Twilight zone

Well, it seems "one or two" people went to see the new vampire flick, "Twilight" this past weekend...

The vampire romance "Twilight" drained the box office in its opening weekend, taking in $70.6 million.

Catherine Hardwicke's film also enjoyed the biggest opening ever for a female director, blowing away the previous standard of $41.1 million set by Mimi Leder's "Deep Impact" in 1998. Summit Entertainment, which released "Twilight," announced during the weekend that it's going ahead with production of "New Moon," based on the second book in Meyer's internationally best-selling series.

I usually enjoy the vampire movies and plan, at some point, to see it. However, with the mixed reviews and teen-girl focus, it looks like it might be another "The Covenant"-type movie....so I'm not rushing.

Have any of you seen it? If so....thoughts?

Twilight skins the competition

This won't be a surprise to, well...anyone.

The popular vampire franchise's final installment, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 2," scored the eighth biggest opening weekend of all time with a $141.3 million debut. 

If Summit's estimates hold up, that's just a touch ahead of "Breaking Dawn -- Part 1," which started with $138.1 million last year, and just a touch behind New Moon, which opened with $142.8 million in 2009. Impressively, "Breaking Dawn -- Part 2" also earned $199.6 million in its international debut this weekend, giving it an early global total of $340.9 million.

I'm sure that Taylor Lautner's pecs had "nothing" to do with any of the repeat viewings.

Twilight's popularity is based purely on the interest in the intricately woven plot and Academy Award-winning performances.

For those of you who doubt that, just look at this collection of all of the Twilight shirtless scenes so far...



It's definitely a mystery...

Red alert

Two lovely auburn-haired actresses are stepping in to fill some important entertainment shoes.



Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron Howard's daughter) is taking over the role of Victoria (the fur coat wearing vampire gal whose vampire boyfriend was killed at the end of "Twilight") for the third film in the Twilight series, "Eclipse".

Rachelle Lefevre originated the role in "Twilight" and appears in the upcoming sequel "New Moon," but Summit says scheduling conflicts forced her to leave the picture.

I'm sure that "Twilight" fans will be quite bunched up with this Darren Stevens switcheroo, but they'll eventually deal and move on.

UPDATE: Seems that the fans and the original actress are not happy about the decision and, because of that, the studio decided to set the record straight.

Should be interesting to see how it all plays out...



Also, my friend Kerry O'Malley is stepping into the role of the mother in the Broadway musical "Billy Elliot".

Billy Elliot has a new Mum. Actress Kerry O'Malley began performances in the Tony-winning musical for a limited engagement on July 28 at the Imperial Theatre.

O'Malley, who has appeared on Broadway in the revivals of Into the Woods, Annie Get Your Gun, as well as White Christmas and the world premiere of The Gershwins' An American in Paris, will remain with the Broadway production of Billy Elliot for a six-week engagement through Sept. 6.

I'm very excited for her and wish I could be there to see it.

If you're in the New York area, you should check it out. She's a great actress with an amazing voice who also has an almost stalker-esque obsession with the Boston Red Sox.

That's a baseball team, right?

Twilight: New Moon

I haven't seen much press on the new fitness movie, "Twilight: New Moon", that opens today. So, I felt it was important for me to do my part to help promote this little film with the hope that other studios will be encouraged to make more health-centric movies that actually reflect the challenges that we normal people face each day.



With winter setting in, the filmakers really try to remind us all that it's still very important to get outside and walk a little bit each day to keep the blood flowing and brain stimulated.

Fresh minds, create fresh ideas and there are parts of our bodies that, without visual stimulus, would fail to remain as firm as we'd like them to be.



Re-connecting with nature on a regular basis is also stressed. In this crazy technological world, it's important to remember to take a few minutes each day to appreciate the natural beauty all around us.

If you don't reach out and touch it sometimes, it might not be there later when you need it most.



One of the messages that I've gotten from the trailers for the film is that it's important that we each find ways to step away from the computer or crackberry and just "let our hair down" once in a while. It's easy to get stuck in a rut, so it's good to let loose and just have fun, either with yourself or new friends.



