Monthly Archives: February 2010
Scotty G’s Box Office Predictions – Weekend of February 26th, 2010
Two major R rated films get released this weekend, with the hope of dethroning Shutter Island from the top of the box office. Here’s how I’m predicting the weekend to unfold.
Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan star in Kevin Smith’s Cop Out. This is an action-comedy that has Willis and Morgan paired up as cops trying to solve the case of a missing baseball card that is worth millions. The film is notable for fans of the director, as it is the first film Kevin Smith has directed that he has not written. Smith is looking to have a personal best in terms of opening weekend and ranking, as no Smith film has ever opened at #1, and the best opening weekend he has ever had came from 2001’s Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, as that film made $11 million on its opening weekend. Bruce Willis is also looking for a hit as his last film Surrogates debuted in 2nd place with a disappointing opening weekend gross of $14.9 million. Reviews have been terrible, as Rotten Tomatoes has the film at 13%. Although the critics have slammed the film, I think the trailer is appealing enough, and people are in the mood for an action/comedy, even a bad one. Opening in 3,150 theatres, Cop Out will gross $19 million and finish in 1st place.
The Crazies is a horror film about a town whose citizen’s start going mad and killing people. The government quarantines the town but do they stop the violence in time, and does the government know more than they let on? This is a remake of a 1973 George Romero film, and it is the rare horror movie that is getting very good reviews. In fact, Rotten Tomatoes has the film listed at 79%. Two negatives I have on the film are the fact that the cast does not have any marquee names (Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell are the biggest names), and the fact that the studio is only releasing the film in 2,476 theatres. I don’t know if that is wide enough to have a big opening. I’m predicting a 3rd place finish, with a gross of $12 million.
With Cop Out and The Crazies making the top five, two of last week’s films will be pushed out. Here’s how I think the remaining films will do:
Shutter Island will suffer a big drop, as most horror films tend to do, as it will be down 62% for a gross of $15.6 million, which will put it in 2nd place.
Avatar will have another small fall, as I’m predicting a drop of 30% for a gross of $11.3 million, and a 4th place finish.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief will have a drop of 52%, which will give it a gross of $7.2 million and a 5th place finish.
Valentine’s Day will slip to 6th place as it will drop 65% for a gross of $5.81 million.
The Wolfman will have another big fall, and drop 61% for a gross of $3.8 million.
In limited release, we have the following films opening:
The Art of the Steal – This is a documentary about a prized art collection and the controversy that surrounds it. It opens in 3 theatres, and has an 85% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
Formosa Betrayed – This thriller stars James Van Der Beek involved in a politically motivated murder. It opens in 15 theatres, and has a 43% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
Prodigal Sons – This is a documentary that follows the lives of a family in Montana, and their dysfunctional life. It has a 67% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
A Prophet – This is a highly acclaimed French film about a Muslim man who rises in the ranks and becomes a crime boss while he is in prison. It has a 94% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
The Yellow Handkerchief – This thriller stars William Hurt, Kristen Stewart and Maria Bello is about an authour who finds out that the subject of his latest book may not be so perfect. It has a 71% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
So to recap, here are my predictions:
1) Cop Out – $19 million
2) Shutter Island – $15.6 million
3) The Crazies - $12 million
4) Avatar – $11.3 million
5) Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting Thief - $7.2 million
Remember to check back on Sunday to see how I did!
Boston Rob Erodes, James Explodes and Stephanie Goes – Pdawg Recaps Episode II of Survivor 20: Heroes Vs. Villains
While not quite as dramatic or exciting as the 2-hour premiere, Episode II of Survivor HvV was still quite entertaining and even shocking at times.
We start-off with the tribes having to endure their first night of torrential tropical downpours. While the Heroes did well to build a functional shelter that protects them from most of the elements, the Villains struggled to make it through the night shivering, complaining and leaving Boston Rob to wonder why nobody cares about building a better shelter.
In the morning Boston Rob decides to stop being ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ and start kicking his tribe in the butt. He takes it upon himself to lead the construction of a new shelter which leads some in the tribe (Parvati, Randy and Sandra) to question Rob’s abilities, while others (Courtney) realize his value to the team – “I hope he doesn’t drop dead in the next few days because we’ll all die.”
On the Heroes side, while things appear to be hunky-dory, Rupert goes on the offensive against Stephanie by attacking her cooking, and questioning her strategy and alliance with Tom. Rupert is relentless and Stephanie does her best to bite her tongue and continue working hard.
