this movie, it will be advertised for having bad behavior.
Revolutionary Road, marley and me, and valkyrie were all better than Button. I will be very sad if brad pitt gets nominated for an Oscar over Leonardo Dicaprio. LD is a better actor than Pitt.
Actually , Leo woulda been a better choice for Button. Brad’s acting is not getting any better … he’s no better In button than he was in Meet joe black.
“Really?”
Yeah, I really did love Revolutionary Road – but I will qualify with this – that movie is my worst nightmare of suburbia coming true so maybe it spoke to me in a different way. Still, I loved exploring the question of following the convention of society (family, kids, good job = success) until it kills you. I thought Kate Winslet was AMAZING. I don’t mean to sound sexist but yes, I can see why a guy might be bored by it but again, I loved it.
I’ve seen every movie out this weekend except “Yes Man”(which I have no desire to see, but might out of boredom)
Overall, I never thought I would like “Marley and Me”, but I did. “Valkyrie” was surprisingly good. But “Benjamin Button” I had higher hopes for. Thanks Oscar M for clearing up the supposed “OSCAR” cries. Half the people in the showing I went to left before the end of the movie. Unfortunately the only thing that kept me in my seat was my hard earned money that I bought my ticket with. As far as “Bedtime stories” goes, it’s not a movie geared for adults. GET OVER IT! I can’t imagine what the same people crying over “Bedtime” would say if they watched “Wall E” or “Kung fu Panda”,,,,
None the less, BB was terrible. I thought the acting was stupid. The changing accents was lame, the screenplay didn’t flow, and it was generally overproduced, in my opinion.
Just saw ” VALKYRIE ” tonight. The show was sold out to a mostly older audience.
A surprising STANDING OVATION at the end of the movie !
A great film, and Singer/Cruise should be commended for their efforts.
I dont know how the fu**dge people pay to see a movie about a freaking dog. millions what the ****
Wow, DHD fans sure love to movie-hop…
lenny, the movie is not all about a dog. It’s a very real portrait of a marriage and life as well. It way exceeded my expectations. One of the best films in its genre, IMO
Saw “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” with my family and it was very good. We all enjoyed it and were still talking about it during supper.
The whole cast did a fantastic job and I don’t understand the hate towards Brad Pitt. He was excellent in his role. The story was about him and the people he met during his 80 years in the world. The people who impacted on his life.
His was therefore reactionary.
The film certainly makes you appreciate your loved ones. Take some Kleenex though.
It seems long but we hardly noticed, we were so drawn into the story.
“Owen Wilson’s comeback film”? Give me a break. Marley & Me is clearly more Aniston’s movie than it is Wilson’s. Aside from the dog, she is the only reason people went to see it. Let’s give credit where it’s due.
Saw B. Button last nite – way too long and just mediocre acting – all about Pitt’s handsomeness – his acting was so bland. Think Forest Gump meets The Notebook – no one in my theater was clapping or yelling Oscar at the end – they were too busy checking their watches – I won’t be recommending this film – so overrated.
Benjamin Buttons was a total groan to sit through; too long and not really entertaining. Nobody clapped in our theatre, just groaned as the stiffness from sitting so long had set in and getting out of the drearyness was high priority. As one young man loudly proclaimed leaving the theatre: That movie really sucked!
First time on this chat board; not sure if it has a purpose beyond letting people shout their opinions. If anyone can enlighten me, I’ll take it.
No one here mentions “The Reader.” This is a great, great story.
I walked out of “The Spirit.”
“Milk” was a fine movie; I don’t see it winning top awards.
“The Wrestler” should get Rourke and Tomei top nods. They were incredible.
Happy holidays, everyone.
Marley & Me isn’t as good as the book… but it’s a very, very good adaptation. Owen Wilson is excellent in the “& Me” part and Jennifer Aniston is excellent too. Even knowing the end I still cried (again as I did when I read the book). This movie will help bring back family-themed movies. Highly recommended.
This is a great movie weekend – saw Valkyrie on Christmas…great movie. Tom Cruise may be a weirdo kookburger, but he can act. Saw Benjamin Button yesterday. Matinee aud was full and it was great. Taking my niece and nephew to see Bedtime Stories today…hope it will be a fun diversion. Still trying to find time to see Doubt and Marley and Me.
Where were all these great movies this summer?
Captain, thank you for this expression “weirdo kookburger”….. it’s priceless!
And regarding your questions:
“Where were all these great movies this summer?”
They can’t possibly compete in marketing spending with the summer tentpoles, so they wait until the madness is over. The summer is all about the younger demographics, the winter about the demos that sandwich them.
LOL I agree with Philip. I read all the reviews and seen the movie myself. Besides the few reviews here, I DID NOT see or hear of anyone standing up in applause and screaming “oscar” Like Philip said, if you liked it awesome, be happy with that, your fabrications are plain ridiculas. No one believes you. It simply makes you look like an obsessed Brangelina fan, not flattering. I love how some of you even said that ‘People were still talking about it on their way to their cars…” REALLY? I mean REALLY? Maybe you were, but to say everyone else was too, how can you know that? Lets be adults. Not everyone shares the same tastes in movies. It’s cool. But lets be real and mature
As for the movie it was fine. Not one I would reccomend, but hey!
