The Big Screen Bulletin 3.08.10: Oscar Wrap Up!
Posted by Steve Gustafson on 03.08.2010
Oscars breakdown and thoughts, Alice in Wonderland rules the box office, Marc Webb talks Spider-Man, Rome coming to the big screen, complete Razzie coverage, and much more!
Welcome back to the Big Screen Bulletin! My name is Steve Gustafson and this is the best way to start the week! Tell a friend!
So what else do I do around these parts? Let's take a look at all things Steve: Monday:Big Screen Bulletin. Last week I had an EXCLUSIVE interview with George Sirois! Wednesday:The Silicon Valley 10 & 1. Top 10 Most Disappointing Movies Based on Video Games! Saturday & Sunday:The Hollywood 5 & 1. Gossip, gossip, and rumors!
If I'm a little tired it's because I'm writing this while still in the same tux I was wearing when I did the Hollywood 5 & 1! Continuity!
On May 16, 1929, Douglas Fairbanks and William C. deMille took the stage to co-host the very first Academy Awards inside the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood. From its inception, the ceremony is designed to recognize and honor the excellence of professionals in the film industry. The 82nd Academy Awards, honoring the best in film for 2009, was held last night at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, with actors Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosting the ceremony. Here are the results:
Another Oscar bash has come and gone. What did you think?
First, the winner of the Best Oscar Recap goes to Shawn S. Lealos! Put Shawn and I in a room and we'd probably have a hard time finding movies we agree on liking but that there is no doubt that he's one of the best writers at 411mania. Top notch coverage filled with fun facts and insight.
* I thought Martin and Baldwin were great in their roles. They did what I want a host to do. Keep things moving, keep it funny, and avoid overshadowing the night. Thumbs up.
* Neil Patrick Harris is an automatic win.
* Quentin Tarantino looked...not good.
* The John Hughes tribute was a great touch and another reminder of the vast talent he worked with and influenced. Seeing Molly Ringwald, Matthew Broderick, then Jon Cryer, Mac Culkin, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall and Judd Nelson was a cool moment. Nelson looked crazy!
* Watching Samuel L. Jackson up there and not cussing was a weird experience.
* Am I the only one who wants to see Logorama? That little clip looked cool!
* I laughed at Ben Stiller in the Na'vi makeup. His commitment to it was a big factor at it going over. Nice to see James Cameron sharing a laugh as well. Even though it looked a tad forced. He knows when the cameras are on him.
* Geoffrey Fletcher gave a honest acceptance speech. Nice.
* On the complete opposite side, Sandy PowelI's speech for Costume Design reeked of conceit. "Oh, I won twice before..."
* The Memoriam part gets me every time.
Man, can you believe ______________ won for Best Picture? Amazing! OK, my deadline came before the end so I could only put what I could before getting this in. WHAT ARE YOUR OSCAR THOUGHTS?
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Winner: Avatar - Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, Andy Jones
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Winner: Up - Michael Giacchino
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Winner: Avatar - Mauro Fiore
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Winner: The Hurt Locker - Paul N.J. Ottosson, Ray Beckett
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Winner: The Hurt Locker - Paul N.J. Ottosson
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Winner: The Young Victoria - Sandy Powell
Best Achievement in Art Direction
Winner: Avatar - Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg, Kim Sinclair
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Winner: Mo'Nique for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Winner: Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire - Geoffrey Fletcher
Best Achievement in Makeup
Winner: Star Trek - Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, Joel Harlow
Best Short Film, Live Action
Winner: The New Tenants - Joachim Back, Tivi Magnusson
Best Documentary, Short Subjects
Winner: Music by Prudence - Roger Ross Williams, Elinor Burkett
Best Short Film, Animated
Winner: Logorama - Nicolas Schmerkin
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Winner: The Hurt Locker - Mark Boal
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Winner: Crazy Heart - T-Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham("The Weary Kind")
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Winner: Up - Pete Docter
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Winner: Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds
Congratulations to ALL!
If you're new to the Bulletin, I've classified the news by a symbol in front of the news segment. That way, if you're looking for certain information, just look for the logo. Easy enough to decipher but to ease your reading pleasure I've provided a legend for you. I've included the "legend" below.
Let's dive into the weekend!
Alice Drives Audiences Mad as a Hatter!