Back on the Villains side of the island it get a little scary when Boston Rob is seen blowing off steam in the woods and then, suddenly collapsing. Jerri witnesses Rob’s fall and attempts to revive him to no avail. Jeff Probst and the Survivor medical team are summoned and we’re left to wonder if Rob is about to be sent home for medical reasons like Russell in Season 19. While he can barely sit up or hold a bottle of water to his mouth, Rob is cleared by the medical team to continue in the game. A combination of flu and dehydration caused Rob’s collapse but he “looks a lot worse than he is”. As he regains consciousness, Rob breaks down in tears and tells Jeff, “I fell like it’s getting the best of me.” Then, Boston Rob’s head clears and he regains the twinkle in his eye when he says, “Just do what everyone wants you to do and be the villain.” When Rob returns, even Russell is happy to see him. “Even though I’m the villain, I still worry about stuff like that. Besides, he’s strong. It gives us a better shot to win the challenges,” says Russell.
Next up is the one-and-only challenge in Episode II, a combined immunity/reward challenge that has the tribes building a large staircase puzzle out of crates. Since it’s the same challenge that JT participated in during his winning season, the Heroes nominate him to lead their team. It seams to work as the Heroes get out to a large early lead. While JT calmly tried to direct his tribe, Stephanie kept chiming-in with her two cents which didn’t help and incensed James. On the Villains side, Boston Rob took full control of his team, shouting out instructions and single-handedly putting some of the crates and his team on his back as the Villains once again prevailed winning immunity and a much needed tarp to help them stay dry.
When the Heroes return to camp, JT quietly takes responsibility for the loss while James jumps in and rips his tribe a new you-know-what. Shouting and cussing, James leans in to Stephanie as the reason for the tribe’s loss before he storms off. Tom, Stephanie’s lone supporter, is left to question James’ approach and attempt to protect Stephanie from being sent home.
Before we go to Tribal Council, Russell decides it is time to solidify his place in the Villains tribe as he sees Boston Rob gaining too much attention. As a result, Russell grabs a fishing spear and successfully hunts down a wild chicken. He proudly brings the bird back to camp as he attempts to reclaim his title as ‘King Russell from Samoa’. When is Russell going to find an idol?
While Tom does his best to build an alliance to protect Stephanie and get rid of Amanda, James goes all-out in his campaign to oust Stephanie. Tom is much more strategic and plays to Cirie and Candice as the two ‘outsiders’ that need an alliance to take them further in the game. He reminds Cirie that Amanda stabbed her in the back when they last played together and tells Candice that she is next to go if Stephanie is voted out. While Cirie and Candice contemplate their options, Cirie realizes that she is once again in the powerful position of the swing vote and truthfully, she doesn’t really care who goes, as long as it’s not her.
At tribal, things get heated between James and Stephanie with Tom and Colby defending her and trying to cool down James. At the end, Cirie and Candice stick with JT and my pre-season pick, Stephanie, is sent packing.
It’s amazing to see how quickly the Heroes tribe is falling apart. They appeared to be in really good shape out of the gate but I predict a slippery slope for the Heroes for the next little while. Not such a bad thing as more camera time for the Villains equals much better TV. Look for James and Tom to go head-to-head this week with good ol’ boys JT and Colby playing peace makers. Cirie looks to be in a real power position once again as the ultimate swing vote for the Heroes. I see her lasting well in to the merge and then showing the Villains how a real con artist plays the game.
The Scribe Has Spoken…
How I Learned To Stop Hating and Love Leo: Andy Burns On Shutter Island
This weekend I checked out Shutter Island, the new Martin Scorsese/Leonardo DiCaprio film that topped the box office. There was lots of talk that the film was pushed from its original October release date because it wasn’t up to snuff, and if you read the Toronto Star’s 1 1/2 star review, you might think the same. But after watching Shutter Island and finding myself totally immersed in it, I’d have to argue that the speculation was wrong.
I walked into Shutter Island with some pretty clear biases, mind you. Well, maybe just one. I think I don’t like Leonardo DiCaprio. I’ve felt this was for over a decade now, ever since The Beach, where he delivered such a hackneyed, Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now wannabee performance, I felt the horror myself. However, I have watched subsequent DiCaprio performances, in Scorsese flicks Gangs Of New York and The Departed and enjoyed them all. So while I try to convince myself I don’t like Leo, maybe it’s that I don’t enjoy him unless he’s working with Martin Scorsese (the only exception to that rule being his stellar performance in Revolutionary Road).
Based on the book by Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island features DiCaprio as Federal Marshall Teddy Daniels, who along with his partner (Mark Ruffalo) is sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient at a hospital for the criminally insane on an island. Shutter Island. During his investigation, Daniels, a former World War II soldier, uncovers nefarious goings on with a staff (including Max Von Sydow and Ben Kingsley) who don’t necessarily seem to want the Marshall’s help.
