There was a little strange movement in the past weekend box office. Two new films jumped into the top 3 and an oldie jumped back in to number 10. Warner Brothers new release THE RITE, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, took possession of the top spot with $14,789,393 in 2,985 theaters with an average of $4,955 per location. The remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson flick THE MECHANIC, released by CBS and starring the rugged Jason Statham, put the hit out on the number three spot. Since it was a fairly slow weekend at the movies, it pulled in only $11,422,006 in 2,703 theaters averaging $4,226 per theater. Surprisingly, THE DILEMMA and YOGI BEAR are still in the top ten. Perhaps the amount of theatres they are still in can account for this? One can only hope.
The remaining new releases for the weekend are not in the top ten, but a couple were close. FROM PRADA TO NADA, a Lionsgate Films release starring the lovely Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega, was released in 256 theaters with an impressive average of $4,358 per theater for a total $1,115,638 for the weekend total. Next is the highly anticipated BIUTIFUL, starring the beautiful Javier Bardem and directed by the Oscar nominated Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, released limited to only 59 theaters this weekend and yielded $456,930 for an average of $7,745 each. Variance Films new release of IP MAN 2: LEGEND OF THE GRANDMASTER, directed by Wilson Yip, showing in 20 theaters averaging $3,053 each for a total weekend of $61,057. The latest IFC release is the sci-fi comedy KABOOM, staring Haley Bennett and Thomas Dekker, in one theater bringing in $13,714. WHEN WE LEAVE (DIE FREMDE), an Olive films release is the directorial debut of actress/writer Feo Aladag and was released in two theaters averaging $3,009 for a total $6,018 in the US. Lastly, is the romantic thriller Rage (RABIA) based on the novel by Sergio Bizzio and directed by Sebastian Cordero. One theater=$952.
The only thing more terrifying, interesting, gut-turning, or even heart-warming than watching a film that someone created entirely on their own is to watch one that has been inspired by true events. Whether it be an inspiring story about how one overcame an obstacle, a horrific tale of a serial killer, or the tale of a rock legend, these films grab hold of their audience and take them along on their journey. With THE RITE coming out this week, and it being “based on true events” we figure it’s a great segue into this weeks top ten.
TOP TEN: BASED ON TRUE EVENTS
HONORABLE MENTION: ALIVE
Plane crashes are one of my worst fears. In ALIVE (1993), a Rugby team is stranded in the Andes Mountains after their plane crashes and they are put to the test in order to survive. Freezing temperatures, dying friends, injuries and a lack of food certainly start to take it’s toll on the men and they have to make some very difficult decisions. Now, most people instantly think of that cannibalism that takes place in the film, but that is just a part of the story. The real story is how these men fight against all odds to stay alive.
10. THE UNTOUCHABLES
Now here’s an interesting journey for a “true story” film. THE UNTOUCHABLES began as a memoir by Eliot Ness ( with an assist by Oscar Fraley ) , then was snapped up for a weekly television series by Desi Arnaz in the late 1950′s instead of landing on the big screen. Finally in 1987 Brian De Palma brought the story of Ness and his crew to the movies. And boy was it worth the wait! De Palma turned this tale of 1920′s Chicago into a classic movie western with roadsters replacing horses ( although one big battle had our heroes on horseback ). It’s hard to pick a favorite scene from this rousing adventure.Maybe it’s the big LaSalle Street raid, or the shoot out in Canada, or the big train station showdown ( a tribute to the Odessa Steps sequence from BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN ). A great cast was brought together for this epic. Kevin Costner became a major star as the inexperienced, but determined Treasury agent Elliot Ness. In her film debut Patricia Clarkson is radiant as Eliot’s supportive wife. Andy Garcia and Charles Martin Smith are great as Eliot’s support crew. Billy Drago oozes menace as Frank Nitti, and Robert DeNiro offers a great take on the ultimate gangster Al Capone. But it’s Sean Connery who steals every scene he’s in as grizzled beat cop James Malone, who becomes Eliot’s mentor. Connery proved without a doubt that he was so much more than 007 and took home a well deserved Oscar. Of course this great cast would not have gotten to shine so brightly without terrific dialogue, and David Mamet’s screenplay may be the real star of this film. Some of the exchanges (like Malone’s explanation of the Chicago way) have become repeated by comedians, impressionists, and newspaper columnists. Also the magnificent score by Ennio Morricone is a stand out. This film may play fast and loose with the facts, but THE UNTOUCHABLES remains a classic Hollywood entertainment.
