batman opening weekend
Don't forget to adjust for percentage of screen per theater, and theater showings per day. I'm betting on this film beating Spidey 3 because of overnight showings through last night, and reports of $18.9 for the midnight alone. cheers, Mako out.
Desperate times, big box office, Happy Fourth
"...for the most part people want entertainment that's entertaining."
What a concept!
Great line, Tom!
Another one:
"For the challenging stuff all people have to do is turn on the news, read the paper, look in their wallets or study their own souls."
Exactly! When I go to the movies, I want escapism and mind candy. I have enough reality in my life, thank you.
The Closer
Good Morning Tom,
I usually enjoy your blogs;but this mornings inclusion of "the Closer" as a possible movie really strains credibilty.
Let me see...this was a summer replacement series. After about the third episode, the viewers were bombarded with the description that included" All Time # 1 rated show ". Now that was an affront to most viewers intelligence. One quick glance at the quality of the story line made me reach for the remote. Have never indulged in masochism since that brief encounter. Maybe I have missed something, I rather doubt it.
Gthebarber
Actually, G, I've never watched "The Closer," but the show's huge popularity on cable -- and it does get big numbers -- plus Kyra Sedgwick's previous film chops makes me think it would have to at least be considered as a candidate, especially if it lasts a few more years. It wasn't as much an endorsement as an observation...
Hollywood's off-color vision
I had to respond especially since I've just seen your article about upcoming stars. I'd disagree that Channing Tatum is up and coming. He's had a lead role with Amanda Bynes and Jenna Dewan. And Ginnifer Goodwin an up and coming? I'm sorry, but most of the people you've mentioned already have pretty high profiles (or have been in the movie "21"). Or, they were in "smart" films or on very good TV shows, ie Little Miss Sunshine, Big Love, and Juno/United 93. Haven't you seen any young actors outside of "Stop-Loss" (Channing and Joseph) and "21" (Jim Sturgess and Aaron Yoo)?
So, what about John Cho? I doubt he's a household name (unless its an Asian household like mine), but he's done a few movies (Harold and Kumar, American Pie series, Better Luck Tomorrow, tons of Disney voiceover, guest spots on House, Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother) and he's slated to be Sulu J.J. Abram's Star Trek movie.
Rick Gonzalez: Seen in Old School, Coach Carter, War of the Worlds, and Roll Bounce, with Roll Bounce his most prominent role. He's currently on the T.V. show "Reaper" and has two films on his slate (probably minor character)
Leonardo Nam: Of Korean-descent born in Argentina, raised in Australia. Last seen in Fast and the Furious 3, The Perfect Score and Finishing The Game and soon to be in He's Not That Into You and Sisterhood of Travelling Pants II
Bow Wow: Last seen in Fast Furious 3 and Roll Bounce. Next movies are Driving Lessons with Hope Davis and Hurricane Season with Forest Whitaker, and Isaiah Washington
Zoe Saldana: Last seen in Drumline, The Terminal and Guess Who. Will play Uhuru in J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie and has a part in Avatar, James Cameron's new movie.
And finally...
Anthony Mackie: Last seen in We Are Marshall and She Hate Me (directed by Spike Lee). Upcoming Jesse Owen's biopic (as Jesse Owens), Notorious (as Tupac Shakar), and Bolden! (as Buddy Bolden).
Honorable Mention ie didn't have time to look up.
Khleo Thomas (Holes)
Minority actors are out there.
Uh, Channing Tatum has film roles coming up with Michael Mann, Oliver Stone and Lasse Hallstrom; like him or not, he's hot in Hollywood at this point while still being off the average guy's radar. John Cho is great but he's 36 years old; I drew the line at 30, these are supposed to be young talents. And I have no doubt that all the people you mention are very promising -- there are plenty of other folks out there (just check out this month's Vanity Fair). I was limited by space and the fact that the people I chose were either in smart films or very good TV shows is only indicative of their heat. As for previous comments, the best is that Hollywood responds to one color -- green -- but it does so rather blindly. The biggest star in the world is a black man, Will Smith. You'd think someone would be trying to cultivate his replacement. Thanks to all for reading.
Hollywood's off-color vision
The bottom line of any business, but especially the entertainment venue is profitability. The biggest support of profitability is the marketability of its stars. The movie and TV industry will give anyone exposure who has talent, charisma, charm and exudes an aura that audiences feel is entertaining. When people of color come forth with these attributes they will be recognized and used because the money they bring in is only one color -- green.
lack of minority actors
Tom,
It cracks me up when white people wring their hands over racism, or lack of opportunities for non-whites. You're in such anguish, aren't you? Always trying to assuage your guilt, always trying to prove that you're not a racist. You come across as so righteously earnest
Are you really THAT depressed about the situation? Does it keep you awake at night? Does it burden you during your day-to-day life?
Go watch a Denzel movie and chill, baby.
Hollywood's Unrealistic Racial Mix
You said "Something's off here, and it's the same thing that's been off for Hollywood's (and America's) entire history. Despite the rise in minority numbers in the US, the faces we see on screens remain blindingly white."
In case you haven't noticed, the faces you see are also unremittingly beautiful and, despite the rise in obesity, the bodies are terribly thin. The men are well-built, well-spoken, well-read, well-dressed, and manly. The women either know how to cook and be great moms or they wear really great shoes. They never get pimples or PMS. No one ever goes to church or mentions God's name except as an expletive, which also doesn't jibe with reality in this still primarily Christian country. So just add the racial mix to the list. Unattractive, plump, or black? You don't get the girl, or the guy, or the job, or any kind of a life, at least not in the movies.
