film criticism by maryann johanson | celebrating 25 years: 1997–2022
Still trying to find the best way to highlight new releases. My most recent previous format was too text-heavy and too repetitious of what I’ve already said. So I’m trying a pared-down version. Lemme know what you think, or if you think this is still too repetitive. I always highlight new DVD releases in the … more…
I remain in awe of Slumdog Millionaire: 1. Slumdog Millionaire: £2.6 million (2nd week; up 44%) 2. Seven Pounds: £1.6 million (NEW) 3. Role Models: £1.4 million (2nd week; drops 39%) 4. My Bloody Valentine 3-D: £1.34 million (NEW) 5. Bride Wars: £1.32 million (2nd week; drops 23%) (actual numbers, not estimates) Up 44 percent … more…
I had a little email exchange this week with a representative of the UK Film Council, who explained to me why the U.K. box office numbers aren’t made public till midweek (as I discussed last week). Turns out it’s a matter of paying customers getting first crack at the numbers on Monday. I am not, … more…
The holiday weekend started early this year. These are the kinds of numbers we usually see over a long weekend, when kids are off from school and adults are off from work and everyone’s in a mood to see a movie, not a regular ol’ weekend, and particularly one over which, you might think, people … more…
James Bond is burning up the U.S./Canadian box office just like he has been all around the world. What a shock: 1. Quantum of Solace: $67.5 million (NEW) 2. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: $35 million (2nd week; drops 45%) 3. Role Models: $11. million (2nd week; drops 42%) 4. High School Musical 3: Senior Year: … more…
Last week’s box office prognostications for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’s opening weekend were optimistic, but there seemed to be near universal agreement that $60 million would be a stretch for the flick. Well: 1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: $63.5 million (NEW) 2. Role Models: $19.3 million (NEW) 3. High School Musical 3: Senior Year: $9.3 … more…
There’s something sad and pathetic about a movie character with more dignity and self-respect for himself than for the movie he’s in has for him. He’s like a cold and bedraggled puppy lured in from the rain who gets kicked in the teeth while he’s warming himself by the fire. Such is the fate of *Role Model*’s Augie Farks, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse…
Kind of a slow week for me. Only four movies? Lots of DVDs piled up here that I should be going through, though, so it’s not like I’m getting any kind of break… Hooray, Danny Boyle has a new movie! The Sunshine/28 Days Later director this time takes on a story that combines the instant-celebrity … more…
