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Box Office Predictions: The Grey Fights Wolves And Apathy

Damon Houx — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:21:01 +0000

The Oscars have been announced so The Descendants – which was still a limited release – is going wide this weekend. One wonders when The Artist will follow. Since the front runner’s still in limited release, mainstream audiences can choose between Liam Neeson and wolves in The Grey, Katherine Heigl in One for the Money, and Sam Worthington in Man on a Ledge. Decisions, decisions. It’s likely last weekend’s winners will stay viable.

Liam Neeson has become the king of January, and that’s got everything to due with Taken. Even though this (like Unknown) will not do as well, he’s still got enough clout to make relatively well-budgeted action movies for the next couple years. The Grey should do all right, and if the film was cheap enough it may keep director Joe Carnahan working. Both he and Neeson are coming off of The A Team, which has an audience, but underperformed – and that was Joe’s big studio picture. Carnahan’s been kicking around Hollywood since Narc made him a hot item, and he had some heartbreaking great projects that fell apart. The man will probably keep working, but he needs a home run, and this looks to be a two-base hit at best.

Katherine Heigl is Katherine Heigl at this point. Diminishing returns, modest audience, $45 guaranteed. Maybe a little more, maybe a little less. Lionsgate knew this when they greenlit One for the Money, and this is their second go-around with the actress (after Killers).

Sam Worthington isn’t a movie star yet and there’s a lot of action this weekend along with the earlier releases, so Summit’s Man on a Ledge looks to get lost in the shuffle. It’s funny that Lionsgate just bought Summit, and this weekend they’ve got releases against each other. Word on pretty much everything hitting is mixed to negative, with The Grey so far the winner of best reviewed. It’s a weak weekend, which is to be expected for late January. This was never considered a hit period until Taken.

So let’s do this:

The Grey - $15 Million
One For the Money – $12.5 Million
Red Tails – $10.5 Million
Underworld 4 - $10 Million
Man on a Ledge – $9.5 Million

We could see Red Tails outperform expectations yet again this weekend. Ledge might do a bit better, but I feel like early estimates are high for a film with no real “want to see” appeal. And as people wait for the Superbowl, perhaps these numbers could go up a little.

What do you want to see this weekend?

Box Office Predictions: Underworld Overperforms

Damon Houx — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:40:28 +0000

This weekend you can watch a lot of women kick butt. Not only is there Kate Beckinsale in Underworld: Awakening, Gina Carano makes her acting debut in Steven Soderbergh‘s Haywire. And then there’s George Lucas‘s Red Tails, which highlights the African American pilots who fought and flew in World War II. And for those looking for something more heartwarming, you can watch Tom Hanks die on 9/11 in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Something for everyone. Who wins? Find out…

Underworld is a surprisingly resilient and successful franchise that seems to have been energized by the 3-D success of the last Resident Evil film. With January releases, these have proven to be successful every time and means it’s likely that this film will also make some dough. Perhaps it’s the use of hot women in leather that gets this franchise over. I’ve seen the first two, and I clearly don’t get the fanbase for these movies. But vampires and werewolves, longtime war, it’s not the first time I don’t get something like this. January is a good time for movies like this, and they tend to be slick. Expect twenty plus for the weekend.

Haywire may be a little too weird to be a breakout hit, though it could overperform expectations. Talented actors against an MMA fighter is a hard sell, and it needs word of mouth from surprised audiences. If the film plays, it could be a Taken-type situation. The problem with a film like this is that Soderbergh’s audience – if he has one – may be turned off, while the Sylvester Stallone crowd might not get it. Close to ten million is about right.

And Red Tails is the sort of film that if people still loved George Lucas might be a modest success. But early reviews paint it as either too formulaic or simply too bad to get much traction, and the period story is something of a turn off. The January release date inspires no confidence, though the film may have been sold well to the urban market. If that’s the case it’s possible the film could do a bit better than the around ten million that seems likely. Unfortunately Lucas is such the lightning rod that he becomes the focal point, which works against the film.

Though Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close ended up on some best of lists, those who didn’t care for it (including yours truly) really didn’t like it. But regardless of critical opinion, it’s gotten no award traction. With so many of the Guilds announcing their nominees and the Golden Globes over and done with, the film would need nomination buzz to not be dead on arrival. Currently the film has a less than 50% approval rating, and that’s not what you want out of a prestige picture starring Tom Hanks, and there doesn’t appear to be any sort of Oscar life boat coming. The name cast should prevent it from true embarrassment, but an under ten million opening is likely.

