"THE HUNGER GAMES" EN ROUTE TO $250-MILLION MARK IN SECOND WEEK

Still from The Hunger Games

Huge weekend at the Box Office with the Top Three alone earning over $100 million!  A majority of that however goes to The Hunger Games, which is two-for-two in its second week of release, now en route to surpassing the $250-million mark.  The Action-Fantasy which is winning the hearts of Moviegoers internationally, earned $61 million this weekend from 4,137 theatres.

Warner Bros. opens big this weekend also with Wrath of the Titans 3-D, a Sequel in their Clash of the Titans Series starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, earning an impressive $34 million in its debut despite overall receiving negative reviews at 29% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Mirror Mirror also debuts solidly with $20 million on this busy weekend.  Starring Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer and Lily Collins, the Snow White Adaptation garnered mixed reviews (49% on Rotten Tomatoes), opening in 3,603 theatres for Relativity Media/Alliance Films.

In its third week, former Box Office Champion 21 Jump Street, slips to fourth spot with $16 million, just ahead of another former number one Film, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax in fifth with $8 million.

The excellent Salmon Fishing in the Yemen opens in seventh this weekend with $1.7 million from just 483 theatres, while Project X rounds-out the Top Ten with $950k, earning a total $53.5 million in its five-week run.

"SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN": MOVIE REVIEW

Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor & Mr. Will-W.

Propositioned with the outlandish task of bringing Salmon Fishing to the Highlands of Yemen, a respected Fisheries Scientist named Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) is called upon by Political Spin Doctor Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas) to do what seems impossible, in an attempt to better international relations between Britain and the Middle East.  Fred is teamed with a beautiful Consultant named Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Emily Blunt), acting on behalf of mystical Sheikh Muhammad (Amr Waked), who is ready to fund the £50 million endeavour.

On the verge of a Divorce, Alfred commits himself completely to the assignment while soon developing affections for his Colleague.  This of course is complicated by the fact that Harriet's Boyfriend is sent off to War only three weeks into their passionate relationship, with her being faced with the reality that she might have to move on without him.  All the while, she too develops a deep connection to the charmingly humourless Alfred which extends beyond their being "fishes out of water" in the desert.

Director Lasse Hallström hits all the right notes with Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, striking that fine balance that appeals to Intellect, Emotion and of course, our Funny Bones.  The Satire is equal parts plausible through some great Storytelling, as it is a true Romance due to the stunning on-screen chemistry between McGregor and Blunt.  The latter in particular, delivers a stunning multi-layered performance which sees her pared from down from someone bearing a tough exterior in her work life, to being a vulnerable Woman hopelessly in love; immensely honest and human.  Kudos also to the always brilliant Scott Thomas who gets to exercise her seldom-seen comedic chops to hysterical results, commanding our attention unceasingly.

It's certainly a catch.  Alliance Films releases Salmon Fishing in the Yemen on March 9, 2012.  

Watch the Trailer for Salmon Fishing in the Yemen below:

EMILY BLUNT & EWAN MCGREGOR AT TIFF 2011 WITH "SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN"

Emily Blunt & Mr. Will-W.

Not quite sure what happened with my Camera there, but I will not complain as after four tries to get a Photo with the talented and magnetic Emily Blunt, I finally made it happen.  And she was a total Sweetheart about it, catching her out partying in Entertainment District this evening.

The lovely Brit is in the City for two titles at TIFF 2011: Your Sister's Sister and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and I am hearing the latter especially, co-starring Ewan McGregor is quite good. McGregor lent his support even by showing up to the Premiere of Your Sister's Sister.

See more Photos below: