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Thursday, November 26, 2009
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2003-06-16
, and all three movies bombed, to one degree or another. This and larger than expected drops for the rest of the holdovers led to a collapse at the box office. It was down more than 25% from last week, and nearly 25% from the same weekend last year.
As predicted, Finding Nemo returned to first place. However, the numbers were not quite as good as was predicted on Friday. $28.4 million was still an excellent box office, and beating Monsters Inc. record for Computer Animation film is definitely in sight.
2 Fast 2 Furious didn’t drop as far as I thought in the standings, but it dropped harder at the box office. Its plunge to $18.7 million was a whopping 63% drop from its first weekend. This could be the worst second week drop-off of a first place movie, ever. It beat recent examples like Cradle 2 the Grave (60.44%) and 8 Mile (62.25%).
Also earning a lower than predicted box office was, Bruce Almighty. However, it was two places higher on the charts than what I thought. This says more about the weak performances of the new movies than anything else.
On Friday I predicted The Rugrats Go Wild would be the lowest of the new movies, and it actually earned less at the box office than I predicted. However, with a box office of $11.6 million it was the highest wide opener of the week. It also had the best-reviews, but at only 43% it’s nothing to brag about.
Only able to grab half of what I predicted was, Hollywood Homicide at $11.1 million. For a movie that cost more than $100 million to make and advertise, this is nothing short of disaster. The next Indiana Jones movie can’t comes soon enough for Harrison Ford.
The last of the new movies to open wide was Dumb and Dumberer. With only $10.8 million in its first weekend, the pseudo-prequel wasn’t able to match the original’s opening and its reviews were much worse .
Submitted by: C.
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2003-06-13
open this week, it seems likely that a holdover will hold on for top place at the box office.
Returning to first place this week will be Finding Nemo. This fish tale has again held up remarkable well during the week and should only drop by about a third at the box office. $31 million would be an impressive third weekend total and leave the movie just a few million shy of $200 million.
Coming in second place should be Hollywood Homicide, but it could be a close race between it and the next two movies. The ad campaign for this movie is a bit of a puzzle, first it was advertised as a buddy cop action comedy, much like Lethal Weapon. Now it’s being advertised as a serious crime thriller. Chances are, that means the jokes didn’t work out, and the reviews tend to support that theory. With only 32% positive it is one of the worst reviews movies in Harrison Ford’s career. Look for $22 million opener and questionable legs.
Dropping all the way to third is 2 Fast 2 Furious. This movie had dropped every day of its release till the 1.1% gain in Thursday’s numbers. And it looks to drop massively on its second weekend. It was tracking roughly 35% below Finding Nemo by the end of the week, and that trend should continue into the weekend. Which leaves the movie at $20 million this week at the box office.
Next is the second release of the week, Dumb and Dumberer. Last week we had a pseudo-sequel open, now we have a pseudo-prequel. It has different actors, different director, different writers, different producers … and much worse reviews. Still, beating the original’s opening of $16 million should be the goal this weekend, but don’t expect this movie to have anywhere near the legs. $50 million total should be as good as it gets.
Right behind is Dumb and Dumber’s star Jim Carrey’s latest movie Bruce Almighty. How’s that for a forced segue. This movie is showing great legs and should earn another $15 million this weekend. That would put it over Batman Forever for second best Jim Carrey movie. And in probably just one more week it will cross the $200 million mark.
In sixth place is the last of the movies opening wide this weekend. The Rugrats Go Wild is a crossover effort with both Rugrats and Wild Thornberrys. And while the two previous Rugrats movies did well, they no longer have the following they once had. And the first Wild Thornberrys movie under-performed at the box office to the tune of only $6 million opening weekend. Good news is The Rugrats Go Wild is the best-reviewed new opener this week, but that’s not saying much. Look for $12 million opening weekend and the last of the theatrical releases for either franchise.
Submitted by: C.
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2003-06-11
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
American Wedding
Current Content: A rather large warning about the film’s content was added to the site.
Delgo
Current Content: This was the only new site on this list that wasn’t a placeholder site. And by that note, it wins the essential Weekly Website Award almost by default. But that is not to say it’s a bad site, far from it. The content is good, focusing more on images than text. There’s a very short synopsis, and equally short character bios, plus several photos. Each of the crew has a filmography and awards, plus several photos. There’s also a scrapbook, which is quite amusing. But the most unusual feature is the Digital Dailies where you get to look at the making of Delgo through some of the Dailies. Warning, some of these dailies are several megs long. And getting through them all could take days. The one complaint I have is about sound, or the lack of it. This is a silent site, which really detracts from the surfer’s enjoyment.
Dumb and Dumberer
Current Content: Just before its release into theatres, the site gets one more update. This time instructions on how to view the ‘glow in the dark’ site. Like most of the content that has been on the site, this update is simply a joke. In fact, there’s little on the site that isn’t a joke. There is no synopsis, no cast and crew bios, etc.
Elf
Current Content: Last week, just after I uploaded the Weekly Website Update, this site was updated. Not much, just a new trailer and such. But this week I check it out, and it’s back to the old site. It may switch back after I’ve posted this story.
Gigli
Current Content: Just the synopsis and cast and crew (no bios.)
Good Boy
Current Content: Another site that was released was just the bare bones, this time with only the synopsis and a teaser trailer. Although the dogs in the background a little something. More should be added at the release date nears.
Hollywood Homicide
Current Content: Despite being a major release from a major studio, this site doesn’t have a flash site just two days from its opening. There were some images added to the site, but that hardly makes up for the lack of flash.
The Hulk
Current Content: A new science section opened this week. It talks about Adrenaline, Gamma Radiation, Nanotechnology and DNA, all of which appear in the movie. It’s quite interesting to read, but hopefully isn’t necessary to watch the movie.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life
Current Content: New trailer is up, and so are the international sites.
Radio
Current Content: The third ‘teaser site’ opening this week. This one has just the trailer.
Rugrats Go Wild
Current Content: This site is obviously meant of kids, and it does a good job of creating an interactive environment for them to play with. There is also a lot of content, from synopsis, trailer and character info to a few games and downloads like wallpapers and screensavers.
Stuck on You
Current Content: Just the trailer. However, there is some sound and a short music clip.
Submitted by: C.
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2003-05-14
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
L’Auberge Espagnole
Current Content: No change from when I first reviewed it. A website is still marked coming soon, but since the movie opens this Friday, they don’t have a whole lot of time.
Battle of Shaker Heights
Current Content: Like all Miramax movie sites, this one has just the synopsis and cast and crew (no bios) and a trailer marked coming soon.
Casa de los Babys
Current Content: This site uses the same format as other films from IFC. The content is also similar with a synopsis, trailers, cast bios, and some behind the scene information.
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle
Current Content: The first of the animated adventures is up. More episodes will be shown as the release date comes closer.
Down with Love
Current Content: Three clips from the movie are available. They’re fun clips that fit well into the cheesy 60s feel of the rest of the site.
Dumb and Dumberer
Current Content: There’s a slashdot parody called slashdumb.
Freddy vs. Jason
Current Content: A trailer and a quiz have been added to the site.
The Last Samurai
Current Content: None, just the flash intro.
The Matrix Reloaded
Current Content: This is the only site I know that comes with schematics to help you navigate, and you need them. There are literally dozens of buttons, and none of them are marked. However, when you move your mouse over them, the Navigation Display does tell you what it does. Normally this focus on style at the detriment of ease of use would irritate me to no end. However in this case, once I got used to the interface it added to the overall atmosphere. As for the actual content, there’s a lot. 10 different trailers / TV spots, dozens of images, cast and crew bios, posters, wallpapers, etc. Then there are the more unusual aspects, like the 360 degree Quicktime VRs. When you add in all the content from the first movie and other Matrix sources (comic books, anime, video games, etc.) you could surf this site for days. And it’s the combination of style and content that lets this site win the immutable Weekly Website Award.
Pokemon Heroes
Current Content: Like most Miramax films, this site lacks any real content. It does at least look different, but there’s only a trailer and synopsis to keep the surfer interested.
The Punisher
Current Content: None, just a placeholder site. But it does say when the site will launch, June 20th.
Rugrats for Wild
Current Content: Three more Rugrat adults are added to the Spike search game, as are some e-collectibles. However, you have to log into Nick.com to get them.
The Sea
Current Content: This site just has the bare bones, trailer, synopsis and cast and crew (no bios.)
Sinbad - Legend of the Seven Seas
Current Content: A new flash intro was added to the falsh site.
Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over
Current Content: Just the trailer and a section on the 3-D aspect / synopsis of the movie.
Sweet Sixteen
Current Content: No changes since I last reviewed the site.
Submitted by: C.
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2003-05-07
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. It’s been a slow week, no new site really jumped out at me and none of the old sites added enough content to warrant the award. But after reviewing each site once more, I was able to come to a decision. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
Alex and Emma
Current Content: The original placeholder site has been replaced by another placeholder site, with the promise of a flash site to be launched soon. All the previous content is still there (synopsis, trailer, and photo gallery) and there is a poster and some wallpapers in the download section. Screen savers, buddy icons and a short story contest are all marked coming soon.
Cabin Fever
Current Content: So far the only content is synopsis and the teaser trailer. There’s a cast list, but that just links to IMDb. The movie isn’t released for four months, so there’s plenty of time for content to be added. Although right now only Images are marked coming soon.
Daddy Day Care
Current Content: No changes since the last review.
Down With Love
Current Content: The two interactive sections are up. The first section has quizzes and poll (both with one for men and one for women), and Catcher Block’s Bachelor Pad for men to test the Casanova power.
Dumb and Dumberer
Current Content: Some more features were added, including a pop quiz and bunch of trailers to watch. And they mean the kind you pull with your car. There’s also the official trailer offered in several sizes, including the smallest resolution I’ve ever seen.
Freaky Friday
Current Content: This remake doesn’t open in the theatres until August 8th, so the limited content is not surprising. Right now the only content is synopsis, trailer and the poster.
Freddy vs. Jason
Current Content: Right now this site has almost none of the usual features. No synopsis, no trailer, no cast and crew. There are quite a few images, including wallpapers and a poster. There are background sounds that are a little moody, but too short. You can also vote for who you think would win in their duel to the death.
Godsend
Current Content: None. Just a notice saying the site is under construction.
The League
Current Content: The full trailer is up, not just the teaser trailer.
Man on the Train
Current Content: A simple site with a synopsis, trailer, cast and crew bios, and some quotes from critics. There’s very little animation and no sound, which offers little to keep surfers interested.
Rugrats Go Wild
Current Content: Three adults from the Rugrats tribe are added to the Spike Search Game. Also the game, Undersea Adventure is now available.
The Trip
Current Content: This site focuses more on behind the scenes than most sites do. In addition to the usual, there are sections on the origins of the story, the locations, production design, etc. And while the transitions are good, the lack of sound is a distraction.
Wrong Turn
Current Content: This is the first site I’ve seen with a warning for parental supervision. But unless they plan to add a lot more, this has more to do with marketing than with actual content. What content they do have (synopsis, cast and crew bios, image gallery) is well done and the transitions between sections are very good. The slashing animation and sound add to the overall experience. Speaking of sound, once again the background sound is a little short, but it does enhance the surfers’ experience. It is this weeks winner of the indecisive Weekly Website Award.
Submitted by: C.
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2003-04-23
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
City of Ghosts
Current Content: Nothing new since I last reviewed it. Movie clips are still marked coming soon.
Confidence
Current Content: For a movie that promises a lot of style, the website was a little tame. It hit all the right notes, (synopsis, trailer, cast and crew bios) but it didn’t have the pizzazz I was hoping for. Some of the extras include wallpapers, screensavers and a game.
A Decade Under the Influence
Current Content: The film is a documentary about the influences in American cinema during the 70s. This site focuses on biographical information of both the interviewers and the interviewees, but the usual synopsis and trailer are there. My favorite feature is the very extensive timeline of the 70s. The way they put together the image gallery is also very well done. It is an excellent mixture of style and substance.
Dumb and Dumberer
Current Content: A new button was added that’s marked do not press. When you do you hear a clip from the movie. It’s the same clip every time you press, so there’s no need to press it more than once. Hopefully, there will be more clips added as the release date nears.
Identity
Current Content: Easily the best atmosphere for a site this week, perhaps the best atmosphere for any site I’ve reviewed. It’s very had to describe, no description would really give it justice. You just have to check it out for yourself.
The In-Laws
Current Content: Just a little bit new this week. In the downloads section there’s a new screensaver, and the song list for the soundtrack is available. Unfortunately, only the one song is available to listen to.
It Runs in the Family
Current Content: A good site that focuses on the family members and the actors that play them. Not only is there text, but there are audio and video clips for each character. Excellent information that is probably destined for a feature packed DVD section. There is also synopsis, trailer, wallpapers, etc.
Jeepers Creepers 2
Current Content: This week the trailer and some background music were added. The background music is creepy, but a little short to be effective.
The League
Current Content: The name has been shortened from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen to just The League to coincide with the launch of the new website. While the site does contain the usual synopsis and trailer, the heart of the site are the vast character bios. Each of the 7 characters in The League have their own section complete with an introduction, why there were chosen, wallpaper and AIM Icons to download, Image Gallery and an E-Card. And there is more marked coming soon. The background music is effective, but not particularly noteworthy. Overall an excellent site.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
Current Content: The first 5 days of Lizzie’s Diary have been added to the site.
Manic
Current Content: The interactive character bios that make up the heart of this site are very well done, very intriguing. There is good use of sound and music throughout the site. There is plenty of multimedia including a trailer, movie clips and interviews with the director. Written information includes cast and crew bios, and production notes.
Mondays in the Sun
Current Content: This website has almost as much information on the director and the producer than it does on the film itself. The synopsis and character bios are joined by bios of and interviews with the director and the producer. There is also a few storyboard pictures and some information on the music that plays in the background of the site. There’s an extensive list of the cast and crew, but none have bios except the two mentioned above.
The Real Cancun
Current Content: This site spends most of its time on introducing the participants, cause there’s really nothing else to talk about. There’s your usual synopsis, trailer, and clips, lot of clips. But unless you’re already psyched to see this movie, the website does little to persuade you.
Respiro
Current Content: A very unusual style to this website. The content scrolls continuously past, first the synopsis, then a biography of the director and then a statement from him. Next is a biography of the lead actress, Valeria Golino, then an image gallery and the poster. The final section is for the trailer, which is not available at this time. The unique and engaging way this site was put together is definitely worth checking put.
Rugrats Go Wild
Current Content: Starts with you helping Spike find the lost kids, which should keep the kids entertained. The site also has a synopsis, the teaser trailer and the Rugrat kids’ character bios, but most of the rest is marked coming soon. There are some jungle sounds for the background, but the loop is far too short and repetitive.
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas
Current Content: Not a lot of content, but the movie doesn’t open for another 2 months. So far there is just the synopsis, character bios and a create your own wallpaper. But a trailer is marked coming soon.
Submitted by:
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