"Im Back San Diego" - New 'Anchorman' In The Works

     After Will Ferrell denying sequel rumors, it was finally announced that Anchorman 2 is in the works! The original movie, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was released back in 2004, but is still one of the most quotable movies around. The movie is even ranked 113 on "Empire 500 Greatest Movies of All Time."

     Most of the original cast, including Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell, and David Koechner are set to return. No word on a release date, but Anchorman should be back on the air before the end of 2014. Heres the trailer for the original Anchorman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AUvtLZQyDE Update: The movie is now set for December 20, 2013.

The 'Dictator' is Staying In 'Hotel Transylvania'

     The Dictator is the new comedy from the man who brought you Ali G, Borat, and uh, Bruno, brings you his newest incarnation, as a dictator.

     The new French trailer (which is in English) was released today and I honestly believe this will be one of the funniest movies of the summer. I truly believe the scene at 1:36 in the trailer is the funniest thing I have scene since ever.
     Check out the new trailer here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9RbbVT0jo0. Sasha Boron Cohen, John C. Reilly, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, and Megan Fox all star. Dictator opens in America May 11th. Hit the link for other release dates. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1645170/releaseinfo.

     Also granted a new trailer is Hotel Transylvania, a movie about Dracula, who operates a hotel for monsters, but when a human shows up, things become difficult. The new movie is from Sony Pictures Animation who created the funny Cloudy for a Chance of Meatballs, Open Seasons, Surfs Up, and The Smurfs. Also as quick news, Smurfs 2 will tint theaters blue again July 2013.  Hotel Transylvania stars Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Cee Lo Green, David Spade, Fran Drescher (the nanny!), and Steve Buscemi. Check out the teaser trailer for Hotel Transylvania here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYgzizpCTKU

'Hunger Games' Slays 'Potter' and 'Twilight' - #3 All Time

     Hunger Games just keeps going higher and higher; Mount Everest high, Wiz Khalifa high, thermosphere high! The movie reaped in $152.5 million over the weekend! That is equal to around 19.7 million tickets.

     The opening ranks #3 all time; yes, all time. Even if you put in ticket price inflation, The Hunger Games still ranks in the top 5. That figure beats all the Twilight movies, and all of the Harry Potters except for the last, but since Deathly Hallows was in 3D and 3D tickets cost more, Hunger Games technically beat it in terms of attendance.

     The Hunger Games has set so many records- #3 highest opening all time, #1 opening for March, #1 for Spring, #1 for any movie released August-June, #1 opening for a non sequel- by $44 million dollars, #5 highest opening day, #3 highest midnights, #4 highest Friday, #2 highest Saturday, #2 fastest movie to $100 million, #1 highest Lionsgate movie- in just 2 days, and this weekend was the #9 busiest weekend ever, and #1 for March.

     In just 3 days, the movie is also the #2 highest grossing movie of the year so far. Hunger Games wouldn't have made these numbers without the fans, who seem to have came out of nowhere. I personally know many people who saw the movie and read the books just two weeks ago. I started reading three weeks ago.

     A surprising thing about this movie is that its literally catering to everybody. Adults made up a great percentage of the viewers, so that means Hunger Games is not just attracting teens, as initially thought. There are many people going for second and third viewings, and there is even some schools that are taking students on field trips to see the movie. That ensures big business; Lionsgate couldn't be happier; they are not doubt popping the champagne and jumping on their desks throwing papers in the air.

     Early on, Hunger Games was expected to open around $80 million; now it has done near double that. And since this is March and weekdays are particularly weak, next weekend has potential to be one of the best second weekends ever. If  Hunger Games can gain that many fans in months, its a scary thought to what Catching Fire will open to in November 2013. This is arguably one of the most impressive starts for a movie, ever. It seems the movie had a nice opening overseas as well. Happy Hunger Games!