1. Alice in Wonderland $116,300,000 (-) ($116,300,000) Read the review!
2. Brooklyn's Finest $13,500,000 (-) ($13,500,000) Read the review!
3. Shutter Island $13,300,000 (-41.3%) ($95,825,000) Read the review!
4. Cop Out $9,145,000 (-49.8%) ($32,360,000) Read the review!
5. Avatar $7,700,000 (-43.6%) ($720,189,000) Read the review!
6. The Crazies $7,016,000 (-56.3%) ($27,409,000) Read the review!
7. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief $5,100,000 (-46.8%) ($78,033,000)
8. Valentine's Day $4,270,000 (-52.9%) ($106,420,000) Read the review!
9. Crazy Heart $3,350,000 (+36.0%) ($29,569,000) Read the review!
10. Dear John $2,850,000 (-40.7%) ($76,694,000)
11. Tooth Fairy $2,800,000 (-18.3%) ($56,230,000) Read the review!
12. The Wolfman $1,600,000 (-62.4%) ($60,410,000)
We all knew it was going to do well, but did anyone expect this? Disney's 3D Alice in Wonderland did wonders at the box office, earning an estimated $210.3 million worldwide, with domestic earnings figuring in at $116.3 million to become the highest-grossing first quarter opener, as well as the all-time highest three-day, non-holiday bow for a non-sequel film in the U.S. Try saying that 3 times fast. Overseas, Tim Burton's film earned $94 million in some 40 territories in only 60% of the international market. The 3D wonder was shown at 2,063 3D-equipped locations domestically with an additional 188 Imax locations, reaping approximately 70% of the film's total domestic earnings. Folks, love it or hate it, 3D is here to stay.
Coming in a distant second was the other big release, Brooklyn's Finest. The good news was it exceeded expectations with an estimated $13.5 million. The film about three corrupt NYPD police officers, starring Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke and Richard Gere, saw an even split between men and women and tracked strongest in urban areas, including New York, Philadelphia and Boston.
Back to Alice; The anticipated 3D opus had been under recent scrutiny over Disney's announcement to shorten the film's theatrical-to-DVD window from a traditional 16-week run to just over 12 weeks. Studio plans to implement the shorter run on two major tentpoles a year, starting with Burton's flick. This is his highest opener, easily surpassing his previous record-holder Planet of the Apes, which opened with $68.5 million in 2001. The film, top lining frequent-collaborator Johnny Depp, also beat the launch of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with $56.1 million as the duo's previous top opening film.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, also known as the Razzies, are a reminder that even with good that comes out in the movies, we still get a lot of bad. And what better way to recognize that swill, then with its own awards ceremony? This being the start of a new decade, this year the Razzies also handed out special "Worst of the Decade" awards. Check out the full results:
Worst Picture of 2009 Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Steve Says: I couldn't agree with this award more. As an attacker of the first, my dislike of this tripe has been made well known all over 411mania. From the storyline, dialogue, confusion in the editing, and all around lack of respect for the audience, nothing has made me sadder than this being a success at the box office. It's not like I haven't tried to see why this is popular, I've watched it a few times. It comes off as the anti-movie. It's not fun, it's not entertaining, doesn't tell a story, and is insulting.
Worst Actress of 2009 Sandra Bullock, All About Steve Steve Says: Didn't see this one BUT props to Bullock accepting the award. Watch it below.
Worst Actor(s) of 2009
All Three Jonas Brothers, Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience
Worst Screen Couple Sandra Bullock & Bradley Cooper, All About Steve
Worst Supporting Actress Sienna Miller, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Steve Says: Have to disagree with this one. A number of other actresses were more deserving.
Worst Supporting Actor Billy Ray Cyrus, Hannah Montana: The Movie
Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel Land of The Lost
Worst Director Michael Bay, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Steve Says: BRAVO!
Worst Screenplay Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (Written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman)
Worst Picture of the Decade Battlefield Earth (Nominated for 10 Razzies/Winner of 8 ) Steve Says: If you remember, I had this one my list of Worst Movies of the 2000s.
Worst Actor of the Decade Eddie Murphy (Nominated for 12 Razzies/Winner of 3) Steve Says: Murphy's career is truly like a roller coaster. He can be a part of the highest earning movies and turn around and star in the worst, bomb-iest flicks ever.
Worst Actress of the Decade Paris Hilton (Nominated for 5 Razzies/Winner of 4) Steve Says: So deserved.