Valkyrie was a damn good movie – a total reaffirmation of why Tom Cruise, not to mention Bryan Singer, achieved widespread success in the first place. The bad buzz building up to its release and picayune Tomatometer can only mean that some are just flat-out rooting for Tom Cruise to fail at this point while turning a blind eye towards his earnest attempts to remedy his reputation. The local reviewer in my area gave the film one and a half stars out of four on the basis that the Cruise character was a consummate jerk to the Nazi automatons the conspirators were trying to overthrow. You would’ve thought Cruise was O.J. Simpson or something judging by how sternly the righteous finger waggers jumped to the conclusion that the alleged self-imposed damage done to his career was irreparable. The only knock I’ll make against the project is that, while Singer excels at ratcheting up the tension even though we ultimately know how things will turn out, he won’t exactly shake the stigma that he’s financially irresponsible since there’s a shaky correlation between the hefty price tag and what you see onscreen.
I saw Valkyrie with my father this weekend and expected to be disappointed because Hollywood has seemed to have lost the ability to make serious films (other than left wing spin pieces). Although I am a history major and WWII buff – I did not know much about the assasination plot and am now curious to find a book on the subject. Having seen nearly every WWII movie made – I thought it was very good – especially since all the British actors were playing German officers and not British ones. The audience I was with did not give a standing ovation but walked out with reverence.
Valkyrie is not about an internal struggle amongst Nazis – but an effort by the German officer corp to redeem itself and their country from a madman. Most Americans would be well served to see it.
“Just Me”,
I too heard a few people talking about “Benjamin Button” on the way to their car. Most of them were talking about how bad it sucked, and some of them were thrilled with it. Everyone’s different. I hated the movie, but then again, Mr. Pitt isn’t trying to win awards from me, except my money that I wasted on a ticket to see his film.
On a side note, I hope “Slumdog” expands more, I would like to see it.
Finally saw benjamin Button and it was all I expected. This was a beautiful, magical, stunning, though provoking film. Ironically I think Cate Blanchette was a little off her game but even that is still better than most actresses. Kudos to Taraji Henson who is a nice find. I hope she will get more prominent roles with the publicity of this movie and her GG nomination.
Everyone in the theatre seemed to really like this movie but I think the difference is that most of the audience seemed to know what was in store We already came in educated about the length, the short story the backstory of the film, etc. I think this makes a HUGE difference in how you come away from the movie. there are people that still actually go to a movie theatre with absolutely no idea about any of films playing and toss a coin to chose which one to see. I’ve seen this happen. Then they walkout or complain that it’s not what they expected. Somewhere out there someone, who is cluless, will take the family to go see Milk because a title like that it surely has to be family friendly!
As someone who had read the VALKRYIE script, is not particularly interested in that period in history and who just saw the movie last night, I guess my review is that it is a well-done film that I just wasn’t particularly crazy about.
Tom is fine. Bryan Singer managed to create a few moments of tension here and there (although those scenes read better in the script than what ended up on screen) and the cinematographer did a good job. Costumes and set pieces were all first-rate.
Having said that, again, it didn’t particularly appeal to me – probably primarily because I just don’t care about that period of history. If you are a WWII buff, or are interested in plots to assassinate Hilter, then I would imagine you would respond to the film.
Plan on seeing WRESTLER or SLUMDOG today.
I just wanted to say that I saw CCOBB last night in a venue where it’s only playing on 2 screens, whereas Marley & Me is playing on 5 screens. Some areas don’t even have that luxury. There are people being turned away from this theater because the movie is sold out. I saw several of those people then getting tickets for Marley & Me. Frankly they weren’t that enthusiastic about seeing it but they were already at the theater and didn’t want to make a trip for nothing.
So my advice to anyone who wants to see CCOBB – Buy your tickets early or buy them online, but don’t wait until you get to theater expecting to find seats. I was at an 11:30am showing and there were only a smattering of seats around a theater that seats about 400.
I think someone at Par seriously underestimated the interest in this movie. Hopefully they’ll be able to add screens as interest in some of the less stellar Christmas fare wanes…like the god-awful Marley & Me. Sorry to offend anyone who liked it, but I’d rather have a root canal than sit through that dog (pun intended) again. I wish people in Hollywood would stop giving Jennifer Aniston movie roles. She’s got less screen presence than a boil on Day Day-Lewis’ butt. Actually, pick any great movie actor. Doesn’t matter. Aniston is, as one critic described her, “an entertainment void.” Ugh.
BTW, Owen Wilson wasn’t much better, but I’ll cut him some slack because the guy has MAJOR unresolved issues. It’s sad to watch the guy struggle like he does in this movie. I hope the guy can finally get his act together because right now he’s wasting his talent on dreck movies, drugs and booze.