So let’s put up some fake numbers:

Underworld 4 – $26.7 Million
Contraband - $13.4 Million
Beauty and the Beast 3-D- $12 Million
Red Tails – $9.9 Million
Haywire – $8.5 Million

It’s possible Extremely Loud could sneak in there. But for a January, those look like good numbers for what’s supposed to be an off season.

What do you want to see this weekend?

Kate Beckinsdale Leathers it up in Underworld Awakening Trailer

Damon Houx — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:05:01 +0000

The Success of the 3-D Resident Evil film seems to have given new life to the Underworld franchise. It would explain why Kate Beckinsale is back after basically skipping the third film, why the film is in 3-D, and why probably a whole host of other things. The fourth film film Underworld Awakening is due out January 20, 2012, and the latest trailer offers a look at the plot, which concerns a werewolf vampire hybrid and no Scott Speedman. Check it out…

The one thing that can always be counted on with films like this are great British actors collecting reasonably large checks for work that will never go on their resume. Here that includes Charles Dance and Stephen Rea, following the grand tradition of performers like Sir Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine.

This comes from Swedish directors Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein. Len Wiseman – who helmed the first two films – has only contributed to the script. But he got help from Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski, who recently wrote scripts for films as diverse as Thor and Clint Eastwood‘s Changeling. They are but two of the film’s four credited writers. Which means they really wrote the heck out of this movie. No running time is listed, but if this film runs too much longer than ninety minutes, I’d be shocked.

Are you happy Beckinsale’s back in leather?

First Plot Synopsis for Underworld 4: New Dawn

Krystal Clark — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:25:19 +0000

Selene in back for another round of leather clad action in the latest Underworld sequel, New Dawn. We learned back in September that Kate Beckinsale would return to the series after taking a brief hiatus following Underworld: Evolution. Over at Bloody Disgusting, they’ve got the first plot synopsis for New Dawn that clues us in on exactly what the hell she’s been up to all this time. Check it out below…

According to the site:

“After being held in a coma-like state for fifteen years, vampire Selene (Beckinsale) learns that she has a fourteen-year-old vampire/Lycan hybrid daughter, Nissa, and when she finds her they must stop BioCom from creating super Lycans that will kill them all.”

We wonder if the birth of Selene’s daughter is what caused her to go into a coma? Also, who’s the daddy? Oh wait, you already know the answer to that. Go watch Underworld: Evolution and you’ll learn how she got the half wolf bun in her oven. We’ve never been huge fans of the Underworld series but we can see the appeal it has for others.

Underworld: New Dawn will be directed by Swedish helmers Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stei. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on January 20, 2012. A January release date? That can’t be a good sign.

What do you think of the premise for the new Underworld? Are you interested in seeing the film?

It’s Official: Kate Beckinsale Returning for Underworld 4!

Krystal Clark — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:03:10 +0000

For all of you who campaigned for Kate Beckinsale to return to the Underworld franchise, you’ve won. The actress has been confirmed to once again play the raven haired vampire Selene in Underworld 4. The last time she played the character was in the 2006 sequel Underworld 2, she then took a leave of absence for the third film [Rise of the Lycans] that featured Rhona Mitra as the lead.

According to THR, Beckinsale is in the process of finalizing her deal for the film, which is expected to to start production in March 2011. We’re not sure what the storyline for this installment will entail but we do know that a casting call has gone out for a young actress to play Selene’s daughter. That’s right, there will be a young vamp in this sequel!

John Hlavin wrote the script, which underwent revisions by comics writer and The Changeling scribe J. Michael Straczynski. The studio is currently looking for a director at the moment. The last two films were helmed by Beckinsale’s husband Len Wiseman. What’s he up to these days? If his other half can come back, we’re sure he can as well. Can’t he?

What do you think of Beckinsale returning to the Underworld fold? Are you excited?

Underworld 4 Gets A Shield Writer

Krystal Clark — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:53 +0000

A new development has been made regarding the forthcoming Underworld sequel which will speed up the film’s production. According to THR, a screenwriter has been hired to take on the story for the movie, and it’s the guy behind the FX series, The Shield.

The Shield was a brutally honest cop show that ran on the FX cable network for many seasons, so the thought of mixing that background with vampires and werewolves seems odd. According to the trade, John Hlavin will take on the task of making the fourth Underworld film somewhat logical and according to him this film won’t be a prequel like its predecessor.

