Box Office Results (8/9-8/11)
| Rank | Film Title | Gross | Weeks | Cume |
| 1 | THE DARK KNIGHT | 26.03 | 4 | 441.5 |
| 2 | PINEAPPLE EXPRESS | 22.40 | 1 | 40.5 |
| 3 | THE MUMMY:TOMB OF THE DRAGON.. | 16.11 | 2 | 70.7 |
| 4 | SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING..2 | 10.77 | 1 | 19.7 |
| 5 | STEP BROTHERS | 8.90 | 3 | 80.9 |
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 
Visiting Hollywood
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 12th, 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.
Body of Lies - Highly Anticipated
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
Box Office Results (7/18-7/20)
| July 18-20, 2008 | ||||
| Rank | Film Title | Gross | Weeks | Cume |
| 1 | THE DARK KNIGHT | 158.41 | 1 | 158.41 |
| 2 | MAMMA MIA! | 27.75 | 1 | 27.75 |
| 3 | HANCOCK | 14.04 | 3 | 191.54 |
| 4 | JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE.. | 12.34 | 2 | 43.50 |
| 5 | HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY | 10.12 | 2 | 56.53 |
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
Batman: The Dark Knight is Just Plain…Dark
And I’m pretty confident that ”dark” is the best way to describe it.
Batman: The Dark Knight brings all other Batman movies to date to a whole new level. I walked away at the end just utterly amazed at the sheer psychological factors that inhabit this film. From the plot points (which you think you’ve figured it all out until - WHAM! - it changes on you) to the characters themselves (all of which have some psychological transformation about them), this Christopher Nolan version of Batman doesn’t compare to any of the others. And in some parts it’s actually scary as hell.
The movie begins a few years from where the last one left off. Bruce Wayne has rebuilt Wayne Enterprises with Albert and Fox still by his side. Rachel Dawes is not only working for the DA’s office, she’s dating the DA and for all intense purposes, everything seems to be going well in Gotham City except for a little problemo called the mob. As a viewer, you’d like to believe the whole movie is going to be centered around the mob, including when the Joker makes his entrance. However, that is not even remotely the case. The Joker does what the Joker always does, plays mind games. This time, though, the games get more and more twisted and the characters fall prey to the tornado the Joker ensues. What happens at the end brings all of the remaining characters full circle and leaves a dark mark on the Dark Knight…or does it?
Batman: The Dark Knight stars Christian Bale reprising his title role, Aaron Eckhart as DA Harvey Dent/Two Face, Gary Oldman reprising his role as Lt. Gordon, Maggie Gyllenhaal in the role of Rachel Dawes (previously portrayed by Katie Holmes), also reprising their roles of Albert and Dr. Fox, respectively - Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman - and in his last major motion picture before his untimely death, the 
incomparable Heath Ledger as the Joker. Each actor did what each actor always does, played their roles brilliantly. BUT, Ledger’s performance was absolutely masterful.
On a side note (but a HEFTY one), Knight broke all box office records for the first day in wide-release taking in an estimated $66 million as reported by Hollywood Today. Also according to the article, it stated that all indications are pointing to a potential record $165 million for its opening weekend. That shatters all box office records to date!
I definitely give Batman: The Dark Knight
This is the highest rating I have given for a film since I’ve been doing this but when you walk away from a film feeling so completely astounded by the story (in all of its guts and glory) that you just saw, it’s worth the 4-reel rating. At least it is in my book.
Until next time, see YOU at the movies,
Lisa
One Down, Two More to Go!
Did you hear? Oscar-winning actress, Nicole Kidman, and her UBER talented Country musician husband, Keith Urban, welcomed their first child early this morning. Sunday Rose Kidman Urban entered the world near their Nashville home, Hollywood.com reports. Apparently, everyone is doing well too!
Angelina Jolie and partner, Brad Pit, have selected a hospital in Nice, France where their twins will make their grand entrance. Hollywood.com reports that the Mayor of that nice little town (no pun intended) is welcoming them with open arms. How nice for them! (I couldn’t resist.)
One final item of note from Hollywood.com, Robert DeNiro is asking his fellow SAG compadres to consider NOT striking if the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) cannot come to terms with a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). DeNiro feels that due to the current state of the economy, it wouldn’t be a positive thing to strike under these circumstances. On the other hand, Sean Penn, is urging fellow SAG members to vote down a deal with AMPTP. The grievance this time - actors want compensation for appearances on the internet. To read more about the issues, follow this link.