Russert overkill
I agree, Tom Long, that it was overkill. Yet it does send a message that he is one of the few that the public can admire so much. That he had characteristics that few have today. That he is someone that you could easily have come into your own house & be family. I know of no other in the public's eye today whom I would even ask. And that says a lot!
Best movies of 2008 thus far
Tom, I agree. It's been a pleasant year for movies but not great by any means. I don't even know that I would have a list ready to go if the year ended (I'm also a member of the DFCS). Here's what I would say belongs there:
1. The Visitor--sorry to see it wasn't on your list. My favorite drama of the year, very touching and human.
2. Cloverfield--In total agreement with you that it's a great monster flick.
3. Young @ Heart--I loved this documentary. It was funny and moving.
4. Son of Rambow--I think it did everything that Be Kind Rewind tried and failed at.
5. Iron Man--Best ride of the summer, so far. Even the non-action scenes were a hoot.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall--utterly hilarious and yet the characters were impeccably done.
7. Kung Fu Panda--skadoosh.
8. Speed Racer--I'm in the minority here, I know. But I thought it was a visual marvel and the perfect translation of anime to the big screen.
9. The Strangers--About as taut and perfect as a horror-thriller can get.
10. Wanted--probably my "wacko" choice for the year. It's so insanely over-the-top that I can't decide whether it's awful or awesome.
Unfortunately I haven't seen The Visitor yet, hear nothing but great things about it; I'm not supposed to say anything til next week, but Wanted will be near the top of my next revision. It's absolutely nuts.
Tim Russert
Amen to that ! And MSNBC is still doing it today and tonight (monday). If they ever get tired of Tim they'll go back to their 25th month of 20 hours a day coverage of the Presidential Campaign. Oh my god I just saw the current president is in England getting them to send more troops to Afghanistan. When did that happen? Do these cable news networks ever cover anything objectively ? Or how about just covering more than 3 things a day besides crime and disasters. I feel like a cement head watching this stuff. Oh well, RIP, Tim.
Again, I wasn't criticizing Russert in any way, he was a great TV newsman. But he was a TV newsman, not the second coming, and his memory and work were almost tarnished by the incessant coverage. Obviously many other people joined in this criticism of the media, although I hadn't read any when I posted mine. Also, should note, I'm not a cable news junkie, but my wife is; I just caught the deluge out of the corner of my eye and even that was too much for me. So enough on Russert; far as I could tell he was a damn good man who deserved more measured respect.
Tim Russert
Thank you, Mr. Long.
You said everything that I was thinking and feeling about the overwhelming and overblown coverage on the death of Mr. Russert.
Tom Long
is right. Russert was a TV personality-no more. These two networks are giving more coverage to Tim's passing than they give to our fallen heroes in the military, Medal of Honor recipiants, brave young boy scouts, deaths of former presidents, police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty and so many others deserving of the attention.
Tim Russert overkill
Tom, though it hurts me to say it, you're completely off base on what you perceive as overkill of the Tim Russert story. Was this man a head of state? No. Was he as (or more) important to the inner workings of American politics than virtually any senator? Absolutely, yes. Tim Russert was, as much as anything else, an educator. He was a great reporter and a wonderful father, and by all accounts, a fantastic executive and a supportive boss, but I think above all else, he was a teacher. Holding class every Sunday morning for sixty minutes, he made politics accessible and interesting for the everyday viewer. He looked like one of us, and talked like one of us, and we loved him for it.
We have a Presidential race going on, and a war in Iraq, and that's exactly why Tim's loss means so much at this juncture in history. To a man, Senators Obama and McCain (and their campaigns) are now less accountable to us because the MTP chair is empty. The folks that the White House sends across town to explain away the war are now going to have an easier time doing it. They're going to have to face down someone with less experience and fewer connections and a worse memory.
Seeing MTP this morning, and watching James Carville and Mary Matalin (extremes of the left and right in this country) choked up over the loss of their friend told you everything you needed to know about what happened Friday. Like the sign in Tim's office says, Thou Shalt Not Whine. We all get hard up for a blog topic now and again. Let's let the story pass and quit whining about what SHOULD be on TV.
Kohan
You describe "Zohan" as a comedy. Well, I guess if you count 10% comedy & 90$ raunchy a comedy. How could I have forgotten why I refused to see Sandler's movies? I'll be sure to remember next time if he has the audacity to bring out another movie. No redeeming status @ all! The actors must be really hard up for cash.
going to a movie? nah!
Shucks, Mr. Long...you know the crap that passes for movies today! All spit and shine, no real stories and actors whom 50 years ago would have never been cast as more than a bit part role. I can count on ONE HAND the actors who can really act. I can do the same for actresses, unfortunately most of them are in their late 30's or above.
The movies cost too much for what they provide, the theaters play the sound TOO LOUD for that 'surround sound' experience, and the people at the movies are often rude-everything from talking over the movie to yapping on a cell phone.
If Hollywood wants my hard earned dollars and the gasoline to get to a theater, than they better give me people who can act and a good story. I don't give a rat's behind what new special effect they cooked up or the cool new graphics and gore. You know the last picture I saw that was actually pretty good from storyline to the acting? Ed Wood. And that was a long while ago.
Hollywood needs to stop looking for hits from the past and retreading them. They need to stop producing stupid scripts. They need to find actors who are actually TRAINED and didn't learn it from E.T. or reality television. They need something an adult can enjoy or find moving. Otherwise, if I want crap I'll turn on regular TV for FREE and they can go broke for all I care. And if I want quality? AMC and TCM baby!
And people think I'm a tough critic.
I would disagree on the quality of actors available, but completely agree on the quality of scripts and effects reliance of the industry, as well as the rudeness of theater crowds.
I'm glad you have cable.
