"BATTLESHIP" OPENS AT #1 IN 26 TERRITORIES

Battleship Promo Photo

Believe it or not, Battleship is pulling-in some major numbers overseas as per Deadline.  The Action/Fantasy based upon the Board Game by Hasbro has debuted at number one in 26 territories, earning $58 million in its debut already. And even though it doesn't open in North America until May 18, 2012 via Universal Pictures, the $200-million Film starring Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker and Alexander Skarsgård is expected to debut huge here.

The odd thing however, is that its Star Kitsch seems to be veering more towards success overseas when he actually is known best in these parts for his work on Football Series Friday Night Lights - about as American as it gets. Case in point, Disney's John Carter already has made over $200 million out of the total $269 it has earned thus far at the Box Office, has come from foreign territories.

Even I had to re-watch the Trailer to see what the fuss was all about! Will you be seeing Battleship next month?

Watch the Trailer below:

ALEXANDER SKARSGARD & KIRSTEN DUNST AT TIFF FOR "MELANCHOLIA"

Mr. Will-W. & Alexander Skarsgard

True Blood Fans rejoice! Alexander Skarsgård graced the Red Carpet Premiere of Lars von Trier's Melancholia at Ryerson Theatre tonight, in which he stars alongside Kirsten Dunst. That Actress, who also was in attendance, was the winner of the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival this past May for her performance in this Sci-Fi Thriller.

Although von Tier is noted for his fear of flying, Cast members including Kiefer Sutherland and Udo Kier made appearances this evening. Skarsgård however was most amazing to stop and pose for a Photo or two with Fans, while Dunst surprisingly had her Handler say to all in-waiting, "She won't be taking Photos with you", as she headed off into her Vehicle.  So much for me creating a Facebook Group in support of her big Comeback! LOL

See more Photos from the Premiere below:

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR "STRAW DOGS"

Still from Straw Dogs

This actually looks pretty terrifying! Sony Pictures is set to release a Remake of the 1971 Film Straw Dogs starring Dustin Hoffman originally. The Story based on the Novel The Siege of Trencher's Farm, is about a Couple, Amy (Kate Bosworth) and David (James Marsden) who relocate down south where soon they find that tensions amount as they clash with some Locals including Charlie (Alexander Skarsgård). Rod Lurie who directed one of my favourite Films of 2008, Nothing but the Truth starring Kate Beckinsale, produces, writes and directs this one.

I really am a Fan of the Horror flick The Strangers, also from 2008, starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman where a Couple are held captive in their homes and terrorized and see some similarities here in themes and mood, although the violence looks amplified here.

Sony Pictures releases Straw Dogs on September 16, 2011.

See the Trailer below:

"THE TREE OF LIFE" AND KIRSTEN DUNST WIN BIG AT CANNES

Still from The Tree of Life

Congratulations to Terence Malick for his victory at the Cannes Film Festival.  The shy Director's Feature The Tree of Life just received the coveted Palme d'Or Award for Best Feature; he was not on-hand to accept the Award.  Despite some "boos" having been heard at its Premiere in Cannes last week, it turns out that the Drama starring Sean Penn and Brad Pitt is a Critical Darling after all.  The Film gets a Canadian release on June 10, 2011.

In a surprising turn of events, Kirsten Dunst was awarded Best Actress for her work in Lars von Trier's Melancholia.  The Dancer in the Dark Director known best for tortured Heroines in his Films, recently generated a bit of controversy when he made some Anti-Semetic remarks he made, getting him banned from the Festival. Melancholia is a Sci-Fi Piece about two Sisters whose relationship is compromised as another Planet threatens to collide with Earth.

Melancholia is due in theatres November 4, 2011 and also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland and Alexander Skarsgård.  The Film is garnering some controversy as Dunst appears fully nude for the first time ever in it after having publicly gone on the record to say that Pedro Almodóvar is the only Director for whom she would remove her clothing.  Expect this one to do the Festival rounds including a possible TIFF stopoff this September.

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)