Will Smith Is The Biggest Star In Hollywood

(No, I'm not referring to his ears.)

I'm talkin' box office.

BIG, critic-proof box office.

Actually.....that's been accepted fact in Hollywood for quite some time, but this weekend's 107 million box office take (Tuesday night through Sunday) for Hancock pretty much cemented his "good-as-gold" star status.

Some quotes from today's Variety.com:

Pic is the eighth Smith film in a row to open at No. 1 domestically, as well as his fifth -- and most successful -- Fourth of July outing. Film’s performance is widely viewed as a testament to Smith’s box office allure, considering that “Hancock” drew generally dismal reviews. Nor did “Hancock” have the same degree of broad appeal that other Fourth of July tentpoles have enjoyed.

“The Will Smith business is a great business to be in. It’s not just a matter of audiences loving him, but they love the characters he plays,” said Sony prexy of domestic distribution Rory Bruer.

“If he isn’t the most bankable guy in our business, I don’t know who is,” a competing studio exec said.

So we went to see Hancock on Thursday evening, the theater was approx. 3/4 full. They were definitely into it. So were we.

Here are a few of my quick thoughts:

-- I liked it, very much.

-- Would I recommend it? Yes, definitely.

-- I understand what some reviewers disliked: It's 2 different films in 1. I kinda liked that.

-- The beginning is what you expect -- funny Will Smith, drunk Hancock, making all sorts of messes.

-- Revelation: Jason Bateman is funny also, and totally attractive and very charming. He definitely needs to work more. Like Will, he is VERY likeable. He and Will have GREAT chemistry together.

-- Jason is so likeable, as a matter of fact.....that near the middle of the film -- when the plot begins to go in a somewhat different direction (a major twist is revealed, I won't spoil it here).....the audience makes an audible gasp. Something is about to maybe....possibly happen, that we don't want to happen. We're kinda like: "Oooh, don't do that." We like Jason and his character that much.

-- Then something totally different does happen, it is a shock and the movie begins it's turn in a different direction.

-- It's not a bad direction, but it definitely makes Hancock feel like 2 completely different films.....a comedy and a more dark character study.

-- I found it interesting. The actors definitely pulled it off.....so it didn't bother me.

My bottom line.... this movie succeeds because of 2 things:

Will Smith and MAJOR cast chemistry.

Will and Jason have it.
Will and Charlize have it.
Jason and Charlize have it.

The storyline may be a little muddled at times, but those 3 make up for it -- big time.

It makes me remember why I was even interested in this flick, way back when I first heard about it many months ago.

I saw this production photo on the internet last August:


Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron, laughing while filming a scene from the movie (back then, it was titled: John Hancock).

There was just something about this shot....the way they looked, his smile -- her laugh. I saved the photo on my computer. I just wanted to know more about this flick.

I looked up the production info and synopsis on IMDb.com (The Internet Movie Database.....one of my go-to sites for movie scoop).

It sounded interesting, so I kept tabs on it. I just had a gut feeling about it.

Hmmm.....guess my gut was right.

OK, enough about me and my gut.

Click on the word "comments" below and let me know your Hancock thoughts.

Have you seen it? Will you see it? Do you like Will Smith? Do you listen to what reviewers say? Do you care?

I wanna know.

I'm listening..........

Hancock Looks Like A Hit

It's already brought in over 24 million since Tuesday evening, and looks to gross about 115 million by the time this holiday weekend is through --

Click Here: "Hancock Off To Fast Start" --
Courtesy of Deadline Hollywood Daily

That's despite almost across-the-board very average to fairly terrible reviews --

Click Here: Hancock review roundup --

courtesy of The Wall Street Journal/Buzzwatch

Yep......Will Smith still pretty much owns the 4th of July weekend box office, that's for sure.


Remember, he's been here before.

Independence Day. Men In Black. Wild, Wild West.

(Hmmm.....forget that last one. I'm sure Will is tryin' to.)

Anyways, it's safe to say that Will Smith is a pretty much universally-loved movie star who people like to go watch do his thing in big summer flicks.

Especially around the 4th of July.

Especially if he's fightin' off bad guys and blowin' stuff up. Yeah....that definitely packs 'em in.

However, more than a few industry insiders (and critics and bloggers....) have recently questioned whether Mr. Smith's power as a movie star (who can actually "open" a picture) will be dimmed by this film (and it's many negative reviews) if it underperforms at the box office.

Click Here: "Can Hancock End Will Smith's Winning Streak?"
Courtesy New York Magazine/Vulture Blog

You know what? I'm gonna go on the record and say........"NO."

Seriously, I'm still not convinced that your average everyday movie-goer even pays attention to reviews and/or movie critics in general.