Hunger Games Huge-r Than Expected

Katniss (Lawrence) and Peeta (Hutcherson)

     I knew the Hunger Games would be huge; I just didnt know how huge. Now I know. It is baffling; the Hunger Games made $19.74 million in Thursday night midnights showings! There were over 4000 sellouts countrywide; so many, some theaters created 3 am showings. My theater originally sold out Friday morning, but added more screens quickly to accommodate demand.

     This is the best midnight premiere for a non-sequel and #7 all time. Yesterday, The Hunger Games reaped in $68.25 million! Only 54 movies have opened higher than that, in an entire 3 day weekend. That is the fifth best opening day ever. If that Friday gross was counted as a whole weekend, Hunger Games would still have the 4th best March opening. The movie is now estimated to make between $130-$150 million this weekend, which would automatically place it in the top 6 openings. Initial estimates come out tomorrow and final figures are released on Monday; including international numbers.

     This not only impressive because this movie is not a sequel, but also because it seems The Hunger Games came out of nowhere, and it came fast. All the hoopla started when the movie was announced; many fans, including me, barely knew about the books over a year ago. My original plan was just to see that movie and not read the books, but I quickly changed mind and it was worth it. If Hunger Games is breaking records now, just imagine what records Catching Fire will set ablaze in November 2013. 

     The Hunger Games is set to break a few nice records; widest release for a non-sequel, biggest non-sequel opening weekend ever, biggest opening weekend for the month of March, biggest opening weekend for any movie not released in May, July, or November, fifth highest opening day, highest opening for Lionsgate, and highest grossing movie for Lionsgate- in just 2 days. Check back for more updates! Also leave any comments for your views about the movie!

The Weekenders: 'Hunger Games' - Where Is The Ceiling?

     The Hunger Games will be huge. Just huge. Emphasis on huge. But huge can be broad, so how huge? Hunger Games has smashed pre sale record after pre sale record. There have been thousands of sellouts, over 4000, and the movie is still a day away. At one point Hunger Games was selling 10 tickets per second on Fandango. Thats blazing fast. Hunger Games also opens in 4,137 theaters, the most ever for a non sequel.

     If Hunger Games opens to atleast $120 million; it will become Lionsgate's highest grossing movie- ever- in just 3 days. It will also claim the #1 opening ever for March and any movie released outside of the summer or holidays, by $4 million.

     Back in January, early first weekend estimates for The Hunger Games were around $70-$90 million, but now many analysts have bumped up there weekend predictions dramatically to $120-$150 million. The movie only needs to make $139 million this weekend to break into the top 5 openings over- kicking Breaking Dawn Part 1 out. Hunger Games has dramatically been selling out across the country as it seems everyone and their mother is flocking out to the midnight premiere tonight; including me, but not with my mom, with friends. There have even been reports coming in that Lionsgate will be adding 3 am showtimes in some areas to help meet demand.

     Hunger Games on Fandango as of today ranks as the 3rd best advance seller ever, behind New Moon and Deathly Hallows Part 2. So does The Hunger Games have a ceiling for how much it can make this weekend? I'm sure many people that end up going to a sold out theater, will just drive to another. I have friends driving 30 miles away from my city to see the movie, when we already have two theaters here.

     My prediction for the weekend is $132 million; which would place it #7 opener of all time. The advantage Hunger Games has over Twilight, is guys. There will be graphic violence and a mild love story; which helps Hunger Games bring in the male demographic. In the long run, Hunger Games should be victorious over Twilight, plus the current 88% and average score of 7.2 out of 10 on Rotten Tomatoes doesn't hurt either. 

     The Hunger Games is rated PG-13 (more on the high end), and is 2 hours and 22 minutes long. Looks like ill be spending the night at the theater!

Just Say Moe: 'The Three Stooges'

     Harry, Curly, and Moe are coming to a theater near you, but they wont be acting well mannered. The Three Stooges, released by 20th Century Fox, is coming to theaters in April, and a lot of slapstick action is promised.

    You may have been seeing trailers on TV so far, parodying Jackass and the apocalypse. Based on the two theatrical trailers and the TV spots, you can expect the Stooges, slapstick and over the top comic violence, nuns, a reality TV plot, and Snooki B.P. (before pregnant).

