Tropic Thunder. (2008, 106 minutes, R, comedy, trailer) Following last week's Pineapple Express comes another R-rated comedy right on its tale. This time the budget is higher and the stars more recognizable. Instead of Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Danny McBride you get Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and Jack Black. It is a movie about a movie within a movie. The trio of stars play actors who are filming a war movie when they are mistaken for actual American military, violent comedy ensues. The movie opened this past Wednesday to strong reviews and looks to top the weekend. I think the movie looks hilarious and am looking forward to catching it this weekend.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars. (2008, 90 minutes, PG, animated action, trailer) Picking up where Cartoon Networks shorts left off, this movie picks up. This computer animated film takes place during the Clone Wars between Episode II and Episode III. It is essentially a compilation of the first few episodes of a new series to air this Fall. The clips I have seen so far look really good and I am looking forward to seeing some more Star Wars on the big screen. The series is supposed to run for 100 episodes, and I can't wait to see what adventures it brings. I only hope that it is fun.
Mirrors. (2008, 110 minutes, R, horror, trailer) At first glance this looks like another J-horror remake, or at least something heavily influenced by the style. I am still not convinced that it is not a riff on J-horror, but the second trailer has inspired me to give it a second chance. Well, that and the fact it is directed by Alexandre Aja. Aja previously directed Haute Tension and the remake of The Hills Have Eyes, thus distinguishing himself as a fine horror director. This outing stars Kiefer Sutherland as a security guard in a burned out store that is afflicted with an evil that manifests itself in, you guessed it, mirrors. Here's hoping.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona. (2008, 96 minutes, PG-13, drama/comedy, trailer) Woody Allen's latest feature has been receiving positive early word. The film stars Scarlett Johannson, Penelope Cruz, and Javier Bardem. The story centers on Vicky and Cristina, vacationing in Spain where they meet an artist and his crazy ex-wife. Drama and comedy ensue. I have seen nothing on this film, no trailers, no clips, nothing, and still I am interested in checking it out. It is Woody Allen after all.
Henry Poole is Here. (2008, 100 minutes, PG, comedy, trailer) Luke Wilson stars in this comedy about a man who just wants to be left alone. He attempts to escape his life by moving into an LA suburb where he plans to enjoy vodka and junk food. His solitude is threatened by an overly friendly neighbor (Babel's Adrianna Barraza) and his attraction to another neighbor, a divorcee played by Radha Mitchell. Then there is the stain, that appears to have mystical abilities. The trailer does not look like much, but it does seem like it could be a nice laid back comedy with a little bit of edge.
Also opening this week, but not near me:
- Bachne Ae Haseeno
- A Girl Cut in Two
Box Office Predictions
Will this be the weekend that The Dark Knight finally gives up the top spot? I am going to have to say yes, although I have been wrong before (lots of befores). I strongly suspect that Tropic Thunder will have the strength to secure the top spot, even though there is a potential for a close race, depending on how crowds react. This can be a difficult time to predict, what with kids getting ready for school and the blockbuster season at the tail end of its 2008 campaign. Anyway, I will make my best guesses, as usual.
Here is how I think the top ten field will play out:
| Rank | Title | Box Office |
| 1 | Tropic Thunder | $32 million |
| 2 | Star Wars: The Clone Wars | $22 million |
| 3 | The Dark Knight | $18 million |
| 4 | Pineapple Express | $14 million |
| 5 | Mirrors | $10 million |
| 6 | The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor | $7 million |
| 7 | Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 | $5.5 million |
| 8 | Mamma Mia! | $4.5 million |
| 9 | Step Brothers | $4 million |
| 10 | Vicky Cristina Barcelona | $2.5 million |
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