FanDominion

Get your geek on.
July 21st, 2008

Top 10 Genre Movies: Dark Knight lights up the box office

Most people thought the opening of the new Batman movie would be big – but few thought it would be this big. The Dark Knight brought in more than $155 million in ticket sales in its first weekend – the biggest opening of any movie in Hollywood history.

The other sci fi flick to debut is the kiddie animated entry, Space Chimps, which debuted at No. 6, behind WALL-E.

To make room for the two new comers, both Incredible Hulk and Indiana Jones fell out of the genre top 10 for the first time in months.

With Journey to the Center of the Earth still performing well against stiff kiddie competition, expectations are growing for, The Mummy; Tomb of the Dragon Emperor  which opens in two weeks and like Journey, stars Brendan Fraser.

Of all the Top 10 films of the week – all but the second spot (Baby Boomer-targeted musical Mama Mia!) were either science fiction, fantasy, horror or spy fi.

Following are the Top 10 speculative fiction movies in release in North America for the weekend of July 18 -20, 2008.

RANK #. (Overall Rank) Title – Weekend Gross | Total Gross [Budget]

  1. (1) The Dark Knight – $155.3 million | $155.3 million [$180 million]
  2. (3) Hancock – $14 million | $191.5 million [$150 million]
  3. (4) Journey to the Center of the Earth – $11.9 million | $43.1 million [$60 million]
  4. (5) Hellboy II – $10.0 million | $56.4 million [$85 million]
  5. (6) WALL-E – $9.8 million | $182.5 million [$180 million]
  6. (7) Space Chimps – $7.4 million | $7.4 million [unknown budget]
  7. (8) Wanted – $5.1 million | $123.3 million [$75 million]
  8. (9) Get Smart – $4.1 million | $199.6 million [$80 million]
  9. (10) Kung Fu Panda – $1.8 million | $206.5 million [$130 million]
  10. (11) Meet Dave – $1.6 million | $9.4 million [$60 million] 

Source: Box Office Mojo – list only includes science fiction, spy fi, fantasy and dark fantasy/horror titles.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Movies, News | No Comments »

July 6th, 2008

Top 10 Genre Movies: Weekend of July 4, 2008

Following are the Top 10 speculative fiction movies in release in North America for the weekend of July 4 -6, 2008.

RANK #. (Overall Rank) Title – Weekend Gross | Total Gross [Budget]

  1. (1) Hancock – $66.0 million | $107.3 million [$150 million]
  2. (2) Wall-E – $33 million | $128.1 million [$180 million]
  3. (4) Get Smart – $11.1 million | $98.1 million [$80 million]
  4. (5) Kung Fu Panda – $7.5 million | $193.4 million [$130 million]
  5. (6) The Incredible Hulk – $5.0 million | 124.9 million [$150 million]
  6. (7) Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull – $3.9 million | $306.6 million [$185 million]
  7. (12) Iron Man – $1.5 million | $311.8 million [$140 million]
  8. (13) The Happening – $1.5 million | $62.0 million [$60 million]
  9. (15) Narnia: Prince Caspian – $0.6 million | $138.8 million [$200 million]
  10. (34) Superhero Movie – $10 thousand | $25.9 million [unknown budget]

Source: Box Office Mojo – list only includes science fiction, spy fi, fantasy and dark fantasy/horror titles.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Movies, News | No Comments »

June 30th, 2008

The 33 Biggest Sci-Fi and Fantasy films of 2008 … so far

Below is a list of the top-grossing science fiction, fantasy, spy fi and supernatural horror/dark fantasy films first released in North America in 2008. They are listed in order of worldwide gross as of June 29, 2008.

KEY: Rank (Overall rank) Title [Genre] – Worldwide Gross | U.S. Gross (U.S. Rank)
COLORS: GREEN = still in theaters; RED = lost money; BLACK or BOLD ITALIC = Broke even or better

