"MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS" SINKS "BATTLESHIP"

Still from The Avengers

For the third consecutive week Marvel's The Avengers steals the show at the Box Office, earning a stellar $56.5 million.  Its North American gross thus far is $450 million, making it rather difficult for any other Film seeing a release these past few weekends.

Universal Pictures' Battleship, despite doing v. well overseas earning $250 million to-date, opens in North America only with $25 million from 3,690 theatres. Critics have been harsh on the Film, garnering only a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. Although $25 million isn't an embarrassment by any means, expectations were much higher with the Action Blockbuster being pegged to make between $35-$40 million originally in its Debut.

The Dictator from Paramount Pictures opens with $17 million and after opening on Wednesday night, earns $26 million total.  This also is below Studio expectations, with it being made for a total $60 million. Critics on the bright side have given the Sacha Baron Cohen-written and starring Comedy favourable reviews, earning 61% on the Tomatometer.

Dark Shadows has the misfortune of having to go its second week against some v. stiff competition after opening last week against a still-strong Marvel's The Avengers.  This weekend it pulls-in $12.5 million this weekend with a total $50 million now domestically; it was made for $150 million.

What to Expect When You're Expecting gave the Ladies a choice this weekend with many of the Top Ten Films being v. much Male-centric.  It opens with $10.5 million for Lionsgate Films/Alliance Films, just ahead of Fox Searchlight's Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which makes $3.5 million this weekend from only 354 theatres - not bad at all. Pirates! Band of Misfits rounds out the Top Ten with $1.6 million in this its fourth week.

MEDIA PROFILE PRESENTS: ACURA & "THE AVENGERS"

Media Profile present Marvel's The Avengers & Acura - May 2012

Fans of Marvel's The Avengers will walk away remembering one brand and one brand only, Acura. Having partnered with Marvel to unveil their most exciting Vehicles in a slew of their forthcoming Superhero Flicks, the Automaker is aiming right at the hearts of Fans. Their focus is on the emotional experience and connection that comes with driving an Acura Vehicle - versus seeing the relationship being only about Person and Vehicle.

In the final scene of the record-breaking Blockbuster, many will have vivid recollection of Iron Man, Tony Stark driving off in a gorgeous red Acura NSX Roadster - currently only a Concept Car but available to the Public some time in 2015. And who could forget the RDX, the handy and practical SUVs which the valiant Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. chose as their preferred method of transport in helping save the World of ruthless Loki and his Army? 

Our Friends at Media Profile held an Exclusive Private Screening of Marvel's The Avengers recently, giving us a taste of the full Acura Experience.  Click here to read about Acura's integral role in the success story of The Avengers.  Experience innovation and elegance.

Check out some of my Coverage of the Canadian Premiere of Marvel's The Avengers earlier this month here and here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"THE AVENGERS" SETS SECOND-WEEK RECORD AT BOX OFFICE: $104 MILLION!

Still from The Avengers

The Avengers continues to destroy Box Office records and in its second week out in North America, pulling-in an outstanding $104 million. Yes, its second week numbers are more than many Films will ever see in a full theatrical run. Globally, it is nearing the $1 billion mark. Who says that people are going to the theatres anymore? They just need to be wowed!

On any other weekend Tim Burton's Dark Shadows would have been highly impressive in its results. Starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and a Toronto-bound Chloe Moretz, the Dark-Comedy pulls in $28.5 million in its debut from 3,755 theatres. Critics weren't as receptive to the Film, earning only 41% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Former Champion Think Like a Man is still maintaining a hold at number three this weekend with $6.5 million in its third week, just ahead of The Hunger Games in fourth with $4.6 million in its eighth week.

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel debuts in eighth spot this week with $2.7 million from just 178 theatres for Fox Searchlight, which actually is quite solid for the Comedy starring Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith. Critics are responding well also with a 75% rating on the Tomatometer.

Although it didn't get a release in Canada, Girl in Progress starring Matthew Modine and the lovely Eva Mendes lands in tenth spot in its opening with $1.4 million for Lionsgate Films.

"THE AVENGERS" SETS $200 MILLION DOMESTIC OPENING RECORD

Still from The Avengers

Opening in 4,349 theatres this weekend, Marvel's The Avengers made a whopping $80 million in its North American opening on Friday.  More impressively, it goes on to set the record for biggest domestic weekend ever for a Film, tallying a smashing $200 million (of which $15.5 is from Canada!) and surpassing last year's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Marvel's The Avengers now is the biggest opening for a Movie in 2012, besting the $152 million earned by The Hunger Games late March.  Above this, it also is a Critical Darling, earning 93% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. Easy Winner.

Coming in a distant second this weekend is Think Like a Man with $8 million in its third week of release, now earning a total $76.1 million in North America, just ahead of The Hunger Games which rises to third spot in its seventh week with $5.7 million.