09. THE FRENCH CONNECTION
THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971) is director William Friedken’s contribution to what made the cinema of the 70′s gold, but as a result also created what many call one of the greatest American masterpieces to date. Granted, not everyone agrees on this as a whole, but certain things are arguably unquestionable. One sych claim is that Friedken pulled off the best car chase scene in history, short maybe of that in BULLITT. Gene Hackman at his prime, along with Roy Scheider, works with the above par cast to add realism and depth to this gritty, serious crime drama with a heavy dose of early action influence. If you weren’t aware this film won a Best Picture Oscar, that alone is reason to see this movie.
08. APOLLO 13
Besides being a movie and Oscars geek, you can also add NASA geek to that list. The Saturn V rocket missions to the moon are mankind’s greatest achievement, so it’s no surprise that 1995’s Academy Award nominee APOLLO 13 is # 8 on this week’s Top 10 List. When I first read that director Ron Howard was making the film, the imagined possibilities of “the mission that was a successful failure” came to reality up on the screen. Based on the book, “Lost Moon,” by mission commander Jim Lovell along with Jeffrey Kluger, the film is the true story of the ill-fated mission of Apollo 13 to the moon. Howard takes the audience on an incredible journey of how 3 American astronauts were brought safely back to Earth after their rocket’s oxygen tanks explode, causing Mission Control to abort a third manned moon mission.
With stars Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon and Kathleen Quinlan, the true gem was the casting Ed Harris as Flight Director Gene Kranz. His ferocious delivery of the famous line “Failure Is Not An Option” brings a lump to the throat upon repeat viewings. The attention to all the technical detail is dead on, right down to the incredible, booming launch scene that’s become one of the cinematic greats in film history. The suspense of whether the astronauts would die from CO2 poisoning or not knowing if the Odyssey’s heat shield would save these men was absolutely riveting. Even as I and the audience sat knowing the positive outcome, we nonetheless cheered when the crew of Apollo 13 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. Nominated for nine Academy Awards including Best Picture, APOLLO 13 won for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. James Horner’s patriotic score should’ve won as well and that it lost to IL POSTINO is a shame. The true crime that awards season was when Ron Howard won the Director’s Guild Award and failed to even garner a Best Director Oscar nomination. Never was the expression “Houston We Have A Problem” more apropos.
07. 127 HOURS
127 HOURS was one of the stand out films from 2010. Aron Ralston was out for some adventure while mountain climbing alone in Utah. Little did he know how big of an adventure this trip would become. Aron ended up trapped in an isolated canyon, pinned in by a boulder. After five days of doing whatever he could to survive, Ralston finds the strength to take extreme measures in order to escape. Wounded and weak, he must now scale a 65 foot wall and walk for over 8 miles until he is finally rescued. This is a terrific story of willpower and perseverance. The human mind is powerful, and can allow you the strength to do whatever it is necessary in order to survive.
06. GOODFELLAS
“As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a gangster.” So begins the journey of Henry Hill ( Ray Liotta ) in 1990’s GOODFELLAS based on Nicholas Pileggi’s book”Wiseguy”. The film follows the exploits of the New York mob from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. As a teenager Hill becomes an errand boy for the Paul Cicero’s crew and is soon Jimmy Conway’s ( Robert De Niro ) right hand man. While climbing up the ranks of the gang, Henry falls for Karen ( Lorraine Bracco ),marries, and starts a family. Through the years we see that there is no honor amongst these thieves, and horrific acts of violence begin to thin their numbers. The acting is all top notch led by Liotta who leads us on this adventure through gangland. Bracco shows how Karen is swept up by this dreamy tough guy, and later her disgust at his wandering. De Niro adds another great character to his resume with the devious, cold blooded Conway. The most memorable mobster may be Tommy De Vito played by Joe Pesci in an Oscar winning performance. Tommy’s the most volatile of the bunch : the very definition of hair trigger. One of the most tension-filled scenes in cinema begins at a nightclub table as Tommy regales his cohorts with a story. An innocent remark by Henry during their laughter sets Tommy off. “Am I a clown?” “Do I amuse you?” The superb acting is matched by the artistry of director Martin Scorsese. Here’s a filmmaker making use of all of his many gifts. The action freezes, the camera quickly zooms in, the scenes slows for a music montage. The ucut tracking shot as the Hills enter a nightclub is still studied in fiilm courses. In an impressive career, GOODFELLAS is a high point for Scorsese and greatest mob movie not involving the Corleones ever.
