BOX OFFICE BUZZ BIG NAMES MAY BRING FILM SLUMP TO A CLOSE.Byline: GREG HERNANDEZ It's a good thing I was able to take in both "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and "Michael Clayton" this week because the multiplexes are positively jammed with new releases starring the likes of George Clooney George Timothy Clooney (May 6, 1961) is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter who gained fame as the lead doctor in the long-running television drama, ER , Cate Blanchett Catherine Élise Blanchett (born May 14, 1969), better known as Cate Blanchett, is an Academy Award- and Golden Globe Award-winning Australian actress. She has also won various awards, most notably including two SAGs and two BAFTAs, making her one of a few actors who won all , Mark Wahlberg For the actor and television game show host, see Mark L. Walberg. Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg (born June 5 1971) is an Academy Award-nominated American actor and television producer. , Joaquin Phoenix Joaquín Rafael Phoenix (pronounced IPA: [hwakiːn / ra.fa.ˈe̞l / fiːnɪks]; born October 28, 1974), formerly credited as Leaf Phoenix and Tyler Perry. This slate of high-profile films, as well as reigning champ "The Game Plan," will try to stop a three-week box-office slide. If not reversed, the growing slump could derail de·rail intr. & tr.v. de·railed, de·rail·ing, de·rails 1. To run or cause to run off the rails. 2. the movie industry's hope of setting an all-time record for revenue to go along with its record summer at the box office. With such a crowded field, it's unlikely that any of the movies will completely dominate although several should have at least $10 million-plus openings. KING GEORGE King George has referred to many kings throughout history. When used, by Americans, without further reference it most often means George III of the United Kingdom, against whom the Whigs of the American Revolution rebelled. : The Clooney-headlined "Clayton" has enjoyed stellar reviews and strong business in limited release. As it expands to more than 2,000 theaters today, the film should manage to hold its own with a weekend take of $12-15 million. QUEEN CATE: Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth, or Elizabeth, may refer to: Living people
Bohemia 2. her Oscar-nominated role from 1998's "Elizabeth" and should be a shoo-in for another nod from the Academy for her performance in this film. But that won't be enough to propel it past a $10 million debut. SEEKING OWNERSHIP: The crime-thriller "We Own the Night" also has a cast with a tremendous acting pedigree, including Oscar nominees Wahlberg and Phoenix as well as Oscar winner Robert Duvall. This is the only real action-packed flick among the newcomers so it should at least match or possibly exceed the debut of "Clayton." Either way, these two flicks should finish close. WEDDING BELLS Wedding Bells can refer to:
STILL IN GAME: Despite the glut of films, Disney's "The Game Plan" remains the only family film in the market so it could emerge in first place for the third weekend in a row after grossing $16.6 million last weekend. But it will have to enjoy just a slight drop in business in order to reign again. THE LIMITED: If you're interested in seeing Owen Wilson's latest film "The Darjeeling Limited," it gets easier starting today with the film expanding to 95 locations. The unique Ryan Gosling film, "Lars and the Real Girl" is in seven theaters before its wide release next weekend while the remake of "Sleuth" bows in nine venues. The foreign film, "Lust Caution," expands to 77 spots and the musical "Across the Universe" is now wide in 954 theaters. THE OUTLOOK: Year-to-date revenue is still 6.73 percent ahead of 2006 but the first $10 billion year in Hollywood history could be in serious jeopardy if some of the films in this week's crop don't flourish. greg.hernandez@dailynews.com (818) 713-3758 CAPTION(S): photo Photo: (color) The Oscar buzz for Cate Blanchett's performance in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" will probably be stronger than the film's opening weekend. Universal Pictures |
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