The REEL Box Office Buzz!

While the 2008 Olympic Games continue on in Beijing, American film lovers everywhere were mourning the passing of two of Hollywood’s most loved and revered performers  - Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.  Mac succumbed to pneumonia at the age of 50 on Saturday while on Sunday, Hayes passed away early that morning at the age of 65.  The cause of his death was unknown.

Bernie Mac starred with the likes of George Clooney and Matt Damon in the Oceans series as well as his own hit TV show, The Bernie Mac Show.  In 1977, he became a professional comedian working his way through several films until HBO came calling in 2000 asking for his participation in The Original Kings of Comedy.  His star began to rise from there and Bernie’s been loved and admired since. 

Isaac Hayes is probably best known for his role as Chef in the raunchy cable TV comedy series, Southpark, on the Comedy Channel.  However, did you know that Hayes won an Oscar for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture for the “Theme from Shaft”?  Hayes was a vocalist, musician, and composer before diving into the world of acting.

Both performers will surely be missed! 

The Dark Knight continues its trek up the all-time box office charts surpassing such hits as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest, Star Wars Episode 1, E.T., and Shrek 2.  By all accounts and estimates, if Knight keeps flying, it’s going to fly right past the original Star Wars to take the number 2 spot behind all-time great, Titanic (See Eonline for more.).  Of course, Titanic scored upwards of $601 million.  That’s not to say Knight doesn’t have an equal chance to achieve that goal either.  BUT, it is a hefty one to achieve, that’s for sure!

The rest of the weekend saw the debut of Pineapple Express, the action-comedy from the guys that brought you Superbad and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, the UBER chicky chick-flick, both making their way up to the Top 5. 

Mummy still holds on at #3 while Stepbrothers  makes its slow decent down the charts to #5. 

It’ll be interesting to see how the numbers stack up this coming weekend when the Ben Stiller comedy Tropic Thunder and the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars debut in wide-release.

Until next time, see YOU at the movies!

Lisa

Recently, I took a much needed vacation but it wasn’t any ordinary vacation.  Why am I telling you this?  Simple, really.  Some of what I did during my time off actually fits into this blog…sort of.  Here, let me explain.

My blog is about movies – not just the films themselves but the actors that portray the roles within, right?  Well, I happen to be personally acquainted with an actor in Hollywood but not just any actor, either.  That’s where this gets interesting.

In my spare time, besides blogging and writing, I’m also the President of the Official Jason Gerhardt Fan Club.  Mind you, I did not set out to be anyone’s fan club president.  As a matter of fact, as much of a fan as I am of several actors (and musicians), who would’ve thought I’d even be remotely interested in operating one of their fan clubs!  BUT, when Jason joined the cast of General Hospital (yes, I’m a closet Soap fan too) in January 2007, I knew I wanted to help him in any way I could.  The long story short of it is…I did my research on fan clubs, submitted a proposal to his personal manager, was interviewed via telephone by him and by Jason, and WA-LA…here I am! 

On July 12^th, our Club held its first fan event during General Hospital’s annual Fan Club Weekend festivities.  Entitled, “An Evening with Jason Gerhardt and Friends – a FUNdraiser for World Vision,” I organized, produced, and co-emceed the event with Jason.  The fans enjoyed an intimate evening with Jason and several of his friends including General Hospital castmates Brandon Barash, Ignacio Serrichio, and Kiko Ellsworth as well as several additional special guests that entertained the crowd throughout the evening.  Incidentally, Kiko recently wrapped up the NBC webseries, Heroes, as Echo DeMille. (pictured left to right - Jason, Brandon, and Ignacio)

Fan Club members also had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Jason as well as any of the other celebs in attendance while also obtaining their respective autographs.  There was a silent auction with a selection of prizes including the opportunity to perform a scene from a “GH” script with Jason.  Proceeds from the silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and admission were split between Jason’s official charity for 2008, World Vision, and a local cause close to his heart, Guide LA.    It was a fantastic event and I was so honored to be a part of it! (In the picture to the left is fan club member, Desi with Jason; pictured below are fan club members Shelley and Wendy with yours truly)

So, how does this all fit into my blog, you still ask?  Well…Jason’s passion is for movies and he is pursuing film roles.  I may be blogging about him for years to come!  You never know. 

Until next time, see YOU at the movies!

Lisa

Images courtesy of Shelley Brown, Desiree Lopez, and Wendy Sorg.

Leonardo DiCaprio. Russell Crowe. Ridley Scott. What a combination!

One of the most anticipated movies for the fall season 2008, Body of Lies, is coming soon to a theater near you - October 10th, to be exact. And yes, I know it’s not even August yet but the buzz around the net on all the film sites, as well as having recently seen the trailer to this film myself, have got me itching to know more and anticipating its release.

Leonardo DiCaprio is high on my list of absolute favorite actors. When that man gets into character, he gets into character. It doesn’t matter what kind of film it is, in my very humble opinion, that boy can act! So, when I heard he had a new movie coming out, I just had to check it out.

DiCaprio stars alongside Russell Crowe, another one of my favorites, in this William Monahan (from The Departed) scripted thriller based on the novel by David Ignatius that tells the tale of a former journalist turned CIA operative hired to track down an Al Queda leader in Jordan.

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? See for yourself - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUkk9MsWrFA

See YOU at the movies!

Lisa

Holy Box Office BUCKS, Batman!

Yes, while I normally post the figures on Mondays, this week it kinda escaped me a bit but at the same time, I couldn’t not just skip it no matter that it’s Wednesday.  I mean…look at the madness that is Batman: The Dark Knight.  WOW!  Most films don’t gross those kinds of figures for weeks, if at all!  I’m impressed.  You should be too.  Really.

Mama Mia didn’t do too badly either for its first week.  Actually, with the buzz behind Meryl Streep’s vocal performance in the movie, it’s not that surprising that it was able to conquer the box office with the kind of figures under “normal” circumstances.  Perhaps, Batman was all hype with the buzz about Heath Ledger’s performance (which in my opinion was absolutely stunning) but if you notice my review below, it’s THAT good of a movie.

Hancock is still holding on to the Top 5 at the #3 position.  Don’t know much about Journey.  Not even sure it’s worth the $8.50 (or is it $9) ticket.  Hellboy I won’t even dignify with a comment. 

Looking forward to seeing Mia this weekend.  Will have my review up next week.  Be on the look out for it.

Until next time, see YOU at the movies!

Lisa