Latest Movie News From Moviefone |
- Doris Roberts, 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star, Dies at 90
- J.K. Rowling Loved 'Fantastic Beasts,' Obviously
- Golden Globes Set 2017 Date, Announce New Category Rules
- Stana Katic Is Leaving 'Castle,' Won't Return for Season 9
- Love Is Illegal for Kristen Stewart and Nicholas Hoult in Dystopian 'Equals' Trailer
- Lena Headey: 'Game of Thrones' Fans Complained 'Because I Didn't Get My Tits Out'
- 'Once Upon a Time' Fans Have Strong Feelings About That LGBT Storyline
- What's New on Netflix, TV, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: April 18-24
- The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Dog Apology Video Is Beyond Awkward
- Cheryl Burke Hated 'Dancing' With Ian Ziering But Apologizes for Suicide Reference
- 23 Great Movies We Wish Were on Netflix
- J.J. Abrams Clears Up Confusion on Rey's Parents, Creates More Confusion
- 5 Reasons Why 'Jungle Book' Roared to the Top of the Box Office
| Doris Roberts, 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star, Dies at 90 Posted:  Doris Roberts, who played Ray Ramano's mother on "Everybody Loves Raymond," has died. She was 90.TMZ was the first to report the news Monday, writing that Roberts died Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles. Her cause of death has not yet been revealed. Though Roberts starred in movies like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "Madea's Witness Protection," she was best known for her television work. In her lifetime, Roberts won four Emmy awards for her work on "Everybody Loves Raymond" and one for "St. Elsewhere." Roberts continued working until very close to her death, with her last credit being "The Red Maple Leaf," slated for a 2016 release. [Source: TMZ] This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| J.K. Rowling Loved 'Fantastic Beasts,' Obviously Posted:  We're still seven long months away from the release date of "Harry Potter" prequel "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," but according to "Potter" author and "Beasts" screenwriter J.K. Rowling, the wait will be well worth it.Rowling, who made her screenwriting debut on the hotly-anticipated flick, caught an advance screening of the film on Thursday, and her succinct review was nothing short of a rave. (No parsletongue required, though a fluency in emoji is helpful.) The writer took to Twitter to express her admiration for the film, and her heart-filled missive really speaks for itself.
"Fantastic Beasts" follows the adventures of the young Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a British wizard traveling the globe collecting magical creatures for his textbook, "Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them," which is used by Hogwarts students in the "Potter" series. But before that big break, Newt was just a bumbling budding magizoologist who wound up in 1920s New York -- and wound up accidentally setting free some of his findings on the unsuspecting From what we've seen so far, the flick looks to be every bit as magical as the "Potter" movies, and with Rowling's direct involvement -- and now, her positive review -- we're confident that diehard Potterheads will be satisfied. Now if only we had access to Hermione's time-turner so we could see it sooner ourselves. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" hits theaters on November 18. [via: J.K. Rowling] Photo credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Golden Globes Set 2017 Date, Announce New Category Rules Posted:  The 2017 Golden Globes have an official airdate, and with it, a revised set of rules that aim to clarify confusion over the drama and comedy categories, among other issues.First up, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has pegged January 8, 2017 as the date for the 74th Golden Globes ceremony. Next year's event will be the first under the scrutiny of a new slate of rules, among them those that will attempt to cut down on so-called "category fraud" when it comes to submitting films for awards. The most famous recent example of such was Ridley Scott's "The Martian," which was submitted in -- and won the statuette for -- the Best Comedy or Musical category in 2016. Star Matt Damon also took home the trophy for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical, and quipped about the odd category classification in his acceptance speech. But under the new HFPA guidelines, such a scenario would be less likely to play out. The new rules state that "motion pictures shall be entered in the category that best matches the overall tone and content of the motion picture. Thus, for example, dramas with comedic overtones should be entered as dramas." The organization will then determine whether or not to accept studios' category submissions, and if it decides to change a film's classification, it must secure 2/3 majority membership vote do so. Studios and publicists are also prohibited from lobbying the HFPA over category designations. In addition to those rules, the HFPA is also putting more scrutiny on itself, now prohibiting members from "attend[ing] events (including parties, receptions, lunches and dinners and similar events) at which Golden Globe nominees are present. HFPA members may continue to attend screenings and press