This is especially important for those of you who can't seem to find time during your hectic work day to relax. No matter how busy you are, the director stresses that each of us should take a few minutes to quietly meditate and "be" with yourself.

I try to be with myself at least once a day or more, depending on what I happen to be focused on at the moment.



There is also a great montage in the movie that reminds us that you don't need a personal trainer or large gym chain to stay in shape.

Just a few minutes of bending, twisting, and stretching can be done anywhere and, if you do it right and in a safe environment, the results can be very gratifying and relaxing. Make sure you keep a towel handy...you're gonna need it!



Exercise doesn't have to be a solo venture either. It's always more fun when you gather a few like-minded people and do it together.

Sweating, pumping and letting loose with a friend or strangers can have some very beneficial socialization results as well. Spending intimate time with others is really the mental lubricant that keeps people bonded and connected in this world.



I really do hope that the studio marketing department is able to figure out some way to visually get people into the theater to see "Twilight: New Moon".

It's not like they have Tyler Perry and Oprah producing or Jim Carrey to go out on the talkshow circuit to pull people in. They just have these regular kids trying offer health advice to the masses. It's not easy...



Thankfully, the studio marketing department has produced some very helpful merchandising to promote their film. Because, as we all know, kids always like to have something to play with once they get home and back into their private spaces. I think their "Portable Personal Trainer" has some real potential.

With its attention to detail and life-like moveable parts...it should really help men and women, of all ages, get back in touch with their true selves and remind them that being healthy is not just a lifestyle...but a way of life.

I plan to see this movie very soon and I hope that you all will too.

It feels good to help.

Meow

I'm sure this story will end up being just another rumor. However, I would certainly be very excited if it turned out to be true:

The 62-year-old singer and actress is reported to be in talks to play Catwoman opposite Christian Bale in the third Batman film from British director Christopher Nolan.

The Oscar-winner will join a cast that includes Johnny Depp as The Riddler as she plays the whip-carrying burglar.

A studio executive said: "Cher is Nolan's first choice to play Catwoman. He wants to portray her like a vamp in her twilight years.

If that casting choice were to be true, I'm confidant that Christopher Nolan would make sure that, like Heath Ledger's Joker, a "twilight" catwoman character would be dark, complex and interesting.

Plus, I love me some Cher!

I've enjoyed most of the catwoman portayals over the years. Eartha Kitt, Julie Newmar, Lee Meriweather and, visually, Halle Berry.

However, my favorite so far, has been Michelle Pfeiffer.



I think she was great and that Warner Bros. made a HUGE mistake not immediately making a Catwoman movie with her in it.

I bet even Halle Barry was thinking that after her Catwoman movie dropped immediately into the critical litter box.

If only she could turn back time...

Breaking Bank

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 opens today and is expected to pull in around $125 Million or more over the weekend, which is very impressive by Hollywood standards.



However, what I never really knew (until today) is that the gaming world has a pretty impressive "box office" as well...

Activision’s first-person shooter multiplayer game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has grossed more than $775 million in its first five days of sales, the company reported Wednesday.

The Call of Duty franchise is one of the most valuable entertainment properties worldwide, having exceeded $6 billion in lifetime revenue.

$775 Million in FIVE DAYS?!!

Suck on that Twilight.

Training bra recommendations?

It was that time of the month...



I finally went to see "Twilight".

Now, I kind of resisted seeing this movie, based on the so-so reviews and over-hyped online frenzy surrounding the book series and the thirteen year old girl fan-focus. I just had a feeling it was going to be cheesy and kind of like the "OC"-meets- "The Covenant" and, in my mind...that makes it a rental, at best.

But, I found myself in the theater yesterday and, before I knew it...I was center-seated with popcorn in hand as the "Twilight" credits began.



And, as much as I hate to admit it...

I really enjoyed it.

I told my friend that it was kind of like watching "Juno the Vampire Slayer" (even though Bella doesn't actually slay any vampires). The two leads were brooding loners, surrounded by your typical High School range of outcast friends, nestled in the moody, perpetually wet and cloudy area of Fork, Washington.