This whole end of movie applause thing is not necessarily indicative of anything. You know not every movie theater has a tradition of clapping at the end of movies. It just isn’t done in some theaters no matter how much the movie is appreciated or even loved. And the last thing you want to do when you are crying at the end of a movie is start applauding. I am usually trying to compose myself so I don’t look like some sappy idiot as I’m leaving the theater. I also don’t remember ANY applause at the end of Sophie’s Choice.
As far as the post reporting on someone saying Oscar at the movie’s end – I read that to mean they felt the movie was Oscar worthy. That doesn’t say fanboy to me. I don’t see why that is so unbelievable nor is it unbelievable overhearing talk of the movie among a horde of people in a parking lot walking to their cars. Perhaps overanalyzing posts is more than not just a fool’s game.
People were walking out of Benjamin Button last night. The special effects wear off after awhile, and the movie is so freaking long. Not worth the price of a ticket IMO.
I just saw Valkryie today. I’m not a Tom Cruise fan and didn’t expect much. But WOW!!! This movie had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a non-stop adrenaline rush. Cruise did a great job and the story was mesmerizing. It’s a historical drama, a true story and some of the comments by others are ignorant or just people who like to demonize Germans. This movie and Marley and Me are excellent. See them.
Man there are a lot of paid posters here shelling for films. Personally when I see the studios or ad firms paying people to blog it gives me a bad taste in my mouth and makes me question seeing the movie even if I had wanted to before. Trying to manipulate me with lies and fake posts does not win me over, it turns me off of the film/studio.
oscar m. you owe me a new keyboard!
as for TCCOBB…. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
no one clapped, let alone yelled “oscar”, in fact, maybe a dozen people walked out way before the movie ended. If TDK gets snubbed in favor of TCCOBB will boycott this years Oscars……..
We saw “The Spirit” yesterday and there are only two letters to describe it: PU! We love “Sin City” so we were anxious to see “The Spirit.” I would NOT recommend this to anyone because it is so boring!!
Benjamin Button was an absolute bore. A Forrest Gump that couldn’t. I went in with high hopes, and all the movie managed to do was put me to sleep. Give me my $20 back I want to see Valkyrie.
Dear Hate Historigal Rewrites & Don’t like Nazis,
Anyone with a problem about this movie obviously just has a problem with the off-screen Tom Cruise. He underplays his own persona while emulating the historical character. Those who search for a picture of the historical character will notice some physical similarity with TC. You see no “TC mannerisms”. You have to grant courage to a star who agrees to play a WWII German officer, even one who was not WaffenSS or a Nazi. Marlon Brando did it in “The Young Lions” with a much less sympathetic character and won praise. Where is the praise for TC?
My 3 sons and daughter-in-law, all in their 20s, went to see TC but walked away with greater respect and understanding for the historical character. Courage, honor and self-sacrifice are virtues which transcend national identity and politics.
Historically, Valkyrie is as close to accurate as possible within the limits of a 2 hr. movie. Usual combining of several historical characters into one for exposition, etc. Accurate hardware from the trimotor Junkers Ju 52 (often confused with the similar Ford Trimotor) down to the P38 pistols and almost correct uniforms and insignia. Little touches like alluding to Nina von S.’s very early pregnancy will be missed by those who don’t know the family history (she delivered his daughter in early 1945 after survived a string of imprisonments).
At first, the British actors’ and Cruise’s American accents were noticeable, but that faded out in a few minutes. Nice touch of starting in German then transitioning to English/American.
I was glad I saw it on a full-sized screen and understand the business reason for MGM’s December release (to include the title in their Showtime contract which expires 12/31/08, thus the strange late ‘08 release date).
“Marley & Me” was marketed as a holiday movie, which was smart packaging in the short run although maybe not in the long run, as people tend to get bored with holiday movies once the holidays are over. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a big dropoff in attendance at “M & M” after the New Year when the kids go back to school.
“CCOBB” and “Doubt”, OTOH, are being presented as awards contenders, which may give them legs well past the holidays into February, especially if they get some Oscar nominations. Both have already received multiple GG nominations and will probably pick up some SAG nominations as well.
“CCOBB” is being released in 30 countries between now and the end of February; “M & M” is being released in just 5 during that time period. The overseas box office may put “CCOBB” over the top. Brad Pitt is enormously popular overseas, whereas outside of the UK, Australia and New Zealand, there is almost no interest at all in Jennifer Aniston.
“The bad buzz building up to its release and picayune Tomatometer can only mean that some are just flat-out rooting for Tom Cruise to fail at this point… You would’ve thought Cruise was O.J. Simpson or something.”
But, but, but, Tom Cruise jumped on Oprah’s couch! I do not understand the active campaigning against his movies, the calls for boycotts. A film should just be judged on its own merits, and expectations set in accordance with the participants’ body of work. Cruise has a history of collaborating with talented people.