  1. (1) Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull [Fantasy] – $690.9 million | $299.9 million (2)
  2. (2) Iron Man [Superhero] – $560.2 million | $309.2 million (1)
  3. (4) Horton Hears a Who [Fantasy] – $294.3 million | 153.8 million (4)
  4. (5) Narnia: Prince Caspian [Fantasy] – $275.2 million | $137.7 million (6)
  5. (6) 10,000 B.C. [Fantasy] – $269.1 million | $94.8 million (8)
  6. (7) Kung Fu Panda [Fantasy] – $247.4 million | $179.3 million (3)
  7. (8) Jumper [Science Fantasy] – $221.9 million | $80.2 million (11)
  8. (10) The Incredible Hulk (Superhero)  – $179.6 million | 115.5 million (7)
  9. (11) Cloverfiled [Science Fiction/Horror] – $170.5 million | $80.0 million (12)
  10. (12) Spiderwick Chronicles [Fantasy} - $162.2 million | $71.2 million (17)
  11. (17) The Happening [Science Fiction/Horror] – $119.2 million | $59.1 million (23)
  12. (20) The Forbidden Kingdom [Fantasy] – $105.7 million | $52.1 million (25)
  13. (25) Get Smart [Spy-fi comedy] – $83.2 million | $77.3 million (14)
  14. (26) Speed Racer [Fantasy] – $82.6 million | $42.8 million (32)
  15. (27) Nim’s Island [Fantasy] – $75.6 million | 47.1 million (28)
  16. (30) Wall-E [Science Fiction] – $62.5 million | 62.5 million (21)
  17. (33) Superhero Movie [Superhero comedy] – $57.6 million | $25.8 million (50)
  18. (34) The Eye [Horror] – $56.3 million | $31.4 million (42)
  19. (41) CJ7 [Science fiction comedy] – $46.7 million | $0.2 million (141)
  20. (44) Shutter [Horror] – $44.0 million | $25.9 million (49)
  21. (45) One Missed Call [Horror] – $43.7 million | $26.9 million (46)
  22. (65) The Ruins [Horror] – $21.4 million | $17.4 million (54)
  23. (67) Penelope [Fantasy] – $20.6 million | $10.0 million (62)
  24. (68) Doomsday [Science Fiction Horror] – $19.5 million | $11.0 million (60)
  25. (72) Over Her Dead Body [Fantasy} - $17.8 million | $7.6 million (68)
  26. (80) The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything [Fantasy] – $12.9 million | $12.7 million (56)
  27. (84) In the Name of the King [Fantasy] – $11.8 million | $4.8 million (74)
  28. (112) Shrooms [Horror] – $3.7 million | $2.9 thousand (*)
  29. (117) Diary of the Dead [Horror] – $3.1 million | $43.3 thousand (*)
  30. (132) The Fall – $1.9 million | $1.7 million (86)
  31. (139) Teeth – $1.4 million | $346 thousand (123)
  32. (179) The Signal – $251 Thousand | $251 thousand (133)
  33. (199) Poultreygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead – $22.6 thousand | $13.8 thousand (*)

Source: Box Office Mojo, various press reports

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Movies, News | No Comments »

June 29th, 2008

Top Ten Genre Movies: Weekend of June 29, 2008

Following are the Top 10 speculative fiction movies in release in North America for the weekend of June 27-29, 2008.

RANK #. (Overall Rank) Title – Weekend Gross | Total Gross [Budget]

  1. (1) Wall-E – $62.5 million | $62.5 million [$180 million]
  2. (3) Get Smart – $20.0 million | $77.3 million [$80 million]
  3. (4) Kung Fu Panda – $11.7 million| $179.3 million [$130 million]
  4. (5) The Incredible Hulk – $9.2 million | $115.5 million [$150 million]
  5. (7) Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull – $5.0 million | $299.9 million [$185 million]
  6. (8) The Happening – $3.9 million | $59.1 million [$60 million]
  7. (11) Iron Man – $2.3 million | 309.2 million [$140 million]
  8. (12) Narnia: Prince Caspian – $1.1 million | 137.7 million [$200 million]
  9. (31) Superhero Movie – $11.0 thousand | $25.8 million {unknown budget]
  10. (35) Baghead – $1.8 thousand | $21.9 thousand [unknown budget]

Source: Box Office Mojo – list only includes science fiction, spy fi, fantasy and dark fantasy/horror titles.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Movies, News | No Comments »

June 29th, 2008

Dragon*Con 2008: Aug. 29 – Sep. 1

Title: Dragon*Con
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Description: Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the US. Our host hotels for 2008 will again include the familiar surroundings of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta along with the legendary Atlanta Marriott Marquis and the Atlanta Hilton. The Hilton is across the street from the Marriott which is connected by a climate-controlled tube-way to the Hyatt. The Marriott is easily the most architecturally unique hotel in the city, if not the entire Southeast. We are pleased to announce the addition of the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel to the list of fabulous hotels hosting Dragon*Con 2008! Dragon*ConTV will be available in all four host hotels.