05. ALMOST FAMOUS
ALMOST FAMOUS (2000) is a fun, honest, unpretentious semi-autobiographical film based on real events. This says a lot, given it’s about rock’n’roll and a young journalist making his early break with Rolling Stone magazine. Directed by, and in some ways experienced by filmmaker Cameron Crowe, this movie takes the viewer into this joy-filled coming of age journey with a star-studded cast of talent including Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Patrick Fugit, Zooey Deschanel, Anna Paquin, Faruza Balk, Philip Seymour Hoffman and even Kate Hudson… making this the one and only film I openly recommend others see, starring her. That too, says a lot about the quality of this film.
04. BADLANDS
In 1973, Terrence Malick made his directorial debut with BADLANDS, a fictionalized account of the Starkweather-Fugate killing spree of 1958. The character of Kit as played by Martin Sheen is a small-town loser and dreamer, a failed garbage man. He is also a man without a moral compass, who feels he can do what he pleases. Holly, played by Cissy Spacek, is a 15-year-old woman-child, a soul-less, unfeeling creature who falls under Kit’s spell. Once together, it doesn’t take them long to embark on a murderous crime spree across the High Plains. The pacing of the film is slow and languid; the cinematography wondrous. The land in BADLANDS the Plains, is actually physically rich and productive. But the open physical space serves as a metaphor for the barren, direction-less America that spawns this amoral duo that Spacek and Sheen play to perfection. In BADLANDS the viewer is drawn slowly in to the killer’s odd personalities and thoughts. Only to find that in the end, there’s not much there, the people are empty.
03. SCHINDLER’S LIST
How can you really write anything about SCHINDLER’S LIST that remotely captures the power of this film? During the Nazi’s reign over the Jews, a greedy businessman transforms into an unlikely hero by turning his warehouse into a safe place of hiding to escape the horrors of being taken in by their terrorizing Nazi army. Oskar Schindler ended up saving around 1100 people from being taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp and being gassed. He stood up, despite the repercussions to help those in need. Steven Spielberg did an amazing job of capturing the terrifying tale, and telling it with the care, delicacy and power that it deserves.
02. THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE
Wasn’t it frowned upon to pick up hitchhikers in the 70′s? Five teenagers make that mistake and end up paying dearly for it in THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974). What makes this film even more terrifying is that the story is based on notorious serial killer Ed Gein. Gein did where human skin as a means to fill his desire to be a woman, rather than to just hide a skin condition or hideous face. Not only did he wear skin on his face, he also wore a vest of skin, as well as other various skin fashions. The content in the house (in the film) is very similar to what they found in Gein’s house. The film just brings the horrors of Gein to light.
01. MUNICH
MUNICH is Steven Spielberg’s thriller about the Israeli act of reprisal against Palestinian assassins for the murder of 11 participants in Munich’s Olympic Games of 1972. This is not your average revenge film, it’s much more than that. It opens ethical questions and dilemmas on several issues. Even the characters feel remorse for what they do and end up questioning if they are doing the right thing. MUNICH is a powerhouse of a drama, thanks to Tony Kushner and Eric Roth’s thought provoking, intelligent screenplay and Spielberg’s incisive, tightly disciplined direction. The movie doesn’t wander off into side alleys or irrelevancies but stays intimately focused on the characters as they go through the grim business of hunting down suspects, detonating explosives and even engaging in challenging moral discussions from time to time. Spielberg makes every moment count, whether it be showing us the intricate step-by-step process through which these men eliminate their targets or capturing a man’s moment of joy and anguish as he talks on the phone to the little daughter he’s never met.