This movie received so much advanced negative buzz with the reshoots, and the lack of German accents. Kubrick said critics would consistently get his movies wrong precisely because they were incapable of bracketing out the production history, whereas the public could judge it on its own merits. I don’t seem to recall controversy over lack of accents in Amadeus. Everybody else went crazy in ‘05, and now Cruise can expect to do several more “comeback” pictures.
I went too see Marley. I got tired of Aniston contineausly posing for the screen. She is not natural at all. Terrible actress. Owen carried the movie and was very likable. He has great comedic sense of timing.
$52.5 million over 4 days is “huge”? “Twilight” made $65 million over a two-day weekend with two relatively unknown stars.
LoL Rob. I watched both and Valkyrie was definitely the better movie.
The Weinsteins are cursed. I really liked the Reader and it should be performing better, but it is doomed. Watch out for the curse Quentin and Rob, your films are next!
saw valkryie…i wish i had not…it tried to candy coat a generation responsible for the rape europe and the holocaust…what is next???…a blockbuster promoting abortion and rape???…hollywood sucks.
Our family including adults and teens and early 20’s adults went to Marley mainly because of Aniston. In fact, I had read the book and thought it was slightly boring but we all really liked the movie. Aniston and Wilson were both great. I think it’s insulting that you labeled this “the Owen Wilson tearjerker” as opposed to “the Aniston/Wilson tearjerker” especially when it was Aniston that did 90% of the promo work. My only recommendation to David Frankel and the producers was that they didn’t need Eric Dane and they should have given more screen time to Aniston and Wilson.
Omfg BB was a total bore! Period
Benjamn Button is a very well made movie. I thought the lighting special effects and the castin gof Queenie were the highlights. Queenie deserves consideration for maybe a best supporting Oscar. Brad Pitt got off to a good start and showed some acting ability when he was in makeup. Once the make up came off …so did his accent and he reverted to the familiar beauty queen that we either admire or dismiss. Too bad…the end of the movie could have been shot as a series of still shots with Brad profiling for the cameras. The professional members of the cast must have been embarassed for him.
“Chalk up one in the “win” column as well for both Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.”
Tks Nikki for including Aniston in your article. Sure feels much better now;-)
Happy New Year!
Benjamin Buttons is a beautiful love story. Cate Blanchett is every bit as good as Brad Pitt. The 2 hours and 47 minutes was a concern for me at first, but the time flew by. I would see this movie again, and there are very few I can say that about since Titanic. Forget about the star power of Brad Pitt and just focus on the story.
Looks like this comment section is a bit over-loaded by either scientologist Cruise pluggers or film goers who are clueless about filmmaking. Valkyrie was, is and always will be up there with “Plan 9 From Outerspace” or Exorcist 2- The Heretic and/or The Happening. May I remind all you people that the original Exorcist in 1973 opened on Christmas day, so slamming Valkyrie for opening on x-mas is not indicative of anything. I would not have mattered what day it opened on- the sold out theater I saw this dreck in must have mistaken it for a comedy because nearly all the audience was laughing! Perhaps they should have marketed it as a black comedy- actually they never should have made it in the first place as it is nothing more than propaganda with flawless cinematography.
Took two ten year old girls to Marley and Me last night. They were so excited to see it, but about 30min. into the movie wanted to leave! It is not a kid movie. It is slow, adult themed, and boring for kids. The let’s make a baby part was the last straw. We were all disappointed and left Marley and saw the end of Bedtime Stories which was very funny, creative, original, and the girls loved it. Too bad we picked the wrong movie. Have to see the whole Bedtime Stories sometime!
I have seen Benjamin, and Valkyrie so far and I thought they were both very good movies. I really have nothing critical to say about either one of them, since I was very engrossed throughout each film. I got my money’s worth without a doubt. Go see these movies. Also, I loved Australia, too.
so how big a bomb is SEVEN POUNDS? 40 million with a few weeks to go doesn’t sound so bad but in reality, isn’t it just a complete dud? viewers don’t like it, i believe it won’t begin to make it’s money back considering will’s salary and take, the incessant trailers and print ads, they must tack on a significant amount to the budget. And considering that Sony won’t get any award noms, perhaps even razzies, is this a bomb or is it just an underachiever?
Ramon, give me a break. Showing that some Germans turned against Hitler and tried to kill him is not candy-coating anything. You’re giving conservatives a bad name. Knock it off.
Saw B Button and it was hideous. Brad Pitt is overpaid & overrated. Dialogue was horrible in the movie. Cate B was a better actor than Brad Pitt who was the PITTS. Pitt was almost as bad an actor as he was in the movie Meet Joe Black. B Button could have been a glorious movie with some very real poignant moments– instead it comes off as a very long, unOscar worthy movie— Go Slumdog Millionare !!
How can so many fools comment on things they know so little about? Some dummy said the Cruise Flik will not make the 70m back it spent on advertising. It opened at 30m. Another fool said anything less than a top 3 opening is a disaster. Where did this dummy get his Phd at? Listen fools. If you don’t like TC than stay home but don’t show your stupidity by making comments about a business you couldn’t possibly understand.