conferences available to comparable members of the media at which nominees are present, but may not solicit individual press opportunities with nominees during this period." The HFPA has long been chastised for allegedly offering awards to studios and nominees who successfully wine and dine its membership; these changes appear to be aimed at amending that criticism, and the Globes' credibility along with it. The 74th annual Golden Globes ceremony will air on NBC on January 8, 2017 at 8 p.m. No host has been announced yet. [via: The Hollywood Reporter] Photo credit: Getty Images This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Stana Katic Is Leaving 'Castle,' Won't Return for Season 9 Posted:  "Castle" is losing its female lead: Stana Katic, who plays detective Kate Beckett, won't be back for the next season of the show.Deadline reports that ABC, in an effort to shake up the veteran drama, has not renewed Katic's contract for a potential ninth season. Nathan Fillion, who plays titular star Rick Castle, is currently in negotiations to reprise his role. In addition to Katic's departure, ABC has also let go of fellow original cast member Tamala Jones, who played medical examiner Lanie Parish. Though "Castle" has not yet been renewed for season nine, ABC confirmed to Deadline that neither Katic nor Jones would be part of the series should it move forward. It's not uncommon for long-running series often shed original stars over the years. But what makes this situation so odd is that Katic was a co-lead along with Fillion, and it seems that neither she nor Jones is leaving voluntarily. According to Deadline, budgetary concerns were behind the actresses' dismissals, and a potential season nine would have a limited run of 13 episodes to accommodate for additional monetary constraints. (ABC declined to comment on the nature of season nine, pending a renewal decision.) According to Deadline, "Katic would not comment on the circumstances surrounding her exit," though she did release a statement to the trade. "Rather [than] distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I'm very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show," Katic's statement said. "Thank you to the fans." Jones also released a statement to Deadline, saying, "I've had so much fun playing the wonderful and unfiltered Lanie over the past eight seasons. I will greatly miss the cast and crew – it's been a privilege getting to work with this incredibly hard working group of people. Thank you to ABC for this opportunity and to the fans for their unwavering support. It's been an incredible journey and I can't wait for what lies ahead!" Season eight of "Castle" ends its run in May. [via: Deadline] Photo credit: ABC/Bob D'Amico This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Love Is Illegal for Kristen Stewart and Nicholas Hoult in Dystopian 'Equals' Trailer Posted:  The first official trailer for "Equals" is here, and with it are the inevitable comments that Kristen Stewart was the perfect choice to play a character with no emotion. Give Bella a break already!Displays of feeling, like love, are not allowed in the world of "Equals," which makes life tough for the characters played by Stewart and Nicholas Hoult. The two-minute trailer is set in a futuristic world of pure white austerity. Any emotions are supposed to be reported, but someone apparently committed suicide ("our first jumper in a while"), which certainly hints to strong feelings on their part. Hoult and Stewart begin to gaze longingly at each other and almost touch hands, leading to more (and more dangerous) physical contact. Yes, you can find versions of this story in past films like "THX 1138," "The Island," "Equilibrium," "The Giver," and maybe even "Gattaca," but this one has its own take, and its own attractive young leads. Back in January 2014, Stewart described this movie as "a love story of epic, epic, epic proportion," adding, "In 'Equals,' things go wrong because you can't deny the humanity in everyone... It's the most devastating story." "Equals," directed by Drake Doremus, will be released in July. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Lena Headey: 'Game of Thrones' Fans Complained 'Because I Didn't Get My Tits Out' Posted:
Read the full interview for more from her. She shouldn't have to defend using a double, most actors don't even acknowledge them. And GoT has so much female nudity vs. male, the last thing we need is a woman being shamed for not showing more of her naked body. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Once Upon a Time' Fans Have Strong Feelings About That LGBT Storyline Posted:  "Once Upon a Time" fans are known for being passionate, but not known for agreeing on what they're passionate about. Many of those fans came out (no pun intended) last night after "Ruby Slippers" to weigh in on the big LGBT reveal.Showrunners Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis had previously teased that Season 5 would feature the first LGBT couple, and that naturally led to speculation that Mulan (Jamie Chung) would be involved, since she had been in love with Aurora. Mulan was in the episode, but the relationship turned out to be between Ruby/Red (Meghan Ory) and Dorothy Gale (Teri Reeves), and Ruby even saved Dorothy with true love's kiss.