Anthony Hopkins certainly has his hands full in his new film THE RITE, which is inspired by true events. For those of you that aren’t too scared… we are giving away tickets to an advanced screening.
The screening for Warner Bros. Pictures THE RITE will be Monday, January 24th at Great Escape Gravois Bluffs at 7pm.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. FILL OUT YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.
3. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION – “So you believe in exorcism?” Remember, this is for fun so keep it respectful.
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN THROUGH A RANDOM DRAWING OF QUALIFYING CONTESTANTS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PASSES WILL NOT BE SUBSTITUTED OR EXCHANGED.
ANYONE CAUGHT REPRINTING TICKETS FOR DISTRIBUTION WILL BE BANNED FROM OUR CONTESTS! DUPLICATE TICKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, THE RITE follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith.
Directed by Mikael Håfström (“1408”), “The Rite” is a supernatural thriller that uncovers the devil’s reach to even one of the holiest places on Earth. Contrafilms’ Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) are producing the film. The screenplay was penned by Michael Petroni (upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”), inspired by the book by Matt Baglio. Christy Fletcher and Emma Parry are co-producing. Richard Brener, Merideth Finn and Robert Bernacchi serve as executive producers.
Hopkins stars as Father Lucas. An Oscar® winner for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs,” Hopkins’ impressive career includes “The Remains of the Day” and this year’s “The Wolfman,” as well as the upcoming comics-based film “Thor.”
Making his feature film debut, O’Donoghue stars as Michael Kovak, the disillusioned American seminary student. Alice Braga plays the role of Angeline, a journalist in Rome doing research on exorcisms. Braga will next be seen this summer in “Predators.” Her additional credits include “I Am Legend” and “City of God.” Ciarán Hinds portrays Father Xavier. Known for his role as Gaius Julius Caesar in HBO’s “Rome,” Hinds will soon be seen in the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” films. Toby Jones plays the role of Father Matthew. Jones has appeared in such films as “Frost/Nixon,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “The Painted Veil” and will soon be seen in “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Veteran actor Rutger Hauer takes on the role of Michael’s father, Istvan Kovak. Hauer’s career includes roles in “Blade Runner,” “The Hitcher,” “Sin City” and “Batman Begins.”
Håfström previously directed the John Cusack thriller “1408,” and “Derailed,” starring Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston. His most recent film, “Shanghai,” also starring John Cusack, will be in theaters later this year. His film “Evil,” which he wrote and directed, was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2004 Academy Awards® and won three Swedish Guldbagge Awards, including Best Film.
From New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, THE RITE will be in theatres on January 28, 2011. Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here, and follow it on Twitter here.
Warner Bros. Pictures has released a brand new trailer for THE RITE. “Inspired by true events” – still creepy, still haunting.
Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, THE RITE follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith.
Directed by Mikael Håfström (“1408”), “The Rite” is a supernatural thriller that uncovers the devil’s reach to even one of the holiest places on Earth. Contrafilms’ Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) are producing the film. The screenplay was penned by Michael Petroni (upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”), inspired by the book by Matt Baglio. Christy Fletcher and Emma Parry are co-producing. Richard Brener, Merideth Finn and Robert Bernacchi serve as executive producers.
Hopkins stars as Father Lucas. An Oscar® winner for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs,” Hopkins’ impressive career includes “The Remains of the Day” and this year’s “The Wolfman,” as well as the upcoming comics-based film “Thor.”
Making his feature film debut, O’Donoghue stars as Michael Kovak, the disillusioned American seminary student. Alice Braga plays the role of Angeline, a journalist in Rome doing research on exorcisms. Braga will next be seen this summer in “Predators.” Her additional credits include “I Am Legend” and “City of God.” Ciarán Hinds portrays Father Xavier. Known for his role as Gaius Julius Caesar in HBO’s “Rome,” Hinds will soon be seen in the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” films. Toby Jones plays the role of Father Matthew. Jones has appeared in such films as “Frost/Nixon,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “The Painted Veil” and will soon be seen in “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Veteran actor Rutger Hauer takes on the role of Michael’s father, Istvan Kovak. Hauer’s career includes roles in “Blade Runner,” “The Hitcher,” “Sin City” and “Batman Begins.”
