HOPKINS TOPS BOX OFFICE FOR FIRST TIME IN NINE YEARS WITH "THE RITE"

Still from The Rite

In a tepid weekend at the Box Office, Exorcism-themed Thriller The Rite finds itself on top with $15 million from 2,985 screens. Starring The Tudors' Colin O'Donoguhe and veteran Anthony Hopkins, this marks the first time a Hopkins Film has topped the Box Office since 2002's Red Dragon.  Read my review of The Rite here.

Last week's champion No Strings Attached slips one spot to second with $13.6 million this weekend, the second week in a row Natalie Portman has two films in the Top Ten. Portman's Fox Searchlight Oscar vehicle, Black Swan, accounts for the eighth spot with $5.1 million as it closes in on the $100 million mark domestically. Well done.

Action Hunk Jason Statham's The Mechanic accounts for third spot with $11.5 million for recently-launched CBS Films. The Film has received mixed reviews overall, with 48% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes.

"THE KING'S SPEECH" TOPS RIVALS WITH 12 OSCAR NOMINATIONS

Still from The King's Speech

Some surprises, but not really. This year’s Oscar nominations were announced earlier today and The King’s Speech from The Weinstein Co. towers over its rivals with a total twelve nominations, including the most coveted category of Best Picture in which it will be up against nine other titles. It is considered a favourite especially in the Best Actor category based on the strength of Colin Firth’s career-best performance, but also Co-stars Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter also get recognized for their work in the Best Supporting Actor/Actress categories.

Paramount Pictures’ Western-Drama True Grit garnered an impressive ten nominations also with Jeff Bridges surprising some with a Best Actor nomination after having won that Award last year. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ Blockbuster Inception earned a total eight nominations, although mostly in technical categories and less for Acting. This ranks Inception as the third most nominated Film in this year’s Oscars race, alongside Sony Pictures’ The Social Network which many consider to be the frontrunner for Best Picture based on its wins in precursor ceremonies like the most recent Golden Globes.  The King's Speech however, edged it out this past weekend in the Producer's Guild Awards. 

Another title from Paramount Pictures’ The Fighter, consistently has been in the thick of it this Awards season, garnering seven nominations (three coming from its outstanding Support Cast members Amy Adams, Melissa Leo and Christian Bale). Many are wondering though whether or not the split votes between Adams and Leo will aid for True Grit’s 14 year-old Star Hailee Steinfeld, who is seen as a Dark Horse to win Best Supporting Actress in her first role ever in a Film.

2011 BAFTA NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

BAFTA Award

The British Academy of Film & Television Arts announced their 2011 Film Awards Nominees earlier today in Piccadilly. Not drawing many distinctions from those Award ceremonies held so far in the U.S., their Best Film category finalists include: Black Swan, Inception, The King’s Speech, The Social Network and True Grit. The inclusion of Inception for some might be the surprise. The King's Speech leads the way with a total 14 nominations.

For Outstanding British Film, nominees include 127 Hours, Made in Dagenham, The King’s Speech, Another Year and the more obscure Four Lions.

There were no real surprises in the Acting categories other than Melissa Leo failing to get a Best Supporting Actress nomination; instead her The Fighter co-star Amy Adams got the nod. They also considered 14 year-old Hailee Steinfeld in the Best Actress category versus Best Supporting Actress, which she has been considered for mostly here. The Academy also recognized The Town Actor Peter Postlethwaite in the Best Supporting Actor category; he hasn’t been mentioned much thus far for Oscar contention in these parts also.

The BAFTA Awards will be held February 13, 2011. Read a Full list of nominees here.

 

(Photo credit: BAFTA)

JAMES FRANCO AND NATALIE PORTMAN ON "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY"

James Franco & Natalie Portman on Entertainment Weekly

Although I know it hit newsstands a couple days ago, I just got around to reading this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly this morning in bed, and I must say it is quite possibly the best issue ever.  In two separate Cover Stories, depending on which version you find, both James Franco and Natalie Portman get equal top billing.   We learn that both Actors are good friends after having worked together on upcoming Medieval Comedy, Your Highness out in April.  Due to conflicting schedules though, they haven't been able to hang out despite checking-in often to compare availabilities.

Keith Staskiewicz chats with Franco, mentioning how 127 Hours Director Danny Boyle was unimpressed with the Actor after first meeting him, thinking he was high and v. unfocused.  Upon meeting Franco a second time, Boyle stated that "He (Franco) is very sharp. He uses it as a technique, I think, because it allows him to suss out the room and suss out what's going on before he commits.".  