The showrunners commented on the reveal after the episode, telling Entertainment Weekly, "True love's kiss has been a staple of this show since the beginning. This past Sunday's episode was just another example of how in a fairy tale, as in life, love is love." The reactions -- some positive, many negative -- have been strong across Twitter and comments sections. EW's interview with the showrunners has earned more than 463 comments so far, many of them from disappointed fans, although they are not all disappointed for the same reasons.  Here are some reactions:From Entertainment Weekly comments: • This was the saddest excuse for representation I've ever seen in my life • It was horrible. They've known each other for five minutes and they share a True Love's Kiss? It's so rushed and forced. And now we'll never hear from them again. This is not representation at all. They could have done so much better. I'm so upset. KEEP YOUR TOKENS • Whoa...really lame. All those fans who wanted Mulan to find happiness....NOPE. Plus Ruby was with nothing but guys S1-2 • I'm not surprised because they cave into the vocal minority a lot instead of handling things with dignity and consideration for all types of their fanbase. No, it's always pissed off the Disney fans because we don't want to look like bigots. I think there is a way to handle these problems, but not how they've been handling them. • I didn't think it was possible, but they somehow managed to piss off -all- the viewers with this episode. On one hand you have the head in the sand types that refuse to admit that gay people exist and that they deserve to be shown on TV as well. On the other, you have the gay people that have been looking forward to a gay relationship on OUaT be given gay relationship with no buildup, using C- list characters for it (C list characters, not actors. They did what they could with the script they were given) in a way that had no impact on anything and will not be seen again beyond, possibly, a two second shot in the finale. And then you have the neutral party who really don't mind gay people on TV or OUaT, who genuinely watch it for the plot, get an episode that ultimately adds up to a big, fat nothing. • they didn't piss off sane people who are neither homophobic or define themselves by their sexuality. • It should have been Ruby/Mulan. We knew and loved those characters and were invested in a wanting a happy ending for them. Who cares about Dorothy? She and Ruby knew each other for, what, one day? And they're able to have a TLK?? That's just ridiculous. At least Ruby & Mulan had been traveling around together for awhile and actually KNEW each other. I'm utterly disappointed & underwhelmed. From TVLine's comments: • Statistically speaking, it was braver of them to do a lesbian relationship (Not that I'd call this a relationship) since out of all LGBT people on TV, roughly 30% of them are women. • I agree. But they took 2 characters, one (Red) that is barely on and one (Dorothy) that we have only seen a few times and paired them up. The LGBT question has been going on with OUaT for several seasons and they kept putting it off and putting it off, and finally they said they were going to do it and then this is what we get. Although it was something, it wasn't enough. It came off like a token relationship. I highly doubt we will see them for awhile. It was something, and that's nice, but it just wasn't enough to get excited about. It's good and bad. If this was 15 years ago, maybe 10, then this would have been huge, so in that way it's good how TV has evolved, but now it comes off as a token relationship, so it comes off not so great. • Oh, I quite agree. This was a horrible attempt at "representation" and they gained absolutely nothing from it. The homophobes hated it because it was a same sex kiss, the neutrals hated it because it offered nothing to the general plot and the LGBT viewers hated it because it was a poor attempt at going "Oh, look at us! We included two women who kissed. That should pay you back for ignoring your existence for five years, right?" It was poorly written, poorly executed and just poorly done in general. Zero buildup. "They... uh... they love each other I guess? Throw in a kiss to prove it." I can honestly say that no representation would have been better than this. (I should note that this is directed at the people behind the camera. The people on screen got a script and did their best with it) • What makes all of this worse is that...... I think we all know that we won't see Ruby Slippers again ever. And IF we do? It will be like once a season. That's hardly representation. This