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Nicole fails to bewitch the box office |
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No new movie could challenge Batman Begins which stood its ground at top spot for the second week running. But War Of The Worlds, the Steven Spielberg movie headlining Tom Cruise, may change all that.
Batman fell by 45 percent in its second week, and its worldwide gross was an impressive $201 million. Among the new releases, Bewitched grossed the best, but wasn't good enough for a movie that cost $85 m. The film, starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, was expected to be a success. Herbie: Fully Loaded, about a car with a mind of its own, had a mild opening. Lindsay Lohan gave the film some life but she was let down by a weak script.
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1. Batman Begins Cast: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy. Director: Christopher Nolan.  Interesting take on Bat myths, atmospheric. Short on thrills, never exciting, wooden dialogue.Number of weeks: 1. BO Verdict: Hit. |
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2. Bewitched Cast: Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine and Michael Caine. Director: Norah Ephron. Kidman and Ferrell.Where is the magic?Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Disappointing opening.
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3. Mr & Mrs Smith Cast: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Director: Doug Liman. Star power, intriguing first half.Starts to run out of steam towards the last quarter.Number of weeks: 3. BO Verdict: Hit. |
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4. Herbie: Fully Loaded Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Matt Dillon and Michael Keaton. Director: Angela Robinson. Lohan, Lively pace in the first half, some amusing touches.Runs out of steam soon.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Also-ran.
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5. Land Of The Dead Cast: Simon Baker, Asia Argento, Dennis Hopper. Director: George A Romero. Several playfully perverse moments, hard-edged zombie suspense.Few surprises, feels too long and repetitive.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Hit (considering low budget).
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6. Madagascar Cast (voices): Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith. Director: Eric Daniell, Conrad Vernon. Bloodless fun for kids; in-jokes for adults; Ben Stiller.Lacks imagination and vigour of classics like Shrek.Number of weeks: 5. BO Verdict: Hit. |
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7. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Natalie Portman. Director: George Lucas. Engaging story; exciting special effects; soaring action.Poor performances, uninspired writing.Number of weeks: 6. BO Verdict: Superhit. |
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8. The Longest Yard Cast: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds. Director: Peter Segal. Star power.Repetitious, worn-out gags.Number of weeks: 5. BO Verdict: Hit.
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9. The Adventures Of Shark-Boy and Lava-Girl in 3D Cast: Taylor Lautner, Taylor Dooley, Cayden Brown. Director: Robert Rodriguez. Genial entertainment.Not much imagination, gets tedious after a while; not slick.Number of weeks: 3. BO Verdict: Average.
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10. Cinderella Man Cast: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger. Director: Ron Howard. Solid performances, touching melodrama, gritty boxing scenes.Sags in the middle.Number of weeks: 3. BO Verdict: Flop.
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Text: Arthur J Pais
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