     Three Stooges is released April 13 in America and India, and April through August in 17 other countries. That weekend will be a busy weekend, with Cabin in the Woods and Lockout also being released. Can the Stooges' antics take them to the top spot? My personal guess would be no, as i feel Cabin in the Woods would take a higher position, if not the top spot for the weekend.

     It is rated PG, check out the link for the new and old trailers here. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/the-three-stooges-2012/trailers/the-three-stooges-online-trailer-28683603.html

Nope, Theyre Still Not in New York

     Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and the penguins are still New York-less as of 2012. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, or Madagascar 3, is crashing into theaters this summer.

     Even though parts of the first movie took place in New York, most of the second in continental Africa, and the third in Europe, this is still "Madagascar." Have you ever thought about that? That's like Pirates of the Caribbean in the Mediterranean Sea.

     Well, I was 11 years old when the first Madagascar was released, so of course I found it funny; the second had its hit and miss jokes, but this new trailer- I didn't crack a smile; I cracked a cringe. This is the same old premise; the 4 zoo characters and the penguins try to get back to New York, but end up meeting new animals on another continent. Other than new characters, this doesn't look to revolutionary over the first and second Madagascar's.

     Dreamworks may struggle with this one as Madagascar may be past its prime and moviegoers may treat this as "I've already seen this before", but it wont be a John Carter at least. Sorry Disney, I apologize.

     Children should find this movie somewhat funny and action packed, but based off this trailer, parents may fall asleep early or opt for the babysitter to take the kids. Check out the new trailer for yourself and see if its any good. Madagascar 3: Not in Madagascar, is released June 8, 2012 in America, and June-October in 23 other countries. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_62TZZgCqQ

Disney Hits The Red

     If Walt Disney was alive, he wouldn't be happy with his bank account. If you've bought Disney stock, you might want to sell some back. Walt Disney Pictures announced that their new prodigy, John Carter, is most likely going to loose the studio around $200 million.

     Wow what anyone could do with $200 million dollars- anything. I probably would buy a private island and put 5 Chili's restaurants on it, but that's a different story. Anyways; Disney has came to this conclusion even though the move is only in its 2nd week and is still playing around the globe and even though John Carter has already in fact made $180 million worldwide. Future TV rights, home video sales, rentals, and merchandise will generate revenue, so this new estimate from Disney may be a little optimistic; we won't fully know the damage done by John Carter until all of that is factored in.

     John Carter dropped 55% last weekend, which is a steep fall for non percentage followers; and its opening was on the low end for what it needed to be. The movie is playing okay overseas, but in America, it has turned out a stinker. Maybe our expectations were too high? Or maybe the budget? 

     This was supposed to be Disney's Avatar, but it seems only Avatar can be Avatar now. The movie was originally John Carter of Mars; maybe we'll get a John Carter of Saturn- since that seems to be most peoples favorite planet.

We Love the 80's: 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'

     The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, prodigies of the 1980's, are being revived for the 2010's audience. Paramount and Nickelodeon bought the rights to the turtles in 2009, and now they have a few things planned. A new TMNT movie called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is now set to be released in August 2014. It is expected to be live action with motion capture similar to Rise of the Apes, instead of the Turtles being humans in suits- which was the case in the early 90's movies.

     If you are a fan of TMNT then the movie may not completely excite you yet. It is being handled by Michael Bay's (Transformers) production company. This does not particularly mean it will be full of turtles, explosions, and Megan Fox, but Bay recently stated that the turtles will be an "alien race." Oh? Nothing has been completely confirmed by Paramount and no cast or other crew has been announced, so for now this is speculation.

     If you still watch Nickelodeon, well lucky for you a new TV series is also in the works, which is set to debut later this year. I personally don't even remember what channel Nick is on, but I'm sure the revived series will be worth checking out with fans. Catch Teenage Alien Ninja...wait sorry; Mutant Ninja Turtles back in action Summer 2014.