is the writers 'shutting up' the LGBT fans, but in reality. This is only pissing us/them off even more for the poor writing. • I was very surprised and I'm actually kind of proud? Like, finally. But I still hope Mulan gets her happy ending. Jamie Chung is a busy lady, but her character really needs some lovin'. • I've always enjoyed Red and it's nice to see her so happy. I enjoyed the episode it had a lot of good moments and that kiss at the end was perfect, so many couples in this show have fallen in love during their first or on an adventure that I'm glad the shows first LGBT stayed true to that crafting its own fairy tale couple with them , I'd like to see more Ruby and Dorthy. I loved the Ruby/Snow scenes and I hope Mulan gets a chance to find love too • Agreed. I thought they were showing signs early in the episode that Ruby and Dorothy were into each other, so I was happy to hear it confirmed when Ruby told Mulan she was in love with her. I agree in thinking that Disney might have had a hand in it being Ruby and Dorothy as the first LGBT couple on the show because the original stories never delve into their love lifes. I wanna see more of Ruby Slippers and yes I want Mulan to find love too whether with Aurora or maybe Merida if they bring her back From Twitter:
At least fans still care enough to ask for more/better when it comes to OUAT, instead of just tuning out. And it's clear there's no way for the showrunners to please everyone, with so many diverging opinions. But we'll have to see how they move forward from here. Do you hope we see more of Ruby and Dorothy in the future? Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| What's New on Netflix, TV, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: April 18-24 Posted:  At a loss for what to watch this week? From new DVDs and Blu-rays, to what's new on Netflix and TV, we've got you covered.New on DVD and Blu-ray "The Revenant" Leo's ready to come home with you this week. Leonardo DiCaprio had a bear of a time making this historical drama, but he won his first Oscar for it, and Alejandro Inarritu won his second in a row for directing. "The Revenant," which also picked up an Oscar for Cinematography, is finally out on DVD/Blu-ray on April 19. Blu-ray extras include "A World Unseen," a documentary of "The Revenant." "The Lady in the Van" Maggie Smith plays Miss Shepherd in this British dramedy based on the true story of an eccentric elderly woman who "temporarily" parks her van in Alan Bennett's driveway and proceeds to live there for 15 years. The critically acclaimed film, based on Bennett's memoir, has a 93 percent fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes. You can catch it on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD on April 19. The Blu-ray and DVD include "Playing The Lady: Maggie Smith as Miss Shepherd," "The Making of The Lady in the Van," a featurette on the visual effects, deleted scenes, and commentary with director Nicholas Hytner. Check out this exclusive behind-the-scenes clip with Maggie Smith talking about adapting the story from stage to screen: "And Then There Were None" Lietime's adaptation of the renowned Agatha Christie mystery arrives on DVD/Blu-ray on April 19. Ten strangers -- played by Aidan Turner, Charles Dance, Anna Maxwell Martin, Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson, Douglas Booth, Maeve Dermody, Burn Gorman, Toby Stephens, and Noah Taylor -- are invited to a dinner party on an isolated island, then the guests start dying, one by one. Not a great night out! The two discs include the three-part series; plus a bonus behind-the-scenes featurette; a featurette about Agatha Christie; and an interview with writer Sarah Phelps. "Veep" Season 4  Selina Meyer (Emmy winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus) unexpectedly became president in the hilarious fourth season of HBO's political satire. Will she stay POTUS in Season 5, which starts April 24, after "Game of Thrones" and "Silicon Valley"? We'll find out. Catch up on all the antics from Selina's staff -- including Emmy winner Tony Hale as Gary, and Hugh Laurie as superstar would-be-veep Tom James -- when Season 4 arrives on DVD/Blu-ray April 19.TV Worth Watching "Game of Thrones" Season 6 (Sunday on HBO at 9 p.m.)  