Not having read the book, I entered Shutter Island thinking I was getting a horror flick or ghost story, which it only partially is. Mainly, the film is a psychological thriller, with some bits of conspiracy theory thrown in as well. Even though the movie didn’t meet my initial expectations, I was pretty well captivated during its nearly 2 1/2 hour run time. The acting was solid from all the principles (DiCaprio, Kingley, and the understated Ruffalo are the standouts), and there are some great cameo performances from Patricia Clarkson and Canadian Elias Koteas as well (who at this point is almost a dead ringer for Law & Order: SVU’s Christopher Meloni, or is it the other way around?).
One aspect of Shutter Island that initially had me wary was the score. In the first five minutes of the film, as Daniels arrives on the island and driven up to the hospital, the music is short bursts of ominous orchestral chords, as if it was trying to tell us just how frightening this place was. It was a little over the top for my tastes and I was worried that I’d be hearing it over the course of the film. Thankfully, while those chords do reappear during the film, it’s never in that overpowering way again.
Ultimately, though it wasn’t the ghost story I thought it would be, I thought the story of Shutter Island delivered the goods. There were a few moments that came across as predictable, but overall I was surprised by the twists and turns that the film took, and how it all played out. Shutter Island also left me thinking I should really rethink my anti-Leo stance.
That being said, I think I’ll avoid any Growing Pains reruns.
DVD Tuesday with Scotty G
The Informant! – Matt Damon stars in this Steven Soderbergh comedy about corn! All right, it is not just about corn, as Matt Damon’s character helps the government uncover a price-fixing scam. As Damon’s character goes further undercover, he really begins believing his own hype that he is a secret agent, which leads to comical things happening on screen. Definitely the highest profile title on DVD this week.
Everybody’s Fine – Did you just ask yourself the question “Wasn’t this just in theatres?” The answer is yes, and it did not have a very long theatrical life. This film starts Robert De Niro as a father whose kids are unable to see him over the Christmas holidays, so he goes out to see them all. The film also stars Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, and Drew Barrymore. I’m truthfully a little surprised that the DVD release was not held off until next Christmas, to capitalize on the tie-in.
The September Issue – For anyone who is a fan of fashion or of The Devil Wears Prada (for those who don’t know, Meryl Streep’s character is based on Anna Wintour), then you will like this documentary which focuses on Anna Wintour preparing Vogue’s 2007 September issue.
The Box – This film is directed by Richard Kelly of Donnie Darko fame and stars Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella. The plot is simple. A couple is delivered a box with a red button. If they press the button, they get a million dollars, although someone in the world that they don’t know will die. It’s a little more complex than that, but the film is definitely not for all tastes.
The Damned United – This film is for soccer fans, as it chronicles the account of Brian Clough and his 44 day reign as the head coach of Leeds United. Michael Sheen continues to impress with yet another solid performance as Brian Clough. The film features a master class of British acting talent as Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney and Jim Broadbent also star.
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant – A sixteen year old boy is taken to a freak show where he becomes impressed by the people working in it. The trouble is the boy finds out that they are more than what they say they are. One of them is a vampire, which impresses the teen so much that he wants to leave home with them and become a vampire. John C. Reilly stars, and the film is directed by Paul Weitz who directed The Golden Compass.
The Trade – This film was made in 2003 and stars Eddie Mills, Elizabeth Banks and Judah Friedlander. The plot is simple – does a man choose the fame and success of being on Wall Street, or does he go home to the family and the woman that he loves? This film is being released on DVD now to capitalize on the success of Elizabeth Banks film career and Judah Friedlander’s success on 30 Rock.
Wrong Side of Town – Why should you see this movie? Because it stars Ja Rule, and wrestlers Dave Batista and Rob Van Dam. The plot is about an ex-Marine who has to do what it takes to save his daughter.
Sorority Row – A group of sorority sister’s pull a prank on a guy who has messed around with someone in their sorority. They make him think he has killed a girl. Unfortunately the girl in question is accidentally killed by the guy later on. They all vow to keep it a secret, but as we know in horror film’s, secrets lead to revenge, which equals a high death count on screen.
Motherhood – Uma Thurman stars as a housewife with two kids who is dealing with a lot of pressure to put on one of her children’s sixth birthday party. It’s a film that is really about the day in the life of a housewife. Anthony Edwards and Minnie Driver also star.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths – Another Direct-To DVD offering from the folks at DC Universe. The plot of the film involves a heroic Lex Luthor from another universe recruiting the Justice League to help save his world.