Reside on Jump Street. '21 Jump Street' Review

     You'll want to live on Jump Street after seeing this movie. When I say 21 Jump Street is a new favorite comedy, im serious. I felt 21 Jump Street was funnier than Hangover, which most people consider "one of the funniest movies ever."

     21 Jump Street stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as undercover cops Jenko and Schmidt, who head back to high school to find out who is supplying a new dangerous drug to students. The movie starts in 2005 showing their own high school years, and how they become friends at the police academy, then it cuts to present time. After being put on park duty, Jenko and Schmidt land their first bust, which is a bust since they could not read the Miranda rights. They end up at the 21 Jump Street precinct, a busted down precinct in an old church, which is ran by Ice Cube. Everyone there is assigned to a high school on a respective mission since they "still look young enough". They are given the fake identities of Doug and Brad, but after accidentally giving the principal the wrong identities, Jenko (Tatum) ends up with the nerds and Schmidt (Hill) ends up with the cool kids. They now have to stick with the mission and not let their new high school life of parties, cliques, and girls get the best of them.

     What I loved most about Jump Street was it's originality. It didn't need to be vulgar or offensive to be funny; most of the jokes are ones you've never heard before, and they all landed at all the right times; it never felt forced or rushed.

     One particular scene that has "video game characteristics" will most likely have you in tears. Each character had a roll that fit the plot, none of them were wasted characters; and they developed quite well, especially Jonah and Channing's characters.

     Jump Street should spend a long time in theaters and become an instant classic. The movie is rated R. 21 Jump Street 2 is also in the works. I give it a solid A.

The Weekenders - '21 Jump Street' and 'Casa De Mi Padre'

     This weekend, March 16-18, will see the releases of 21 Jump Street and Casa de mi Padre. 

     21 Jump Street is the new film from Columbia Pictures that stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum; yes girls, Channing Tatum. But he wont be making you cry in this film as it is a comedy, based on the old television series which starred Johnny Depp. 21 Jump Street looks like a real breakout; the marketing has been great, the trailers are extremely funny, emphasis on funny, and of course there's Jonah and Channing. Jonah will bring in the laugh seekers and Channing will bring in the females. Even critics are impressed with this movie as it currently holds a 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is very good for a comedy of its type.

     The other releases, Casa de mi Padre, is being released by Lionsgate, but in only 382 theaters; Jump Street is claiming over 3100. Casa is Will Ferrell in an all Spanish movie. Most of what Will Ferrell says is funny so I'll assume that he'll even be funny with subtitles. Casa currently holds a 41% on RT.

     Seeking Justice, Friends With Kids, and Jeff Who Lives at Home are also being released this weekend in less than 700 theaters, so don't expect huge numbers.

     Unless audiences suddenly decided to drive past it, Jump Street will claim #1 this weekend, followed by Lorax at #2, and John Carter, Project X, and Act of Valor at #3, #4, and #5. 21 Jump Street is also rated R; sorry middle schoolers. Next weekend, Hunger Games!

Hollywoods Bringing Back The Good Days

     Gear up for a plethora of re-releases soon coming to your local theater. A re-release is a movie that was very successful financially and usually critically, movies that are generally loved by the masses, that are brought back to theaters for another run. Star Wars and ET had them early and it was announced today that 1993's Jurassic Park will be getting a 3D re-release on July 19, 2013.

     This comes on the heels of Titanic, the #1 movie for 12 years, which is docking in for a 3D re-release next month. Disney already granted us with re-releases of Toy Story 1 and 2, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and upcoming is Finding Nemo on September 14th, Monsters Inc on January 18, 2013, and Little Mermaid September 13, 2013.

     And don't forget Star Wars Episode 1; the other 5 could likely be getting 3D re-releases as well. Even though American 3D shares have dropped, studios are still finding interests in 3D releases. Catch Titanic's 2D/3D re-release April 4th; a few days before the 100th anniversary, even if you already have it recorded on DVR.