OK, Jon Snow is dead. But will he STAY dead? Find out April 24 in the Season 6 premiere, "The Red Woman," which is said to be filled with shocks, even for hardcore fans who have been busy speculating about what will happen."The Night Manager" (Tuesday on AMC at 10 p.m.) AMC isn't just here for "The Walking Dead" and "Breaking Bad" spinoffs (although it'll come up with a few more in a minute), it's also airing this six-part miniseries starting April 19. Tom Hiddleston stars as a former British soldier recruited by an intelligence operative (Olivia Colman) and tasked with infiltrating Whitehall and Washington, D.C. He tries to work his way into the inner circle of an arms dealer (Hugh Laurie), the dealer's girlfriend (Elizabeth Debicki), and an associate (Tom Hollander). It's based on the novel by John le Carré, but updated to current times. Here's the trailer: "Containment" (Tuesday on The CW at 9 p.m.) The CW is debuting a brand new series April 19, based on the Belgian TV series "Cordon." One of the executive producers is Julie Plec, co-creator of "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals," and she wrote this night's pilot episode, which was directed by David Nutter, who just picked up an Emmy for directing last year's "Game of Thrones" finale. What's "Containment" about? According to The CW, "When a mysterious and deadly epidemic breaks out in Atlanta, a vast urban quarantine is quickly enforced, forcing those stuck on the inside to fight for their lives while local and federal officials desperately search for a cure." (Like on "The Walking Dead"?) "Time Traveling Bong" (Wednesday on Comedy Central at 10:30 p.m.) Yas, queen! Ilana Glazer of "Broad City" (which will air a new episode right before this premiere) co-created and stars in this three episode miniseries, starting on April 20. (Perfect timing, no?) Illana is Sharee and Paul W. Downs plays her cousin Jeff. They discover a water bong that can be used to travel through time so, after visiting some points in the past -- during which said bong is destroyed -- they have to try and find a way to return to the present. New on Netflix "Minions"  The Minions are coming! Tell your kids they can stream the little yellow guys on Netflix, starting April 24."Catching The Sun" This 2015 documentary on the global race to lead the clean energy movement will be available April 22. According to the official site, "Over the course of a solar jobs training program, Catching the Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry. With countries like China investing in innovative technologies and capitalizing on this trillion-dollar opportunity, Catching the Sun tells the story of the global energy transition from the perspective of workers and entrepreneurs building solutions to income inequality and climate change with their own hands." The doc has a "must-see" endorsement from actor/activist Mark Ruffalo. Here's the trailer: "Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping" Patton Oswalt is the latest comedian to get a stand-up showcase on Netflix. Catch his special on April 22. New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital Only "Deadbeat" (Hulu)  The third season of this supernatural Hulu comedy premieres on April 20, and yes they did it in honor of weed. Here's the synopsis for Season 3: Kevin "Pac" Pacalioglu (Tyler Labine) is a lazy, overweight slacker who can see ghosts. Needing to make a fresh start after losing both his ghost girlfriend and best friend/drug dealer, Pac moves into the apartment of "stoner entrepreneur" Clyde Shapiro (Kal Penn), an equally aimless Brooklynite who Pac meets in jail. When Clyde learns about how Pac is able to help send ghosts into the Light by resolving their unfinished issues, he excitedly offers to help Pac monetize his gift by going into business with him."The Choice" Nicholas Sparks's latest romantic swoon-fest -- starring Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer and Maggie Grace -- is available on Digital HD April 19 and Blu-ray/DVD on May 3. Special features include deleted scenes, audio commentary with director Ross Katz and Benamin Walker; Molly & Moby: Choice Dogs; and the featurettes, "Cinematic Choices: Making The Choice," "Choosing Home: Nicholas Sparks and North Carolina," and "Nicholas Sparks with..." "A Royal Night Out" This reverse Cinderella story, inspired by true events, is being released on Digital HD on April 19, two days before Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday. "A Royal Night Out" follows the celebration of the end of WWII in Europe, as Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret leave the confines of Buckingham Palace to venture out into London in an attempt to be "normal." The charming drama stars Emily Watson, Rupert Everett, Sarah Gadon, and and Bel Powley, whose role in this film earned her the Hamptons International Film Festival award for "Breakthrough Performer." "Paradox" Zoë Bell and Malik Yoba stars in this action/thriller, out in theaters April 25 and on VOD and iTunes April 19. A group of young scientists, working on a secret project that may allow them to travel ahead in time, test it by sending one of their own ahead one hour. He returns pleading with them to shut it down, explaining that within that hour, they will all die. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Dog Apology Video Is Beyond Awkward Posted:
Well, now the Internet is declaring this a hostage video:
But duly noted -- from now on, we won't try to smuggle our dogs into Australia while our A-list husbands are playing Captain Jack Sparrow. Good tip! Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Cheryl Burke Hated 'Dancing' With Ian Ziering But Apologizes for Suicide Reference Posted:
For THAT she apologizes. But her distaste for Ian Ziering, after 18 seasons on DWTS and two trophies? That stands. Sorry, Steve Sanders. Meanwhile, Ian Ziering has yet to react to the insults. His last tweet, on April 16, was directed to "90210" fans. DWTS Season 22, Week 5 airs tonight (4/18) at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 23 Great Movies We Wish Were on Netflix Posted: It would be great if every movie ever was on Netflix all the time. Alas, that is not the case. Because streaming rights. To narrow it down just at tad, there are a few movies -- and movie series -- that we would love to be able to watch at a moment's notice. Think "The Avengers" and, duh, "Titanic." Here are our favorite movies that we wish we could add to our queue.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| J.J. Abrams Clears Up Confusion on Rey's Parents, Creates More Confusion Posted:  Star Wars fans have been well trained to look for connecting relationships in this galaxy, so of course they're doing the same for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" heroine Rey.Luke Skywalker had the hots for a girl in R2-D2's transmission and she turned out to be his twin sister. "Old Ben" across the way in Tatooine was actually a Jedi Master who trained Darth Vader, who was actually Anakin Skywalker, aka Luke and Leia's father. And in the newest movie, Episode VII, it turns out Kylo Ren is actually Ben Solo, the son of Leia and Han. So fans were naturally curious about Rey's parentage, since she seems to be strong with her own Force. However, J.J. Abrams recently made some comments that led fans to believe Rey's parents were not in Episode VII, killing some theories and then launching new ones. Then Abrams returned to clarify that fans misunderstood him, and we went back to square one on the speculation.  Here's how it played out.J.J. Abrams and Chris Rock had a discussion Friday at the Tribeca Film Festival and a young fan asked Abrams "Who are Rey's parents?" Abrams answered, "Rey's parents are not in Episode VII. So I can't possibly say in this moment who they are. But I will say it is something that Rey thinks about, too." That was interpreted by many to mean the characters were not featured in "The Force Awakens" at all, which would rule out Luke, Leia, Han and everyone else. But that's not what he meant. Abrams later clarified to Entertainment Weekly, "What I meant was that she doesn't discover them in Episode VII. Not that they may not already be in her world." He was just saying that her parents weren't openly addressed as her parents in "The Force Awakens" so he couldn't answer the question without it being a spoiler for what's to come in Episode VIII or beyond. But it was an interesting tease when he said, "it is something that Rey thinks about, too," since that hints to a revelation at some point. Daisy Ridley recently weighed in on the idea of Jyn from "Rogue One" being her mother. We'll have to wait for that movie this December 2016 and Episode VIII in December 2017 to possibly share more clues. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 5 Reasons Why 'Jungle Book' Roared to the Top of the Box Office Posted:  It wasn't a big surprise that Disney's new live-action "The Jungle Book" opened at No. 1 this weekend. What was a shocker, however, was just how big the latest version of Rudyard Kipling's tale turned out to be.Going into the weekend, positive buzz for the film led to predictions that it would open to at least $70 million, $85 million on the high-end of expectations. On Sunday, however, Disney estimated that the film's opening weekend had grossed $103.6 million. That makes it the second-biggest April opening ever, beating the $95.0 million earned by "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" two years ago, and second only to last year's "Furious 7," at $147.2 million. It's