The real star of Marley and Me was Marley. The B list duo of Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson should be thanking the dog for their box office success this weekend. Jennifer can’t act and always plays the same character in all her movies and Owen seems to be missing that spark and great comedic timing he once had.
The pooch swooped in and saved the day.
Saw Ben Button, great thought provoking film. Strong performances by all in the film, Brad Pitt and CateB and THenson were outstanding. Just as there are TomC detractors there are Brad Pitt detractors who can’t and won’t see the forest for the trees. Both are fine actors who excel at their craft. Ben Button is the type film that will do very well in world wide box office. Too bad some don’t even bother to see a film and form an intelligent opinion. Instead they are too busy being critical of an actor based on lies and gossip heard through the grapevine.
Yep saw Marley & Me and i loved it. I was so insecure when i went to see it cause i expected a silly dog movie but it was soooo good i cant even explain. It is by far the best movie of its kind. This is the only movie to date that makes you laugh out loud and makes u cry out loud too.
And for those that say that M&M was being screened more than BB well its not true for my area. The Xtmas day that i went to see M & M it was playing only 4 times that day meanwhile BB was for 5 screenings. I just checked today too and still M&M has 4 screenings for today,BB has 5,Bed Time Stories has 8. I also checked Showcase in my area and they have Marley & Me for 4 screenings only and BB has 6
http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=4786
It’s been nearly 10 years since with David Fincher
with Fight Club … its #22 on IMDB best movies but nobody pays attention to those silly internet polls
all these big name actors make a few good award winning movies every few years and they get paid big bucks for it
but there are 100’s of smaller movies that never get noticed by the mainstream media
give 1000’s of smaller no name actors a shot to be huge stars …
Marley and Me is NOT a kids movie. If you have young kids with whom you haven’t even broached the topic of sexuality or babies, then you’ll be getting a lot of interesting questions to answer after the film.
Also if you are a true dog lover, I would suggest you avoid Marley and Me… Unless you know what’s coming, I did not. Most depressing movie going experience of my life. Why make a movie about what every dog owner will eventually go through. I literally had to fight back hyperventilation.
To all Posters here:
I just want to say that the back and forth here on this site is better than almost all the movie criticism out there (And funnier too. Thank you for clearing that up, Oscar M)
As we all know, serious film criticism is dying, replaced by shills and quote whores like Ben Lyons. (see link below)
Educated film criticism always set the standard for the rest of us bums who love movies and appreciate an intellectual standard of analysis on the medium. Alas this art form is dying a slow death.
But the postings here feel honest (for the most part) and written by people who have a real knowledge of film. These posting are a better indication whether to get off the fence and go see a particular film and most of the so-called film critics out there.
You people obviously love the movies and refuse to let the business get away with peddling crap. Since I discovered this site, I tell people to read it to get an idea of what to watch if they don’t already know.
So keep posting, keep being honest and keep the business honest.
Happy New Year.
Can anyone tell me WHY Clint Eastwood’s last two films have been released on about six screens each? What’s the point of releasing those movies on six screens if they’re not going to release them wide? Those who are interested are unlikely to have a theater near them playing the movie. I remember when I wanted to see THE MACHINIST, the nearest theater playing it was hours away so of course I never went and for some reason the studio decided to act surprised that its box office was so low.
You would have to pay me to go see a movie with that Scientology nitwit in it. And about the same can be said for Owen Wilson-I’ve only seen one of his movies and it was because my boyfriend dragged me to it.
Agree with previous poster re: M&M not being a kids movie. Don’t be fooled by those one-sheets…yikes. We saw Bedtime Stories today — a little silly, but lots of fun and MUCH more kid-friendly than M&M.
Went to see Marley and Me with my young grands and was very disappointed in the adult “humor,” way too much for kids, ages 6,9, and 11. To see 2 human beings become totally helpless in controlling a dog, watching the destruction of their house over and over and over was not funny – or realistic. Boring!!! To have the dog watch them make love and then to make the statement the dog was jealous was perverted and disgusting!! To see a woman pushed over by Marley and have him jump on her and immediately began “humpping” her was also perverted and disgusting. WHO WROTE THIS MONSTER?
Hollywood has lived in a cesspool for so long they think everything perverted or disgusting is funny. They need to realize there are still decent movie goers who would love to see some good clean fun movies and have a few laughs without the “s” word or the constant off color sex jokes about making a baby, etc. force fed to our kids!!!
Jennefer Anniston is such a great actress – too bad she had to star in such a very pooly written movie!! She deserved more! SO DO WE!!
Saw Benjamin Button, it plodded along…it made me a laugh a few times and had a couple (sadly) small stretches that were entertaining, overall very slow. This movie was hardly “whimsical”, it was mainly slow.
On the other hand, Doubt was very good, Meryl…she rocks!
