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Jodie's Flightplan continues to soar |
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For over a decade, maverick Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg has been making films that generated a cult following in America but were seldom moneymakers. Many viewers found his festival-sweeping films too complicated and dense.
Now, for the first time in his career, Cronenberg has made a film that has pleased both the audiences and the critics. A Cannes hit, A History Of Violence, is currently No 4 on the US charts. Its $8 million gross is significant since the film has released in just about 1,300 theaters, while many of the top films are playing in over 3,000 theatres each.
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1. Flightplan Cast: Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Erika Christensen, Sean Bean. Director: Robert Schwentke.  The formidable Jodie Foster; some suspenseful moments. Story has too many bumps; the suspense nosedives soon.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Success.
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2. Serenity Cast: Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, Chiwetel Ejiofor. Director: Joss Whedon. A witty, heartfelt and intriguing sci-fi film.Acting could have been better. Ditto for the dialogue.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Okay opening.
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3. Corpse Bride Cast (Voices): Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter. Director: Tim Burton. Imaginative setting; story with heart; wonderful voices.Appeal is limited to die-hard Burton fans.Number of weeks: 3. BO Verdict: Success.
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4. A History of Violence Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris. Director: David Cronenberg. Intriguing story, solid performances, gripping narration.A bit harrowing at times.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Success.
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5. Into the Blue Cast: Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Scott Caan. Director: John Stockwell. An attractive young cast.Needed a stronger script, meaty action.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Poor opening.
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6. Just Like Heaven Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo. Director: Mark S Waters. Likeable lead stars. Comedy just doesn't take off.Number of weeks: 3. BO Verdict: Disappointing.
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7. The Exorcism Of Emily Rose Cast: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Jennifer Carpenter, Scott Campbell, Shohreh Aghdashloo. Director: Scott Derrickson. Great appeal to devout Christians. Laura Linney's powerful performance. Too noisy, inept script.Number of weeks: 4. BO Verdict: Hit.
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8. Roll Bounce Cast: Bow Wow, Chris McBride, Mike Epps. Director: Malcolm D Lee. Endearing; funny; well-spirited. No stars; low production values.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Medium success.
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9. The Greatest Game Ever Played Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane, Justin Ashforth, Peter Firth, George Asprey. Director: Bill Paxton. Enjoyable movie with decent performances.Golf background may not appeal to some audiences.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Flop.
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10. The 40-Year-Old Virgin Cast: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener. Director: Judd Apatow. An appealing hero; many pleasant diversions.Script loses much of its edge as it goes on.Number of weeks: 7. BO Verdict: Hit.
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Text: Arthur J Pais
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