also the biggest April opening ever for a PG-rated movie. How did "Jungle Book" over-perform so much this weekend? Here are five ways. 1. Marketing  By now, Disney has mastered the art of turning its beloved animated classics into live-action reboots. But there's more than brand recognition at work here. Disney's marketers -- and director Jon Favreau -- made a point of playing up the state-of-the-art CG that allowed the filmmakers to simulate a jungle in a Los Angeles warehouse and populate it with photorealistic animals. The trailers audiences saw, and the advance stories they read, promised not just a kiddie adventure with talking animals, but also an immersive experience in a lush, exotic world on the level of "Avatar."2. 3D and IMAX As a result, this marked the rare film that viewers felt merited the surcharges they'd have to pay to see it in an enhanced format. It helped that 75 percent of North American theaters showing "Jungle Book" screened it in 3D. A healthy 43 percent of the movie's opening-weekend sales came from 3D tickets. It was also playing on 376 IMAX screens, good for $10.4 million, amounting to 10 percent of the total gross, and scoring another April record for a Disney feature. And there were 463 Premium Large Format screens, for those willing to pay extra to see "Jungle Book" on a giant screen that's not quite as eye-filling as IMAX. You could also see the film in D-Box, where your theater seat lurches in response to the on-screen action. Surcharges for those tickets can be as much as $8, meaning Disney was ensured to mint money on this film wherever people saw it. 3. Timing  Remember when the summer movie season began on Memorial Day? No? Remember when it began on May 1? Well, now, thanks to hits like "Winter Soldier," "Furious 7," and now, "Jungle Book," summer seemingly begins just after spring break. Or it will within a couple of years. For now, however, April is still clear enough of blockbusters that a movie like "Jungle Book" can pretty much have the month to itself.4. Weak Competition This weekend's crop of new releases posed no real threat to "Jungle Book's" box office reign. Neither of this weekend's other two new wide releases opened on more than 2,700 screens, compared to 4,028 for "Jungle Book." "Barbershop: The Next Cut," a sequel in a comedy franchise whose last installment came out 12 years ago, debuted in second place with an estimated $20.2 million. That's below expectations and also shy of the $24.2 million opening weekend for 2004's "Barbershop 2: Back in Business." ("Cut" came in with less than the opening weekend of the original film.) As for Kevin Costner's new thriller, "Criminal," no one expected it to do more than about $8 million, but it fell short with $5.9 million. It didn't even make the top five. Opening in sixth place, it is Costner's lowest premiere weekend since since 2005's "Rumor Has It." 5. Four-quadrant Audience Appeal  One potential weakness in "Jungle Book" -- had Disney stayed close to the 1967 cartoon -- is that it's an awfully male-oriented story, with no female characters of any significance, or even speaking parts. Favreau and his team changed that by making one male character (the python Kaa) female and boosting the role of another (Mowgli's wolf mother, Raksha.) Scarlett Johansson voices Kaa (above), and Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o voices Raksha. Making the movie more inclusive seems to have paid off at the box office, since Disney exit polling showed that 51 percent of the viewers were female.Favreau and his team also made sure the movie appealed to more than just kids. Celebrity voices (including Bill Murray and Chistopher Walken), an air of real danger in Mowgli's confrontations with predators, and nostalgic shout-outs to the original cartoon (including such songs as "Bare Necessities" and "I Wan'na Be Like You") all helped to draw grown-up viewers. According to Disney, some 43 percent of ticketbuyers were adults seeing the movie on their own. Of course, what ultimately sold the movie was its execution. Critics raved, giving "Jungle Book" a 95 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences loved it just as much, judging by the A CinemaScore, indicating very positive word-of-mouth. So: a good movie will draw audiences of all ages and both sexes off their couches and into the theaters -- and even inspire them to pay extra for an enhanced viewing experience. Who knew? This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
Cersei Lannister endured a naked walk of shame at the end of 
Yikes. It was not a g'day for 
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