I am not a Tom Cruise fan at all, but I thought Valkyrie was great. What I liked was that it wasn’t overdone or overblown, very terse and minimal, the story took the lead. It was like getting an inside look at what it was like to be in a country that was taken over by a madman and his supporters. I am glad it gave names to those German heros, brought them into our awareness. Tom you persevered all the shit dumped on you and brought this picture home!!! The movie house was packed, and I went on a Sunday. I think this will just gather steam.
Saw VALKYRIE last night and it’s solid. Not great, but well-made and Cruise is fine, if not more than that (unlike, say, Bill Nighy or Eddie Izzard). A great story, well told and condering the outcome is obvious, Singer & Co. generate considerable suspense. Check it out.
Then on to MARLEY & ME. OK. Nice. Nothing to write home about. Although the middle-aged woman sitting down the row from me was crying buckets during the last 10 minutes.
I know no one wants to give her credit for ANYTHING but I hope someone has an extra treat for Jennifer Aniston. She single-handedly promoted Marley and Me. The word of mouth of this pic is much stronger than any of the reviews indicate. I’m not really into dog movies but everyone I know who has seen it says it’s a wonderful film about the trial of marriage and family.
You would have to pay me to go see a movie with that Scientology nitwit in it.
Comment by Kitty — December 28, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
You’re gonna have to be more specific.
Good comments here, but not nearly enough focus on how godawful The Spirit was. Abysmal, pathetic, amateurish, a parody of a crappy film – none of these comes close to capturing the pure suck that I saw in a near-empty theater the day after it opened. Tone-deaf with no sense of plot, pacing, mood, character or dialogue – an absolute zero.
Besides ripping off his own look from Sin City and 300, Miller has managed to drain my enthusiasm for Sin City 2 or any other project he infects from now on.
With the main four movies nothing else was needed!
and so much hoopla for “The Day The Earth Stood Still”
Go back and see the original with Michael Rennie and all the other actors! Valkarie great theme and plot to kill the EVIL personofied. Who might that be today?
Hamas? Iran? Israel? or those who think themselves better than others and go againts natural human law by killing others in the name of a religion or person?
Shame on you! And as for Doubt give us a break- enough of attacking the Church and clergy. There are so many who are selfless and sincere and are all those vilified really guilty? I know some who were thrown out and innocent just because they were gay friendly, thanks to that fact that attorneys run the legal matters of church and not bishops anymore. Woe to Lawyers and Woe to those who think themselves better than anyone else!
This is my first post ever! Go see Slumdog Millionaire. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It is an experience.
i saw CCOBB on the day after Christmas. It’s a good film and Fincher will probably get his Oscar for directing. It’s a grand sweeping film that was shot so beautifully. Brad Pitt will probably get a nomination but it won’t be for this film. He’ll get the nomination because of his previous slights over the past couple of years for Babel and The Assassination of Jesse James. That’s how Hollywood works these days. He’ll also get a nomination because the Academy needs him and Jolie to bring in viewers.
I enjoyed the movie but I can see Paramount’s frustration with Fincher and how he still needed to cut at least another 15-20 mins from the film. There’s a whole sequence that goes on forever about what ifs? What if the French lady didn’t pick up the phone?. GRRRRRRRRR we got it the first time. lol
Pitt did some great work in Button but it was with Tilda, Jason Flemying and when he was playing Benjamin as a child in an old man’s body. Pitt and Blanchett have ZERO chemistry together. You could care less if Benjamin and Daisy ever get together. Very nice touch towards the end when Benjamin “sees” Elizabeth/Tilda.
And Cate has eh I don’t know become an actress who relies on old familiar head and hand movements. Plus, Blanchett just looked too old in the film for Pitt even though he was in full 60 yr old man make-up and she CGI’d to death to try and look 20. The make up on Blanchett as she’s lying on her death bed was so over done you couldn’t understand a damn thing she was saying to Carolline/Julia Ormand who was superb in this by the way.
For it’s running length, content and the fact it was playing in 700 less showings then Marley & Me and the others Button did phenomenal box office during the Christmas holiday/school vacation time. Expect M&M to drop off and Button to gain. The movie will do well overseas also as Pitt has a huge international following. I don’t see M&M doing well overseas because except for the French the rest of the world doesn’t treat it’s pets/dogs like Americans.
Side note. Tom Cruise lives another day. heh
Why go see Sandler and Carrey (terrible films, by the way) when you can get high comedy right here on this forum:
1. Honestly, who tells other people to “shut up” anymore?
2. Who adds “Dr” in front of their username. Great, you are a doctor. No one cares.
3. When have you been to a movie where people stand up at the end and scream “Oscar” at the screen? Give me a break. If this was a screening of “National Treasure” at Nick Cage’s home, perhaps I’d believe it.
Fellow flacks…………if you want to create grassroots buzz on the digital front, you have to have aa bit of common sense. The people that come here love movies……..they go to movies all the time………and they know people around the country don’t stand up to and yell “Oscar” at the end.
