Ruffalo And Hawke Know Real Men Cry

The story of buddies turned criminals, leading one of the friends to have to decide between his real life and his friend, has been done before. But apparently Real Men Cry is taking a unique approach to what could be a clichéd story: by basing the story on the true story of actor-turned-director Brian Goodman, who will be directing the movie based on his own life for Yari Film Group.

The movie will star Mark Ruffalo and Ethan Hawke as characters Brian and Paulie and are based on Goodman’s experiences with a friend who, in the real world, is serving a life sentence for armed robbery. The story follows the two men as they face life in South Boston surviving through petty robbery. According to The Hollywood Reporter the two join a gang of criminals, which conflicts with Brian’s relationship with his wife (Amanda Peet) and child.

YFG CEO Bob Yari in particular sounds enthusiastic about the project, despite Goodman’s status as a first time director, stating that, “Everyone who's read the script for Real Men Cry has been blown away by its authenticity and drama.”

Paris Hilton Gets Hot On Valentine's Day

Paris Hilton’s last picture was the god-awful National Lampoon’s Pledge This! The movie was so bad it came out straight to DVD and was still given a better release than it deserved. Admittedly, Hilton was only a small part of why the flick was so bad, but she was a part nonetheless.

Considering the treatment of that film, I find it absurd that the hotel heiress’s next picture is getting a wider release. Not just a wide release, but a Valentine’s Day release. Regent Releasing has announced a February 14th, 2008 release for The Hottie and the Nottie which features Hilton in a story that sounds like a spin-off of The Taming of the Shrew, as explained by The Hollywood Reporter:

The heiress and former inmate plays Cristabel Abbott, who's been eyed since the first grade by an obsessed Nate Cooper (Joel David Moore). To finally win her affections, Nate is forced to first find a boyfriend for her less-than-beautiful friend June Phigg (Christine Lakin).

Hearing about this, I can only wonder: when will Paris Hilton’s 15-minutes of fame be up? She’s already proven she’s a horrible actress and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Now she’s going to appear in a film as an object of desire. I’m going to go ahead and guess that Nate there is going to discover she’s a shallow, horrible person, and that the less beautiful friend is the truly beautiful person. Sadly, a lesson Hilton herself has yet to learn.

Del Toro Dreams Of Wizards And Monsters

It’s taken quite a bit of effort for Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy sequel to get off the ground. The project has survived everything from low box-office numbers (not counting DVD sales) to studios dying, but somehow the sequel has made it into production and is currently filming in Budapest. In fact, del Toro’s dedication to Hellboy has been so fanatical, you’d almost think the director doesn’t have any other projects in mind, but you’d be wrong. In fact, it seems everyone reporting anything about Hellboy II: The Golden Army is also talking with Guillermo about other things he’d like to work on.

The biggest news is that del Toro says he might consider finishing off the Harry Potter franchise if asked, telling the MTV Movie Blog, ”I’m up to be the one who kills twenty guys.” The final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is known for being quite the bloodbath and del Toro seems to think he’s the right guy for the job. An interesting idea considering he’s passed on previous pictures (Prizoner of Azkaban in particular), reportedly in order to keep himself freed up for his Hellboy films.

But franchises aren’t the only thing the director has his eye on. Del Toro tells JoBlo he’d love to do a faithful, ”Miltonian tragedy” version of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. Apparently Guillermo got to read a screenplay draft by Frank Darabont that was perfect. Darabont and del Toro on one project? We can only dream.

Harry Potter Star Emma Watson Breaks Up with Boyfriend

Emma Watson is back on the market. The "Harry Potter" star has broken up with boyfriend Tom Ducker, it has been reported.

The teenage actress, who plays Hermione Granger in the boy wizard franchise, ended her relationship with her rugby player boyfriend after seeing pictures of him partying with other girls, British newspaper The Sun reported.

And while the paper went on claiming Emma is "distraught" over the breakup, quoted a friend of her as saying "She is very upset. He was her first love," a spokesman for Emma, on the other hand, claims the split was amicable.

"They just drifted apart as teenagers do. Emma is now just concentrating on her A-levels and the new film," the representative said.

Emma and Tom are said to begin dating September last year.

As of her acting career, Emma could next be seen starring in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" while is lending her voice to the animation adventure "The Tale of Despereaux."

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Ellen DeGeneres Deals With NBC For Guest Spot

They’re the hottest thing on TV, but most people don’t even know their names. They’re a 26-person team, but are probably looked at by more men every week than the Boston Red Sox. They are the models of Deal or No Deal, the briefcase toting beauties who descend a giant staircase to give people a chance to win a million dollars. But for the first time, a celebrity will be joining their ranks, and it’s the last person you would expect to wear a sequenced cocktail dress: Ellen DeGeneres.

According to TV Guide, the daytime talk host (and recently YouTube star after her tearful appearance on her show) will be shooting an appearance as one of the Deal ladies on November 9th, and the episode will air in January 2008. Ellen will also be filming the behind-the-scenes preview for her own show, Ellen.

So, as they ask on the Oscars (which Ellen hosted once without having to wear a gown): Ellen, what are you wearing? NBC already knows that whether or not DeGeneres plays the wardrobe game with Deal Or No Deal is part of the tune-in factor. Libby Hansen, NBC's vice president of alternative series and specials, said, “Ellen knows our show and knows the kind of sparkly, sequined dresses our spokesmodels wear. Ellen won't do anything she’s not comfortable with." But she also added, "Who doesn’t want to see Ellen in a dress?"

Josh Lucas For Star Trek

Star Trek casting rumors are nearly getting as tiresome as JLA rumors, but at least the Trek cast is nearly filled and we’ll soon be able to put this whole thing to rest. So far, we have the primary crew of Kirk & company and we have a villain being played by Eric Bana. Recent rumors have suggested that the Enterprise’s pre-Kirk commander may play a larger role in the film, and now we have the latest casting gossip on who might be up for that.

The claim that they are hearing disembodied voices, and those mysterious voices are telling them that Josh Lucas might be up for the part of Christopher Pike. Even if their rumormongers are right, he’s only being considered for the part so this is pretty shaky news at best. Still, it does make a certain amount of sense. Word for some time has been that JJ Abrams and company wanted a “name” for the part, which is why at one point Tom Cruise was rumored to be on their “want” list for the Pike role.

Actually Josh Lucas really would be perfect for the part. He’s not exactly and A-lister, but he’s a recognizable face that when combined with Bana gives the film some decent star power and more importantly another pretty good actor in a pivotal role. Don’t know if this will end up being true, but it seems like a good idea. Probably not a bad idea for Lucas either, who was last seen in Poseidon and could probably use a pick-me-up after sinking in that stinker.

Nicole Richie Smokes Her Way Into Bad Press

After creating a media whirlwind with her stint in jail, pregnancy and rumored wedding, Nicole Richie has been keeping things low key over the past month.

That is, until now. Unfortunately for the former Simple Life star, reports have been coming forth about her inability to stop smoking cigarettes while she’s carrying her rocker boyfriend Joel Madden’s baby. According to a recent NY Post story, witnesses saw Nicole lighting up on two separate occasions during a trip to New York City.

The story reads: “Mommy-to-be Nicole Richie. 3:30 p.m. Pony tail, black jeans, waistcoat. Exits DaSilvano with one young girl, one middle-age lady. On the sidewalk, after checking who’s at which outdoor tables, she lights up. They jump into a waiting black Caddy Escalade, Nicole into the front seat. Still smoking. Three days later, 7:30 p.m., Nobu. For somebody who doesn’t eat, she sure frequents lots of restaurants. She’s there with the baby in the bun’s father. They leave. Outside she lights up again.”

More recently, Nicole was spotted out to eat on Sunday at Fabracini’s restaurant with Joel. Coming as a good sign, there were no cigarettes to be seen - so we’ll just hope that either the NY Post is wrong, or that Nicole is doing her best to fight those nicotine cravings.

Liz Hurley Takes Hugh Grant On Family Vacation

At 42 years young, Elizabeth Hurley was spotted showing off her still-fabulous bikini body while vacationing off the coast of East Africa. The Bedazzled babe sported her skimpy orange swimwear while on a trip to Seychelles island with her 5-year-old son Damian and her new husband, Arun Nayar.

And following the likes of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Hurley even let ex Hugh Grant tag along on the family’s tropical getaway.

After a 13 year relationship, Hurley and Grant parted ways, but Liz has always been clear in saying, “We’re the best of friends.”

The 47-year-old Love Actually actor is one of Damian’s godfathers, and according to Us Weekly, Grant was invited to Hurley’s recent wedding - but didn’t show up because he was a afraid that his presence would take attention away from the wedding celebration.

Alessandra Ambrosio Helps Promote “The Shot”

Alessandra Ambrosio may not yet be a household name, but most any guy that lays eyes on her has an immediate interest in the Victoria’s Secret beauty.

This draw made her the perfect choice for VH1 to help promote their upcoming new series, The Shot, at a party held in New York City late last week.

In the new series, “10 amateur photographers get the chance to live out their wildest fantasies in pursuit of their ultimate dream: to become the next great fashion photographer.”

According to VH1, “Our cast will live and work together in a downtown L.A. loft while being guided by world-renowned fashion photographer Russell James. These aspiring photographers will embark on a series of photo shoots meant to challenge their creativity and expose their individual weaknesses. For the first time in their lives, the cast will work with supermodels and high-end professionals, while traveling to exotic locations - all to capture that one perfect shot.”

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Zanessa’s Beverly Hills Shopping Date

It was a busy weekend for High School Musical sweethearts Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.

The oh-so-cute couple were spotted holding hands as they roamed Beverly Hills on Saturday night (October 27).

Zac and Vanessa spent their time together doing a little shopping with those big paychecks that Disney pays them.

Earlier in the day, Zac kept himself busy at the gym and skateboarding in Studio City, while Vanessa visited a girlfriend in Hollywood. But it’s tough to keep these two lovebirds separated for too long!

Amanda Peet: Not Done Acting Yet

Some celebrity mothers would rather concentrate on their parenting role than an acting gig. But Amanda Peet says she’s not one of them.

The “Igby Goes Down” actress says that despite the birth of her 8-month-old daughter, she still plans to pursue her acting career.

Peet told press, “I want to work. I’m not one of those actresses who’s like, ‘I just want to be home with my baby.’ But maybe that’s because I don’t have an Academy Award or a private jet.”

The 35-year-old actress’ new movie “Martian Child” (with John Cusack) opens in theaters on Friday. It looks like an excellent flick, so perhaps her award-less status will take a turn for the better.

Demi Moore’s Fight Against Ageing

For some women, getting older is a depressing certainty. And for Demi Moore, it has caused enough strife that she’s spent a small fortune fighting it.

The Charlie’s Angels actress forked out an estimated $450,000 over the past few years for plastic surgery. And that’s not even the worst part.

Apparently, it hasn’t helped her get very many film roles. Mrs. Ashton Kutcher says that there is a real sense of ageism in Hollywood.

Demi told press, “It’s been a challenging few years, being the age I am. Almost to the point where I felt like, well, they don’t know what to do with me. I am not 20. Not 30. There aren’t that many good roles for women over 40. A lot of them don’t have much substance, other than being someone’s mother or wife.”

The GI Jane actress went through a battery of procedures, including breast implants, collagen injections and liposuction on her hips, thighs and stomach. She also had a procedure to lift the sagging skin on her knees. But she still isn’t getting the roles that she wants.

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt Look Halloween-Ready

Though some Lauren Conrad fans may say that Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt look scary enough for Halloween without the costumes, these two lovebirds looked happy as ever on their way to a holiday party in Santa Monica.

Spencer donned a “Spiderman” outfit, complete with a mask. But this camera-happy boy didn’t let his disguise hide his identity for very long.

And Heidi decided to go a bit conservative with her mermaid gear. Rather than a bikini top, the Hills actress elected to wear a more covering tank top-style shirt. Heidi? Conservative? Nah!

When the paps caught up with Spencer and Heidi, they asked them whose party they were going to. “Britney Spears” they replied, jokingly.

George Clooney Hits George Washington University

College life is filled with new experiences, new freedoms, and George Clooney. At least, that’s the case for students at George Washington University.

The “Ocean’s Thirteen” actor is currently filming “Burn After Reading,” a thriller directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and John Malkovich.

This past weekend, the filming schedule took to America’s Capitol City, with scenes being filmed at GWU, Georgetown, Elliott School, and the Lincoln Memorial.

The ensemble cast is expected to be in the District of Columbia until Tuesday or so. After that, they will return to New York City for the remainder of the filming schedule.

Miley Cyrus Prepares To Rock Seattle

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you’re probably reading this from the massive line forming outside Key Arena. Miley Cyrus is in Seattle preparing to bring her amazing tour to the stage there, and you won’t wanna miss it.

The Hannah Montana star has been selling out every single show on her current tour in record time. But don’t expect all the fame and fortune to derail this pop star’s sense of family.

According to her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, the two are “best friends.” He told press, “My definition of being a father is being a best friend. That’s what my dad was to me and that’s what I’ve tried to be for my kids. I’m really good at open communication, whether they’ve got problems of just want to celebrate things they’re proud of. I’m a really good listener. I’m a little bit different than the ‘normal dad’ I try to use a little more psychology.”

The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer revealed that the on-screen chemistry between himself and his daughter is very indicative of reality. “What Miley and I do on Hannah Montana is almost exactly what we do with me being her daddy in real life. I think one of the hooks of the show is the realism between Miley and myself. We love it.”

A showbiz veteran himself, Billy Ray encourages his daughter to enjoy her life as a successful singer/actress. “My advice to Miley is to have fun, enjoy the ride, be happy and don’t let the business crap overshadow the fact of what you do. If you ain’t having fun, it’s not working. My dad always said, ‘If you do what you love for a living, then you never have to work a day in your life.’

Jennifer Garner Pleases Fans

She’s such a sweetheart! Jennifer Garner has been doing a stint on Broadway, and sometimes she even stops outside to greet fans and sign autographs afterwards. Last night, a few lucky admirers got a chance to meet their favorite Alias star outside the Richard Rodgers Theater.

Garner and her husband Ben Affleck have been sharing mommy and daddy duties in between their busy schedules. And Jen says, though Affleck has been hailed as an amazing father for doing his part, she expects no less from him.

She told press, “It’s funny that the man is always applauded for it. It’s like, ‘You change diapers?’ You’d better change diapers. We’re not in the ‘50s, buddy!”

And according to Garner, her daughter Violet prefers the “Good Will Hunting” actor to anyone else. “Violet prefers him to anyone. He’s a teddy bear of a guy. Nothing makes me happier than to see the two of them together and her little hands on his face.”

Christina Aguilera Keeps Growing

She’s one of the best-selling singers in recent memory, and Christina Aguilera is getting closer to the day she can be called “mommy.”

The “Dirrty” singer was spotted out in Hollywood over the weekend with her hubby Jordan Bratman, and from all angles she was looking like there may be more than one genie in that bottle.

Rumors have been flying around that the “Fighter” songstress may be carrying around not one, but two little ones. Whether or not it’s true is still yet to be confirmed.
Nonetheless, Christina was rocking her best impression of a sailor’s getup, complete with a blue-and-white horizontally-striped dress, and a handbag that looked big enough to hold a life preserver.

Britney Spears’ Mom’s Book Details Emerge

Already on the schedule for a Mother’s Day 2008 release is the new book from Britney Spears’ mom, entitled “Pop Culture Mom: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World.” And from what we’re hearing it just may be worth the read.

Lynne Spears has been contracted by Thomas Nelson Publishers for the project, being described as “a parenting book that’s going to have faith elements to it. It’s Lynne’s personal story of raising high-profile children while coming from a low-profile Louisiana community.”

Momma Spears has been working with Lorilee Craker, her co-author, on the 200-page book, which is still in the process of being written. And Craker has already interviewed Jamie-Lynn, though it’s not confirmed if she will meet with the “Gimme More” singer.

A source told press, “It’s possible that Lorilee may end up speaking with Britney in the future but it’s not certain.” The source added, “Brit hasn’t been involved at all” up to this point. As for Lynne and Britney’s status, Craker commented, “It’s complicated… I think they are okay.”

“Pop Culture Mom” is being touted as more of a memoir than a tell-all or instructional piece of literature. And Lorilee sounds like she has the utmost respect for her co-author.

