The Next Three Days- Nov. 19, 2010

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

Morning Glory- Nov. 10, 2010

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

Unstoppable- Nov. 12 2010

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

Top Box Office- Nov. 7, 2010

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

Robin Hood- May 14, 2010

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

Nightmare on Elm Street- April 30, 2010

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

Top Box Office- April 26, 2010

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