QUICK BITS:Entertainment Weekly has learned that a big-screen sequel to HBO's Rome is moving forward. Rome creator/executive Bruno Heller has reportedly finished a script for Morning Light Productions, which financed the development and will produce the film. The magazine adds that series stars Kevin McKidd (Lucius Vorenus) and Ray Stevenson (Titus Pullo) will likely sign onto the movie, which picks up in Germany four years after the series ended. The next step for Morning Light is to find a director and a studio, since HBO Films won't be involved.........Where did this come from? Where? Midnight Run is being hailed as a classic from 1988. While I enjoyed it...I'm slow to label it a classic. It's certainly not something that would make my list of movies that call for a sequel. Deadline reports that Universal has "started the wheels moving" on a sequel to Midnight Run and has already confirmed that Robert De Niro will return to reprise his role as Los Angeles-based bounty hunter Jack Walsh. It doesn't look like director Martin Brest or writer George Gallo will be back, so they've instead hired Tim Dowling to write a new script..........I might have to add a new weekly section called 3D WATCH! ShadowLocked Alien prequel, in which Christian revealed: "Ridley's doing the next Alien in 3D."..........
Scheduling movie openings is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. For example, the new Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz action/comedy Knight and Day was originally scheduled to be released on Friday, July 2, 2010, putting it up as counter programming against The Last Airbender and to some degree, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (which drops the following Wednesday). Variety now has word that the film will now be released on June 25, 2010. This gives it some more room to breathe before Nolan's Inception hits on July 16, and Phillip Noyce's spy thriller Salt, starring Angelina Jolie, hits on July 23. The move also means that Knight and Day will face off against the new Chris Rock/Adam Sandler comedy Grown Ups.
QUICK BITS: Hollywood MASHUP! What do you get when you mix Big with The Hangover? I don't know but that seems to be the idea behind a new pitch picked up by Fox, which Slashfilm reports is called Premature Maturation and comes from Sam Pitman and Adam Cole-Kelly. Imagine if a bunch of middle school kids overnight became the guys from The Hangover, while still mentally being kids a la Tom Hanks in Big..........Two more remakes/reboots are on the way, both having their origins in the decade of the 80s as THR's Heat Vision reports that New Line is working on a brand new Police Academy flick, while Paramount and Lorenzo Di Bonaventura have just hired writer Matthew Greenberg for their remake of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. The Pet Sematary remake has been gestating for some time while Police Academy is a new reach back into the vault for another recycled film series reboot..........
Marc Webb took some time to talk to MTV about bringing back the web-slinger to the big screen. Some highlights include: "I think that there's something about Peter Parker that's just... He's a legend.....That mythology is appealing to me and it has been for a long time. It's just a dream come true.....Sam Raimi did something fantastic, but I do think the mythology of Spider-Man is wide and vast, and there's more opportunity to explore that cinematically. Sam is not only a great guy but a fantastic director and it's a humbling prospect, but I'm looking forward to it."
When asked about the casting of Peter Parker and whether the studio is looking for an older actor like Joseph Gordon-Levitt or an unknown he said, "We're casting a wide net. That's really all i can say at this point. We're casting a wide net."
"I talked to James and Jon a little bit," he confirmed when asked about the recent news that he's spoken to Avatar's director James Cameron and his producing partner Jon Landau about bringing Spider-Man into 3-D, "It's such an enormous undertaking. I'd like to talk to those guys more. They're fantastic representatives for 3-D and we'll be talking more about that. In the coming weeks, more will unfold."
I sense a theme this week. Here's a chance for you to see the movies you heard about last night. Because we all know most of you said you saw them, but didn't, and just wanted to fit in. First is up the timely Up In the Air starring George Clooney. While some people didn't like the realistic storyline, I felt it was a great reflection of the times and a showcase for Clooney's acting. It had an ending that I agreed with and definetly worth a BUY. Next is the much talked about Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire. A harsh and raw story that may be too much for some people. Another talked about movie that was nowhere near the Oscars would be Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day. With the cult status of the original, this much hyped sequel stood little chance in appeasing the appetite of fans. One movie that didn't have many fans was Old Dogs. The less said about this Robin Williams/John Travolta flick, the better. Planet 51 came and went. The reviews weren't kind, but I heard it wasn't as bad as they made it seem and it's an OK way to spend some time watching. For you high art folks, check out Paris and if you're looking for some manly excitement, pick up UFC: Best of 2009.