DISNEY'S "TANGLED 3-D" CLIMBS TO #1 AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Tangled 3-D

It was a tight finish at the Box Office this weekend with Disney's Tangled 3-D coming out on-top, a rarity in that it debuted at number two Thanksgiving Weekend behind Warner Bros.' Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows.  The updated spin on The Brothers Grimm's Rapunzel brought in $21.5 million from 3,603 theatres.  Harry Potter's latest installment continues to go strong in its third week of release, with $16.7 million from 4,125 theatres.

Surprisingly, Burlesque also experienced a bit of a spike, landing in third spot this weekend with $6.3 million, bringing its total to $27 million for Sony Screen Gems.   Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal's Love and Other Drugs in its second week brought in $6 million, good enough to place it in fifth spot.

Due Date in its fifth week is hanging tough in seventh spot this weekend, bringing in $4.1 million, bringing its total gross just past the $90 million mark domestically - a profitable venture for its studio.

The only other debut in this weekend's Top Ten was Relativity Media's The Warrior's Way which brought in $2.6 million from 1,622 theatres.

All eyes however, are on the big Oscar contenders which are still bubbling-under in Limited Release.  Fox Searchlight has a strong pair in 127 Hours and Black Swan.  The former brought in a decent $500,000 from 433 theatres, although the real success story for the studio is the latter, which from only 18 theatres earned $1.4 million.  Meanwhile The Weinstein Co.'s Best Picture candidate The King's Speech earned $85,000 from a paltry six theatres, enough to keep that buzz afloat.  And after a prolonged wait, Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor's Gay-themed Romantic Comedy I Love Your, Phillip Morris finally surfaced in six theatres with $30,000 earned.

"MEGAMIND" OUTSMARTS COMPETITION AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Megamind

Paramount's animated Feature Megamind is on target to top this weekend's Box Office with $44.5 million based on Friday night's numbers, totaling $12.5 million from 3,944 theatres. It won't be a cakewalk though for the film which features the voices of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brat Pitt, Ben Stiller and many more. 

Warner Bros.' Due Date proves once again that Robert Downey Jr. is a highly bankable star with the Comedy, having brought in $12.2 million from 3,355 theatres; it is expected to make $34.3 million this weekend. Consider this though - although numbers appeared tight on Friday, family audiences head out to the theatres on Saturdays and Sundays. With this being the case, expect Megamind's lead to widen with Sunday's final numbers being published.

Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls like many other of his films is also a Box Office success, taking in $7.4 million on Friday night, which on any other weekend would be good enough to make it number one. The heavy Drama will in all likelihood land in third in its opening weekend with $21 million.

Saw 3-D as expected, slipped dramatically after opening on-top last weekend for Lionsgate Films. The Horror took in $2.6 million Friday night and will likely make just shy of $9 million in total this weekend.

Also of interest is Danny Boyle's latest film 127 Hours starring James Franco as a man who amputates his own arm in the name of survival, opening in only four theatres. The film averaged $19,250 per theatre which is exceptional. Summit Entertainment's Fair Game starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn and opening also in limited release, averaged $3,913 per theatre by comparison from 46 theatres.  Review to come tomorrow.

JAMES FRANCO & NATALIE PORTMAN ON THE SET OF "YOUR HIGHNESS"

David Gordon Green, James Franco and Natalie Portman
on the set of Your Highness

Something light-hearted for a change.  Natalie Portman and James Franco recently wrapped-up production on David Gordon Green's upcoming medieval Action/Comedy Your Highness and Universal Pictures just released these stills from the set.   The film is about two Princes with v. different personalities, who must save their father's Kingdom.  It appears Portman and Franco are having a great time here between takes, doesn't it?  Green is known for films like the excellent Snow Angels (2007) and Pineapple Express, which also starred Franco.  Your Highness also stars indie-favourite Zooey Deschanel and Danny McBride.  McBride will be appearing in the upcoming Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis comedy Due Date out early November.

The switch to Comedy is a welcomed change of pace for Franco, who is now promoting Danny Boyle's hotly-tipped 127 Hours, about the true story of Aron Ralston, who had to amputate  his own arm after being trapped under by a boulder for five-plus days.  Likewise, Portman also is a likely favourite to win an Oscar in March with the intense psycho-thriller Black Swan, making a rare appearance in a Comedy  here as her last few projects like Brothers and The Other Boleyn Girl were emotionally demanding.

