It was a strong weekend for unusual creatures this weekend: The Smurfs tied with Cowboys & Aliens for first at the box office. Both films earned $36.2 million. Cowboys & Aliens Trailer Despite the deadlock, Cowboys & Aliens comes out as a loser. Considering the star power involved and the budget ($163 million), expectations were high for the Jon Favreu-directed thriller. Instead, it barely made half of what the top superhero-based flicks of the summer took home in their first weekend. A look at the top five: The Smurfs : $36.2 million Cowboys & Aliens : $36.2 million Captain America: The First Avenger : $24.9 million Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 : $21.9 million Crazy, Stupid Love : $19.3 million
Singer tweets that ‘it’s a huge bummer waiting’ but fans can expect new music soon. By Gil Kaufman Kelly Clarkson Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images By now, Kelly Clarkson fans have gotten used to the hurry-up-and-wait status of her new album. Release dates for singles have come and gone, her frustration about the long release process has flared at times and a slow trickle of never-before-heard songs has leaked online over the past month. But Clarkson gave fans reason to hope on Thursday when she posted a series of tweets that made it sound as if her eagerly anticipated fifth album is getting closer to seeing the light of day. Still, as has frequently been the case with Clarkson lately, it was a mix of good and bad news. “Also, just found out my single is hitting radio in August!” she tweeted Thursday afternoon. “Woohoo! It’s sounds great as well! Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!” Fans were understandably excited about the imminent release of the unnamed tune but an hour later, Clarkson said she may have misspoken a bit. “Okay please do not get angry but it might be September for my single,” she wrote . “My calendar was messed up! I’m so sorry! BUT it might be late August! It’s a huge bummer waiting but I promise it’ll be worth it! Stupid technology!!” Though disappointed, fans told Clarkson it was no biggie, saying it was worth the wait. “If people can wait till Nov. for ‘Breaking Dawn,’ I bet they can wait a few months for your new single,” one fan wrote. The original “American Idol,” who at one point described the new songs as “Garbage-meets-pop-meets-Muse,” has long expressed her desire to go in a more rock direction and she appeared headed that way on the follow-up to 2009’s All I Ever Wanted. ” In October, Clarkson told fans on Twitter that she expected a single out by early 2011, teased a pair of duets with unnamed co-singers and said it might include two songs by her musical director and “Never Again” co-writer Jason Halbert. The album obviously missed its initial late-2010 release date, and by February Clarkson was talking up other influences, such as Prince, Tina Turner, Radiohead, Sheryl Crow and Aretha Franklin , and hitting the studio with producer Rodney Jerkins . In early February she announced, with a bit of consternation, that the ywet-untitled album was finished, but had been pushed back until September . Then, earlier this month, three songs that are reportedly slated for the album leaked, just a week after another new tune, the rocking, “Let Me Down,” surfaced online. The new songs, which were quickly scrubbed from the Internet, included the angsty “Let Me Down,” the ballad “Forgive You” and the pop rocker “Dumb + Dumb = You.” Are you looking forward to Kelly’s next album? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Kelly Clarkson
‘For those who have been so involved and grown up with the series, it feels like a chapter of your life has closed,’ one expert says. By Josh Wigler Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” has been in theaters for a week, kicking magical tail at the box office and basking in the glow of rave reviews from critics. All good things, to be sure, except for one not-so-tiny wound: “Harry Potter” is officially over. “Wait … there’s no ‘Part 3’?” joked a wistful Micah Tannenbaum of MuggleNet , commenting to MTV News on the fact that the “Potter” series is finally ending. “It’s a bittersweet feeling. For those who have been so involved and grown up with the series, it feels like a chapter of your life has closed, but at the same time, you’re eager to see what’s next. J.K. Rowling always has something up her sleeve.” MTV’s very own “Potter” expert Terri Schwartz, who was one of our main commentators during the “Harry Potter” World Cup , is one such reader to have grown up alongside the Boy Who Lived, giving her a unique perspective on the cinematic ending of Jo Rowling’s magical franchise. “It is fair to say that I grew up with ‘Harry Potter,’ so now that the movie series is over, there is an overriding sense of finality to the era that wasn’t there when the last book came out,” she said. “I definitely feel like I will never experience another pop-culture phenomenon quite like this again in my lifetime.” Indeed, it’s a popular sentiment. For many fans, the end of “Potter” marks not just the end of a franchise, but the completion of a massive zeitgeist-defining tale the likes of which won’t be repeated anytime soon. There’s a sense of pride among “Potter” fans for having been around to witness such a narrative gift, but it doesn’t come without a bittersweet cost. “I think the fans are experiencing mixed emotions,” Tannenbaum said. “It’s a bit different than when ‘Deathly Hallows’ the book was released in 2007, because you still had several movies to look forward to. Now what?” Thankfully, there is a place to turn: Pottermore , Ms. Rowling’s online haven where muggles across the world can rediscover the majesty of “Potter” all over again. “It’s a good thing [she] decided to announce Pottermore just before the last film hit theaters,” Tannenbaum said. “I have a feeling it will cure any lingering post-Potter depression and provide fans the ultimate online experience. With all the books being re-released over time with new content, fans can experience the series all over again.” Pottermore is still several months away, of course, but fans aren’t without options: “Deathly Hallows, Part 2″ is still in theaters, of course, and judging by last weekend’s record-breaking box-office numbers, it’s a sure bet that many Potterheads will be heading back to Hogwarts this weekend. ” ‘Part 2’ is definitely the strongest of the ‘Potter’ films, so it is exciting to see that this last movie is holding steady to be the strongest of the bunch,” Schwartz said. “It just solidifies the fact that this is the most successful movie franchise in cinematic history, which is a title it well-deserves.” “The box-office results are impressive,” Tannenbaum added. “I think the fact that ‘Part 2′ shattered midnight, opening-day and opening-weekend records here in the U.S. as well as records overseas shows the series’ reach. It’s the fastest film ever to the half-billion mark, and it has only been in theaters for a week! Plus, it just passed ‘Star Wars’ as the highest-grossing franchise of all-time. Definitely going out with a bang.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2’ Related Photos ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2’ Opening-Night Madness ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows’ Premieres In NYC
In a surprise to absolutely no one, Justin Bieber dominated the first wave of 2011 Teen Choice Awards nominees. Now, Fox has released a new round of categories from the world of television, movies and music. Check out the potential winners to vote and tune in to the ceremony on August 7… Choice Summer TV Show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” “ Pretty Little Liars ” “So You Think You Can Dance” “Switched at Birth” “Teen Wolf” Choice Summer TV Star: Female Troian Bellisario, “Pretty Little Liars” Lucy Hale, “Pretty Little Liars” Vanessa Marano, “Switched at Birth” Crystal Reed, “Teen Wolf” Raven-Symon
Actor will hit the big screen again in next month’s ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes,’ with a spate of big-screen parts on the horizon. By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Kara Warner Tom Felton in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” Photo: 20th Century Fox Tom Felton may be giving up his bleached-blond Draco Malfoy hair color , but he’s not giving up his “Harry Potter” character’s bad attitude just yet. As “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” was breaking box-office records and opening to critical acclaim over the weekend, Felton was already looking forward to his first post-“Potter” film, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” which hits theaters on August 5. And from what he’s told MTV News about the movie’s plot, his “Apes” character has a few things in common with Draco. “My character, he works at a primate facility — I can reveal that — in which … he’s not the nicest of people looking after these lovely creatures,” Felton teased. But that’s not the only project Felton is gearing up for: He finished filming “The Apparition” last year, a thriller that also stars “Twilight” actress Ashley Greene and “Captain America: The First Avenger” actor Sebastian Stan. While “Apparition” isn’t due out until sometime in 2012, the movie is already earning some serious buzz in the online fan communities because it brings together two major movie franchises. Felton has also filmed the sports flick “From the Rough” with Taraji P. Henson and Justin Chon and director Pierre Bagley. Add to that docket two war movies: “Grace and Danger” is currently in pre-production and “Evac” is on the horizon. With films like “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and “The Apparition” on the way, Felton seems to be positioning himself as a viable big-screen presence post-“Potter.” But he seemed genuinely surprise that the opportunity to make another big-budget movie had come so quickly after the end of “Potter.” “It was very exciting for me to go from ‘Harry Potter’ on to [‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’],” he told MTV News. “I didn’t expect to go on to that class of set straight away, so it was hugely exciting. We had a great time making it.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2’ Red-Carpet Highlights MTV Rough Cut: ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2’ Related Photos ‘Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes’ ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2’
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the new box office champion. It broke pretty much every record over the weekend, knocking The Dark Knight into second place in many categories. But for how long can Harry, Hermione and company hold off The Caped Crusader? Christian Bale will fly into action again in July 2012, as teased in the preview that played prior to all Deathly Hallows screenings around the country over the past few days. Check it out here: The Dark Knight Rises Trailer If The Joker, The Riddler and The Penguin could not slay Batman, what chance do a few young wizards have? Chime in now: Will The Dark Knight Rises best Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at the box office next summer?
‘My Week With Marilyn’ and ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ are the first two post-‘Potter’ projects Watson lined up. By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Emma Watson Photo: Jim Spellman/ WireImage We hope Emma Watson has already digested her post- “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” brunch. Because now that she’s finished the project that virtually defined a decade of her life, the actress has plenty to look forward to. The 21-year-old starlet did just a few non-“Potter” acting roles during her time with the franchise, only separating herself from Hermione long enough to star in the 2007 BBC film “Ballet Shoes” and lend her voice to 2008’s “Tales of Despereaux.” Now, she has wrapped her first two post-“Potter” films and is excited for people to see her outside of a “Harry Potter” capacity. Up first is the Michelle Williams-starring adaptation of “My Week With Marilyn,” based on Laurence Olivier’s assistant’s account of spending time with Marilyn Monroe (Williams) while she was filming “The Prince and the Showgirl.” Watson plays a character named Lucy who goes on a few dates with leading man Eddie Redmayne. It’s a minor role for a small film (which is slated for release this November), but it’s garnering a lot of attention because of Watson’s involvement. “I’ve seen a trailer for it. It looks pretty amazing,” Watson told MTV News at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards. “I mean, Michelle is an incredible actress, and Eddie Redmayne is also in it, so he did a great job.” But her upcoming film that’s getting the most buzz is the Summit Entertainment adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s coming-of-age novel, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Watson plays Sam, the love interest of main character Charlie (played by Logan Lerman). It wrapped shooting several weeks ago, and Watson told us at the Movie Awards that the expectation was to turn it around and get it released quickly. “It’s so funny because I never thought I’d make another sort of high school-esque movie, and here I am in this coming-of-age, American teen [movie],” she said. “But it’s very witty, and it’s very funny and it’s very moving, so I’m excited.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2’ Red-Carpet Highlights Related Photos The Evolution Of: Emma Watson Emma Watson, Nina Dobrev, More On The Set Of ‘The Perks Of Being A Wallflower’
After looking at preliminary box office estimates, “the sound of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” could easily refer to screaming fans and stacking money. According to early estimates, the eighth and final Potter film grossed an estimated $43.5 million from midnight shows alone, putting it well on the way to break the single day box office record and compete for the all time three day record… Broadcasting platform : Vimeo Source : /Film Discovery Date : 16/07/2011 01:27 Number of articles : 2
In what will likely be the first of many records set by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 , the film has knocked The Twilight Saga out of a number-one perch. The final adventure for Daniel Radcliffe and company $43.5 million at midnight screenings Friday morning, demolishing the $30 million mark set by The Twilight Saga: Eclipse . Harry cleared $80 overall yesterday, blowing by the $72 million record by The Twilight Saga: New Moon . Look for it to gross over $180 million before the weekend is over, which would move it past The Dark Knight and prove once and for all: Movie goers prefer wizards to vampires and mayhem-causing superheroes.
It’s all my weary fingers can do to type another word about the blockbuster final installment of the Harry Potter film series, but here goes: Aren’t you going to miss Ron Weasley? Harry’s Hogwarts sidekick and Hermione’s adoring foil, the awkward man-child facing maturity by fire in this weekend’s climactic Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 . Oh — and the dumbfoundedness. Alllllways ready with the dumfoundedness.