Håfström previously directed the John Cusack thriller “1408,” and “Derailed,” starring Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston. His most recent film, “Shanghai,” also starring John Cusack, will be in theaters later this year. His film “Evil,” which he wrote and directed, was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2004 Academy Awards® and won three Swedish Guldbagge Awards, including Best Film.
From New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, THE RITE will be in theatres on January 28, 2011. Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here, and follow it on Twitter here.
Warner Bros. Pictures has sent us this preview press kit of their upcoming film from January 2011 through December 2011. Most noticeably were the new photos from SHERLOCK HOLMES 2, THE HANGOVER PART II and HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2.
Film Descriptions
THE RITE
In theaters on January 28
(Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line)
Director: Mikael Håfström
Writers: Michael Petroni
Suggested by the book by Matt Baglio
Producers: Beau Flynn & Tripp Vinson
Executive Producers: Richard Brener, Merideth Finn, Robert Bernacchi
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O’Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciarán Hinds, Rutger Hauer
Psychological Thriller. Inspired by true events, “The Rite” follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While he’s in Rome, Michael meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith, uncovering the devil’s reach even to one of the holiest places on Earth.
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writers: Oliver Butcher & Stephen Cornwell
Based upon the novel Unknown by Didier van Cauwelaert
Producers: Joel Silver, Leonard Goldberg, Andrew Rona
Executive Producers: Susan Downey, Steve Richards, Sarah Meyer, Peter McAleese
Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz, Frank Langella
Thriller. Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (January Jones) suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he’s willing to go to uncover the truth.
Directors: Peter Farrelly & Bobby Farrelly
Writers: Pete Jones & Peter Farrelly & Kevin Barnett & Bobby Farrelly
Story by Pete Jones
Producers: Peter Farrelly & Bobby Farrelly, Bradley Thomas
Executive Producers: Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Merideth Finn, Marc S. Fischer
Cast: Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer, Richard Jenkins, Christina Applegate, Alexandra Daddario, Stephen Merchant, Nicky Whelan, Larry Joe Campbell, Tyler Hoechlin
Comedy. Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best friends who have a lot in common, including the fact that they have each been married for many years. But when the two men begin to show signs of restlessness at home, their wives (Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate) take a bold approach to revitalizing their marriages: granting them a “hall pass,” one week of freedom to do whatever they want…no questions asked. At first, it sounds like a dream come true for Rick and Fred. But it isn’t long before they discover that their expectations of the single life–and themselves–are completely, and hilariously, out of sync with reality.
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Writer: David Leslie Johnson
Producers: Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julie Yorn
Executive Producers: Jim Rowe, Michael Ireland, Catherine Hardwicke
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen, Julie Christie
Romantic Fantasy Thriller. Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is a beautiful young woman torn between two men. She is in love with a brooding outsider Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), but her parents have arranged for her to marry the wealthy Henry (Max Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, Valerie and Peter are planning to run away together when they learn that Valerie’s older sister has been killed by the werewolf that prowls the dark forest surrounding their village. For years, the people have maintained an uneasy truce with the beast, offering the creature a monthly animal sacrifice. But under a blood red moon, the wolf has upped the stakes by taking a human life. Hungry for revenge, the people call on famed werewolf hunter, Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), to help them kill the wolf. But Solomon’s arrival brings unintended consequences as he warns that the wolf, who takes human form by day, could be any one of them. As the death toll rises with each moon, Valerie begins to suspect that the werewolf could be someone she loves. Panic grips the town as Valerie discovers that she has a unique connection to the beast–one that inexorably draws them together, making her both suspect…and bait.
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Zack Snyder & Steve Shibuya
Story by Zack Snyder
Producers: Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder
Executive Producers: Thomas Tull, Wesley Coller, Jon Jashni, Chris deFaria, Jim Rowe, William Fay
Cast: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Oscar Isaac, Jon Hamm, Scott Glenn
Action Fantasy. Close your eyes. Open your mind. You will be unprepared. “Sucker Punch” is an epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what’s real and what is imaginary. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Emily Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls–the outspoken Rocket (Jena Malone), the street-smart Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), the fiercely loyal Amber (Jamie Chung) and the reluctant Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish)–to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors, Blue (Oscar Isaac), Madam Gorski (Carla Gugino) and the High Roller (Jon Hamm). Led by Babydoll, the girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with a virtual arsenal at their disposal. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive. But with the help of a Wise Man (Scott Glenn), their unbelievable journey–if they succeed–will set them free.
Director: David Lickley
Writer: Drew Fellman
Producer: Drew Fellman
Narrator: Morgan Freeman
Documentary Adventure. “Born to be Wild 3D” is an inspired story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them–saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, “Born to be Wild 3D” is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they and their teams rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild.
Directors: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Writer: Dan Fogelman
Producers: Steve Carell, Denise Di Novi
Executive Producers: David A. Siegel, Vance DeGeneres, Charlie Hartsock
Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Jonah Bobo John Carroll Lynch, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Analeigh Tipton, Josh Groban, Liza Lapira, Joey King
Comedy. At fortysomething, straight-laced Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the dream–good job, nice house, great kids and marriage to his high school sweetheart. But when Cal learns that his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), has cheated on him and wants a divorce, his “perfect” life quickly unravels. Worse, in today’s single world, Cal, who hasn’t dated in decades, stands out as the epitome of un-smooth. Now spending his free evenings sulking alone at a local bar, the hapless Cal is taken on as wingman and protege to handsome, thirtysomething player Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). In an effort to help Cal get over his wife and start living his life, Jacob opens Cal’s eyes to the many options before him: flirty women, manly drinks and a sense of style that can’t be found at Supercuts or The Gap. Cal and Emily aren’t the only ones looking for love in what might be all the wrong places: Cal’s 13-year-old son, Robbie, is crazy about his 17-year-old babysitter, Jessica, who harbors a crush on Cal. And despite Cal’s makeover and his many new conquests, the one thing that can’t be made over is his heart, which seems to keep leading him back to where he began.
Director: Todd Phillips
Writers: Scot Armstrong, Todd Phillips, Craig Mazin
Producers: Todd Phillips, Dan Goldberg
Executive Producers: Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, William Fay, Scott Budnick, Chris Bender, J.C. Spink
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike Tyson, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong
Comedy. In the follow-up to the record-breaking hit comedy “The Hangover,” Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu’s wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don’t always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can’t even be imagined.
SOMETHING BORROWED
In theaters on June 10
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Alcon Entertainment)
Director: Luke Greenfield
Writers: Jennie Urman and Jordan Roberts
Based on the novel Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
Producers: Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Molly Smith, Hilary Swank, Pamela Schein Murphy, Aaron Lubin
Executive Producer: Ellen H. Schwartz
Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, Steve Howey, John Krasinski
Romantic Comedy. Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a generous and loyal friend and, unhappily, still single…as her engaged best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson) is constantly reminding her. But after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she’s had a crush on since law school, Dex (Colin Egglesfield), who just happens to be Darcy’s fiancé. When Rachel and Darcy’s lifelong friendship collides with true love, it leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations. Meanwhile, Ethan (John Krasinski), who has been Rachel’s constant confidante and sometimes conscience, has been harboring a secret of his own, and Marcus (Steve Howey), an irrepressible womanizer, can’t keep his mind out of the gutter or his hands off any girl within reach.
GREEN LANTERN
In 3D and 2D in select theaters on June 17
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
Director: Martin Campbell
Writers: Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg
Story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim
Based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics
Producers: Donald De Line, Greg Berlanti
Executive Producers: Herbert W. Gains, Andrew Haas
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins, Temuera Morrison, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney
Action Adventure. In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on July 15
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
Director: David Yates
Writers: Steve Kloves
Based on the novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Producers: David Heyman, David Barron, J.K. Rowling
Executive Producer: Lionel Wigram
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Jason Isaacs, Alan Rickman, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright
Fantasy Adventure. In Part 2 of the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the Wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.
Director: Seth Gordon
Writers: Screenplay by Michael Markowitz and John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein
Story by Michael Markowitz
Producers: Brett Ratner, Jay Stern
Executive Producers: Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Michael Disco, Samuel J. Brown, Diana Pokorny
Cast: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland, Julie Bowen
Comedy. For Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day), the only thing that would make the daily grind more tolerable would be to grind their intolerable bosses (Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston) into dust. Quitting is not an option, so, with the benefit of a few-too-many drinks and some dubious advice from a hustling ex-con (Jamie Foxx), the three friends devise a convoluted and seemingly foolproof plan to rid themselves of their respective employers…permanently. There’s only one problem: even the best laid plans are only as foolproof as the brains behind them.