Click below to read my exclusive and in-depth coverage of both:

• Black Swan
• 127 Hours

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

MR. WILL-W.'S EARLY OSCAR PREDICTIONS - OCTOBER 2010

Although not quite as formula-based as my girl Sasha predictions are over at Awards Daily, Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven is known to have picked an Oscar winner or two in the past.  Even though the big day isn't until Sunday, March 5, 2011, I will break down for you who I feel is in-contention for a nomination in the major categories.   Obviously, there are a few contenders which I have not seen yet, so I have denoted these with an asterisk.  The names in bold are the contenders I feel have the greatest chance of winning the actual Oscar.  Selections are subject to change and I'll probably re-jig this again closer to the end of the year.

Still from Black Swan

BEST PICTURE

• The Town
• Black Swan
• Inception
• The Kids Are All Right
• The Social Network
• 127 Hours
• Rabbit Hole
• Toy Story 3
• Blue Valentine
• The King's Speech

*Hereafter (review to be posted Wednesday), Made in Dagenham, True Grit, Fair Game and Love and Other Drugs

DANIEL CRAIG AND ROONEY MARA IN STOCKHOLM FILMING "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO"

Daniel Craig filming in Stockholm

Oh yeah. As many of us know, David Fincher's U.S. adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is filming already in Stockholm, Sweden and our favourite hunk Daniel Craig is starring in the film.  For those of you who have seen the original Swedish version of the film, you'll know disappointingly that the character Craig plays, disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist, is clothed for most of the film. Bummer.

All eyes right now however on the movie's female lead Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, who steps up to the physically demanding role in three instalments. Mara got lots of exposure this weekend in Fincher's The Social Network which not only debuted at number one at the Box Office, but continues to perform strongly, slaughtering the competition even based on Monday and Tuesday's numbers. Mara's big sister Kate appears briefly in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours which recount's mountain climber Aron Ralston's hours stuck in a cave under a boulder.

To see more candids of Craig in Sweden, click here.

(Photo credit: Fredrik Sandberg/Scanpix)

VIDEO: Q&A OF DANNY BOYLE'S 127 HOURS AT TIFF 2010 FEATURING ARON RALSTON AND JAMES FRANCO

Finally I've been able to extract this video clip from my Camera after doing a bit of cutting and snipping due to a cap on file size transfer. This video was taken at the Q&A for Danny Boyle's 127 Hours and in attendance were Aron Ralston and James Franco at Ryerson Theatre. Ralston got emotional when talking about re-living the experience, after watching it on-screen. 127 Hours recounts the time Ralston spent trapped by a boulder on a mountain climbing adventure. He had to amputate his own arm off in the name of survival. Check out my review of the film here.

MR. WILL-W.'S TIFF 2010 BEST-OF LISTS

Nicole Kidman for Rabbit
Hole at TIFF

TIFF 2010 has been wonderful and the last day of the Festival is always bittersweet for me.  After ten days of sheer madness, the normalcy once again is always welcome and for one, I'm sure my dog Billy will appreciate seeing me home more.  And I'm sure my waistline will appreciate it again too as all I've been eating on the go are Hot Dogs (you've never had a Hot Dog until you've had a Toronto Hot Dog), Pastries, Order-at-the-counter Chinese and Starbucks.

Reflecting on my favourite highlights is always a challenge, but this year in particular is difficult to extract from as the first few days of the Festival were extraordinarily concentrated with action, that  surely amidst the madness I might have missed the buzz on some amazing films (i.e. Clint Eastwood's Hereafter) and actors in town.  But if I were to make a few selections, I would narrow it down as follows:





MR. WILL-W.'S TOP FILMS OF TIFF 2010

1. Rabbit  Hole 

2. Black Swan

3. Blue Valentine

4. The Debt

5. 127 Hours

James Franco for 127 Hours

MR. WILL-W.'S GREATEST GUYS OF TIFF 2010

1. James Franco

2. Sam Worthington

3. Ryan Reynolds

4. Ryan Gosling

5. Michael Sheen

REVIEW AND PICS FROM DANNY BOYLE'S 127 HOURS TIFF PREMIERE

What can I say about Danny Boyle's 127 Hours other than that it was sublime.  The film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, an Mountain Climber who unfortunately had to amputate his own arm after it was trapped by a boulder while adventuring in Utah.  Tragic.