As the world of Hollywood turns…
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Box Office Results (7/4-7/6)
but really…7/3-7/6…
| Rank | Film Title | Gross | Weeks | Cume |
| 1 | HANCOCK | 66.00 | 1 | 107.3 |
| 2 | WALL-E | 33.42 | 2 | 128.1 |
| 3 | WANTED | 20.61 | 2 | 90.8 |
| 4 | GET SMART | 11.12 | 3 | 98.1 |
| 5 | KUNG FU PANDA | 7.50 | 5 | 193.4 |
Look at what the Will Smith sci-fi pseudo-hero action thriller, Hancock, did. WOW! But really not a shocker considering what I said before the weekend - it is a Will Smith release on a holiday after all.
The animated flick, Wall-E, didn’t do too badly either on its second week in release. Interesting to note that Kit Kittredge: An American Girl barely made the top 10 with an 8 showing in its first weekend in wide release (not shown above).
Not much in the way of releases coming up this weekend but next week, we have Heath Ledger’s last performance in The Dark Knight to…as I say somewhat reluctantly…look forward to.
July 4th Weekend Blockbusters?
Two new major films take to the screen this weekend - Hancock starring Will Smith and Kit Kitredge: An American Girl starring an all-star cast of many.
Hancock has an interesting twist to it. It’s a story about a…get this…alcoholic super hero. Is that an oxymoron or what? The thought perplexes me so much that it’s the storyline that’s peaked my interest…well that and the fact that Will Smith stars in it. Most Smith movies are really very good and he has a track record for movies released around holidays so I’m sure it will get the draw that is expected.
Kittredge on the other hand is the polar opposite - a fun family movie based on the popular American Girl children’s book series. Executive Produced by Julia Roberts and her sister, Marisa Yeres, and starring the likes of Stanley Tucci, Jane Krakowski, Julia Ormond, Joan Cusack, Chris O’Donnell, and Abigail Breslin in the title role, this movie should prove as a hit with families over the holiday weekend.
Are there any movies you’re planning to see? I hear the humidity is on its way back. Might be a good time to take in a flick!
Maybe I’ll see YOU at the movies,
Lisa
27 Dresses is a Delight!
This past weekend I was in the mood for a chick flick but I didn’t want to hit the theater. I was perfectly comfortable on my sofa sipping coffee so I decided to see what In Demand had to offer. Lo and behold, the early 2008 hit, 27 Dresses, was just released! I chose to rent it and I ended up watching it twice. It was that cute!
Dresses stars Kathryn Heigel as a Jane Nichols a woman absolutely smitten by weddings and she is secretly in love with her boss, George (played by Ed Burns). What throws a crimp into Jane’s life is the return of her sister, Tess, who strikes up an immediate relationship with George…and they become engatged to get married! After being a bridesmaid for 27 
weddings, Jane has to endure being the Maid of Honor at her sister’s own wedding to the man she would rather marry. Throwing another crimp into her life, she “meets” a columnist for the local newspaper, Kevin Doyle (played by James Marsden), who is secretly doing a story on her pathetic life as a bridesmaid. BUT, does the wedding go off? Who falls in love with whom? You’ll have to see the movie to find out for yourself.
This movie is both cute and corny. It’s the quintessential chick flick, no doubt. In one particular scene, Jane and Kevin, stuck in the country during a rain storm, find relief until the storm is over at the local dive bar. From one drink to several, before you know it Jane and Kevin are singing Elton John’s, “Benny and the Jets” to the top of their lungs and on the top of the bar. Loved that scene! Encouraged me to reminisce about my younger days.
There were several very cute scenes but I don’t want to give them all away. Just see it for yourself.
I give 27 Dresses
reels
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Box Office Results (6/20-6/22)
| Rank | Film Title | Gross | Weeks | Cume |
| 1 | GET SMART | 39.16 | 1 | 39.2 |
| 2 | KUNG FU PANDA | 21.70 | 3 | 155.6 |
| 3 | THE INCREDIBLE HULK | 21.56 | 2 | 96.5 |
| 4 | THE LOVE GURU | 14.00 | 1 | 14.0 |
| 5 | THE HAPPENING | 10.00 | 2 | 50.3 |
The film version of the popular TV series, Get Smart, took over the #1 spot from the remake of The Incredible Hulk, which surprisingly is neck and neck with the Jack Black/Angelina Jolie animated film, Kung Fu Panda while the latest Mike Myers romp, The Love Guru, did’t quite make the splash that all the hype hoped it would.
Is it just me or do you also see the summer not quite shaping up to a blockbuster season? Personally, I still have yet to see Sex In The City and I do have an interest in seeing Get Smart as well. Outside of that, I’m hoping there are more films coming down the pipeline that will peak my interest or it might be a dry summer at the box office for me.
What do you think? Are there any movies you are DYING to see or anticipate the release of anyway? Post your thoughts below. I’d love to hear your take!
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa