But before we get to them, let's do a quick review of what went down at the box office last week. The tussle between "Little Fockers" and "True Grit" for box-office supremacy continued last week without much competition from some of the newer releases. After playing second fiddle to the Fockers for the past month or so, the Coen brothers' Western finally shot itself up to the top, albeit during one of the slowest January box-office takes in a decade. Overall box-office dropped 30% from the week before and "True Grit" claimed top spot with $15M, putting its total gross at an estimated $110M. This financial milestone is important for two reasons. "True Grit" just became the Coens' first movie to cross the $100M threshold and at the same time, moved it past Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to become the 5th highest grossing Western ever, behind Dances with Wolves, City Slickers, Blazing Saddles and Wild Wild West
. The best news is "True Grit" is projected to move into the number two spot on that list by the end of its run. "Little Fockers" slid into the second spot with $13.8M, followed by the dismal "Season of the Witch" at third with quite a decent $10.7M take. Rounding up the top 5 are "Tron: Legacy" ($9.8M) and "Black Swan" ($8.4M).As always, read on and have a great time at the movies!
, that starred Van Williams as the Green Hornet/Britt Reid and the indomitable Bruce Lee as his sidekick Kato. The TV series lasted only for one single season (1966-1967) and most importantly, introduced American audiences to martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. While many of us may only know The Green Hornet through the TV series, it has also appeared in various media, originating from a comic book series, a 1930's radio serial program and two movie serials that appeared in 1940 and 1941. This new movie remake, directed by Michael Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Be Kind Rewind), stars comedian Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express, Zack and Miri Make a Porno) as the green superhero and Taiwanese singer, musician and actor, Jay Chou in the iconic role of Kato. Chou first got his acting break starring in 2005's Initial D, the live action Chinese adaptation of the Japanese manga/anime of the same name. The role of Kato has bounced around between Jet Li (Hero, Fearless) and most recently, Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer
, Kung Fu Hustle) but landed on Chou's lap after Chow dropped out. This new movie is billed as an action comedy and is scribed by Rogen and Evan Goldberg (the team that also co-wrote the script for Superbad). One more thing to note is that Oscar winner, Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds) also stars in this movie as the villain. It is currently running at a less than impressive 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as not too many critics are amused by the tagged-on 3-D effects and the bombastic story that is as deep as Rogen's acting ability. If you are looking for a half-assed superhero comedy, then this is the film for you. Spider-Man it is not. Here is the brief synopsis:"Britt Reid (Seth Rogen), son and heir to Los Angeles' largest newspaper fortune, is a rich, spoiled playboy who has been happy to maintain a direction-less existence. When his father James Reid (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, Britt meets an impressive and resourceful company employee, Kato (Jay Chou). They realize that they have the resources to do something worthwhile with their lives and finally step out of James Reid's shadow. Kato builds the ultimate weapon, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car with every weapon and gadget imaginable and Britt decides that in order to be heroes, they will pose as villains. With the help of Britt's new secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), they learn that the chief criminal in the city is named Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz). He has united all the gangs under his power, and he quickly sees that the Green Hornet is a direct threat to the prosperous criminal underworld he controls."
"Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny and happily married Nick have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. With Ronny's girlfriend, Beth, and Nick's wife, Geneva, by their sides, they're unbeatable. But, Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting on the biggest presentation of their careers, Ronny must decide how and when he will reveal the truth to his best friend."
, Dynamite Warrior
) for supremacy. Don't expect a great story from this final film in the trilogy but get ready for some of the bone-crushing fights Jaa's films are known for. Expect him to wow us again (this time with or without an elephant in tow) with some amazing stunts. Here is the synopsis for the film:"The legend of Ong Bak 3 begins after Tien (Tony Jaa) has lost his fighting skills and his beloved step-father at the Garuda's Wing cliff from the raid led by Jom Rachan (Saranyu Wonggrajang). Tien is brought back to life with the help from Pim (Primrata Dechudom) as well as Mhen (Petchai Wongkamlao) and the Kana Khone villagers. Deep into the meditation taught by Phra Bua (Nirutti Sirijanya), Tien finally is able to achieve 'Nathayut'. His talents are put to the test again when his rivals including the Golden-Armored King's Guard (Supakorn 'Tok' Kijusuwan), the mysterious killers in black, and Bhuti Sangkha (Dan Chupong) return for the final massive showdown."
was his final novel). Giamatti is again praised for his portrayal of Barney Panofsky, the film's neurotic Jewish protagonist. The movie spans over 30 years of Barney's life as he searches for love and happiness, all told through Barney's version of the truth, hence the title. "Barney's Version" currently ranks a good 77% on RT, with most critics praising the performances of the actors. Here is a brief synopsis:"Based on Mordecai Richler's prize-winning comic novel, Barney's Version is the warm, wise, and witty story of Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti), a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life. Barney’s candid confessional spans four decades and two continents, and includes three wives (Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, and Rachelle Lefevre), one outrageous father (Dustin Hoffman), and a charmingly dissolute best friend (Scott Speedman). Barney's Version takes us through the many highs – and a few too many lows – of a long and colorful life with an unlikely hero at its center – the unforgettable Barney Panofsky."
"Helen Hunt, Liev Schreiber, Brian Dennehy, Eddie Izzard and Carla Gugino star in EVERY DAY, a story about a family's struggle to survive life's curve-balls that ultimately bring out the best and worst in us and make us closer. Ned is a television writer on a seedy drama whose life is turned upside down when his wife's estranged father moves in with their family. EVERY DAY is an honest look at an ordinary family making it through life's challenges together."
"BURNING PALMS is a subversive tale that interlaces five stories where no taboo is left unexplored. Framed as a graphic novel come to life, the film unfolds in five popular neighborhoods of Los Angeles as each character careens toward a dark and often comic fate."