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'Sherlock Holmes' Outsmarts 'Avatar' In The Saturday Box Office
20 hours ago
1. "Sherlock Holmes" ($24.9 million)
2. "Avatar" ($23.5 million)
3. "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" ($14.5 million)
4. "It's Complicated" ($7.1 million)
5. "Up in the Air" ($3.6 million)
This weekend's battle of the blockbusters opened on Christmas Day yesterday in a close contest. Director Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes" just barely edged "Avatar" out of the top spot, with $24.9 million in ticket sales to the sci-fi epic's $23.5 million. Estimates pin both with a $70 million weekend, but the James Cameron flick has been turning in strong daily numbers, so a shortfall isn't out of the question.
Competing weekend openers "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" and "It's Complicated" eased into the three and four slots for Friday, respectively. "Alvin," which opened on Wednesday, added another $14.5 million in tickets last night, bringing its total to almost $40 million. "Complicated," the ensemble romantic comedy starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, wasn't exactly trailing close behind the "Chipmunks," but its $7.1 million is respectable nonetheless. »
- Adam Rosenberg
MTV News Doles Out Our Christmas Movie Awards
25 December 2009 11:09 AM, PST
Merry Christmas, gentle readers! Today is a day for spending time with loved ones, yelling at those loved ones, giving them gifts, refilling their drinks. It's also a day for popping in a DVD in the living room while working through a food coma. What will it be? The list of movies that have explored this eggnog-drenched holiday is nearly as long as Santa's own. Now action, now rom-com, now satire and thriller!
With some strong 'nog in hand, we took a look back at some of the very best and very worst a big screen Noel has to offer and plucked out our favorite elements from each. Gather the family round the computer screen and take in MTV News' Christmas Movie Awards.
Best Santa – Dan Aykroyd in "Trading Places"
When Louis Winthorpe III hits rock bottom, he soars to the highest ranks of cinematic Santas. Booted from his cushy »
- Eric Ditzian
David Tennant Talks 'Doctor Who' Season Finale: Time War Secrets, Familiar Faces And A 'Brilliant' Twist
25 December 2009 11:06 AM, PST
"Doctor Who," the long-running BBC science-fiction series that follows a time- and space-traveling explorer known as The Doctor, concludes its current season this weekend with a two-part finale that kicks off Christmas Day, December 25. Not only does "The End of Time" finale conclude the latest season, but it will also see the departure actor David Tennant, who's played The Doctor for the last three seasons and seen the series' popularity explode to unprecedented levels here in the U.S., spawning spin-offs such as "Torchwood" and "The Sarah Jane Chronicles."
As MTV's resident "Doctor Who" geek, I jumped at the opportunity to chat with Tennant about the impending conclusion to his run as The Doctor — and what we can expect to see in the season finale.
"I can't give anything away, that would go against the grain, wouldn't it?" smiled Tennant, who went on to tease some of what we might »
- Rick Marshall
Josh's Top Ten Movies Of The Year--Or How The King Of The World Reclaimed His Throne
24 December 2009 12:20 PM, PST
2009 was a year of delights at the movies. The list below testifies to that. It doesn't rival '07 when two examples of virtual moviemaking perfection were released--namely "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" but '09 may have been filled with as many unexpectedly joyful film going experiences as I can remember in a single calendar year.
From sitting in the first public screening of what should have been a forgetful and frivolous romantic comedy on a frigid night in Park City (see #8) to being flabbergasted by the inventiveness of a would-be sci-fi auteur (whose name I couldn't spell or pronounce at the time, see #7) for 112 riveting minutes. Franchises were reborn. Genres were injected with new life. Stephen Sommers made a watchable film called "G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra." Young filmmakers came of age. And one mad genius with the heart of a pussycat and »
- Josh Horowitz
Unwrap Jim Henson's 'The Christmas Toy' In Today's Christmas Eve (Sick Day) Stash!
24 December 2009 10:04 AM, PST
Call them "cult classics." "Guilty pleasures." "Comfort movies." We all have a mental rolodex of flicks that may not be terribly popular but, for one reason or another, they resonate in a very special way. Maybe you saw it at the right moment. Maybe you just see gold where everyone else sees feces. Whatever the case, these are the special favorites that you keep stashed away for sick days. Here are some of ours.
One of the great things about the holiday season is the plethora of fantastic holiday movies that come with it. Everybody has their favorites: some go for the classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story," while others are interested in twists on the genre such as in "Die Hard," and still others are more inclined for modern holiday fare like "Four Christmases" and "Elf."
But for me, it's always about Jim Henson's "The Christmas Toy. »
- Josh Wigler
New 'Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time' Images Appear Online
24 December 2009 9:27 AM, PST
With the temperatures falling below 30 degrees outside, it's easy to forget that the highly anticipated 2010 spring/summer releases will be kicking off in a few short months. We haven't forgotten here at MTV News, and neither has Disney. Two images from "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" have emerged among a crop of recently released press materials from the studio. It's a tiny taste of what's to come as the weather grows warmer and the big budget blockbusters gear up their promotional campaigns.
Think warm thoughts as you gaze at these pics of Jake Gyllenhaal's Prince Dastan in the sun-baked desert landscapes...
Click the image to check out the other still.
»
- Adam Rosenberg
Exploring The Political Subtext In 'Avatar' With Stephen Lang
24 December 2009 7:15 AM, PST
If you haven't seen "Avatar" yet, beware of mild spoilers ahead. The principal antagonist in the movie is Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), a gruff career military man charged with waving a proverbial Big Stick at the indigenous Na'vi if diplomatic solutions break down.
Many have noted the similarities between how this particular plot point plays out and the age of Imperialism, when European forces spread their influence into the Americas. Lang, who spoke to MTV's Josh Horowitz at the "Avatar" junket in London recently, is aware of the concerns, as you'll see in the video below.
"I think that the parallels, the kind of allegorical nature of the film, is quite overt in a way," he explained, adding "I don't think that it's particularly profitable -- for myself -- to get all that explicit about it."
Lang is obviously not the man portrayed in the film, a xenophobic, slightly unhinged leader of soldiers. »
- Adam Rosenberg
Susan Sarandon And Tim Robbins' Split, 'Crazy Heart' And Stray Peacocks In Today's Twitter-Wood
23 December 2009 3:30 PM, PST
Jeff Bridges' performance in "Crazy Heart" was good enough for the Golden Globes, and it was good enough for Rob Zombie as well, judging by his tweets. Kevin Smith, meanwhile, had a positively-used expletive to describe his own experience watching Edgar Wright's unreleased "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World."
Less giddy was producer Jeff Katz, who used a sports metaphor to express his reaction to news that Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins have split. I'll let you parse and interpret that one, as his references to Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno went a little over my head. You can do so after the jump where you will also learn about Ice-t's recent "Modern Warfare 2" accomplishments, when Emmy Rossum will begin taking trapeze lessons and who found a stray peacock in their back yard. It's all retweeted in Twitter-Wood report for December 23, 2009.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@Finallevel http://twitpic. »
- Brian Warmoth
If Sherlock Holmes Isn't The World's Greatest Detective, Then Who Is?
23 December 2009 2:00 PM, PST
Is Sherlock Holmes the greatest detective that's ever lived? It's hard to make such a statement without some serious subjective reasoning (Editor's note: espeically since he's a fictional character and thus, never lived!), but there is at least one objective fact that we can all agree upon — Sherlock Holmes is the greatest detective that has a movie coming out this weekend.
The eccentric private eye's fan base is likely to grow following the release of Guy Ritchie's upcoming film, which stars Robert Downey Jr. as the titular detective and Jude Law as his mustachioed sidekick Watson. But even with the man occasionally known as Tony Stark behind Sherlock's pipe, there is a formidable faction of cinematic investigators that Holmes must contend with for the title of fiction's greatest detective.
Here are just a few of the other fine detectives that could give Holmes' deductive skills some stiff competition.
Batman »
- Josh Wigler
MTV Movies Blog Readers Respond To 'Avatar'
23 December 2009 1:00 PM, PST
For more on the political subtext at play in "Avatar," check out our interview with Stephen Lang/Col. Miles Quaritch.
"Avatar" has been out for most of a week now and the verdict is in: people like it. A lot. There are issues if you look for them, one-dimensional characters, goofy dialogue, subtext that isn't really "sub" at all... all of the usual complaints people level at a blockbuster event film. Ultimately, director James Cameron crafted an experience that's meant to give people a good time, and that's exactly what he accomplishes.
Of course, that's just my opinion. Throughout the past week, we've been soliciting opinions from you, the readers. And you've responded. There's a lot of praise after the jump. Some criticism, but it's mostly positive. There's even a compelling idea or two, some discussion-worthy content to leave you with food for thought. Thanks to all who contributed... we'd »
- Adam Rosenberg
Going To The Movies With Hollywood's Crappiest Christmas Gifts
23 December 2009 12:00 PM, PST
Yesterday, MTV's Eric Ditzian ran through five of the best movie gifts -- which is to say, gifts given in movies -- a person could ask for. From Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story" (personally, I'd prefer a TurboMan from "Jingle All the Way") to the self-lacing Nike sneakers in "Back to the Future Part II," Eric shared some great holiday gift ideas. You probably won't be able to get your hands on any of them at this late hour, but you can at least look at the pictures and sigh wistfully at the missed opportunities.
I'm back today with another gifts list. Except these are prezzies that you're not going to find under the tree when you stumble into the living room on the morning of December 25. The history of cinema is rife with great examples of poor gift-giving, and I've collected some of the worst right here. So hit »
- Adam Rosenberg
'Nine' Star Nicole Kidman May Have More Musicals To Come
23 December 2009 11:30 AM, PST
From MTV.Com: In 2001 Nicole Kidman sang her way to a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination for "Moulin Rouge!" It was, at the time, the most critically lauded performance of her career. Strangely enough, though, the offers to star in more big-screen musicals didn't pour in.
"I think because once you've done one, people are like, 'Ok, we want to find somebody else to do the next one, ' " Kidman told MTV News.
Continue reading Nicole Kidman Calls Role In 'Nine' A 'Lovely Surprise'
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- Eric Ditzian
Brittany Murphy Remembrances From MTV Movies Blog Readers
23 December 2009 11:00 AM, PST
All this week, we've been soliciting reactions from you, the readers, on the tragic loss of "8 Mile" star Brittany Murphy over the weekend. The 32-year-old actress died of a heart attack in her home, a senseless death for someone so young. Her friends and colleagues in Hollywood have been nothing but supportive, with an outpouring of tweets memorializing her popping up over the past few days.
I know I mentioned this earlier, but I have to say once again how appreciative I am that you readers have kept things respectful. Whatever your opinions are of the actress or her work, it is nothing less than tragic when someone so young dies so senselessly. Your comments are always appreciated here, but the absence of nastiness from people who take comfort in their anonymity is encouraging. So I'd like to take a moment now to highlight your own thoughts and remembrances of Murphy and her career. »
- Adam Rosenberg
Speaking To Brittany Murphy After The Release Of '8 Mile'
23 December 2009 10:30 AM, PST
From MTV.Com: Brittany Murphy may be best remembered as one of cinema's most memorable makeovers, going from frumpy to fabulous as Tai Fraiser in "Clueless," but her turn alongside Eminem in "8 Mile" was something entirely different: a chance to play the love interest of one of the biggest stars on the planet in a film that grossed a ton of money and became one of 2002's cultural touchstones.
The role of Alex, an aspiring model hanging out in Detroit's shady back alleys, garnered Murphy some of the finest reviews of her career. In a 2006 interview with MTV News, the actress, who died on Sunday at the age of 32, looked back at the experience and how it combined two of her great loves — acting and music.
Continue reading Brittany Murphy, In Her Own Words: '8 Mile' And Eminem
»
- Eric Ditzian
Brittany Murphy And Alicia Silverstone Are 'Clueless' In Today's Sick Day Stash
23 December 2009 10:00 AM, PST
Call them "cult classics." "Guilty pleasures." "Comfort movies." We all have a mental rolodex of flicks that may not be terribly popular but, for one reason or another, they resonate in a very special way. Maybe you saw it at the right moment. Maybe you just see gold where everyone else sees feces. Whatever the case, these are the special favorites that you keep stashed away for sick days. Here are some of ours.
The choice sleepover movie in the mid-90's was "Clueless." With a tagline like "Sex. Clothes. Popularity. Is there a problem here?" the answer was clearly no. It was witty. Funny. Fashionable. Hip. Awesome. Very, very awesome.
