"HOP" STILL ON TOP

Hop lands on-top for a second week in a row at the Box Office for Universal Pictures.  Earning $21.8 million this weekend, Brit Comedian Russell Brand earned himself a rare one-two, also starring in second-placing Arthur from Warner Bros.  Arthur, a Remake of the 1982 Comedy starring Dudley Moore however, fared below expectations earning $12.5 million. 

Teenage Girls were our in full-force at the Box Office this weekend, with two competing Titles to choose from, Focus Features' Hanna  starring Saoirse Ronan as a Teen Assassin and also Sony Pictures' Soul Surfer, based on the true story of an amputated Teen Surfer.  They placed third and fourth respectively, with Hanna earning $12.2 million and Soul Surfer with $10.5 million.

Disappointing particularly is Universal Pictures' raunchy Medieval Comedy Your Highness, which despite being made for $50 million, only made $9.6 million it its debut. Yikes.  Above this, its Oscar-caliber Cast  including Natalie Portman and James Franco even could not save this one.

Slipping dramatically in its second week was Source Code starring Jake Gyllenhaal, landing in seventh spot this weekend after a debut at number two.  To date it has earned $22 million, still $12 million shy if recouping its $34 million budget.

ARTHUR (2011) - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Arthur (2011)

What it lacks in substance, it certainly makes up for in charm. Although I'll admit I have never seen its 1982 predecessor, Jason Winer’s Arthur Remake starring quirky Brit Russell Brand, stands on its own as a modern day Fairy Tale for Big People.

Arthur (Brand) is a spoiled New York City Playboy with unlimited abundances. He has few ambitions in life other than to drink and have fun, with Nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren) acting as a Mother-like voice of reason in his life. His distant Mother Vivienne (Geraldine James) for financial reasons, wants him to wed the bossy Susan (Jennifer Garner), Daughter of Construction Tycoon Burt (Nick Nolte). Arthur of course has no affections for Susan and winds up meeting whimsical Storybook Writer Naomi (Greta Gerwig) by chance one day. Already engaged to Susan, Arthur is torn between finally having to grow-up into a Man and also choosing his Woman he will be with forever. Will he follow his heart?

The biggest problem with Arthur’s script is that presumably its most central theme is that of Love, but this however is outshined by the fact Arthur equally is a Late Bloomer’s coming-of-age Tale. Our attentions are divided between Arthur and his dilemma of having two Lovers and also his relationship with his level-headed Hobson. And because the latter relationship is punctuated by the strength of chemistry between Brand and Mirren, the actual Love Story here is insufficiently tended-to.

HELEN MIRREN TO HOST "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE"

Still from Arthur (2011)

The impeccable Dame Helen Mirren has just been announced as an upcoming Host on NBC's Saturday Night Live.  Mirren, along with Musical Guests Foo Fighters are slated for the April 9, 2011 slot, just one week after Sir Elton John completes his duties as Host.

In her upcoming Film, a re-make of 1982's Arthur, we will be seeing her comedic chops in full effect along with fellow Brit Russell Brand who stars as a Playboy who could well lose his Family's fortunes after he falls in love with a Woman (Jennifer Garner) whom they disfavour. 

Arthur hits theatres just one day before her appearance, April 8, 2011 via Warner Bros.  Watch its Trailer in full here.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)