2009-08-21
Tarantino's "Basterds" marches into theaters (Reuters)
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - For better or worse, this weekend's opening of Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" looms large in the fiscal health of its producers and distributors at the Weinstein Co.
Executives at the New York indie say their financial woes have been greatly exaggerated in the press and that the company's fate won't be sealed by the success or failure of any one release. But it's safe to say the Weinsteins would welcome a big opening weekend for the World War II picture. Prerelease tracking is auspicious, indicating must-see interest in key segments of the audience.
One of four domestic wide releases opening Friday, "Basterds" is tracking best with 18- to 35-year-old males. But though the R-rated, 2 1/2-hour film will draw best among moviegoers bearing Y chromosomes, topliner Brad Pitt should help draw just enough females to help "Basterds" reach north of $25 million through Sunday.
Tarantino's best opening was 2004's "Kill Bill: Vol. 2," which unspooled with $25.1 million en route to a domestic total of $66.2 million.
"Basterds" follows a team of Jewish-American soldiers in Nazi-occupied France, with French actress Melanie Laurent and filmmaker/actor Eli Roth among the co-stars.
Universal is distributing the film internationally and will split all costs and proceeds evenly with the Weinsteins. The film's production costs totaled about $70 million, according to reports.
In any event, "Basterds" not only needs to open well but must sustain momentum over subsequent sessions. Some industryites suggest the Weinstein's scheduling of another R-rated movie, Rob Zombie's "Halloween II," to open just a week after "Basterds" shows the indie's need to boost theatrical cash flow. But they argue that the ploy could undermine the WWII pic's second session and note that the slasher sequel's prospects will be limited by Warner Bros.' 3D horror thriller "The Final Destination," opening August 28.
KID STUFF
Elsewhere this weekend, Warner Bros.' PG-rated family fantasy "Shorts" looks headed for a limp debut. Directed by Robert Rodriguez ("Spy Kids"), "Shorts" tells the story of a mysterious object that falls into the hands of some kids from comically dysfunctional families. The cast includes William H. Macy, James Spader and Jon Cryer.
Prerelease interest appears weak, and an inaugural tally of $8 million-$10 million appears in the offing.
"We're just hoping for a family following, which hasn't had a new picture in a couple weeks," Warners distribution boss Dan Fellman said.
Fox Searchlight's youth comedy "Post Grad," directed by Vicky Jenson ("Shrek"), stars Alexis Bledel ("Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants") as a recent college grad who moves back in with her parents (Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch). A debut in the mid-single-digit millions appears likely.
A fourth wide opener, Disney's sports documentary "X Games 3D: The Movie," is likely to post a similar sum during its first three days and is scheduled to play in theaters for just one week. The film focuses less on the actual X Games and more on the recent ESPN-sponsored event's participants. It will play only in 3D venues and is set for more than 1,300 auditoriums.
On an industrywide basis, this weekend will be compared with a soft $106 million year-earlier session that was topped by the $14.5 million bow of the comedy "The House Bunny." The relatively easy comparison could result in Hollywood's marking a third consecutive year-over-year weekend improvement.
Asin's Unusual Marriage Proposal
Although the gesture is very sweet, Asin is obviously not getting hitched anytime soon. Asin is new to Bollywood and is taking the scene by storm, but she has already made a name for herself as a South Indian actress. Her superstar status has unfortunately led South Indian fans to turn into Asin fanatics!
Not too long ago we heard how Asin was being stalked by a young man while she was on a shoot in Singapore. Quite obviously, this was something that was very frightening for Asin. Since then security around her has gotten tighter. However it will be interesting to see what fans do to get passed the security.
Asin is quite attractive with a great body and sharp features so it's easy to see why so many men would fall for her. Maybe she will eventually like one of these guys... if they aren't too creepy of course!
We have heard of fans that have written letters in blood, while others stand outside actor's homes for days, and some even create temples where their favorite stars are worshipped. At least Asin got wooed in style with a sparkling diamond ring!
So what does Asin think about all of this? Well, she has refrained from commenting on this situation, however a close friend of hers says, "It's extremely flattering to get such attention and Asin is overwhelmed and at the same time embarrassed by it all." When you are a superstar we guess stuff like this is just something you learn to deal with.
Mike Myers Is a 'Basterd,' Too
Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" (misspelling intentional) hits theaters this Friday. Movie buffs are buzzing about Brad Pitt and his funky accent ("nat-zees"), but Mr. Pitt isn't the only A-lister to turn in a swell performance. Mike Myers also plays a pivotal role in the World War II epic. And though his role hasn't been heavily promoted in ads, the comedian is nevertheless scoring some buzz.
Much like Tom Cruise's role in "Tropic Thunder," Myers' appearance in "Basterds" may serve as a bit of a comeback. Myers' rep as a bankable star suffered from the deservedly lambasted "Love Guru" and the PTSD-inducing "Cat in the Hat." In "Basterds," Myers plays it straight, taking on the role of an English general. Though nearly unrecognizable with his makeup and hair, astute viewers and blog readers have caught on and are searching. Lookups on "mike myers basterds" are on the rise, and are sure to increase this weekend.
For his part, Myers called his Basterds role "a dream." His parents were in the British armed forces, so playing an English general was right up his alley. But how did Tarantino think to cast Myers? Few would argue that it's an odd choice. In an article from Canada's CTV, Tarantino explains that Myers "let it be known that he's a fan and if there was something in the movie that would be proper for him, he would love to do it." Myers got the call, took the gig, and promptly "did a jig" out of sheer happiness.
Below, you can watch Mr. Myers in a clip. Vive les Basterds!
atch Mike Myers in Clips from 'Inglourious Basterds' (Viewer Discretion Advised)
'Wanted' Press Conference
At the recently held press conference about his forthcoming film 'Wanted', Salman Khan seemed to be in a funny mood sharing some of the most memorable moments he had while shooting for the film.
Recalling how his producers decided to make him do some of the most difficult dance steps in the film, Salman said, ''I'm a great dancer in the league of Sunny Deol and Anil Kapoor. So, when Prabhudeva, who's directing this film moved his body like elastic and told me to do the same, I was amazed initially. Finally, upon realizing how good I was with my jig, the director made some tailor-made changes in the dance steps. I think this film showcases my best dance sequences till date.''
The film which stars Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia Azmi in the lead has been directed by ace choreographer Prabhu Deva and is all set to hit the screens this festive season. So check out the photos of the press meet below and drop off your comments.
Actress Sridevi and her kids
Salman Khan and Prabhu Deva dance off with duo Sajid-Wajid singing one of the film's tracks
Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia Azmi, and Producer Boney Kapoor
Sajid-Wajid, Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia Azmi, and Boney Kapoor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