The film was every bit as epic as any Boyle film could promise and believe me, anticipation was high without an empty seat in the auditorium which included the likes of Edward Norton and Woody Harrelson last night at Ryerson Theatre.  And I guess it was well received judging by its resoundingly vocal standing ovation.

There isn't much dialogue of course in the film as we are trapped in the Cave alone with Ralston the whole time as he desperately makes attempts to free himself and also survive on what limited resources he has including a Burrito and Nalgene Bottle full of water. Occasional flashbacks are made to his childhood and his reflections on lost love. The film is gorgeously filmed with lots of creative trickery and multiple-perspectives (we watch in empathic disgust as Aron drinks his own Urine from within the Bottle); overhead shots of the Canyon are simply breathtaking.  The film is treated much in the same rich, vibrant hues of Slumdog Millionaire.  

JAMES FRANCO AT TIFF PRESS CONFERENCE FOR DANNY BOYLE'S 127 HOURS

James Franco & Mr. Will-W.

Look at that smile!  James Franco is absolutely wonderful and I can confirm it now after having heard many wonderful things about him.  He sure loves his fans and did a v. thorough round of greets and autographs this morning, signing anything thrown his direction and giving everyone an opportunity to take a photo with him.  And there were many.

After having a late night out last night doing the rounds among elsewhere the Vanity Fair Magazine Party at Thompson Hotel, Franco arrived at his Press Conference bright and early for 9 AM.  Franco is here to premiere Slumdog Millionaire Director Danny Boyle's new film 127 Hours tonight at Ryerson Theatre.  The film is a true recounting of a man's struggle between life or death after being trapped under a boulder for five days, having no choice but to amputate his arm.  There is a lot of Oscar buzz surrounding Franco's performance and I'll know soon just how warranted this praise is after seeing it later tonight.  Review to come soon.

In the meantime check out these photos of Franco I got below:

MORE FILM TITLES ADDED TO TIFF 2010 LIST

Still from Hereafter

In what's shaping up to be a v. exciting TIFF, more titles have been confirmed for the festivities beginning September 9, 2010. I cannot wait.

Among the titles added were Passion Play (starring Mickey Rourke, Megan Fox), What's Wrong With Virginia (Emma Roberts, Ed Harris - directorial debut of Dustin Lance Black who penned Milk), Last Night (Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley), SUPER (Ellen Page, Kevin Bacon, Liv Tyler), Everything Must Go (Will Ferrell in a rare dramatic role), Let Me In (Chloë Moretz), Casey Affleck-directed Mockumentary I'm Still Here (Joaquin Phoenix) and Clint Eastwood's Hereafter (Matt Damon). Also as rumoured, Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle's 127 Hours (James Franco) has also been given the green light.

Definitely one of the better years in recent memory. Click here for the updated list of films and synopses on IndieWire.

DANNY BOYLE'S 127 HOURS AND SHAWN KU'S BEAUTIFUL BOY AT TIFF 2010

Yes! The equally handsome as he is talented James Franco, will more than likely be appearing at this year's TIFF as Slumdog Millionaire Director Danny Boyle's 127 Hours is now rumoured to be one of this year's titles. Boyle of course, won the Cadillac People's Choice Award at the festival in 2008 and subsequently, Best Picture at the Oscars in 2009 with that film. 127 Hours is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, who had to cut off the lower portion of his arm after being trapped in a rock-climbing incident; he survived. The film, which opens November 5, 2010 via Fox Searchlight, also stars Mean Girls' now slim-and-trim Lizzy Caplan. Read more about it at Entertainment Weekly.

Also, it was just announced that Choreographer-turned-Director Shawn Ku's Beautiful Boy will be premiering at TIFF too. The film which stars Maria Bello, Michael Sheen and get this - Meat Loaf - is a story about the parents of a young man who goes on a killing rampage at his College, before finally killing himself. Although chilling films like Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine and Gus van Sant's Elephant have been made on the matter, it is said that this film instead focuses more on the story of the parents of the Murderer. This is definitely one of Sheen's meatier roles and Bello as we've seen in David Cronenberg's A History of Violence, is a perfect fit for darker matter even though she doesn't always get to show it. The film will screen September 12, 2010, although its theatrical release date has yet to be confirmed.