What do the symbols mean by the story? Here you go:
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That's all the time I have, I'll see you next week! Make sure you check out Jeremy Thomas and the Hush Hush News Report tomorrow so you don't miss the latest in movie news and opinions! See you next week!
* Jeff Bridges gave a great speech. A genuine guy with a personality that stands out and above the majority of fake Hollywood.
*With that win Sandra Bullock becomes the first person ever to win & accept an Oscar AND a Razzie award.
*James Cameron: Sincere or great acting?
* I'm happy for Hurt Locker. I've been singing that movies praises for a while.
* Bring back Baldwin and Martin. They kept it moving and it never seemed to drag!
What about you?
Posted By: stevethegoose (Registered) on March 08, 2010 at 12:03 AM
ANYONE going into a movie about Robots from space who land on earth to fight over power and expecting (A) great storytelling and (B)Great Dialog is too damn stupid to be watching the movie to begin with.
1. ITS A POPCORN FLICK. Not the Sequel to the GOdfather
2. In the cartoon. Characters were shot repeatedly and never had any damage done and then in the movie died from 1 shot kills. The cartoon had Megatron and Soundwave transform from Giant Robots into tiny objects humans or other transformers could use. The Show had the EXACT SAME STORY for EVER episode in the first two season. (Megatron finds a way to make energon, optimus stops him).
You EXECTED better than that? You truly are a moron of epic proportions if you thought that. Just figured I'd point that out to ya. =)
Posted By: Guest#5785 (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 12:12 AM
Guest#5785, Bwahaha! Wow. Your comment was like the movie! It made no sense! Thanks for proving my point.
Look, everything is going to be OK. I promise. Life might seem rough right now, but it will get better. One day.
Posted By: stevethegoose (Registered) on March 08, 2010 at 01:17 AM
Loved the John Hughes tribute.
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 05:50 AM
ANYONE going into a movie about Robots from space who land on earth to fight over power and expecting (A) great storytelling and (B)Great Dialog is too damn stupid to be watching the movie to begin with.
1. ITS A POPCORN FLICK. Not the Sequel to the GOdfather
2. In the cartoon. Characters were shot repeatedly and never had any damage done and then in the movie died from 1 shot kills. The cartoon had Megatron and Soundwave transform from Giant Robots into tiny objects humans or other transformers could use. The Show had the EXACT SAME STORY for EVER episode in the first two season. (Megatron finds a way to make energon, optimus stops him).
You EXECTED better than that? You truly are a moron of epic proportions if you thought that. Just figured I'd point that out to ya. =)
Posted By: Guest#5785 (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 12:12 AM
This wasn't some cartoon spot geared towards children. This was a high-budget summer blockbuster geared towards a wide range of demographics. So yes, I think I can second the notion that a bit more was expected. It didn't have to be this layered and mind-blowing story, but giant robots written as racial stereotypes and faux-glib remarks about Devastator's scrotum is definitely well below the mark that this movie should have been trying to hit.
Not enjoying garbage like Transformers 2 isn't a sign of being a moron. It's a sign of someone who thinks they deserve more than what they got for their 8+ dollars. Defending the garbage, however? *shrugs*
Posted By: Joe (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 06:57 AM
*With that win Sandra Bullock becomes the first person ever to win & accept an Oscar AND a Razzie award
Posted By: stevethegoose (Registered) on March 08, 2010 at 12:03 AM
Ummmmm Halle Berry suddenly comes to mind
Posted By: Erik... (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 08:44 AM
Its obvious no one will truly win this argument back and forth about the merits of Transformers. Some will see it like the other guest did, a movie based on a cartoon that for the most part was purely entertaining not a cinematic masterpiece by no means. Others will see it like the author of this article did, not good at all. To consistently argue about it.......would put both sides in the category of silly at this point, especially since a third movie is coming that both sides for all their arguing will go and see. One side for more popcorn and something to do on the weeknight/weekend and the other I guess for new material.
Me personally, I am happy they chose Transformers and not something like its cheap knock off being what Go Bots or whatever else was supposed to be competition for the Transformers cartoon.
And guess in all the hype the author was making the point of Sandra winning both awards in the same year maybe or he just for come reason.....doesn't wanna recognize Halle Berry for winning and Oscar and Razzie. Thats his opinion I guess.