The Lucky One continues to show a bit of resilience in fifth spot with $5.4 million in its third week, besting The Five-Year Engagement with $5.2 million, now earning $19.7 million total in its second week.

Safe slips to eighth spot this weekend with $2.7 million, while The Three Stooges rounds out the Top Ten with $1.8 million.

"THE AVENGERS" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Avengers

Marvel's The Avengers carries the weight of the World - both literally and figuratively - but does it meet the demands of Moviegoers and Comic Fans alike? You bet. Director/Writer Joss Whedon (Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) knows exactly what Fans of the Genre want and delivers item-by-item like a Grocery Checklist.  It's funny, it's intense, it's thrilling and every bit a masterfully-interwoven Spectacle.

The $220-million Blockbuster via Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) brings together Superheroes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).  These Superheroes are united by one great Cause to save the Earth from Thor's Brother, the ruthless Supervillain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his catastrophic Army, in his quest for endless Power and Domination.

The problem with Films boasting All-Star Casts is that Story Lines and Character Development often are skimpy, but impressively Whedon manages to tell each Superhero's Story clearly and concisely, with our attentions focused always on the Mission at-hand.  Anyone walking into Marvel's The Avengers without a clue would be able to enjoy the Film sans confusion amidst all the Sci-Fi jargon.  The beauty is that you don't need to see it in 3-D necessarily to enjoy it - it stands on its own in 2-D glory.  My only concern though is that v. integral The Hulk's Story Line is given the least detail here and perhaps more could have been done to build-up the excitement for his awaited massive transformation.

INTERVIEW: MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS ON "THE AVENGERS"

Mark Ruffalo & Cobie Smulders in Toronto - April 2012

Toronto was lucky enough to host the Canadian Premiere for Marvel's The Avengers and after doing a busy day of Press, Stars Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk/Bruce Banner) and Cobie Smulders (Agent Maria Hill) graced a Fan and Media-lined Red Carpet at Scotiabank Theatre.

Despite running a bit behind, Oscar-nominated Ruffalo navigated the Carpet with great prowess, balancing his time between Outlets and Fans, spending a gracious amount of time signing Autographs and posing for Photos. Dressed a perfectly-tailored Suit and looking in fine form, the Actor is embracing his increasingly-distinguished looks, sporting a few new gray hairs since I last met him in 2008 at TIFF.  

For the first-time ever on-screen, Marvel's The Avengers brings together Superheroes The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), joining them as one force in a fight to save Earth from the ruthless Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Although at this time I am unable to post a Review of the Film, I can say that Joss Whedon masterfully interweaves several complex Superheroes' stories here in an explosive Spectacle.

With the likes of Lou Ferrigno, Eric Bana and Edward Norton having once filled the role of iconic (and destructive) Superhero The Hulk, I asked Ruffalo what unique traits he will be bringing to the table in Marvel's The Avengers. "I'm not sure", he tells me humbly.  "The one advantage I have is that I am the first Actor to play both Bruce Banner and The Hulk, so I hope that brings him alive in ways which CGI alone couldn't.". 

MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS IN TORONTO FOR "THE AVENGERS" | SIGNED PHOTO SET GIVEAWAY

Mark Ruffalo & Cobie Smulders in Toronto - April 2012

Hot on the heels of it grossing a whopping $185.1 million overseas this weekend, Marvel's The Avengers Stars Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk/Bruce Banner) and Cobie Smulders (Agent Maria Hill) are bringing the action north of the Border for the Canadian Premiere of the Action-Blockbuster. If you think that's impressive, consider that it has only thus far opened in 70% of Overseas markets and furthermore, has yet to even open in North America!

Ruffalo and Smulders joined forces for an appearance on CityTV's Breakfast Television. Ruffalo who made his first appearance in Toronto since TIFF 2008, revealed that in addition to slimming down on a strict Regimen for his dual role, he also faced some great challenges. "I enjoy working with Actors" he says, explaining that it was a great challenge filming fight scenes before a Green Screen on his own.

Vancouver Native Smulders made a welcome return her Homeland, ensuring to grab a Tim Hortons Coffee first thing today. The Actress who has gained much popularity for her work on CBS Series How I Met Your Mother as Robin Scherbatsky, praises Ruffalo for giving The Hulk a comedic spin, yet remaining v. human. She also expressed excitement at being able to do her own stunts in some of her more physical scenes in the Joss Whedon Film

The Avengers sees a Team of Superheroes - including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) - assembled to fight the evil Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his Army from destroying the Earth. 

Marvel's The Avengers hits theatres in North America Friday, May 4, 2012.

To enter to win a Signed Photo Set from Ruffalo and Smulders, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook. You must also be following on Twitter also. Your deadline is June 4, 2012.  Good luck!

