film criticism by maryann johanson | celebrating 25 years: 1997–2022
Could Hollywood only get away with such a split when there is an existing and enthusiastic fanbase? Are these splits anything other than moneygrabbing on the studios’ part, a means to get twice the ticket sales out of fans?
Bidness is boomin’ for the Nazi killers: 1. Inglourious Basterds: $38.1 million (NEW) 2. District 9: $18.2 million (2nd week; drops 51%) 3. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: $12.2 million (3rd week; drops 45%) 4. The Time Traveler’s Wife: $9.7 million (2nd week; drops 42%) 5. Julie & Julia: $8.8 million (3rd week; drops … more…
Here, in one place, the funniest bad dialogue of the year 2004. They’re not ranked — they’re all equally awful. [Warning: May contain spoilers.] [click here for the best, most quotable snippets of dialogue from 2004] “Clearly, madam, genuis has turned to madness.” –Raoul (Patrick Wilson), to Madame Giry (Miranda Richardson), on the Phantom (Gerard … more…
Damn, but I had a good time at the movies this year. I sat through a lot of cinematic toxic waste, it’s true, but I also had a tough time winnowing down my best-of list to only ten films: the top 25 or 30 films in my annual ranking delighted me, made me laugh, moved … more…