FINAL DESTINATION 5
In 3D and 2D in select theaters on August 26
(Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line)
Director: Steven Quale
Writer: Eric Heisserer
Producers: Craig Perry, Warren Zide
Executive Producers: Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Eric Holmberg, Richard Brener, Walter Hamada, Dave Neustadter
Cast: Emma Bell, Nicholas D’Agosto, Miles Fisher, Arlen Escarpeta, Jacqueline MacInnes-Wood, P.J. Byrne, Ellen Wroe, David Koechner, Courtney B. Vance, Tony Todd
Horror. Death makes a killing in the next installment in the horror series which once again proves that no matter where you run, no matter where you hide…you can’t cheat death.
THE APPARITION
In theaters on August 20
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Dark Castle)
Director: Todd Lincoln
Writers: Todd Lincoln and Carl Ellsworth
Producers: Joel Silver, Andrew Rona, Alex Heineman
Executive Producers: Steve Richards, Sue Baden-Powell, Daniel Alter
Cast: Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan, Tom Felton
Supernatural Thriller. When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence that was accidentally conjured during a university parapsychology experiment. The horrifying apparition feeds on their fear and torments them no matter where they try to run. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural (Tom Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force…
DOLPHIN TALE
In 3D and 2D in select theaters on October 7
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Alcon Entertainment)
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Writers: Karen Janszen, Noam Dromi, Charles Martin Smith and Jordan Roberts
Producers: Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Richard Ingber
Executive Producers: Robert Engelman, Steven P. Wegner
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, Nathan Gamble
Family Adventure. “Dolphin Tale” is inspired by the remarkable true story of a courageous dolphin named Winter and the compassionate people who banded together to save her life.
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Scott Burns
Producers: Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, Gregory S. Jacobs
Cast: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet
Thriller. “Contagion” follows the rapid progress of a lethal airborne virus that kills within days. As the fast-moving epidemic grows, the worldwide medical community races to find a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. At the same time, ordinary people struggle to survive in a society coming apart.
HAPPY FEET 2
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on November 18
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures)
Director: George Miller
Writer: George Miller
Producers: George Miller, Doug Mitchell
Cast: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, Hank Azaria, Matt Damon, Alecia Moore (Pink), EG Daily
Animated Adventure. The sequel to the Academy Award®-winning animated smash hit, “Happy Feet 2” returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica, reuniting us with the world’s most famous tap-dancing penguin, Mumble (Elijah Wood), the love of his life, Gloria (Alecia Moore {Pink}) and their old friends Ramon and Lovelace (Robin Williams). Mumble and Gloria now have a son of their own, Erik (EG Daily), who is struggling to find his own particular talents in the Emperor Penguin world. But new dangers are threatening the penguin nation, and it’s going to take everyone working–and dancing–together to save them.
SHERLOCK HOLMES II
In theaters on December 16
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures)
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Kieren Mulroney & Michele Mulroney
Producers: Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, Dan Lin
Executive Producer: Bruce Berman
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Eddie Marsan, Stephen Fry
Action Adventure Mystery. Guy Ritchie helms a new action-packed adventure, following the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.), and his longtime trusted associate, Dr. Watson (Jude Law), as they match wits with their arch-nemesis, the criminal genius Moriarty (Jared Harris).
JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX – Undated 2011
(Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line)
Director: Brad Peyton
Writers: Richard Outten and Mark Gunn & Brian Gunn
Producers: Beau Flynn & Tripp Vinson, Charlotte Huggins
Executive Producers: Michael Bostick, Evan Turner, Marcus Viscidi
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzman, Kristin Davis
Family Adventure. The follow-up to the 2008 hit. The new journey begins when young adventurer Sean (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist–a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. Unable to stop him from going, Sean’s new stepfather (Dwayne Johnson) joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.
Credits are not final and dates are subject to change.
“Choosing not to believe in the Devil won’t protect you from him.” Ok, that’s supremely creepy. Check out the new poster for Warner Bros. Pictures’ THE RITE. Has that whole Hannibal Lecter thing going for it.
Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, THE RITE follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith.
Directed by Mikael Håfström (“1408”), “The Rite” is a supernatural thriller that uncovers the devil’s reach to even one of the holiest places on Earth. Contrafilms’ Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) are producing the film. The screenplay was penned by Michael Petroni (upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”), inspired by the book by Matt Baglio. Christy Fletcher and Emma Parry are co-producing. Richard Brener, Merideth Finn and Robert Bernacchi serve as executive producers.
Hopkins stars as Father Lucas. An Oscar® winner for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs,” Hopkins’ impressive career includes “The Remains of the Day” and this year’s “The Wolfman,” as well as the upcoming comics-based film “Thor.”
Making his feature film debut, O’Donoghue stars as Michael Kovak, the disillusioned American seminary student.
Alice Braga plays the role of Angeline, a journalist in Rome doing research on exorcisms. Braga will next be seen this summer in “Predators.” Her additional credits include “I Am Legend” and “City of God.”
Ciarán Hinds portrays Father Xavier. Known for his role as Gaius Julius Caesar in HBO’s “Rome,” Hinds will soon be seen in the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” films.
Toby Jones plays the role of Father Matthew. Jones has appeared in such films as “Frost/Nixon,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “The Painted Veil” and will soon be seen in “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
Veteran actor Rutger Hauer takes on the role of Michael’s father, Istvan Kovak. Hauer’s career includes roles in “Blade Runner,” “The Hitcher,” “Sin City” and “Batman Begins.”
Håfström previously directed the John Cusack thriller “1408,” and “Derailed,” starring Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston. His most recent film, “Shanghai,” also starring John Cusack, will be in theaters later this year. His film “Evil,” which he wrote and directed, was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2004 Academy Awards® and won three Swedish Guldbagge Awards, including Best Film.
From New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, THE RITE will be in theatres on January 28, 2011. Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here, and follow it on Twitter here.
Calling all skeptics and believers of demonic possessions and exorcisms, the new trailer for THE RITE starring Anthony Hopkins is here. The trailer had its debut on Tuesday night during Spike-TV’s Scream 2010 by none other than Sir Tony himself.
It’s always that part about “Inspired by a true story” in a horror film that gives me the chills!
Inspired by true events, THE RITE follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith.
Directed by Mikael Håfström (“1408”), “The Rite” is a supernatural thriller that uncovers the devil’s reach to even one of the holiest places on Earth. Contrafilms’ Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) are producing the film. The screenplay was penned by Michael Petroni (upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”), inspired by the book by Matt Baglio. Christy Fletcher and Emma Parry are co-producing. Richard Brener, Merideth Finn and Robert Bernacchi serve as executive producers.
Hopkins stars as Father Lucas. An Oscar® winner for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs,” Hopkins’ impressive career includes “The Remains of the Day” and this year’s “The Wolfman,” as well as the upcoming comics-based film “Thor.”
Making his feature film debut, O’Donoghue stars as Michael Kovak, the disillusioned American seminary student.
Alice Braga plays the role of Angeline, a journalist in Rome doing research on exorcisms. Braga will next be seen this summer in “Predators.” Her additional credits include “I Am Legend” and “City of God.”
Ciarán Hinds portrays Father Xavier. Known for his role as Gaius Julius Caesar in HBO’s “Rome,” Hinds will soon be seen in the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” films.
Toby Jones plays the role of Father Matthew. Jones has appeared in such films as “Frost/Nixon,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “The Painted Veil” and will soon be seen in “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
Veteran actor Rutger Hauer takes on the role of Michael’s father, Istvan Kovak. Hauer’s career includes roles in “Blade Runner,” “The Hitcher,” “Sin City” and “Batman Begins.”
Håfström previously directed the John Cusack thriller “1408,” and “Derailed,” starring Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston. His most recent film, “Shanghai,” also starring John Cusack, will be in theaters later this year. His film “Evil,” which he wrote and directed, was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2004 Academy Awards® and won three Swedish Guldbagge Awards, including Best Film.
From New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, THE RITE will be in theatres on January 28, 2011. Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here, and follow it on Twitter here.