“One thing I do want to make clear is that she’s not a stage mom. People are so accusatory toward her and so judgmental of her, and it just drives me crazy because I know the real her…It’s the truth, but it’s based in love. (Lynne is) a mother and a grandmother to her core. She loves her children and her grandchildren with just enormous devotion…Lynne, first of all, is a wonderful person. She is one of the kindest, most decent people, and very down-to-earth. People would be amazed at how normal she is, but she’s living in this sort of surreal life at the same time.”

Flash Director Changed Again, It's Now David Dobkin

Seems the directing reins on "The Flash" have again been given to someone else. MTV was recently told by "Wedding Crashers" helmer David Dobkin that he has taken over the duties from Shawn Levy, who quited the picture for undisclosed reasons.

More to say, the 38-year-old filmmaker also said his take on the fleet-footed superhero would exist in the same universe as "Justice League of America" as a direct spin-off. As for which version of the Flash would be the hero of the movie, the man firmly stated "Wally West", referring to the third Flash who dons his red suit following the death of the second one, Barry Allen, that was also his uncle.

An honored graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in Film & Television, Dobkin initially worked his way in directing field through a series of music videos and commercials before making his first feature film "Clay Pigeons" in 1998. He originally got attached to direct recently-released "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry", but for some reason, the task was finally given to Dennis Dugan.

Wonder Woman Is Not Teresa Palmer But Megan Gale?

Speculations on who to play Wonder Woman in "Justice League of America" takes another turn now that runway model Megan Gale is said to be actually the one landing the role, which Jessica Biel ditched last month, rather than recently-rumored Teresa Palmer.

Australia's Daily Telegraph, which brought in tidbit of Palmer's casting for the part, now cites that industry sources have said Gale to be short-listed for playing the fictional DC Comics superheroine, created by William Moulton Marston. The beauty is even claimed to be spotted visiting Fox Studios in recent weeks, where the project will be shot.

While noting Gale to possess dark beauty which does have more in common with Wonder Woman's original portrayer Lynda Carter, the paper went on informing the announcement of the actress donning the Amazon princess' suit is expected next Tuesday. Since all we can do for now is seemingly waiting for the revelation, stay tuned to AceShowbiz for the anticipated news then.

Kung Fu Panda Promo Teaser Kicks Online

The slacker Panda finally makes its initial move to grace the moviegoers online. Yes, a new promo teaser trailer for "Kung Fu Panda" has been surfaced on the net, giving us few glimpses of footage from the movie as well as early look on the characters featured.

Apparently attached to "Shrek the Third" DVD, the promo teaser is brought up by and can be viewed on Animatie.blog.nl. Besides the brief footage, it also features key voice cast member Jack Black discussing the animated flick while displaying his comical kung fu moves throughout.

Scheduled for a June 6, 2008 release, "Panda" is the next production of DreamWorks Animation after the upcoming "Bee Movie" directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne. Famed composer Hans Zimmer has been learned to handle the film's musical score with Timbaland confirming to GQ that he will contribute tracks to the soundtrack.

Bee Movie Los Angeles Premiere Buzzing Loudly

Yellow and black truly played dominant colors yesterday, October 28, 2007, as DreamWorks Animation's "Bee Movie" met its Los Angeles premiere at Mann Village Theater in the Westwood section of the city.

The two colors got spotted everywhere, either on the carpet or on the outfits the guests chose to wear, making the event such a memorable occasion to remember. Adding the hype were the arrivals of several black-stripped yellow VW Beetles, complete with a pair of antenna on their tops, which each carried the flick's principal cast members like Jerry Seinfeld and Renee Zellweger, among others.

Seinfeld, who came to the screening alongside his wife, Jessica Seinfeld, was funnily spotted putting on a yellow-and-gray-stripped black tie while short-haired Zellweger went simple in black dress with a big yellow ring on her left index finger.

Other celebrities were also caught to apply similar black and yellow theme, including "Desperate Housewives" star Nicollette Sheridan and Corbin Bleu of "High School Musical" fame, to name few. Only actress Jeri Ryan who was noticed to ignore the 'dress code', opting for a velvet blue mini ensemble instead.

The first motion-picture script to be written by Seinfeld, CGI-animated "Bee Movie" will open in theaters this Friday, November 2, 2007 alongside "Martian Child" and "American Gangster." Actress Megan Mullally was originally tapped to voice the Queen of the hive and had even recorded her lines, but her characters was sadly removed due to film cuts. However, as Seinfeld still wanted her to have a part in the movie, she then was given the role of the Honex Tour Guide.

Green Lantern Movie on the Making!

Good news for you, superhero fans, Warner Bros. Pictures is brewing another superhero flick and it will be "Green Lantern", the famous DC Comics character known to be the wielder of a power ring that gives him great control over the physical world.

Project is confirmed by Variety to be a live-action one and has already picked up Greg Berlanti to carry out the helming duties. Previously directed 2000's "The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy", the man is recognized more as a TV writer and executive producer for some series like "Everwood", "Eli Stone", and "Brothers & Sisters."

Not only directs, Berlanti is reported to also work on the script alongside writing duo Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green. Serving as producer will be Donald De Line, who is currently handling Ridley Scott-directed "Body of Lies" for Warner Bros, with Andrew Haas to executive produce.

Green Lantern, created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell, first appeared in All-American Comics #16 in July 1940, featuring Alan Scott as the first titular superhero. However, the best-known one is considered to be the second Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, whom John Broome and Gil Kane created for Showcase #22, published in October 1959.

Teen Pregnancy Pic Juno Named Best Film at 2nd Rome Film Fest

Wittily exploring the story of an American teenager faced with an unplanned pregnancy, teen comedy "Juno" won the top prize of Marco Aurelio Award RomeFilmFest - Best Film at the second edition of Rome Film Festival on Saturday, October 27, 2007.

Announcement was made during a gala ceremony at the main auditorium at the Italian capital's Parco della Musica, which was greeted enthusiastically by the full house gathered on the spot. The honor was then bestowed to the flick's director Jason Reitman, who excitedly shared the trophy with screenwriter Diablo Cody.

Elsewhere, the jury, consisted of fifty ordinary moviegoers from across Europe, also recognized Croatian thesp Rade Serbedzija and Chinese beauty Jang Wenli as the Best Actor and Actress, respectively. The former took the kudos for his performance in Canadian drama "Fugitive Pieces" while the latter for hers in "Le Chun" ("And the Spring Comes").

Accompanied "Juno" as the winning title was Abolfazl Jalili's take on a renowned Persian poet "Hafez" which nabbed the Special Jury Award with U.S. road movie "Into the Wild" being given the FASTWEB Prize for the Premiere section. Complete list of winners can be seen on the festival's official site of Romacinemafest.org.

Saw IV Scares Up Weekend Box Office

Took off only days before Halloween, sure it's hardly surprising to find gory "Saw IV" going right to the top spot of weekend box office ended Sunday, October 28, 2007 while enhancing the horror series' position as a Halloween perennial.

The torture flick, still released under Lionsgate Films banner, took quite an effortless move to scoop up a wonderful $32.1 million, a tally on par with $33.6 million debut its predecessor "Saw III" scored over the same weekend last year.

Coming as the runner-up was fellow new entry "Dan in Real Life" which fared far less at $12.1 million. Though so, the number was more than sufficient to push last-week champ "30 Days of Night" down to the third rank as the vampire tale this time only managed to add $6.7 million into its pocket.

Comedies "The Game Plan" and "Why Did I Get Married?" popped up behind for respective income of $6.3 million and $5.7 million to round out the big five of the chart, followed by Tony Gilroy-directed "Michael Clayton" with a decent $5 million. Seventh place went to mystery drama "Gone Baby Gone" after it smoothly made its way to collect another $3.9 million to raise its total gross to $11.31 million.

On the eighth seated sports comedy "The Comebacks" for its fair effort to score $3.45 million with Columbia Pictures' "We Own the Night" trailing close at $3.4 million. Making up the top ten of the list was the re-released animated pic "The Nightmare Before Christmas 3-D" that still did well by taking in $3.35 million into its feedbag.

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass

Rated: Not Yet Rated
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Release Date: 2007-12-07

Starring: Nicole Kidman (Marisa Coulter), Daniel Craig (Lord Asriel), Dakota Blue Richards (Lyra Belacqua), Eva Green (Serafina Pekkala), Adam Godley (voice of Pantalaimon), Nonso Anozie (voice of Iorek Byrnison), Iofur Raknison (Ian McShane), Clare Higgins (Ma Costa)
Directed by Chris Weitz
Produced by Bill Carraro, Deborah Forte
Written by Chris Weitz, Philip Pullman (original novel)

Based on author Philip Pullman's bestselling and award-winning novel, The Golden Compass tells the first story in Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. The Golden Compass is an exciting fantasy adventure, set in an alternative world where people's souls manifest themselves as animals, talking bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist. At the center of the story is Lyra (played by newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), a 12-year-old girl who starts out trying to rescue a friend who's been kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers - and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well.

Grace is Gone

Distributor: The Weinstein Company
Release Date: 2007-12-07

Starring: Nathan Adloff, Gracie Bednarczyk, Heather O. Craig, John Cusack, Doug Dearth, Michael Thomas Dunn

Directed by John C. Strouse
Produced by John Cusack, Grace Loh, Galt Niderhoffer, Celine Rattray, Daniela Taplin Lundberg
Written by James C. Strause

There was a time when Stanley Phillips (John Cusack) could see his entire life clearly. He dreamed of patriotic service and was destined for a military career. He came close to that dream until it was cut short simply because of his poor eyesight. Now he’s serving customers at a home supply store while his Sergeant wife is fighting in Iraq.
Equally as awkward at home as he is at work, he’s raising Heidi, their twelve-year-old daughter and her 8-year-old sister Dawn. Although a loving father, Stanley is unable to conform to a more affectionate role and the girls miss their mother deeply.
While tolerating his job and stumbling through parenting he is abruptly awakened when tragedy strikes. Ill prepared to deal with it himself, he is at a complete loss contemplating how to tell his children. Desperate to delay telling the children they embark on a spontaneous road trip. Grasping to give them their last moments of innocence, Stanley reveals a softer side as they travel to Dawn’s chosen destination – Enchanted Gardens Theme Park.

Atonement

Rated: R
Distributor: Focus Features
Release Date: 2007-12-07

Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn

Directed by Joe Wright
Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Paul Webster
Written by Christopher Hampton; Based on the book by Ian McEwan

Shot on location in the U.K., the film’s story spans several decades. In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion.

On the warmest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere, stoking Briony’s vivid imagination. Robbie Turner (Mr. McAvoy), the educated son of the family’s housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony’s headstrong older sister Cecilia (Ms. Knightley). Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings; all it will take is one spark for this relationship to combust. When it does, Briony – who has a crush on Robbie – is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit.

Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested – and with Briony bearing false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever. Briony continues to seek forgiveness for her childhood misdeed. Through a terrible and courageous act of imagination, she finds the path to her uncertain atonement, and to an understanding of the power of enduring love.

The Walker

Rated: Not Yet Rated
Distributor: ThinkFilm
Release Date: 2007-12-07

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily Tomlin, Lauren Bacall, Willem Dafoe, Ned Beatty, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Mary Beth Hurt

Directed by Paul Schrader
Produced by Deepak Nayar
Written by Paul Schrader

A contemporary drama set in Washington, D.C., THE WALKER centers around Carter Page (Harrelson), a well-heeled and popular socialite who serves as confidant, companion, and card partner to some of the capitol’s leading ladies. These pampered women are married to the most powerful men in America, and when their husbands are too busy running the country to attend to their wives, they turn to their “gay best friend,” Carter, for warmth, wit, and wisdom.

Carter’s loyalty is tested when his dearest friend (Scott Thomas) finds herself on the brink of a scandal that could destroy her reputation and her husband’s career. Offering to cover for her, Carter suppresses incriminating evidence, only to find himself the chief suspect in a criminal investigation. Suddenly, this well-connected man-about-town is a pariah, hounded by the police and forced to find the true culprit and clear his name. More importantly, he must re-examine whether it is important to be accepted by a society based on betrayal, hypocrisy, and corruption.

Revolver

Rated: Not Yet Rated
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Release Date: 2007-12-07

Starring: Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore, André Benjamin

Directed by Guy Ritchie
Produced by Virginie Silla
Written by Luc Besson, Guy Ritchie

Director Guy Ritchie (SNATCH, LOCK STOCK & TWO SMOKING BARRELS) brings you this dark, psychological thriller featuring an all-star cast of gangster movie icons including Jason Statham (SNATCH, THE TRANSPORTER), Ray Liotta (GOODFELLAS), Vincent Pastore (THE SOPRANOS) and Outkast's André Benjamin (FOUR BROTHERS).

A sleek and edgy film about mastering the rules of the game, REVOLVER is populated with the same breed of fast-talking, sharp-suited criminals as in LOCK STOCK AND SNATCH, but with a psychological twist that your mind may not be able to handle. Just out of prison, Jake Green (Statham) is a hotshot gambler, but he's rarely allowed to play in any casino because he always wins.

When Jake is invited to a private game with Macha (Liotta), a crime boss and local casino owner, he is expected to lose. But Jake isn't afraid of Macha, and not only beats him in a quick game of chance, but takes every possible opportunity to insult the man. Jake leaves the game, and Macha puts out the order for a hit on Jake, who ends up working for and being protected by a pair of loan sharks, Avi and Zack, who are out to take Macha down.

The Perfect Holiday

Rated: PG
Distributor: Yari Film Group
Release Date: 2007-12-12

Starring: Terrence Howard, Gabrielle Union, Queen Latifah, Morris Chestnut, Rachel True, Katt Williams, Jill Marie Jones

Directed by Lance Rivera
Produced by Paddy Cullen, Mekhi Phifer, Ronnie Warner
Written by Marc Calizte, Lance Rivera

An African American take on the classic and beloved Christmas family film, The Perfect Holiday tells the story of Nancy (Union), a divorced mother of three who is so busy raising her children that she’s forgotten to take care of herself as well.

With Christmas fast approaching, she decides to take her kids to the mall to meet Santa Claus, not knowing that her youngest daughter Emily (Khail Bryant) has sensed her mother’s sadness and is determined to use her time with Santa to make her mom happy again. Just a few days prior, Emily heard her mom say that all she wanted for Christmas was a compliment from a man, so that’s exactly what she tells Santa. Ironically, Santa, as it turns out, is office supply salesman and struggling songwriter Benjamin (Chestnut), who ends up giving Nancy just what she wants for Christmas, and much, much more.

Nanking

Rated: Not Yet Rated
Distributor: ThinkFilm
Release Date: 2007-12-12

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Mariel Hemingway, Jurgen Prochnow, and Stephen Dorff

Directed by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman
Produced by Ted Leonsis, Bill Guttentag and Michael Jacobs
Written by Elisabeth Bentley, Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman

Directed by the Academy-Award-winning team of Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman (“Twin Towers”) and marking the producing debut of AOL Vice Chairman Ted Leonsis, NANKING is a powerful reminder of the heartbreaking toll that war takes on the innocent, and a testament to the courage and conviction of a few individuals determined to act in the face of evil.

The film tells the story of the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China in the early days of World War II and focuses on the efforts of a small group of unarmed Westerners who established a Safety Zone where over 200,000 Chinese found refuge. The events of the film are told through deeply moving interviews with Chinese survivors, archival footage, and chilling testimonies of Japanese soldiers, interwoven with staged readings of the Westerners’ letters and diaries as performed by Woody Harrelson, Mariel Hemingway, Jurgen Prochnow, and Stephen Dorff, among others.

I Am Legend

Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: 2007-12-14

Starring: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Willow Smith, Charlie Tahan

Directed by Francis Lawrence
Produced by Akiva Goldsman, David Heyman, Neal H. Moritz, Erwin Stoff
Written by Mark Protosevich, Akiva Goldsman

Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable and manmade. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world. But he is not alone. He is surrounded by the Infected's victims of the plague who have mutated into carnivorous beings who can only exist in the dark and who will devour or infect anyone or anything in their path.

For three years, Neville has spent his days scavenging for food and supplies and faithfully sending out radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. All the while, the Infected lurk in the shadows, watching Neville's every move, waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But his blood is also what The Infected hunt, and Neville knows he is outnumbered and quickly running out of time.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 2007-12-14

Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, and Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney

Directed by Tim Hill
Produced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman, Steve Waterman
Written by Jon Vitti and Will McRobb & Chris Viscardi

Alvin and the Chipmunks, a global phenomenon to generations of fans, becomes a live action/CGI motion picture event with a contemporary comic sensibility. Songwriter Dave Seville transforms singing chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore into pop senstations -- while the out-of-control trio lays waste to Dave's home, wreaks havoc with his career, and turns Dave's once-orderly life upside-down.

Even the trailer contains a poop joke, so don't expect high-class humor. Still, the original voices are back for the Chipmunk characters and Jason Lee wasn't that bad in Underdog... although with this you have to start wondering if there's anything the former Kevin Smith star wouldn't do.

Juno

Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Release Date: 2007-12-14

Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Allison Janney, JK Simmons, Olivia Thirlby, Rainn Wilson with Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner

Directed by Jason Reitman
Produced by John Malkovich, Russell Smith, Lianne Halfon and Mason Novak
Written by Diablo Cody

JUNO stars Ellen Page as the title character, a whip-smart teen confronting an unplanned pregnancy by her classmate Bleeker (Cera). With the help of her hot best friend Leah (Thirlby), Juno finds her unborn child a “perfect” set of parents: an affluent suburban couple, Mark and Vanessa (Bateman and Garner), longing to adopt. Luckily, Juno has the total support of her parents (Simmons and Janney) as she faces some tough decisions, flirts with adulthood and ultimately figures out where she belongs.

National Treasure: The Book of Secrets (National Treasure 2)

Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Release Date: 2007-12-21

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood and Helen Mirren

Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Jon Turteltaub
Written by Cormac Wibberley, Marianne Wibberley

In this follow up to the box-office hit “National Treasure,” treasure hunter Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) once again sets out on an exhilarating, action-packed new global quest to unearth hidden history and treasures.

When a missing page from the diary of John Wilkes Booth surfaces, Ben’s great-great grandfather is suddenly implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln’s death. Determined to prove his ancestor’s innocence, Ben follows an international chain of clues that takes him on a chase from Paris to London and ultimately back to America. This journey leads Ben and his crew not only to surprising revelations – but to the trail of the world’s most treasured secrets.

National Treasure is everything The Da Vinci Code wanted to be and isn’t. The first movie was good enough and successful enough that maybe it deserves a sequel, but how will they do it? National Treasure was about a generational mystery which culminated in a recent heir. How many mysteries can Benjamin Gate’s family have?

Hopefully plenty, because there’s still fun to be had in watching Nic Cage do his history geek thing as he races around historical landmarks. The first movie did a wonderful job of bringing history to life, making it exciting and interesting in a way stuffy textbooks simply cannot. Usually Europe or Africa gets all the good treasure hunting movies. It’s nice to see the United States getting a turn. The second one should be just as fun as the first, I can’t wait to see it.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Rated: R
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: 2007-12-21

Starring: Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd), Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett), Alan Rickman (Judge Turpin), Timothy Spall (Beadle Bamford), Sacha Baron Cohen (Signor Adolfo Pirelli)
Directed by Tim Burton
Produced by John Logan, Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes, Richard D. Zanuck
Written by John Logan, Stephen Sondheim

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton join forces again in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd." Depp stars in the title role as a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not only for that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the heads of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard from again." Joining Depp is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's amorous accomplice, who creates diabolical meat pies. The cast also includes Alan Rickman, who portrays the evil Judge Turpin, who sends Sweeney to prison and Timothy Spall as the Judge's wicked associate Beadle Bamford and Sacha Baron Cohen is a rival barber, the flamboyant Signor Adolfo Pirelli.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: 2007-12-21

Starring: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, David Koechner, John Michael Higgins

Directed by Jake Kasdan
Produced by Judd Apatow, Jake Kasdan, Clayton Townsend
Written by Judd Apatow, Jake Kasdan

America loves Cox! But behind the music is the up-and-down-and-up-again story of a musician whose songs would change a nation. On his rock ‘n roll spiral, Cox sleeps with 411 women, marries three times, has 22 kids and 14 stepkids, stars in his own 70s TV show, collects friends ranging from Elvis to the Beatles to a chimp, and gets addicted to – and then kicks – every drug known to man… but despite it all, Cox grows into a national icon and eventually earns the love of a good woman – longtime backup singer Darlene (Jenna Fischer).

P.S. I Love You

Rated: PG-13
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 2007-12-21

Starring: Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Gina Gershon, Lisa Kudrow, Harry Connick, Jr., Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kathy Bates, James Marsters
Directed by Richard LaGravenese
Produced by Wendy Finerman, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Molly Smith Executive Producers: John H. Starke, Lisa Zupan
Written by Richard LaGravenese and Steven Rogers, based on the novel by Cecelia Ahern

Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) is beautiful, smart, and married to the love of her life—a passionate, funny and impetuous Irishman named Gerry (Gerard Butler). So when Gerry’s life is taken by an illness, it takes the life out of Holly. The only one who can help her is the person who is no longer there. Nobody knows Holly better than Gerry. So it’s a good thing he planned ahead. Before he died, Gerry wrote Holly a series of letters that will guide her, not only through her grief but in rediscovering herself. The first message arrives on Holly’s 30th birthday in the form of a cake and, to her utter shock, a tape recording from Gerry, who proceeds to order her to get out and “celebrate herself.”

