Saturday Box Office: ‘Ice Age’ Tries to Freeze Out ‘Transformers’

1. “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” ($11.5 million)
2. “Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” ($11.1 million)
3. “Public Enemies” ($6.6 million)
4. “The Proposal” ($5.2 million)
5. “The Hangover” ($4.4 million)

Box office watchers have been predicting an easy weekend win for “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” but never underestimate the cute critters of the “Ice Age” saga. Their latest adventure, “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” nearly put a freeze on the ongoing rampage of “Transformers” but fell short for Friday audiences by a few million.

“Transformers” took in another $11.5 million, putting its 9 day cumulative box office take at $250.9 million going into the holiday weekend. “Ice Age” did $11.1 million on its opening night. Box office analysts are predicting that the dueling blockbusters will be judged in a photo finish come Monday morning.

Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies” didn’t exactly hold up the box office. The Johnny Depp-led period gangster flick did solid Friday business with $6.6 million earned in the #3 spot, bringing it to $14.8 million in ticket sales since opening wide on Wednesday. According to Nikke Finke of Deadline Hollywood Dailythe gangster drama is well on its way to exceeding Universal’s $30 million dollar expectations by Sunday.

“Despite strong tracking and positive reviews, Universal had been nervous about the debut of Public Enemies because so many adult-oriented pics have failed in recent weeks… but the well marketed combination of Michael Mann and Johnny Depp is luring adult filmgoers hungry for another original and artistic crime saga which is a rarity in this summer of remakes, reboots and reheated sequels,” Finke said.

The top five finally saw “Up” float away, with “The Proposal” and “The Hangover” holding on against Johnny Depp, prehistoric critters and giant fighting robots. The two comedies clocked in at #4 and #5 respectively. “The Proposal” took another $5.2 million, with grosses totaling $86.6 million going into the Independence Day stretch.

“The Hangover” parties on through the holiday and will finally cross the coveted $200 million mark, as Box Office Mojo is estimating that the Todd Philips comedy is teetering on a cumulative total of $198.2 million. Expect everything to slow down on Saturday though, as audiences seek out real live fireworks over the ones to be found on the big screen.

July 4th Holiday Movies To Celebrate Your Independence With

Aah, the Fourth of July. It’s the perfect weekend for barbecuing, enjoying your family… and watching Rambo rip a man’s Adam’s Apple out with his bare hands?

We have tons of Christmas movies, Halloween movies; hell, there’s even a “Groundhog’s Day” film. But what do we watch when we gather around the TV on Independence Day? To help solve the problem, here are the top 10 films we’d recommend as must-see holiday viewing.

“Rambo” series

Take your pick, folks. In a bizarre, twisted way, there are few things as patriotic as watching Sly Stallone blow up freedom-hating bad guys. Even if he were somehow eating a slice of apple pie while shooting those explosive-tipped arrows, it couldn’t be any more American.

“Born on the 4th of July”

Okay, the movie is kind of a bummer. It’s also hard to take Tom Cruise seriously as paralyzed Vietnam vet Ron Kovic now that we can all imagine him jumping out of that wheelchair and onto Oprah’s couch. Oliver Stone’s ode to the ignored, abused soldiers of a generation is more important now than ever, as we’re all reminded of why we need to respect the troops, even if we don’t respect the war they’re fighting in.

“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”

“What was I doing here? What was the meaning of this trip? Was I just roaming around in a drug frenzy of some kind? Or had I really come out here to Las Vegas to work on a story? Who are these people, these faces?” Johnny Depp asks in this trippy adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s twisted take on the perversions of Americana. “They look like caricatures of used car dealers from Dallas - and sweet Jesus, there were a hell of a lot of them at 4:30 on a Sunday morning, still humping the American dream, that vision of the big winner somehow emerging from the last minute pre-dawn chaos of a stale Vegas casino.”

“Glory”

It’s a triple Oscar-winner, the movie that made Denzel Washington a star, and quite possibly the greatest war movie ever. On Independence Day, it’s important to remember our nation’s history consists of so many more colors than red, white and blue.

“The Best Years of Our Lives”

Starring Harold Russell, a real life veteran who lost both hands in 1944, won two Oscars for his role and then never made another high-profile film, “Lives” follows three WWII veterans returning home to small town America. There’s a scene near the end in a church which is a classic “call to action” moment in film. Released shortly after World War II in 1946, “Lives” instilled national pride at a time when America needed it badly.

“In America”

Jim Sheridan’s gorgeous film about an Irish immigrant family adjusting to life in the United States might just be the best portrayal of the American Dream in a decade. It’ll make you cry, it’ll make you laugh and, best of all, it’s family-friendly.

“Saving Private Ryan”

Steven Spielberg’s powerful portrayal of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation during World War II takes us onto the battlefield as no other film ever has. Can someone explain one more time how “Shakespeare in Love” got the Oscar that year?

“Live Free or Die Hard”

It’s the worst of the four “Die Hard” movies, and it has the most awkward title since “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.” Still, John McClane (Bruce Willis) personifies the modern American cowboy, and it is set on July 4th.

“The Godfather II”

Talk about living the dream: Vito Andolini moves to America a poor man who doesn’t speak English. Re-dubbed Corleone, he goes from petty criminal to powerful mob boss in short order, commanding respect and striking fear in the hearts of his enemies. Watching “The Godfather II” on the 4th of July, or any other day for that matter… it’s an offer you can’t refuse.

“Independence Day”

If ever there was a way that aliens could make you feel patriotic, it was when Bill Pullman delivered his now-classic speech to rally the troops: “In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind… perhaps it’s fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression or persecution… but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”

Kurt Loder Reviews ‘Public Enemies’

FROM MTV.COM: John Dillinger’s reign as America’s most-wanted bank robber (or one of them) only spanned 10 months — from the fall of 1933, when he pulled his first such heist, to the summer of 1934, when federal agents shot him down in front of Chicago’s Biograph Theater. Still, Dillinger has proved to be a durable celebrity desperado. Along with such fellow bank-job specialists as Clyde Barrow, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson (all of whom came to a bloody end the same year Dillinger did), he continues to embody the “public enemy” years of the Great Depression, when heartland gangsters became figures of public fascination by smiting the hated banks and repeatedly eluding the little-loved coppers who pursued them.

Dillinger’s brief career has been the subject of several films. The latest is director Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies,” a beautifully made picture that sets out to portray the famed outlaw as both a hard-bitten criminal and a passionate romantic, and is undone in the attempt. Johnny Depp brings effortless star power to the role of Dillinger, and he’s a charmer in the scenes in which his character is pursuing an on-the-run, soul-mate love affair with a Chicago coat-check girl named Billie Frechette (the superb Marion Cotillard).

Continue reading ‘Public Enemies’: Bullet Time, By Kurt Loder

EXCLUSIVE: We’ve Got Your First Glimpse Of Eminem In Adam Sandler’s ‘Funny People’!

You may know that director Judd Apatow has wrangled a laundry list of stars for his forthcoming “Funny People,” that includes — along with leads Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann and Eric Bana — Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, Norm MacDonald, Sarah Silverman, Aziz Ansari, RZA, Dave Attell and others. But did you know a certain Detroit rapper will also be joining the crew?

That’s right: Marshall Mathers himself will be making an appearance in the film. You’ll have to wait until July 31 to see exactly why, but we’ve got the very first look at Eminem’s tableside chat with Sandler’s character, a dying stand-up comedian named George Simmons. Take a gander below, and don’t forget to read the first of Judd Apatow’s exclusive blogs for MTV, wherein he answers a bevy of questions you haven’t even asked.

Arnold’s California’s Budget, Diddy Party Attire And Frustrations Filming ‘Father Of Invention’ In Today’s Twitter-Wood

Hollywood may be slowing down in anticipation of the three-day Fourth of July weekend, but its citizens have still been tweeting hard today in the Twitter-Wood feed. Arnold Schwarzenegger in particular has been keeping his TwitterBerry application close in the face of California’s unresolved budget problems. In fact, today he met a rather enthusiastic fan that he will tell you about in perhaps one too many details.

America’s Independence Day means parties galore, and the faces of Twitter-Wood have been busy making plans. Emmy Rossum received a preemptive tweet-vite for an Evite from Jessica Simpson (along with a generous compliment), and Russell Brand today pondered aloud and uncensored what he will wear to P. Diddy’s infamous white party affair. Check out all of this and some grumbles from New Orleans on the set of “Father of Invention” below in the Twitter-Wood report for July 2, 2009.

@Schwarzenegger Fresno protests have good lines. Esp. the guy asking me 2 sign Terminator 2 & budget. But saying he loved me in Red Sonja - below the belt.
-Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor (”Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Total Recall”)

@rustyrockets Going to @iamdiddy’s “White Party” on the 4th. Costume? Ice cream man garb? Ghost? Klan outfit? I am opposed to racism and death so- JESUS.
-Russell Brand, Actor (”Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Get Him to the Greek”)

Birthday Evite pt 1: @JessicaSimpson @emmyrossum can’t wait to see your costume on the 10th! birthday evite coming soon you are always the best dressed!!!
-Jessica Simpson, Actress/Musician (”The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Employee of the Month”)

Birthday Evite pt 2: @emmyrossum Awesome! Excited to hear the theme! RT @JessicaSimpson @emmyrossum can’t wait to see ur costume on the 10th! u are always the best dressed!!
-Emmy Rossum, Actress (”Dragonball Evolution,” “The Phantom of the Opera”)

“Father of Invention” pt 1: @DanaBrunetti Trying to shoot a playground scene. It is so hot that kids in the background can’t slide down the slide!
-Dana Brunetti, Producer (”Fanboys,” “Casino Jack”)

“Father of Invention” pt 2: @DanaBrunetti WTF is with the trains in New Orleans blowing their horns non-stop? Sound on todays scenes is going to be shit.

@james_gunn Hollywood already seems to have shut down for the 4th. It’s hard to get work done.
-James Gunn, Director/Writer (”Slither”)

Don’t forget to follow @MTVMoviesBlog on Twitter for all the latest updates from the world of movies.

EXCLUSIVE: Check Out The First Poster For The Upcoming Horror Flick, ‘The Collector’

The folks behind the last three “Saw” films have another thriller in store for you, and it’s coming down the pike July 31. “The Collector” follows a handyman and ex-con who aims to dig up some scratch for his ex-wife by robbing his employer’s country home.

Naturally, things don’t go according to plan and our anti-hero finds himself trapped by a masked “Collector” who sets a series of traps that the studio describes as “the Spanish Inquisition as imagined by Rube Goldberg,” all while trying to rescue the very family he came to rob. Check out the poster below.

Nimrod Antal Directing Robert Rodriguez’s ‘Predators’ Reboot

Naturally, Robert Rodriguez’s “Predator” relaunch has been the focus of speculation ever since it was announced this past spring. With the “Grindhouse” director keeping purely to a producing role, speculation has been rampant as to who would take the director’s chair. Neil Marshall (”Doomsday”) was attached earlier this month, and the possibility that the gore-happy director would tackle the franchise was one that caused rejoicing all over the Internet. But Marshall and Predator are not to be. Instead, Ain’t It Cool News has the news straight from Rodriguez that Nimrod Antal will be helming “Predators.”

Antal isn’t as widely known as Marshall, but he has the fine “Kontroll” and “Vacancy” under his belt, and “Armored” hitting theaters this December. He’s shown a talent for tight, terrifying films so far, and is widely buzzed to be The Next Big Name if only he could get a project with a nice, big budget.
“Predators” could be just the thing to make his career.

Rodriguez is certainly full of praise for his new best friend: “I found him to be an outstanding presence, a great communicator full of ideas, and upon meeting him you can immediately understand how he is able to wrangle cast and crew and get the best out of everyone … He reminded me of Quentin with how he was able to work with a group of very strong, singular actor talents and make it look effortless. I know he’ll be able to get the most out of what we want to be an outstanding cast. We really want to go with a character driven action movie, because that’s what we all remember about the original ‘Predator,’ and we want to take it even further with this.”

But from the sound of it, the film will be just as much Rodriguez as Antal. It has been a passion project since Rodriguez wrote a treatment for it back in 1994, and when approached by Fox to reinvent the franchise, the producer / director made sure he could bring it home to his Troublemaker Films studio in order to oversee it better. Though he won’t be in the director’s chair, he promises that he’ll be right behind it. “I’ll be taking a more upfront role as a producer than would normally be the case in Hollywood.” The pressure is on! Good luck, you guys. After “AvP,” you’re going to need it!

Readers, what do you think of Nimrod Antal getting the job? Would you have preferred Neil Marshall? Another director altogether? Or should they be steering clear of redoing “Predator” at all?

Jonah Hill Joins ‘Puffy Chair’ Director For An ‘Obtuse Love Triangle’

First Jonah Hill nearly tackled writer/director Mark Duplass at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin, going on and on about how much he loved Duplass’ debut film “The Puffy Chair,” an indie fav about two brothers who go on a cross-country road trip. Then Hill went and told The New York Times that the film was one of his favorite movies of all time. By that point, Duplass figured the two of them should make some movie magic together.

So they did, along with Duplass’ brother and collaborator, Jay. “The Untitled Duplass Brothers Project,” as it continues to be known after recently wrapping a six week shoot in Los Angeles, stars Hill as the son of a single mother (Marisa Tomei) who begins a relationship with a 40-something guy (John C. Reilly) with a failed marriage in his past.

“[Tomei’s character] is very much out of his league,” Duplass explained to MTV News in a recent interview. “They light up an incredible relationship but she doesn’t really let him in and he finds himself on the other side of the coin, like wanting the snuggle and he can’t get it.”

Reilly soon discovers that she’s been hiding the fact the she has a grown son. The three of them end up having “a very bizarre, codependent relationship,” he said. “It almost develops into some obtuse love triangle, as John and Jonah wrestle for the feelings of Marisa.”

Whatever the film ends up being called—and whenever it comes out; Fox Searchlight is shooting for late this year or early next—it will strive for the same tone as “Puffy Chair” and 2008’s “Baghead.” “It’s very funny, but it’s also rooted in the humanity of these characters and a lot about what it means to be a little lonely and a little lost and trying to find your way in the world, but at the same time, all the ridiculous funny s— you do trying to find your way,” Duplass said.

And, of course, the new movie will feature the comedic stylings of one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood, Jonah Hill. “He’s incredible. And I’m not just saying that because you are press,” Duplass laughed. “He is so one of us, I just can’t even tell you. He came in there and he was vulnerable and no ego and f—ing hilarious and prepared things, and we’re improvising, so the s— he’s coming up with on the spot, I never could come up with on my own. He’s humble. He’s got it.”

Which of Hill’s many projects — this one, “Funny People,” “Get Him to the Greek” — are you looking forward to the most?

EXCLUSIVE: Ponzi Schemes, Octomoms And Roddy Piper On The New Season Of ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’

I’ve been hurting. Probably my two favorite comedies on TV—“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”—have been on hiatus far too long, and there’s only so many times you can re-watch episodes before your neighbors, behind thin NYC apartment walls, begin to complain. But! Larry David’s “Curb” is coming back to HBO in the fall, after a two-year break. And now comes word that “Sunny,” the debaucherous comedy about four friends who run a dive bar in Philly and make one another’s lives hilariously uncomfortable, will be resurfacing on F/X on September 17th for a 12-episode run.

While Charlie Day, along with his fellow writer/producer/co-stars Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton are still in the midst of shooting episodes, Day stepped away from the set to kick MTV News the inside scoop about what “Sunny” fans can expect when the gang—including Danny DeVito’s bundle of scummy fun, Frank—returns to the small screen.

“One of my favorite scripts right now is an episode called ‘The Gang Wrestles for the Troops,’” he said. “In our attempt to honor the troops coming back from Iraq, we try and put on a wrestling match and ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper is appearing in that. He’s playing a down on his luck wrestler called Da Maniac.”

That episode will also give the gang a chance to show off their musical talents, which have been on display before with ridiculous yet catchy tunes like “Day Man” and “Day Bow Bow.” “All great wrestling performers had a good entrance song, so we’ve written our own entrance song about the Birds of War, which is what we call ourselves,” Day revealed.