Why? Because they don’t care about awards. They enjoy good movies, and great acting, but the average American can give two shats about who gets what award.
Really.
I too saw Valkyrie over the weekend. If you are a historian or otherwise know the story there is no suspense. If you slept through history class there isn’t enough background to generate much interest. We don’t even see Hitler after the bomb goes off. He just basically disapppears from the movie. Sorry ladies, there is no real love story as the wife and family get only about five minutes of screen time. This movie isn’t quite the bomb I was expecting but it wasn’t good or memorable either. Unless you have nothing better to do with your evenings, wait to rent.
i agree with Mapother IV he has and is a great actor!
Slumdog Millionaire was the best movie I’ve seen in a very long time. You won’t be disapointed.
Boomers should know the point of Valkyrie because it happened only a few years before we were born. For those who weren’t born till later, the point of the movie should be IMHO don’t elect a man to power that you know little about, except for charisma and rhetoric, who makes grandiose promises in exchange for your support, who has a tight circle of loyalists about him who brook no accusations or disagreement with his policies and who is going to make friends with everyone else in the world and at the same time rid the world of all that is holding the country back from greatness. Once you have allowed this, fixing it is very, very hard.
“Can anyone tell me WHY Clint Eastwood’s last two films have been released on about six screens each? What’s the point of releasing those movies on six screens if they’re not going to release them wide?”
Because Clint Eastwood wants to be nominated and win awards for his overrated movies. Of course, Clint is trying hard to get “Gran Torino” a best picture nomination.
Give Jennifer Aniston credit for promoting Marley & Me?? Marley the dog was the focus on all the promos, and there was a HUGE display in my theatre some months back. IMHO, pure ego on her part because her face was not on any promotional material. Just her and Owen Wilson’s name in print with the dog Marley front & center.Please! The book had a built in audience with so many Purina dog food tie-ins everywhere. BTW, I hope this “box office win” will encourage distributors to take a second look at Aniston’s “Traveling” and “Management” movies; one even set to premiere in Croatia of all places. There lies the true strength of Aniston’s promotion abilities.
Carla – you are a great example of “the dumbing of America” and I dare say you are not alone judging from some of the comments I just read! Finally, we have a movie (Valkyrie) that depicts the horror of a period in the world’s history that should never be forgotten but a number of you dolts seem to be enthralled by a movie about a damn dog! This country is in serious trouble but many of us already know it. God have mercy on this mis-guided country.
Just saw BB last night and I enjoyed the movie. I’m a Sci Fi, CGI nut so I appreciated the visuals.There is one part were Pitt is in his early 20’s and I swear he looked like “Thelma and Lewis”. They removed the bags, wrinkles and everything. It was actually quit scary how good that particular sequence was done. The other parts were he was older were hit an miss. Not bad, but nothing special. It was a forest gump rip off and not nearly as charming, but I liked the film. Brad in no way shape or form desereves any talk of Oscar nods. Not a bad performance just nothing special. Greay flick though. There were NO tear jerkers in this flick.. (Are you kidding) ? It did make you think, but again it was a Gump rip off.
>>Because Clint Eastwood wants to be nominated and win awards for his overrated movies. Of course, Clint is trying hard to get “Gran Torino” a best picture nomination.<<
What does Clint Eastwood being desperate for another award have to do with the fact his last two movies were barely released despite supposedly being so great? Or, at this point, don’t the studios care to make money?
Valkyrie, Button, Marley, Bedtime…Blah!
Do yourself a favor and see a really GREAT movie…Slumdog Millionaire.
No need to come back later and thank me for the tip!
Valkyrie is dynamite! Fine performances from all, beautiful to look at, and a spellbinding romp through Hitlers 3rd Reich. Can’t wait for the dvd.
I just finished reading “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich”. We’re talking 1000 plus pages of facinating history. My wife and I loved Valkurie and Tom Cruise. But then again we are Right Wing Republicans and love war movies. We highly endorse it, even though you already know the outcome. It was gripping and very emotional. You will cheer for the good guys. The only bad part was that there was no blowing up of Democrats or liberals.
GRAN TORINO goes wide on Jan 9, FYI. CHANGELING was in 1.800 cinemas, hardly “6 screens”.
I thought CHANGELING was a very good example of how one can tell an interesting story while driving home one very important point. GRAN TORINO is a smart and entertaining movie with quite a few surprise turns.
How anyone can be on “the edge of (their) seat” while watching SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is beyond me. If it wasn’t for the setting, if instead of India we’d see a kid from a lousy US-neighborhood, or even Mexico, people would be all over this for being trite, done to death, predictable, etc. Bollywood sells, we need scripts set in India, I recall hearing a couple of years back. There you have it. Seems like they’re happy now, judging from the shills. If all it takes is a new setting, wait for India being replaced by who-knows-what country next.