Rather than focusing the movie on vampire violence and gore (which, thankfully, the movie avoided almost entirely), the story centered on bringing our two leads together and delving into the strength of their love-at-first bite attraction. Yes, there are some bad vampires doing bad things and, yes, you pretty much know going in that, in the end, things will likely be okay.

But...it's how they get there that counts and I, for one, enjoyed the journey.

Will die-hard action and horror fans who usually need to see a few severed limbs and exposed entrails enjoy the movie?

Probably not...



But, I'm a romantic at heart (the dark, cold place that it is) and really just went with it and found myself rooting for the girl getting the boy and love conquering all.

There is enough violence and gore in the real world...why pay to see more?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to meet Tiffany, Amber and CeCe at the mall.

The Jonas Brothers are making an appearance tonight and we're totally freaking about what to wear!

Morbius

The first trailer for Jared Leto's upcoming vampire movie, Morbius, was released today...



Judging by that last shot, he's obviously not one of the pretty Twilight vampire's friends.

The movie opens on July 31st.

They do it

The new trailer is out for Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 and it looks like there is a wedding AND a baby on the way...



It also looks like those dingos want to take her baby.

Crickey!

They're here...

I saw this article about some of the new shows coming out in the fall and, overall...only one, "V", stood out as something interesting.

The "Witches of Eastwick" series looks like a "Melrose Place" version of the original movie (complete with awful dialog) and the "The Vampire Diaries" looks like a "Melrose Place" version of "Twilight" (which is saying a lot).

However, my favorite Lostie, Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet is-she-dead-or-alive on "Lost") stars in this updated remake of the old "V" series about aliens finally making contact with Earth.

Looks like it could be fun...



Can't wait until one of the Visitors unhinge their jaw and drop a bird in there like they did on the old show...

Enjoyable.

Vamp

The first trailer for the finale of the Twilight series was just released and it appears that Bella is quite happy being a super-vampire now.

However, she's not so happy that the Volturi want to kill her rapidly growing baby...



And yes....I'm going to see this.

Don't hate.

Snack Attack

It seems that "one or two" people went to see The Hunger Games this weekend...

Lionsgate just revised upwards its worldwide total to a massive $214.25 million for The Hunger Games which was projected to be the No. 1 title in virtually every single market globally. The studio reports this morning that this opening weekend’s North American grosses for Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games total a humongous $155 million after making $68M Friday and $51M Saturday anticipating a decent $36M Sunday hold.

Lionsgate also finally reported its weekend international numbers which were a very strong $59.25M and tracking ahead of the first Twilight Saga film.

I am going to see it on Wednesday night and am trying to keep my expectations low...just in case.

However, the reviews have been pretty good and, from what I've heard from people who read the books and saw the movie, they appear to have done a good job translating it as well.

If you saw it, what did you think?

All Hail

Joel's Oscar posters (with Oscar featured above) are perfect for my overview, as always.

Well, the King's Speech really swept the awards last night. I haven't seen it yet, but plan to soon. The Brits usually do a great job with movies like that (I loved The Queen), so I'm sure it'll be fun to watch.



The Social Network was also up for a variety of awards and won several, but didn't have enough votes to beat out the King. I also need to see this too.



The Black Swan did pretty well, considering the competition. Of course, I had the same reaction to that movie as Cate Blanchett did to The Wolfman clip. "That's Gross" may have been my favorite quote from last night's show.



I was kind of hoping Inception would do better, but was glad it won the visual effects awards that it did. I really liked that movie and thought they did an amazing job all around. I would have been happy if it had won Best Picture too. But, it didn't.



I didn't think James Franco would win for 127 Hours (and he'll certainly not win anything for hosting the Oscars last night), so that might have explained why he was so "blah" during the entire show. Maybe if he had cut off his own arm during the telecast it would have made for at least one memorable moment of the night.



My favorite musical selection was "He doesn't own a shirt." from Twilight. That was probably the best bit of the night, which isn't saying much.