From an early episode about abortion to last season’s show in which the gang goes to typically absurd lengths to get heath insurance, the “Sunny” crew has shown a curiosity about engaging with news making headlines day after day, and the new season will be no different. Expect plot lines to touch on the economic crisis, Ponzi schemes and, Day said, “We may just touch on the Octomom thing for a minute.”

“We don’t ever want to beat anyone over the head with it or be preachy, but it also feels a little irresponsible to just ignore the world and what’s going on,” he explained. “We don’t take it too, too seriously, but I think it’s good to address those things in the light of comedy.”

Day has just been cast opposite Drew Barrymore, Christina Applegate and Justin Long in the romantic comedy, “Going the Distance,” so once shooting on “Sunny” wraps in late July, the actor will be shuttling between shooting the movie and helping put the TV show together. While he won’t be in the edit room every day, after four seasons, Day is feeling secure about the direction of “Sunny.”

“I don’t think we’re arrogant, but from day one we were confident in the type of show and the type of humor we wanted to put out there,” he said, before heading back inside to continue shooting. “It’s been great how much the show has grown in terms of a fan base and how enthusiastic our fans. We’ve always been proud of our show, especially compared to the other comedies on television.”

What do all the “Sunny” fans think about what the guys have planned for the new season? What news headline would you like to see them integrate into an episode?

Hollywood’s Most Beloved ‘Public Enemies’

When a film like “Public Enemies” comes out, it seems awfully good to be a gangster. Sure, you spend your life dodging the authorities, but you spend it with the fastest cars, the most stylish clothes and the sexiest women.

Face it, ladies… we’re suckers for the bad boy – especially if he’s using some of those ill-gotten gains to buy expensive presents. If you’re looking for a few good gangsters to hang out after you’re done with Johnny Depp’s John Dillinger, look no further than these five.

Henry Hill in “Goodfellas”

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a gangster.” Any list of top-line movie wiseguys has to begin with that quote. Henry Hill’s (Ray Liotta) rise through and fall from the Lucchese crime family is one of director Martin Scorsese’s crowning achievements. The first half of the film is an intoxicating look at a life of organized crime, draping the life of a gangster in an appealing aura of mystique. Then Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) shows up and reminds you just how precarious that life can be.

Nikolai Luzhin in “Eastern Promises”

When we meet Nikolai Luzhin (Viggo Mortensen), he’s a bottom-feeder in his Russian crime family. He’s also the man who takes care of things, from driving the car to disappearing the corpses of murdered rivals. Respected or not, you know you can trust him from the prison tattoos that decorate his body. His jailhouse souvenirs tell the story of a man whom you shouldn’t mess with, even if he’s unarmed and naked in a Russian bath house.

Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in “Bonnie and Clyde”

Love can make you do crazy things… like rob banks! Bonnie (Faye Dunaway) sees Clyde (Warren Beatty) trying to steal her mother’s car, falls head over heels in love and becomes his partner in crime. “Bonnie and Clyde” is a highly romanticized look at the famous bank-robbing couple, but when it comes to the “public enemies” era of the 1930s, the myth almost matters more then the facts. Their tale of anti-hero celebrity was later given an ultra-violent twist by Oliver Stone’s Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis) in “Natural Born Killers.”

Francis “Frank” Costello in “The Departed”

We’re back to Scorsese, who clearly knows his way around closed communities of sociopaths. Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) is the head of the Boston Irish mob, and you know why within seconds of meeting him in “The Departed.” He recruits youngsters with the lure of comic books — apparently, if the Irish mob buys you an issue of Wolverine, you owe them a lifelong debt — puts them in positions of power and pulls their strings as deep cover operative in the Boston police department. Life in the Irish mob under Costello is tense, sweaty and short, especially if you get on his mile-wide bad side. So don’t piss him off.

The Wild Bunch in “RocknRolla”

Not all gangsters are smooth criminals. While none of the British thugs in Guy Ritchie’s films are very successful, few are as clumsy at crime as “RocknRolla”’s Mumbles (Idris Elba), One-Two (Gerard Butler) and Handsome Bob (Tom Hardy). It doesn’t even occur to them that the Russian gang they’re stealing from carry very large guns. Clearly, none of them saw “Eastern Promises.”