In the weeks and months that follow, more letters from Gerry are delivered in surprising ways, each sending her on a new adventure and each signing off in the same way: P.S. I Love You. Holly’s mother (Kathy Bates) and best friends, Sharon (Gina Gershon) and Denise (Lisa Kudrow), begin to worry that Gerry’s letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, but, in fact, each letter is pushing her further into a new future. With Gerry’s words as her guide, Holly embarks on a touching, exciting and often hilarious journey of rediscovery in a story about marriage, friendship and how a love so strong can turn the finality of death into new beginning for life.

Charlie Wilson's War

Distributor: Universal Pictures
Release Date: 2007-12-25

Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Ned Beatty

Directed by Mike Nichols
Produced by Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks
Written by Aaron Sorkin, based on the book by George Crile

Charlie Wilson's War is the true story of how a playboy congressman, a renegade CIA agent and a beautiful Houston socialite joined forces to lead the largest and most successful covert operation in history. Their efforts contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, with consequences that reverberate throughout the world today.
Charlie Wilson (Hanks) was a bachelor congressman from Texas who had a habit of showing up in hot tubs with strippers and cocaine. His "Good Time Charlie" exterior, however, masked an extraordinary mind, a deep sense of patriotism and a passion for the underdog, and in the early 1980s the underdog was Afghanistan--which had just been brutally invaded by the Russians.
Charlie's longtime friend and patron and sometime lover was Joanne Herring (Roberts), one of the wealthiest women in Texas and a virulent anti-communist. Believing the American response to the Russian invasion was anemic at best, she prods Charlie into doing more for the Mujahideen (Afghan freedom fighters).

The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

Rated: PG
Distributor: Sony Pictures
Release Date: 2007-12-25

Starring: Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin, David Morrissey, Joel Tobeck, Craig Hall, Alex Etel, Geraldine Brophy, Priyanka Xi, Adam Smith, Forbes KB

Directed by Jay Russell
Produced by Robert Bernstein, Charlie Lyons, Barrie M. Osborne, Douglas Rae, Jay Russell
Written by Robert Nelson Jacobs

The Academy Award®-winning producer and special-effects team behind The Lord of the Rings join with Revolution Studios, Walden Media (The Chronicles of Narnia) and Beacon Pictures to bring to the screen the magical motion picture The Water Horse. Rooted in one of the most enduring and intriguing legends of our time, the story begins with an enchanted egg... and what hatches will set in motion an adventure that will take a young boy on the unforgettable journey of a lifetime.

Aliens vs. Predator Requiem (AVP-R)

Rated: R
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 2007-12-25

Starring: John Ortiz, Steven Pasquale, Johnny Lewis, Reiko Aylesworth, David Paetkau, Chelah Horsdal

Directed by Colin Strause, Greg Strause
Produced by John Davis, Wyck Godfrey
Written by Shane Salerno

Let’s give Fox some credit here. Yeah they’re making a sequel to a crappy, franchise-ruining movie which nobody liked, but at least they seem to be attempting to correct some of the mistakes that were made with the first one.
For instance Paul W.S. “not the good one” Anderson, architect of the original AVP, is nowhere in sight. He’s not involved in the sequel, not even a little bit. Instead they’ve brought in two first timers with a background in visual effects named Greg and Colin Strause, guys who claim to actually like the Alien and Predator movies they’re supposed to be basing their battle movie on. Can they direct? Who knows, but at least they’re not Anderson.
Then there’s Fox’s apparent willingness to let this one be rated-R. The franchise they’re ripping off to make these monstrosities were renowned for being hardcore, R-rated horror movies. For the first AVP, they watered it down to a lukewarm PG-13. They pulled in teenagers, but pushed the two franchises’s original fans right out the door. Now they’re attempting to correct that, by making this the R-rated horror movie AVP should have been..

The Bucket List

Rated: PG-13
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 2007-12-25

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes

Directed by Rob Reiner
Produced by Alan Greisman, Rob Reiner, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Written by Justin Zackham

Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (JACK NICHOLSON) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (MORGAN FREEMAN) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do before they “kick the bucket” and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are. Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest. Each adventure adds another check to their list, all done with insight and humor.

There Will Be Blood

Rated: R
Distributor: Paramount Vantage
Release Date: 2007-12-26

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Produced by Joanne Sellar, Paul Thomas Anderson, Daniel Lupi
Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

This adaptation of Oil! by Upton Sinclair, is a period piece taking place in the turn-of-the-century where a tycoon (Daniel Day-Lewis) strikes it rich after gaining oil rights to a family's ranch, turning the small town into a boomtown where a charismatic young preacher (Paul Dano) captivates churchgoers. The studio describes it as "a story about family, greed, religion, and oil, centered around a turn-of-the-century Texas prospector in the early days of the business."

The Orphanage (El Orfanato)

Rated: Not Yet Rated
Distributor: Picturehouse
Release Date: 2007-12-28

Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Geraldine Chaplin, Montserrat Carulla, Mabel Rivera, Andrés Gertrúdix, Roger Príncep

Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona
Produced by Alvaro Augustin, Joaquin Padro, Mar Targarona, Guillermo del Toro
Written by Sergio G. Sánchez

The Orphanage, presented by Oscar-Nominee Guillermo del Toro, centers on a Laura (Belén Rueda) who purchases her beloved childhood orphanage with dreams of restoring and reopening the long abandoned facility as a place for disabled children. Once there, Laura discovers that the new environment awakens her son’s imagination, but the ongoing fantasy games he plays with an invisible friend quickly turn into something more disturbing. Upon seeing her family increasingly threatened by the strange occurrences in the house, Laura looks to a group of parapsychologists for help in unraveling the mystery that has taken over the place.