The Adventures of Clutch Powers – This film is the first Lego animated feature and owes a fair bit to Indiana Jones as Clutch Powers. Clutch leaves Lego City to go to a Space Police prison planet and then to a mystical universe in order to put the rightful heir of a throne back in charge.
Breakfast with Scot – This film is about a gay couple who are raising a son together. The only difference is that one of the men is an ex-hockey player of the Toronto Maple Leafs and he never wanted kids. The other man, whose kid is his brother’s who has gone missing, tries to cope being a dad. Both gay men soon discover that the kid is gay as well, and they all try to get along.
TV ON DVD
Nurse Jackie: Season One – Edie Falco stars as a nurse struggling to find balance in her personal and professional life, as well as the problems of her co-workers. Falco has received much acclaim for her work on this show.
Jersey Shore: Season One – A series that has been popular, but has received no acclaim is Jersey Shore. It follows the lives of Italian teenagers in New Jersey. Think of every Italian stereotype, and chances are that it is contained in this MTV show.
Night Court: The Complete Third Season – Definitely one of the most popular sitcoms on TV in the 80’s, as it follows Harry Anderson and his co-workers as they deal with the weirdo’s at a night court. The performance to see in this series is John Larroquette’s as Assistant D.A. Dan Fielding.
Until Next Tuesday!
Ian Rogers, The "Lost" Boy — Names and Numbers
As the final season of “Lost” continues toward its end, we’re finally starting to get answers to questions that have plagued fans since the show began.
For instance, take the infamous Numbers: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42. They’ve popped up all throughout the show, from the code punched into the Swan computer, to the winning numbers on Hurley’s lottery ticket. But what are they?
In “The Substitute” we got an explanation. Sort of. The Man in Black takes Sawyer to a cave in the side of a cliff where Jacob had written a series of names, each one with a corresponding number. Most of the names have been crossed out, except for the following:
23 — Shephard
8 — Reyes
16 — Jarrah
42 — Kwon
4 — Locke
15 — Ford
This seemed to confirm a theory of many fans, that each of the Numbers is attached to one of the Losties, for reasons that are as yet unclear, but may have to do with each of them playing a part in saving the world (if you follow the deep show mythology involving the Valenzetti Equation).
According to the Man in Black, the Numbers have no significance beyond the fact that Jacob had a thing for numbers. He may be lying, though. I know most fans were expecting more of an explanation than that. The Man in Black tells Sawyer that the names represent potential candidates for Jacob’s job as protector of the island — although he is quick to point out that it’s just an island and doesn’t need protecting (in almost the exact same words as Jack at the end of Season 4). It’s interesting to note that there was no sign of Kate’s name on the cave wall, even though she, like the rest of the remaining candidates, was visited by Jacob in her past. Something worth noting.
The Man in Black explains that Sawyer has three options:
1. Do nothing, see how everything turns out, and maybe get his name crossed out (the Man in Black then crosses out Locke’s name, in what I took to be a veiled threat).
2. Take over Jacob’s job as protector of the island.
3. Leave the island.
Sawyer ends up deciding to join the Man in Black and leave the island.
In addition to the information about the Numbers, we were also introduced to a new apparition running around the island, this one of a blonde-haired boy who looks suspiciously like a young Jacob. He appears to the Man in Black (Richard Alpert can’t see him, but Sawyer can) and tells him, “You know the rules, you can’t kill him.” Presumably he is referring to Sawyer, even though the Man in Black seems more interesting in recruiting the con man than killing him. It seems Jacob’s death has started a possible war, and people are being forced to choose sides.
In the flash-sideways timeline, we got a glimpse into Locke’s life in a world where Flight 815 didn’t crash. He returns to work at the box factory, only to get fired for using the company account to fund his walkabout — the same one he ended up getting kicked off because he’s in a wheelchair. It was funny seeing his boss Randy again, the same guy who used to give Hurley a hard time at the Mr. Cluck’s chicken restaurant. It was even better seeing Locke’s girlfriend, Helen played by Katey Sagal. She and Locke are living together and planning their wedding. After a chance encounter with Hurley, Locke ends up getting a job as a substitute teacher at the same school where Ben Linus is teaching European History.
In much the same way Ethan has become a doctor off-island, it would seem that Ben’s life has taken a much different path since he, presumably, didn’t join the Others. At the time of the Jughead explosion, he was still recovering from his gunshot wound, so it’s not clear under what circumstances he made it off the island before it sunk. But I’m sure we’ll find out.
All in all it was a good episode. The story is picking up speed, we’re finally getting some answers, and let’s face it, it was pretty damn cool seeing through the point of view of the Smoke Monster as it raced across the island. Like most fans, I just can’t get enough of ol’ Smokey.