MICKEY ROURKE is fab and a nom would not surprise. THE WRESTLER film, though far from bad, was laying it on way too thick for my taste. I wish Aronofsky could have done without that specific ending. It’s the kind of thing that you like for a moment the first time you see it, but then you exercise good judgment and think of something better, something less “shock value”, more substance. What next for Aronofsky, fullblown horror, I hope. I’d like to see a really well done horror for a change.
I don’t know why so many seem to be down on BUTTON. I thought the hospital scenes were very well handled, so much better than the old lady in TITANIC. “Youth is wasted on the young” – well, think again… and again;) Vampires at least have a way out of the growing-age-difference dilemma (if they meet their love at the right time), poor BUTTON was just screwed, it got worse every day. Interesting thoughts re: love, age, body image problems. Wrinkles vs. acne.
Interesting, though, how ageist and sexist some reviewers, not young themselves, turn out to be. Maude giggles in her grave at the usual double standards, Hef pops a blue one.
I went to see Valkyrie this past weekend, if you know your history the movie is nothing new, Tom C. performance was adequate, I was expecting more from the movie but wasn’t disappointed by it. As for talk about glorifying Nazi Germany I did not see that at all, it showed an internal struggle between governing bodies on how WWII should proceed.
Will I buy it for my DVD collection once it comes out ..no
I think it’s really pathetic that a film’s running time effects the success of it at the box office. Would it kill the general public to be in a seat for another 45 minutes to watch a wonderful story unfold before them? The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was the best film I’ve seen this year by far.
“Slumdog Millionaire” was BORING…ah, NO to Oscar nods.
Jenny, you’re a fucking example of people who are too stupid to read. Where did I say a thing about Marley in my post? I didn’t.
I know math is hard for people with room temperature IQs, but the movie cost $140M. They spent $70M in ads. It made about $30M over a holiday weekend, one seventh the cost. The film is going to have massive drop-offs in attendance. That means it will never make back the money it cost to make it. It flopped, and no amount of insults from Tom’s cult PR flacks is going to change that.
Jenny, people who can’t tell the difference between a Hollywood production and reality aren’t in any position to call other people stupid. The dumbing down of America comes from people like you who think if they see it on TV or a movie, it’s true.
Let’s stop a moment, put our thinking caps on and examine the Ms Finke’s comment about Valkyrie not underperforming shall we. 30 Million dollar opening weekend. O.K.. Now what is wrong with this picture? They had to spend 60 Million in advertising to get half their money back! This does not include the cost of the film, actors, etc. just the publicity to attract an audience. If the movie starts downhill in the next week, which a majority of them do, then expect Tom and Co. to recover the cost of the publicity over time. But not the cost of the production. Enough said?
“Would it kill the general public to be in a seat for another 45 minutes to watch a wonderful story unfold before them?”
The problem with even going to a movie theater these days – much less spending an extra 45 minutes there – is that you’re liable to return to the parking lot afterwards to find your car either missing, keyed or its windows smashed. That’s what happens at my local movie theater almost every week. Fuck that. That’s why I wait for the DVD.
Sorry Cruise haters.
But “Valkyrie” will make $100 here and even more overseas. (The Germans are cheering it) By the time it hits BluRay and cable, it’ll be profitable.
And even if its fortunes don’t turn out this good, Tom has reconnected with his audience. With “Tropic Thunder” and now this film, he is out of the kookhouse and back on the grind. (I admit, I was down on him, too for a while) Now, it’s Will Smith’s turn to sweat. (Seven Pounds has been re-branded mid-release as a “love story” proving the studio knows it’s not working)
What I don’t get is people who just really don’t like Cruise. Do you know him? Or were you just born average and untalented. Well, I was and yet I can still admire someone like Cruise and Smith who won the gene lottery but still work their asses off to entertain people.
That’s all for now haters. And remember Carla & Richard, no matter how much you disparage Tom he’s still Tom… and you’re not.
Mapother IV, are you a Scientology shill or what? The Germans love the movie? The same government that refused to let them film on some locations and the people that were protesting the filming? You must really be drinking the kool-aid if you think anyone’s going to buy that line!
The movie is a failure. You don’t have to be a “Tom Hater” to see that truth – only honest. Which you are not.
Button for an Oscar? Really people? I know the award barely means anything anymore — if it did, a film like “Let the Right One In” would be a frontrunner — but saying Button deserves an Oscar for anything other than Special Effects and Makeup… it’s hype-induced insanity. Everyone’s so mystified by the shiny, flashy exterior — look at Brad Pitt age younger! — they’ve failed to see that, underneath it, there’s no real magic. None. Then again, some of these same people see Revolution Road as a masterpiece rather than the artfully-shot-bad-play that it is. (Mad Men — same issues, same era, only better done.)
Go see the Wrestler instead. Or Slumdog. Or find Let the Right One In.
Hey Ronaldo, read the NY Times and weep:
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/29/germany-gives-passing-marks-to-cruises-valkyrie/
Marley and Me is money to a great extent because Jennifer Aniston is money; Owen Wilson is… not so much