"THE LORAX" SPENDS SECOND WEEK AT #1: 2012'S FIRST BOX OFFICE HIT

Still from The Lorax

The Lorax makes it two-for-two this weekend at the Box Office for Universal Pictures earning $39.1 million, adding-up to a spiffy two-week tally of $124 million - by far 2012's biggest Box Office success story.

Debuting in second this weekend is Disney's John Carter with a $30.6 million opening which might appear to be impressive at first. It is undeniable however that expectations were high for the $250-million budget 3-D Action/Sci-Fi.  With Overseas numbers still to come in, it just might fare better on a global scale.  Not a stellar start for what could have been a lucrative Franchise for both Disney and its Star, Taylor Kitsch, even though it did debut on-top based on Friday night's numbers.  Alas the more Family-centric draw of The Lorax over the weekend is what helped that one prevail.

Warner Bros. continues to bank on its low-budget Party-Comedy Project X, in third spot this weekend in this its second week of release with $11.5 million. To date, it has brought in $40 million, already exceeding the expectations of many.

Opening in 1,890 theatres and landing in fourth spot is the mixed-reviewed (49% on Rotten Tomatoes) Horror Flick Safe House starring Elizabeth Olsen, earning $7 million for Open Road (eOne Films in Canada), going head-to-head with former Champion Act of Valor in fifth also with $7 million.  Final numbers will soon be released for exact order of finish. 

Eddie Murphy's A Thousand Words from Paramount Pictures opens in sixth spot with $6.3 million, seeing some highs of late with successes like Tower Heist and Shrek Forever After, and of course some lows like this, Meet Dave and Imagine That.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island slips to ninth spot with $3.6 million in its fifth week of release, also just edging-out Action/Rom-Com This Means War which hangs-on to the Top Ten with $3.6 million in its fourth week - now grossing $46.7 million total in North America.  This order of finish however could also be reversed with final numbers coming tonight. 

"SAFE HOUSE" RISES TO THE TOP IN SECOND WEEK: NARROWLY BEATS "THE VOW"

Still from Safe House

Although final numbers for the U.S. President's Day weekend won't be out till end of day Monday, Universal Pictures rises the top of the Box Office narrowly with Action-Thriller Safe House in its second week with $24 million. Starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, it edges-out two releases from Sony Pictures with Romantic-Drama The Vow which was number one last week,  earning $23.6 million this weekend.  In two weeks, it has pulled-in $90 million - extremely solid.

The other Film from Sony is a sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance 3-D starring Nicolas Cage and Idris Elba (currently in Toronto), which opens to the tune of $22 million.  The Action Flick was made for $75 million, although it has yet to open overseas, where its predecessor fared strongly back in 2007, going on to make $112 million there alone.

Warner Bros.' Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3-D seems to have cornered the Family market this Holiday weekend, slipping in fourth with $20.8 million in its second week of release, a two-week total of $59 million for the Brad Peyton-directed Adventure.

Debuting in fifth surprisingly is 20th Century Fox's This Means War with $17.5 million, which despite an all-star Cast including Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy and Chelsea Handler - opening in 3,189 theatres - still is garnering lower numbers than expected.  The entertaining Action/Rom-Com offered Sneak Previews on Valentine's Day, although that doesn't seem to boost its numbers by much.

The Secret World of Arriety from Walt Disney Motion Pictures despite extremely positive reviews (93% at Rotten Tomatoes), only manages a ninth-place debut this weekend with $6.4 million. It only is showing in 1,522 theatres, knowing its place against its competition.  This however, isn't really that much of a disgrace considering that it already has earned a whopping $126 million overseas.

Former champ The Grey rounds out the Top Ten this weekend with $3 million in this fourth week of release for Open Road in the U.S. and eOne Films in Canada.

"THIS MEANS WAR" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from This Means War

It's completely over-the-top, but if it's gotta be done, this is exactly how it should be. Director McG (Terminator Salvation, Charlie's Angels) is back with Vancouver-filmed This Means War, pitting two Best Friends Tuck (Tom Hardy) and FDR (Chris Pine) - who happen also to be Spies - up against one another. Both experts in executing dangerous missions, they perhaps are up against their toughest assignment yet: winning the heart of the same Girl they happen to be dating in Lauren (Reese Witherspoon). Meanwhile, we learn that the dangerous Heinrich (Til Schweiger) is hot on their trails. Will Tuck and FDR self-destruct with their attentions focused on their own interests?  Who will win Lauren's heart?

There are plenty of reasons to like This Means War.  First of all, it doesn't hurt that your Principal Trio are extremely attractive, but truly the chemistry in this Love Triangle actually is believable, regardless how absurd the Movie's premise is.  All extremes are reached by both Tuck and FDR to woo Lauren including Aerial Gymnastics, a violent derivative of Paintball, Dog Adoption, Sade and more.  Really, what Girl wouldn't die to be in the shoes of Witherspoon's Lauren?  By the end of it all, we still don't know whom she should choose as her Lover with both Suitors on equal footing, fighting tooth and nail to the finish line.

The emphasis on the Love Triangle however, comes at the expense of a sparse Subplot which should see both Heroes lives in danger, but there lacks a feeling of real threat from Heinrich.  In addition to catering the the Ladies, McG fully is aware of his audience, winning the hearts of his Male audience too with a few powerful punches thrown-in for good measure and some edge-of-your-seat car chases; never a dull moment. Genuinely, the Film is in on its own jokes and the laughs indeed are plentiful. Both Pine and Comedienne Chelsea Handler will benefit most from their spot-on work here.  One can expect big things of This Means War, in theatres February 17, 2012 via 20th Century Fox Films Canada.

"THIS MEANS WAR" RELEASE DELAYED TO FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Still from This Means War

20th Century Fox is now pushing-back its releasefor This Means War from Valentines's Day to February 17, 2012. Filmed in Vancouver last year, the Romantic Action/Comedy starring Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon (just cast in Atom Egoyan's latest Devil's Knot) and Chelsea Handler pits two Best Friends and CIA Operatives against one another when it comes to one Woman they both can't resist.  Laughs, Guns, Hotties.  Oh, yeah.

This Means War however, won't be the only Canadian-filmed Movie to hit theatres around Valentine's Day.  Just a few days ahead of its release, Toronto-made Tearjerker The Vow starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams will be hitting theatres on February 10th and it is said that this crowding has played a strong part in the decision to alter the release date this late in the game. 

Watch the Trailer in full below:

Remember to "like" 20th Century Fox Films Canada on Facebook!

It's still not too late to score a Double Pass to see This Means War next week in Toronto. Do it here.

(Photo credit: 20th Century Fox)

ENTER TO WIN TORONTO ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE "THIS MEANS WAR" & "STAR WARS EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-D"

Official Artwork for This Means War & Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D

20th Century Fox Films Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are thrilled to offer Readers a chance to attend two exciting Advance Screenings in Toronto!

Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D hits theatres on February 10, 2012, giving you a chance to see a new, enhanced take on George Lucas' 1999 Box Office smash starring Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor. For the first time ever, audiences around the World can experience Star Wars as never before, in 3-D. The epic Saga has captivated millions with exotic worlds, iconic characters and unforgettable action, and now fans share the theatrical phenomenon with a new generation.

Click here to watch the Trailer in full.

The Screening for Star Wars Episode 1 - 3-D takes place on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre - 7:30 PM.

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One of the most eagerly-awaited Action-Comedies to come in quite some time is Director McG's This Means War, in theatres Valentine's Day. Boasting an all-star Cast which includes Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, we see the World's deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman. Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever - each other.

NICK ZANO & LAURA VANDERVOORT IN TORONTO FOR "THE UNTITLED SANTA PROJECT"

Nick Zano & Mr. Will-W.

And all the Girls go screaming.  Yes, that's hunky Nick Zano and he's now in Toronto filming an TV Movie known only as ABC Family's The Untitled Santa Project due later this year for the Holidays.  Although details are pretty nil right now on what the Movie is actually about, we know that Zano stars as a character named David Morretti, while his Toronto-based Co-Star Laura Vandervoort stars as Jennifer Walker.  This is one of two ABC Family Holiday TV Movies being filmed in the City right now alongside 12 Dates of Christmas, which stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Amy Smart. Click here to learn more about that Production.

Filming began just yesterday for The Untitled Santa Project in a Residential area and continued today in an Office setting around Eaton Centre.   And a group of Zano's Female Fan Base in Toronto were out in full force showing their support yesterday which touched him enough to Tweet today, "It was great meeting everyone yesterday, thanks for the love Toronto.".  Aww! 

THANK YOU, TOM HARDY.

Personalized Photo from Tom Hardy

Some Boys really have all the luck!  Thank you to Mr. Tom Hardy, for this lovely personalized Photo.  It made my day completely.  Huge fan.  *gush*

See Hardy next in upcoming Boxing Film Warrior and This Means Wear, alongside Chris Pine and Reese Witherspoon.  He also has recently been cast in The Dark Knight Rises as Bane together with his Inception Co-star Marion Cotillard, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman and of course, Batman himself, Christian Bale.

CHELSEA HANDLER IN TORONTO FOR "CHELSEA CHELSEA BANG BANG" TOUR

Chelsea Handler

Arriving just an hour before her Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang Tour Toronto stop-off at Massey Hall,  red hot Comedienne Chelsea Handler tried being incognito in a Hoodie, surrounded by an Entourage of Security Guards. "I've got to get to my Show, I'm sorry!" she explained to Autograph Seekers as she fumbled through two separate entrances, before finally finding the correct Stage Door.  Following closely behind was this evening's Opening Act, Chris Franjola who has gained a significant amount of exposure on her hit E! Network program Chelsea Lately, bringing that network much success in the late evening time slot upwards of 500k viewers.  In fact, this type of treatment from Handler is actually expected with her having developed a reputation of going above-and-beyond for "paying" Fans.  "I heard she (Handler) was a total Bitch to my Friend's Friend in Ohio too!" one young Woman in waiting said.

Chris Franjola & Mr. Will-W.

Taking to the stage at 9:30 PM, the 35 year-old New Jersey native-cum-Los Angelino delivered her signature brand of self-deprecating humour, venturing frequently to risqué territory. Handler found ways to poke fun about her obsession as a 9 year-old with Masturbation to her distaste towards Angelina Jolie, which she has v. public about in being good friends with Jennifer Aniston, former wife of Jolie's current partner Brad Pitt.  She went as far as to attack Jolie's untraditional naming of her Children, expressing sympathy for them in how it has become her goal to have her Family resemble an advertisement for United Colours of Benetton.

A key element to Handler's routine is how Asian interest groups have expressed displeasure consistently at her jokes.  "I used to speak to them directly, but now I don't even care anymore" she told the audience, explaining how we must be able to laugh off stereotypes.  "Racism on the other hand, is an ugly thing", she clarified.

THANK YOU, CHRIS PINE.

Chris Pine

Uh, yeah way!  THE Chris Pine, known for his breakout performance in Star Trek and Unstoppable, is currently in Vancouver filming This Means War alongside Tom Hardy and Reese Witherspoon. Somewhere between filming breaks, the devastatingly handsome Actor mailed me this beautiful signed Photo, which I just received today!   Amazingly nice and needless to say, I'm touched.

Pine can be seen next in the Comedy Ten Year alongside an ultra-hot Cast of Kate Mara, Anna Faris, Channing Tatum and John Krasinski.

*gush*

REESE WITHERSPOON COVERS ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Reese Witherspoon on Entertainment Weekly

Back at last!  Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon is back after a hiatus, focusing on  raising her children Ava and Deacon.  Also she claims not to have been given many enticing Scripts, accounting for why she's been so quiet of late. 

On the latest edition of Entertainment Weekly, Witherspoon says "There are a lot of really, really, really big movies about robots and things — and there’s not a part for a 34-year-old Woman in a robot movie".  True enough.  I mean what else does she have to prove?  Click here to read more.

Witherspoon is just about to wrap production on This Means War in Vancouver, can be seen in upcoming Romantic Comedy How Do You Know alongside Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson in theatres Friday, December 17, 2010.

(Photo credit: Entertainment Weekly)

CHRIS PINE COVERS NOVEMBER ISSUE OF DETAILS

Chris Pine covers November issue of Details

Hi, Eyes down here, please.  Thanks. 

While our friends out in Vancouver I'm sure are enjoying the sunshine that Chris Pine is bringing to their City right now filming McG's This Means War, the Star Trek star covers November's issue of Details.  The actor will be there filming until early December along with co-stars Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy.  

The strapping Actor who turned 30 at the end of August told Details' Howie Kahn: "I've been thinking a lot about mortality. A lot about what I'm going to do with my life and how to enjoy it. One of the things I'm going to work on is being more spontaneous, letting go, embracing the beauty of come-what-may."  The interview can be read here.

You must check out the photos from Matthias Vriens-McGrath, clearly who understands what Women and Gay Men want to see.  JustJared also posted a rather "telling" photo which was an Outtake from the shoot which you must see here.

(Photo credit: Matthias Vriens-McGrath)

TOM HARDY, REESE WITHERSPOON AND CHRIS PINE IN VANCOUVER FILMING THIS MEANS WAR

Tom Hardy out doing groceries in Vancouver

Our friends in Vancouver are so lucky! Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy are on the beautiful West Coast filming their latest project titled This Means War from Director McG who brought us smash hits like Charlie's Angels and its sequel, plus Terminator Salvation. The Action/Comedy is about two childhood BFFs who happen to fall in love with the same woman Lauren (Witherspoon), and apparently the film will feature some epic fighting.

The trio will be in Vancouver until the beginning of December. The title is co-production by a quiet of late Will Smith and Witherspoon. Seen above is hotter-than-ever Hardy out and about after doing some groceries at MarketPlace IGA.  Hey - we used to have those in Toronto!

JustJared has even more photos of the actors on-set.  Check them out here.

(Photo credit: Bauer Griffin Online)