They might read a review about a flick if they've never heard of it or wanna get some plot scoop.....but I don't believe it influences their trip to the theater, one way or another.

I gather more information than most about upcoming flicks, and I just read reviews for a little extra opinion or insight. They never influence my final decision to actually see a flick.

In fact, Hancock has been on my radar for quite some time....since it was originally titled: Tonight, He Comes. (Uh, good move on changin' that title there fellas.....somewhat of a marketing problem, I'd guess.)


So I always thought it sounded like an interesting premise....a fresh take on the superhero genre. With a good script, a great cast (Helloooo, Will Smith -- Mr. Box Office Gold) and a decent director -- what a fun time at the theater.

I'm not the first to point this out by the way.

Many others (mostly critics) have said that's why they are so disappointed in this flick. It had such promise, and doesn't live up to it -- at all.

OK.....enough about this film that I haven't seen yet.

I plan to remedy that tonight around 7:30 pm.

Our plan is to go tonight, the entire family -- and finally see what all of the fuss is about.

My hope is that the theater is packed. That's my favorite way to see a flick like this.

I'm thinkin' I'll probably like it......there truly aren't many flicks that I don't like. I can usually find at least something good.

"How about that soundtrack? And those costumes.....you have to admit, the characters didn't make much sense -- but they sure looked good!"

Yep, this blog is called Movie Lovers Only for a reason.

I love movies.


Hmmm.....I guess we'll see how I feel about that in the morning.

Happy 4th of July everyone........

Monday Morning Box Office: Where's The Love?

Hmmm, note to self: It's much better to be just Smart than a Guru......


Steve Carell and his Get Smart team opened at first place this weekend with a $39 million take at US box offices. Mike Myers and his Love Guru landed in fourth place with a dismal $14 million.

Estimated weekend box office chart below:

Click Here: Weekend Box Office (courtesy boxofficemojo.com)

I just read a column by Peter Bart, the editor of Daily Variety. He has an interesting take on Mike Myers, and his quickly disappearing appeal to moviegoers.

Click Here: Peter Bart on Mike Myers -- "The Incredible Shrinking Movie Star"
(variety.com)

I received 2 replies to my Friday post about your intentions to see Get Smart or The Love Guru.

Leah Scott writes:

"I saw Get Smart last night (Friday) and wanted to give you my feedback. I really wasn't too sure about the movie either, but ended up liking it. It was silly, but fun. It starts out slow and takes awhile to get into the rhythm of the off beat humor, but by the end, I was howling with laughter. If you love Steve Carell, you should see the movie, but no rush. I'm with you on The Love Guru. No interest at all in seeing that one."

Marri Petrucci said:

"I do want to see Get Smart. People gave it a great review! He is so funny. Just watched Dan in Real Life and loved it. I am not a huge Office fan, but all my boys are and I have started to get used to it and the humor."

So how about the rest of you? Anybody else see either of these two flicks and want to weigh in?

I do plan on seeing Get Smart, probably within the next few weeks. I'll post my thoughts then.

In the meantime, click the link below to check out a funny visual (and some very perceptive comments) from one of my favorite blogs about Hollywood and the movies: Women and Hollywood.

Click Here: "Geez, Could My Co-Star Be Any Younger"
womenandhollywood.blogspot.com

Be sure to check out the reader comments below the post. Some very feisty movie chicks weigh in on the topic.

That's all for now, more movie love later....

Quick Question: Are You Planning To See "Get Smart" or "The Love Guru"?

Hey y'all......

Happy Friday!

Well, the weekend has rolled around again......and if it's Friday, that must mean that there are some new flicks in the theaters today.

Yep.

Two big new flicks, that I just can't seem to get too excited about.

Get Smart



and The Love Guru




Neither one got very good reviews......but I don't always pay attention to reviews. I usually just go by my gut, and go see what interests me -- regardless of what the reviews say.

Click Here: Get Smart reviews

Click Here: The Love Guru reviews

Hmmm.....I like Mike Myers, but The Love Guru just looks a little too stupid for me.

Sorry, Mike.

On the other hand........I love Steve Carell. I think he's very funny.....(love, love The Office) but I don't think that Get Smart is gonna thrill me much either.

Sorry, Steve.

I just have a feeling that all of the good stuff is in the trailer. I don't know why, I just do.

I'm thinkin' I may see this flick eventually......but I'm not rushin' out this weekend.

So I'm curious.....how about you guys and gals? Anybody out there dyin' to see Get Smart?

Are you going this weekend?

Or maybe (unlike me....) you're dyin' to see Mike Myers act silly and wear a funky beard in The Love Guru.

Are you going this weekend?

I'm very curious, and would love to hear your feedback.
(Besides......when you comment on my posts, it helps to bring more readership to my blog!)