The plot goes like this (I'm a little ashamed for those who haven't seen the flick and need a synopsis but…): A Beverly Hills rich girl, Cher Horowitz (played brilliantly by Alicia Silverstone) and her pal, the sassy »
- Jocelyn Vena
'Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel' Introduces Rodent Love Interests, The Chipettes!
23 December 2009 9:30 AM, PST
From MTV.Com: You'd be hard-pressed to find three more fun, bubbly, beautiful blondes than Anna Faris, Amy Poehler and Christina Applegate. This week, millions will go and see their new movie, but not actually see them. Or really hear them — at least not their God-given voices.
The ladies, who play the Chipettes in "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," say the film is a unique opportunity for an actor to infuse a character solely with personality, unencumbered by the usual limitations of voice and physicality. Such lofty thoughts, however, went right out the window when we recently sat down with Poehler and Applegate, two good friends who could barely contain their laughter long enough to give us their thoughts on the sexiest Chipmunk, their old-tim
Continue reading Amy Poehler, Christina Applegate Get Sassy For 'Squeakquel'
»
- Adam Rosenberg
'Nine' Star Daniel Day-Lewis Has No Interest In Starring In A Hollywood Blockbuster
23 December 2009 9:00 AM, PST
There are many reasons that Daniel Day-Lewis is considered one of the finest actors currently working in the movie business, with one of the most important ones being his highly selective process in choosing film roles.
Sure, it would be awesome to see Day-Lewis take on an iconic role in a Hollywood tentpole picture. How much fun would it be to see him in one of Christopher Nolan's "Batman" movies, for example? But don't hold your breath, as the "Nine" star recently told MTV's Josh Horowitz that the chances of him signing on for a blockbuster are highly unlikely.
"[This is] not meant to belittle those films or the people [who work on them], because there are people that need to do those films and love to do those films — they can be fantastically entertaining for the people who love to see them — but it's not for me," Day-Lewis said about the prospects of starring in a franchise film. »
- Josh Wigler
Two 'Inglourious Basterds' Stars And A 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Star Sign On With David Cronenberg
23 December 2009 8:00 AM, PST
There are two nearly universal facts when it comes to filmmaker David Cronenberg, the man who birthed the likes of "The Fly" and "Videodrome" into the world. The first is that, when watching one of his films, you will shift uncomfortably in your seat at least once from something that happens on the screen. And number two? You'll always walk away with something to think about.
Cronenberg is a talented filmmaker, and a smart one. Despite his flirtations with the avant-garde, he has nonetheless remained firmly entrenched in the mainstream consciousness with efforts like "Eastern Promises" and "A History of Violence." His next project has been something of a question mark for awhile. Spy thriller "The Matarese Circle" went away after Tom Cruise dropped out to do "Knight & Day." And there's been no news at all on his plans to adapt Don DeLillo's "Cosmopolis." It's looking like his next »
- Adam Rosenberg
Exclusive: Guy Ritchie Not Making Any Promises About 'Lobo'
23 December 2009 7:30 AM, PST
From Splash Page: Back in September, it was announced that the secret comic book movie project that "Sherlock Holmes" director Guy Ritchie has been circling was not in fact, "Sgt. Rock," as many had suspected. Instead of directing a film about an American war hero, Ritchie would get behind the camera for "Lobo" — a movie based on the adventures of DC's violent, white-skinned alien bounty hunter.
However, the reports of Ritchie's attachment to the project could be a bit premature, as he told MTV News during the recent "Sherlock Holmes" junket in London.
"Is it a matter of fact that I'm doing it?" Ritchie asked when told of reports framing his participation in "Lobo" as a done deal. "I don't think it's a matter of fact. In fact, I can tell you it's not a matter of fact."
Continue reading Exclusive: Guy Ritchie Says Directing 'Lobo' Movie Is 'Not A »
- Adam Rosenberg
'Inception' International Trailer Emerges, Speaks To You In French
23 December 2009 7:00 AM, PST
There's a new trailer up online for "Inception." Just one catch though: it's in French. Given how little we've seen of Chris Nolan's summer 2010 sci-fi adventure starring Leonardo DiCaprio, I'll take what I can get. It's not like anyone's been forthcoming about the plot. The visuals in this new trailer are damn cool however. Check it out, courtesy of MakingOf.
Sadly, the trailer has been pulled. We'll see it again soon I'm sure, and in English.
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- Adam Rosenberg
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