“It will satisfy old fans and excite new audiences, meaning that we don’t want to redo the first three movies, so steps are being taken to honor what fans have loved but at the same time introduce fresh elements.”

So far Kate Beckinsale hasn’t signed on to return to the franchise, and neither has Rhona Mitra. They may have to start from scratch and bring in some new characters and actors. Len Wisemen directed the first two films in the series, but hasn’t signed on to helm the fourth, even though he will be on board to produce.

Why are they making another Underworld when all of those movies were so mediocre? Oh, it’s probably because they earned over 300 million dollars at the worldwide box office. Money seems to always trump quality in this industry.

What do you think of the writer for Underworld 4?

Michael Sheen Talks, Tron, New Moon, Alice in Wonderland

Mali Elfman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:50:56 +0000

Michael Sheen will be a heavy cinematic presence over the next year with appearances in multiple blockbuster films. He’s managed to land roles in the long awaited Tron sequel, the vampire phenomenon New Moon, and the Gothic reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. With so many projects of interest on his plate, the actor had to give us the scoop on what’s been going on. We were lucky enough to get Sheen to cough up a few updates regarding his roles in the big three, and we even got a little Underworld 4 juice out of the deal.

To read what Sheen had to say, follow the white rabbit…

Here are the highlights from our conversation with Michael Sheen. Follow the headings to see what he said about your favorite upcoming film.

Tron Legacy:

It is really easy to feel lost funny enough, which is a big part about why I did those parts — I mean, I was a huge fan of the Tron film and supernatural and science-fiction sort of stuff – but also because the characters in them are just so different and in some ways I’m able to lose myself more than I am in these real life people. I certainly look very different.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon:

I was mainly excited about it because I knew that I would make my daughter very happy. Upfront, that was the main reason I was excited and then I read the books and I really enjoyed the book – I didn’t think I was going to. And then I was thinking that people would think, that’s the guy who played the werewolf in Underworld. But it didn’t seem to be like that. When I went to do it I just sort of relished the opportunity and now I’m just excited to have a whole new generation of people I can scare!

On relating to the Twilight audience..

I know that as soon as I appear on camera my first job is to make the audience comfortable that I’m playing someone that they’re familiar with, then they can forget about that and just go on the journey with the character. So in order to make them comfortable that’s a sort of balancing act.

I know what you’re expecting and what you want to see, so I’m going to give you some of that, but I’m also going to give you something you don’t expect to see. It’s similar in a way with something like Twilight, because there’ so much expectation again, they’re people’s ideas of characters from the book and what the expect and want to see, and you want to surprise them but you also want to reassure them. There’s a balance between the two. Playing with audience expectations.

On how he found his inner White Rabbit for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland…

Everyone has an inner white fluffy animal inside of them, it’s just a question of finding where it’s been hiding before it’s too late. It’s such an iconic character, I didn’t feel like I should break the mold too much. I just sort of went with it. It’s a great character and a great story.

On the difference between the traditional Alice and Burton’s take on the story…

As a sort of cultural iconography you’re sort of treading that path, but Tim’s version is not the original version. It’s everything you would want in an Alice In Wonderland but it’s sort of off kilter as Tim Burton is one to do. So it’s not like I was doing exactly the same as the one before.

Last, but not least Underworld 4…

No, nobody’s spoken to me about it. I heard rumors from someone saying that there could be a fourth film but nobody’s actually contacted me about it.

This news may have not completely knocked your socks off, but Sheen did give us something. The first film out of this bunch to be released will be New Moon, which will hit theaters on November 20th. It will be followed by Alice in Wonderland on March 5, 2010, and Tron Legacy on December 17, 2010.

What do you think about Sheen’s involvement in these films? Which are you the most excited to see?

Kate Beckinsale Says NO MORE Underworld/Rubber Pants

Mali Elfman — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:52:54 +0000

You know all those rumors about there being another THREE Underworld movies on the way? Well, they’ve finally decided that they’re done with it, most likely. FINALLY someone decides not to move forward with an idea that involves vampires! Three cheers!

During a press conference today for Whiteout, Kate Beckinsale put some Underwold rumors to bed, saying that although she’s not against the idea, there’s just only so many times she’s willing to run around it rubber pants, and she’s most likely hit her limit.

She said that although if she read a script that was great she might be interested, it’s not what she’s looking to do. As she said:

It was always conceived as a trilogy. If they came up with an amazing script I wouldn’t be adverse to it. But it’s not planned.

When asked about the rumors that she was signed on already for three more films?

Three whole more? I don’t think my daughter needs to see my bottom in rubber for another 10 more years. I don’t know. I heard they talking about a 4th one. I don’t know if that’s officially happening or just a rumor. As far as I’m concerned it’s a rumor.

As much as we all love seeing her ass in rubber pants, I’m sure we’ll be seeing her in something else revealing soon!

Hell, there’s about a 3 minute shower sequence with absolutely no purpose behind it in Whiteout if that’s what you’re looking for!

Kate Beckinsale Back for Underworld 4?

Krystal Clark — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:00:52 +0000

I just don’t get the fascination with the Underworld franchise. I saw the first movie and I didn’t care to see anymore. Apparently, a lot of you out there can’t get enough of the films, and have caused the film’s studio Sony Screen Gems to take drastic action. Not only will there be more Underworld features in our future, but it’s original star Kate Beckinsale could be at the center of them.

Find out more on Underworld and Kate after the jump…

According to BloodyDisgusting, Sony plans on jump starting an entirely new Underworld trilogy, the first of which will be in 3-D (screams). Not only that, but they received word from several sources that Underworld 1 & 2 star Kate Beckinsale would reprise her role as the vampire, Selene. The studio hasn’t confirmed her casting so neither can we, but I thought you should know that it’s out there. Underworld 4 is set for release in theaters on January 21, 2011.

I didn’t see Underworld 2 or 3 so I have no idea where Selene’s story could go if she did return. All I know is the first movie bored me to tears. I thought the action was underwhelming, and Beckinsale wasn’t nearly as much of an ass kicker as she could have been.

Are you interested in Kate’s return? Do you want to see another Underworld trilogy?

New DVD Releases: Taken, Underworld, Passengers

Andrew Payne — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:00:23 +0000

Well, we’ve got a lot of action for you this week. From vampires and psychological issues, to good ol’ fahioned hitmen. But! If that doesn’t do it for you, there is also a special edition Star Trek DVD, a number of great TV shows, and our straight to DVD list.

Check them all out below…

FEATURE FILMS

Taken

Starring: Liam Neeson

Why was this movie so great? It wasn’t because of the action, or the plot, or the story, or the acting, or the themes. It’s because of the simple fact that it was a totally original screenplay.

How often does that happen? In a time where every single movie that seems to have a chance of making money is based on either a comic, or a novel, or a TV show, or a previous film, Taken shot into the box office with a slick trailer and left with over $140 million in domestic receipts.

What’s more, it stayed in theaters more than three months after its release. Sure, Wolverine and Star Trek will outgross this movie, but there’s no way in the world that either of them will still be occupying space in multiplexes come August.

We can only hope that Taken is the beginning of a sea change in Hollywood. A time where producers attempt to develop original material rather than just regurgitating what appears to be popular summer-after-summer.

And you can help! Buy the Extended Cut DVD.

Underwold: Rise of the Lycans

Starring: Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy

Not a whole lot to say about this movie, a prequel to the mildly successful Underworld films.

So why even discuss it at all? Because it provides a chance to link to the most ridiculous TV spots ever. The ads that ran during every single sporting event for about two months and featured nothing more than Michael Sheen yelling at the boom mic operator.

Seriously, check them out. And buy the DVD while you’re at it.

Passengers

Starring: Anne Hathaway and Patrick Wilson

The rare third feature DVD discussed here. Why include it? Because it provides an excuse to post a picture of Anne Hathaway of course.

Also, there’s now space to mention that after the wild success of Get Smart and the acclaim of Rachel Getting Married Anne Hathaway starred in a movie that made about $250,000 at the US box office.

So buy the DVD, this girl needs help! She was in Bride Wars for crying out loud!

TV ON DVD

“The Dana Carvey Show” – The Complete Series

It’s time for an amazing fact. This series starred two titans of television comedy, and you probably didn’t know it.

That’s right, both Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert made their debuts on this sketch series which was supposed to be a showcase for its star, an upcoming comic megastar at the time.

Instead, the pair of Steves now rule their respective comic roosts while Carvey, well, let’s just say that the “Latest News” section on his website hasn’t been updated since August 2008, except to note the release of this DVD.

Also:

Best of “Star Trek”: Original Series – Buy Now
Best of “Star Trek”: The Next Generation – Buy Now
“The Jeff Foxworthy Show”: Season 2 – Buy Now
“Penn & Teller: Bullshit”: Season 6 – Buy Now
“Taking Chance” – Buy Now
“Two-and-a-Half Men”: Seasons 1-5 – Buy Now

SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEK

Star Trek: Motion Picture Trilogy

It seems Star Trek is trying to brand itself as a trilogy?

True, there may have been a total of ten Star Trek movies before the latest hit the screen, but why get bogged down in facts when the series can cash in on that bankable buzzword – “Trilogy”.

For this “trilogy” the studio has decided to ignore that the first Star Trek movie even existed and started this collection with Wrath of Khan, carrying it through to The Voyage Home.

That’s right two-through-four equals trilogy in DVD packaging math even if the movies contained therein represent neither the start nor the finish of the trilogy.

Also:

Galaxy Quest: Deluxe Edition – Buy Now

HORRIBLE STRAIGHT-TO-DVD RELEASE OF THE WEEK

Three terrible movies, three new DVDs. Which is the worst? Cast your vote and tell the world!

The nominees are:

S. Darko

The Case to Vote for It: Exploitation at its finest. Somebody somewhere in Hollywood got the bright idea to make a sequel to Donnie Darko, even though the original film didn’t open itself for a second chapter in any way whatsoever. Worst of all, the original’s mastermind, Richard Kelly, has absolutely no involvement with this direct-to-DVD sequel. How exciting!

Personal Effects

The Case to Vote for It: Trying to solve his sister’s murder, Ashton Kutcher falls into the clutches of a seductive older woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) who may have been responsible for the killing. This raises the inevitable question: Did Demi Moore kill Ashton Kutcher’s sister?

Winners for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans Giveaway

Mali Elfman — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:35:57 +0000

In honor of the latest Underworld film Rise of the Lycans we giving away a free copy of the soundtrack to the film to one winners and (surprise, surprise) TWO, count um, TWO copies of the full sized movie poster for the film to two lucky winners. Woohoo!

And the winners are…

Congratulations Derek you have won a couple of the soundtrack and the poster and James NomadRIP you have won a poster as well.

Check out the prizes below…

Track Listing
01. Puscifer – Lighten Up Francis (JLE Dub Mix)
02. The Cure (f/ Maynard James Keenan/Puscifer and Milla) – Underneath The Stars (Renholder Remix)
03. Perry Farrell – Nasty Little Perv (Renholder Remix)
04. Deftones – Hole In The Earth (Renholder Remix)
05. AFI – Miss Murder (VNV Nation Remix)
06. Alkaline Trio – Over And Out (Renholder Remix)
07. William Control (f/ Matt Skiba) – Deathclub (Wes Borland/Renholder Remix)
08. Genghis Tron – Board Up The House (Renholder Remix)
09. Blaqk Audio – Stiff Kittens (Jnrsnchz Blaqkout Remix)
10. Thrice – Broken Lungs (Legion Of Doom Remix)
11. Combichrist – Today We Are All Demons (Beneath The World Mix)
12. Black Light Burns – I Want You To
13. Drop Dead, Gorgeous – Two Birds, One Stone (Wes Borland/Renholder Remix)
14. King Black Acid – Let’s Burn
15. From First To Last – Tick Tock Tomorrow (Wes Borland/Renholder Remix)
16. Ghosts On The Radio – Steal My Romance

Giveaway for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Mali Elfman — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:30:42 +0000

In honor of the latest Underworld film Rise of the Lycans which is in theaters today, we are offering up a free soundtrack and a full sized movie poster for the film. Woohoo!

Check out the prizes and what you have to do to win below…

The official Underworld: Rise of the Lycans poster with Bill Nighy as the badass Viktor…

And here is the track listing for the soundtrack with a music video…

WILLIAM CONTROL “Deathclub” remix from New UNDERWORLD

All you have to do to win the album and the poster is leave a comment below telling us what you love most about vampires. Their intrigue? Their speed? Let us know!

The winner will be announced on Wednesday (1/28/09) at noon, so add your vampire comments now!

In order to play:

You must have a shipping address in the United States
You must leave an e-mail address that we can reach you at (we promise not to spam you)
If you win, you will have one week to respond to an e-mail that we will send to you. If you do not respond within one week your prize will be given to another contestant.

ScreenCrave.com » underworld

Box Office Predictions: The Grey Fights Wolves And Apathy

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