More to come...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS TO APPEAR AT CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE AVENGERS"

Mark Ruffalo at TIFF 2007

In case you missed it, you can catch all the excitement from the World Premiere of The Avengers last week in Los Angeles' El Capitan Theatre! Gracing the Red Carpet were the likes of: Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Joss Whedon (Director).  

And if this weren't exciting enough, Toronto will be hosting the Canadian Premiere of The Avengers on Monday, April 30, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre with none other than Hulk himself, Mark Ruffalo and Canadian Actress Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) scheduled to make an appearance!  This will be gracious Ruffalo's first visit to the City since TIFF 2008 when he was promoting The Brothers Bloom and Blindness.  This is just what the City needs and we'll be there!

Enjoy The Avengers World Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals below:

The Avengers opens in theatres May 4, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. | Video credit: Marvel)

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. WELCOMES SECOND SON: EXTON ELIAS

Official Artwork for The Avengers

In what's already shaping-up to be a massive year for Robert Downey Jr., yesterday in Los Angeles he welcomed his second Son, Exton Elias Downey, measuring 7 lbs, 5 oz and 20 inches long.  People Magazine reports Exton is the little Brother of Indio, 18-years-old, from Downey's previous marriage to Deborah Falconer.

Downey who reprises his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel's The Avengers - in theatres May 4, 2012 - also will soon begin work on Iron Man 3, now in Pre-Production.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures/Marvel)

WATCH: 60-SECOND "THE AVENGERS" PREVIEW

The Avengers

For those of you who missed it lats night during the Super Bowl, here's the full 60-second Preview of Marvel's The Avengers in anticipation of its May 4, 2012 release.  Are you ready for the most epic battle ever to have been captured on camera?  Iron Man, Black Widow, The Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye, Thor.  Together at last.

Watch the 60-second Preview of The Avengers below:

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)

CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST OF "THE AVENGERS" ON JANUARY 31, 2012

Still from The Avengers

Great news for fans of The Avengers!  The eagerly-awaited Action-Adventure won't be hitting theatres till May 4, 2012, but Fans in the meantime will have a chance to chat with Writer/Director Joss Whedon, Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg much sooner.  For the first time ever on the Big Screen, we'll be seeing Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow on-screen together.

Marvel Studios will be sponsoring a 30-minute Live Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 2:00 PM EST and to participate, you can follow @Avengers on Twitter and Tweet with the Hashtag #Avengers. During the Chat, Fans will have a chance to answer Avengers Trivia and win Prize Packs too!

  A 30-second TV Spot will be airing also during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012 on NBC. Stay tuned.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

MARK RUFFALO TAKES LEAD IN RYAN MURPHY'S "THE NORMAL HEART": JULIA ROBERTS, JIM PARSONS, ALEC BALDWIN & MATT BOMER ALSO ADDED

Mark Ruffalo at TIFF 2008

2012 will be the start of Mark Ruffalo's long-overdue rise as a bona fide Leading Man in Hollywood.  The Actor has been confirmed to take the lead in Glee/American Horror Story Creator Ryan Murphy's new Film, The Normal Heart.  The HIV/AIDs Drama is based upon a TONY Award-winning Play of the same title and centers on Ned Weeks, who is one of the first Advocates in New York to raise awareness about the disease.  Written by Activist/Writer Larry Kramer, the Play largely is autobiographical.

The Cast for The Normal Heart is rather impressive including Julia Roberts, who last teamed with Murphy on 2010's Eat, Pray, Love.  She will be playing a wheelchair-bound Doctor who also is among the first to raise concern about HIV/AIDs.  Matt Bomer, whose star dramatically is on the rise, takes the role of Weeks' Boyfriend contracting the Disease, while another openly-Gay Actor Jim Parsons will tackle the role of an Activist from the South.  Alec Baldwin also has been named to play the Lawyer Brother of Weeks, struggling to cope with the sexuality of Ruffalo's character.

Ruffalo currently is filming Now You See Me, a Bank Heist Thriller which has the FBI circling a team of Illusionists who rob banks as part of their act, rewarding their audiences with money; Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg star. His upcoming Drama Thanks for Sharing has him alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, P!nk, Tim Robbins and Joely Richardson, about three Sex Addicts on the road to recovery.  His marquee release however is Disney's all-star The Avengers, in theatres May 4, 2012 which has him starring in what is said to be an important role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

FIRST TRAILER: "THE AVENGERS"

Official Artwork for The Avengers

Here it is finally! Walt Disney Motion Pictures' The Avengers, which promises to be just about the biggest Blockbuster to hit theatres in 2012, now has a first official Trailer and it looks pretty epic. Iron Man, Captain America and Thor join forces to save the World in this ultimate mash-up of Marvel Superheroes.  Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson. Need I say more?

Watch the Trailer in full below:

See some Promotional Stills from The Avengers: