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Remake News: Cliffhanger, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Navigator and More

Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger: The 1993 action thriller is the latest Sylvester Stallone project to get a new life. The only difference is that Sly won’t be in this production. In the Renny Harlin-directed version, a mountain rescue worker is forced to help criminals retrieve money stolen from a U.S. Treasure plane. The reboot will reportedly involve a group of climbers and multiple locations. Shooting is expected to begin sometime next year.

Click to continue reading Remake News: Cliffhanger, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Navigator and More

Read More | Variety

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Box Office Breakdown: Narrow Victory for Angels & Demons

Angels & Demons

was never as popular as The Da Vinci Code...and its big screen numbers reflected that.

Despite huge success with the overseas box office this weekend (the movie had the 10th best international open ever), the latest Ron Howard/Tom Hanks collaboration barely struck gold domestically. Over the last three days, Angels grossed $46.2 million—just enough for first place. Unfortunately, the Dan Brown adaptation only earned $3 million more than last week’s champ and over $30 million less than the previous installment.

, in the meantime, continued on its warp speed pace. The second place finisher pulled in another $43 million and put itself within $3 million of Wolverine‘s overall total. (The Hugh Jackman film, this week’s #3, had a 7-day head start on the sci fi adventure.)

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Read More | Variety

Box Office Breakdown:  Star Trek Beams Its Way to #1

Zachary Quinto in Star Trek

Based on these numbers, a sequel would seem like the logical response.

After a five-month delay, the highly-anticipated J.J. Abrams feature finally unspooled to an eager crowd. And though it didn’t outearn last weekend’s office champ, the science fiction adventure appeared to be in a galaxy far, far away.

Since it’s debut late Thursday night, Trek grossed approximately $79.2 million. (That’s nearly $3 million more than was estimated a day ago, but still $6 million less than Wolverine‘s premiere.) Around $8 million of Paramount’s haul came from IMAX ticket sales alone. (That figure bests the $6.2 million raked in by The Dark Knight last year.)

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Read More | Variety

Box Office Breakdown: Wolverine Claws Its Way to the Top

Wolverine

Despite a growing list of hurdles (leaked footage, swine flu, mediocre reviews), proved it was a force to be reckoned with last weekend. Although it failed to surpass X-Men: The Last Stand (that 2006 entry debuted at $122.9 million), the Fox feature trounced the competition with an $85.1 million open. In other words, Wolverine earned over $20 million more than the other Top Ten entries…combined.

Sitting far back in second place was , Matthew McConaughey’s attempt to bring a little muscle into the box office. The romantic comedy, costarring Jennifer Garner, grossed $15.4 million on the weekend before Mother’s Day. (That’s less than a million more than what Made of Honor pulled in at this same time last year.) Meanwhile, last Friday’s only other wide release, Battle for Terra, raked in a disappointing $1.1 million for a 12th place finish.

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Read More | Variety

Transformers 3 a Sure Thing

Transformers 2

**UPDATE: Michael Bay now claims the movie will come out in 2012, not 2011.**

Transformers 3 has been given a release date and officially put on a time table - the robotic movie will be coming to a theater near you on July 1, 2011. According to reports, however, that’s the only thing that’s official.

So far, Paramount and DreamWorks have nothing on paper with director Michael Bay or leading man and lady and Megan Fox. They haven’t even hired a scriptwriter. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the second installment to the franchise, will be released on June 24, 2009.

Read More | Variety

Fey, Downey and Stiller All Circling Master Mind

Robert Downey Jr.Tina FeyBen Stiller

Two of 2008’s hottest actors may be collaborating on one of DreamWorks’ funniest projects yet.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar-nominee and Emmy winner Tina Fey are currently in talks for Master Mind. Ben Stiller, Robert’s Tropic Thunder costar, is reportedly in discussions for a part as well.

The comedy - from the studio’s animated division - will put a spin on your typical superhero films. Mind will focus on a villain who is need of a purpose after accidentally offing his main archenemy.

Master Mind is scheduled for a November 5, 2010 release.

Read More | The Hollywood Reporter

Kung Fu Panda Released with Companion Piece

Kung Fu PandaThe upcoming home video release of will break against two long-standing traditions.

Those planning to buy either the DVD or Blu-ray version of the Dreamworks hit have the opportunity to get a brand new companion piece as well. While it’s not a surprise to see direct-to-video sequels of an animated film, those creations are typically produced at a later time. A purchase of the “Pandamonium Double Pack” will give fans an extra disc titled “Secrets of the Furious Five.” This feature will expand on the characters’ backgrounds and will also include the voices of and Dustin Hoffman.

Although Tuesdays are typically reserved for new releases, Paramount Home Entertainment will release this two-disc set (and a single-disc version) on Sunday, November 9th.

Read More |

Hollywood Reporter


Sequel News: Hairspray, Anchorman, School of Rock

Hairspray

Here’s the latest scoop on the sequel buzz spreading across Hollywood:

The film that inspired a Broadway show and an update may soon spawn another creation: a sequel. New Line Cinema, obviously encouraged by the success of the High School Musical franchise (and last week’s debut of Mamma Mia!), has asked John Waters to begin writing a treatment for a follow to .

According to Variety, the studio hopes to reunite members of last year’s cast in time for a 2010 release. The story would again be set in the 60’s, just where the Turnblad family left off.

While no actors have yet been lined up, most of the musical’s key players - including director/choreography - are scheduled to return.

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Variety


Box Office Breakdown: Kung Fu Panda Fights Off Competition

Kung Fu Panda

Theatergoers in need of more family-friendly fare pushed to the top of the charts this past weekend. The comedy - and its $60.2 million take - was the third best animated opener for DreamWorks Animation (behind the first two Shrek films) and the 8th of all time (just ahead of Cars). Panda was also the first time a Jack Black film debuted at #1.

Meanwhile, another laugher was raking in impressive numbers of its own. - the latest production from Adam Sandler - grossed $38.5 million to take second place. Zohan‘s total falls in line with the rest of Sandler’s films from the past 10 years. Since 1998, the actor’s comedic projects have all seen $30+ million opens. (Last year’s I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry took in $34.2 million.)

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Variety


Warner Titles Go Blu-ray

Warner Home Video - the last major studio to spread the love between both and - has finally chosen to consolidate.  Unfortunately, its a decision owners of the Toshiba system aren’t going to like.  As of May 2008, high definition titles released by the company will be Blu-ray exclusive.

This a major blow for the HD DVD camp which is now fighting a lopsided battle.  Although (with Dreamworks) announced back in August that it was joining the underdog’s team, it is now only one of two major studios ( being the other) on that side of the fence.  Meanwhile, owners of the Sony product have selections from , , and to choose from.

Although Toshiba claimed to be ‘surprised’ by the announcement, Warner says its decision was simply based on consumer demand.  cited this same reason when it Blu-ray only back in June.

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Hollywood Reporter


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