I think Anne Hathaway is lovely and certainly looked good in her vast array of dresses throughout the night, but she and James Franco are hardly Martin and Lewis. Carrot Top's gig in Vegas is certainly not in danger of being replaced by the comedy stylings of Franco and Hathaway.

Hopefully the Academy has learned a good lesson. A good host needs to be more than young, pretty and breathing to keep the show interesting.

Bob Hope got more laughs dead than Anne and James did all night alive.

Hmmm...if they just pieced together clips of dead hosts from shows past as "hosts" of next year's Oscars, THAT would be creepy fun and might just be what the the network needs to grab that youth demographic they feel like they desperately need.

Wes Craven or Eli Roth could direct it.

Oscar gold!

Muscle Wereys

It appears that the marketing team behind the upcoming sequel in the Twilight saga, "New Moon", is spending a lot of their creative budget focusing on a new group of worked-out werewolves that will be featured, especially the character of Jacob (Taylor Lautner).



Initially, the producers were considering recasting the actor for the new film because his character is supposed to play a bigger part, both emotionally and physically. At the time, they weren't confident that, the then 16-year-old, Taylor could meet the challenge.



From the looks of these photos, I'd say he found a bit of time in the past year to get to the gym and prove them wrong.

Besides all of the howling were-hunks coming up, I'm actually looking forward to seeing Dakota Fanning in the film as the evil vampire Jane of the Volturi Clan (I'm assuming they must be Euro-vampires).



She has made a career out of playing the cutest kids in cinema, so it's good to see her finally get to play a not-so-wholesome character that she can really sink her teeth into.

"Good night! I'll be here all week long! Tip the waiters, try the veal!"

I don't care what anyone says about this series of teen-fanged films, I really enjoyed the last one and can't wait to see "New Moon" in November and, quite likely, the third sequel, "Eclipse" that is coming out in June.

Warning: There are a lot of abs in this trailer. Viewer discretion is advised.



If you're gonna throw some hairy hotties, a ferocious Fanning and splendiferous scenery at me...

I'm in.

Doesn't suck

Seems that the Twilight-kids spent a little money this weekend...

The third pic in the franchise, and the best-reviewed, went on to make $24.2M Thursday, $28.6M Friday, $23.9M Saturday, $13.7 Sunday, and an estimated $16.4M Monday. So that's $69M for the 3-day weekend, and $82.5M for the 4-day July Fourth Holiday, $162 for the first 5 days, and a total $175.3M for the full 6-day release.

Eclipse topped the foreign circuit this weekend with $104.6M from 6,951 screens in a relatively contained opening break of 42 territories.

Worldwide total: $279.6 M. Film's budget: $68 M.

Wow...that's a LOT of cash to make in 6 days.

I need to come up with the next big movie franchise that teen girls will go nuts over.



I wonder if I could write a script that would make yard gnomes mysterious and sexy?

I think we'd have to lose the beards...and the hats.

And they'll need abs.

Another dimension

A full trailer for the upcoming revival of The Twilight Zone was released today...



Although I don't get CBS All Access, this trailer doesn't really compel me to change that. It doesn't really look scary or intriguing. It just looks a bit chaotic, with all of the quick jumps and cuts. You don't really get a sense of any of the actual stories or situations.

Regardless, we'll see how the reviews are when the series premieres on April 1st.

Ye Gods!

In case you've missed their commercials every fifteen minutes on every channel for the past couple of weeks, the fat-free movie Immortals opens today.







If you're a fan of 300 and the Spartacus series as well as mythical, scantily clad Gods, dramatic comic book blood, and Ginsu slice and dice violence...there's a pretty good chance you're going to enjoy this too.

It features Henry Cavill (the new Superman, also immortal)...





Mickey Rourke and Stephen Dorff...





And Kellan Lutz (whose next Twilight film also opens next Friday)...





Kellan even sacrificed his shirt on the cover of the new Men's Fitness just to help promote this movie.



He's a trooper.

It looks like it's going to be a visual extravaganza with, if this clip is any indication, lots of graceful slow-motion carnage for every boy and girl in Whoville.



Ouch!

I'm in.

Gawker has a very funny review of the movie here.