To comment, just click on the "comment" link on the bottom right of this post. It will take you to a box where you can write your comment and then it will publish it. If you need help, email me and I can walk you through it.

It's very easy.....it will only take a minute -- and I promise, it won't hurt!

(Or....you can just click the "Click Here To Email Me" link at the top right of my blog -- and you can email me your comment, and I can post it myself)

So let me hear from y'all........

It's lonely out here in cyberspace, all by myself!

Later,

Kelly :)

Trailer Park Tuesday: "Hotel For Dogs"

I don't know about y'all........

But my dog Gracie --



Just gave this new trailer "2 Paws Up"!

Check it out for yourself:




FYI, the cute teen girl lead is Emma Roberts -- Julia Roberts' niece (her actor brother Eric's daughter).

Hope we don't see young Emma out clubbin' and flashin' her panties any time soon!

OK, so Hotel For Dogs looks a little silly and definitely aimed at the tween set and below.......

But how about them cute poochies!

It opens January 2009.

Cruella DeVille, eat your heart out.

Now For Some Real Scoop.....New Trailer For The Upcoming Flick "The Women"

Hey y'all.........

Check out the just-released trailer for the upcoming Fall flick: The Women.

The video quality from YouTube isn't so hot......but just go with it.



So....I'm thinkin' it looks funny and worthwhile, I just hope they didn't use the only good stuff in the trailer.

One sure thing -- the cast is top-notch and chock full of feisty females that we don't get to see nearly enough of on the silver screen.


Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Cloris Leachman, Candice Bergen, Bette Midler, Carrie Fisher, Joanna Gleason, Lynn Whitfield and Ana Gasteyer.

Wow.....it's like Ocean's Eleven for the ladies!

Hmmm.....well, the other Ocean flicks are kinda for the ladies too, if ya know what I mean :)


Whatever -- it's about time.

I've had this flick on my radar for quite a while now.....it's actually been in and out of development for about 10 years or more.

Wow, I must say....their timing here couldn't be better -- considering those 4 gals in that sexy city have made Hollywood suddenly realize that women over 40 actually like going to the movies, and enjoy watching stories about other women over 40.

Huh, go figure.

The Women is a remake (I know, I know....but let's not judge just yet) of a 1939 classic, that starred a young Joan Crawford as the catty "other woman", Crystal. Sultry Eva Mendes plays her in the remake.


This new version is written and directed by Diane English. Does her name sound familiar? It should....she's the brains behind the wonderful TV series Murphy Brown. Hey, Candice even gets a cameo!

OK......so something to look forward to in the Fall. As of right now, The Women is scheduled to open on Friday, September 12.

Hey, that's my 44th birthday!
(44 is the new 34, doncha know.)

Hmmm......maybe a big, organized "Kelly's Movie Kamp" glam girls birthday outing will be in order.

Sounds good to me.

Stay tuned.......

Kelly :)

Breaking News: 2 New Additions To The Cast Of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year"

Dateline Hollywood.......

In light of the HUGE box office numbers this past weekend for Sex and the City, production executives at Disney Studios have just decided to add two new characters to their existing group of students in the upcoming big-screen version of the oh-so-popular High School Musical franchise.


Columbus sisters and showbiz veterans Julie Castell and Kelly Gingery have just been cast as two fun and fearless "40-something" females, who decide to go back to high school to get their GED's, and end up singin' and dancin' their way into the hearts of the student body AND the cast of the school's spring musical.

"Hollywood finally got the wake-up call that women 40 years old and older actually go to the movies, and occasionally appreciate seeing actresses and stories representing them on the big screen.

-- Sharon Stone, star of the upcoming "China Syndrome 2"



As this highly anticipated film was already deep into production, writers of "HSM 3" are scrambling to come up with additional musical numbers and plot twists to feature these bold new characters.

According to anonymous sources on the set, new musical numbers will include:

"(Fun, Fun, Fun) 'Til Her Husband Takes Her Mini-Van Away"

"I Don't Need Men -- I've Got Menopause"

"My Achy Breaky Back"

"Forty Is The New Thirty"

"Don't Go Stealin' My Spanx"

And a show-stopping Kelly/Julie duet........

"I'm Gonna Wash That Gray Right Outta My Hair"


Ooooh, we can't wait!

Look for the film to hit theaters on October 24th -- We'll be sure to bring you any updates, as soon as we get them in.

One last tidbit before we go --


Additional sources on the set confirm that things have gotten a little bit "cute and cozy" for Miss Castell and her dapper young costar, Lucas Grabeel....

Overheard on the set:

"MySpace? What do you mean he wants MySpace? What's that about? Last time I heard a guy say he needed that, he was trying to break up with me!"

Uh-Oh......is the generation gap showing?

Stay tuned!