Posted By: Guest#4463 (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 12:10 PM
"Not enjoying garbage like Transformers 2 isn't a sign of being a moron. It's a sign of someone who thinks they deserve more than what they got for their 8+ dollars. Defending the garbage, however? *shrugs*"
Thats right, racial stereotypes can only be portrayed negitavely if its done by people of color right? Go watch the movie "Friday" and tell me the two robots from transformers dont remind you of someone in that movie. That movie is considered a "classic" by most people while transformers gets torn apart for the same thing. Gimme a break.
As for "Expecting better" for your money. If you hated the first one, hate Michael Bay, or went in knowing you couldnt stand this then the only one you have to blame for throwing away your money is yourself. The first movie had numerous pee jokes(Bumblebee and the dog), numerous sex jokes and such. You EXPECTED better after that? Like the one guest said, if you did and didnt think it was a goofy movie, you're an idiot. Sequels tend to follow the same pattern as the originals ya know.
You want better movies with more story, acting and plot deleopement. Go watch "the Queen" or "Sophies Sock Drawer" or something a little more suited for you
Posted By: Guest#6179 (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 12:20 PM
This website gave 2012 a 0 and Transformers a higher score. So which was worse?
Posted By: JM (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 12:23 PM
*With that win Sandra Bullock becomes the first person ever to win & accept an Oscar AND a Razzie award
Posted By: stevethegoose (Registered) on March 08, 2010 at 12:03 AM
Ummmmm Halle Berry suddenly comes to mind"
Think he meant in the same year. Berry did it in a 2 year span
Posted By: Guest#4747 (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Steve, are you crazy? Transformers 2 was a great movie! I was so happy when Habib traded shifts with me so I could go to opening night. Mom washed my old Optimus Prime tshirt so I was ready to go. Sure, Habib made me agree to taking two of his shifts in exchange, but two days of sticky slurpee hands are worth it to go see the premier summer blockbuster off 2009!
You have no taste, young jedi!
Posted By: Darth Mortis (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 01:13 PM
Wow. Did I pull in a miserable bunch today or what?
I'm apologize, in my excitement I neglected to say that Sandra Bullock became the first person to win an Oscar AND a Razzie in the same year. Halle Berry won the Oscar and Razzie in different years, 2002 and 2005.
I'm sorry if this upset some of you and ruined your day.
Posted By: stevethegoose (Registered) on March 08, 2010 at 01:44 PM
Bwahahaha!
OK, I think that was the first Darth Mortis comment I've ever laughed at.
Kudos Mr. Sith Lord, kudos.
Posted By: stevethegoose (Registered) on March 08, 2010 at 02:30 PM
Farrah Fawcett was snubbed in the post mortem segment. Michael Jackson, why was he there?
Posted By: Guest#9520 (Guest) on March 08, 2010 at 02:45 PM
"This website gave 2012 a 0 and Transformers a higher score. So which was worse? - Posted By: JM (Guest)"
I gave 2012 a 0 and Transformers a higher score because I was entertained by Transformers and hated 2012. My opinions don't translate to the rest of the writers on the site (which Steve kind of mentioned when he spoke of me earlier in the column).
Posted By: Shawn S Lealos (Registered) on March 08, 2010 at 02:51 PM
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QUICK BITS: Entertainment Weekly has learned that a big-screen sequel to HBO's Rome is moving forward. Rome creator/executive Bruno Heller has reportedly finished a script for Morning Light Productions, which financed the development and will produce the film. The magazine adds that series stars Kevin McKidd (Lucius Vorenus) and Ray Stevenson (Titus Pullo) will likely sign onto the movie, which picks up in Germany four years after the series ended. The next step for Morning Light is to find a director and a studio, since HBO Films won't be involved.........Where did this come from? Where? Midnight Run is being hailed as a classic from 1988. While I enjoyed it...I'm slow to label it a classic. It's certainly not something that would make my list of movies that call for a sequel. Deadline reports that Universal has "started the wheels moving" on a sequel to Midnight Run and has already confirmed that Robert De Niro will return to reprise his role as Los Angeles-based bounty hunter Jack Walsh. It doesn't look like director Martin Brest or writer George Gallo will be back, so they've instead hired Tim Dowling to write a new script..........I might have to add a new weekly section called 3D WATCH! ShadowLocked 
I sense a theme this week. Here's a chance for you to see the movies you heard about last night. Because we all know most of you said you saw them, but didn't, and just wanted to fit in. First is up the timely 