Start Date: 2008-08-29
End Date: 2008-09-01
Website: http://www.dragoncon.org/index.php

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Conventions | No Comments »

June 25th, 2008

2008 Saturn Awards: Lost, Enchanted lead winners

Veteran TV show Lost and cartoon-come-to-life musical comedy film, Enchanted, cleaned up at the 34th Annual Saturn Awards Tuesday night. Lost took home four trophies for Best Network TV series and three of the four TV acting categories. Enchanted won for Best Fantasy Film, Best Actress (Amy Adams) and Best Music.

Best Science Fiction Film went to Cloverfield and Best Horror Film went to the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton musical, Sweeney Todd. The Best Director nod went to Zach Snyder for his film, 300, which revolutionized green-screen technology and the use of computer-generated imagery to bring the comic book tothe big screen.

Will Smith picked up a best acting award for his almost-one-man-show tour de force turn in, I Am Legend.

The complete list of winners follows:

2008 Saturn Award Winners

Presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, June 24, 2008 in Universal City, California.

  • Best Science Fiction Film: Cloverfield
  • Best Fantasy Film: Enchanted
  • Best Horror Film: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet St.
  • Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film: 300
  • Best Actor: Will Smith (I Am Legend)
  • Best Actress: Amy Adams (Enchanted)
  • Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
  • Best Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden (The Mist)
  • Best Performance by a Younger Actor: Freddie Highmore (August Rush)
  • Best Direction: Zack Snyder (300)
  • Best Writing: Brad Bird (Ratatouille)
  • Best Music: Alan Menken (Enchanted)
  • Best Costume: Colleen Atwood (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet St.)
  • Best Make-Up: Ve Neill, Martin Samuel (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End)
  • Best Special Effects: Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Russell Earl, John Frazier (Transformers)
  • Best Animated Film: Ratatouille
  • Best International Film: Eastern Promises
  • Best Network Television Series: Lost
  • Best Syndicated / Cable Television Series: Dexter
  • Best Presentation on Television: Family Guy: Blue Harvest
  • Best Actor on Television: Matthew Fox (Lost)
  • Best Actress on Television: Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer)
  • Best Supporting Actor on Television: Michael Emerson (Lost)
  • Best Supporting Actress on Television: (TIE): Summer Glau (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) / Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost)
  • Best DVD Release: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (remix)
  • Best DVD Special Edition Release: Blade Runner (5 Disc Ultimate Edition)
  • Best DVD Classic Film Release: The Monster Squad
  • Best DVD Collection: Mario Bava (Box Sets 1 & 2)
  • Best Television Series Release on DVD: Heroes (Season 1)
  • Best Retro Television Series Release on DVD: Twin Peaks (Definitive Gold Box Ed.)
  • The Life Career Award: Robert Halmi, Sr.
  • The Life Career Award: Robert Halmi, Jr.
  • The George Pal Memorial Award: Guillermo del Toro
  • The Filmmakers Showcase Award: Matt Reeves
  • The Special Achievement Award: Tim & Donna Lucas
  • The Service Award: Fred Barton

Tags: , , ,
Posted in News, Pro Media | No Comments »

June 22nd, 2008

Remembering George Carlin – 1937-2008

Although he is best known as a stand-up comedian and his infamous list of words one can never say on TV, George Carlin, who died at age 71 Sunday, also left a mark among science fiction and fantasy fans.

From 1979′s Americathon film of alternate history to roles in Kevin Smith’s Dogma or Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Carlin used humor – often in fantasy and speculative fiction settings to deliver a biting commentary on modern society.

After a long history of heart ailments, Carlin died at 5:55 p.m. June 22 in a Los Angeles hospital of heart failure. He was 71.

The following is a list of some of his more “far out” character performances in science fiction, fantasy and horror-related film and TV.

  • Happily N’Ever After as The Wizard (2006)
  • Cars as Fillmore (2006)
  • Tarzan II as Zugor (2005)
  • Scary Movie 3 as Architect (2003)
  • Dogma as Cardinal Ignatius Glick (1999)
  • The Simpsons as Munchie (1998)
  • Shining Time Station as The Conductor (1991-1993)
  • Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey as Rufus (1991)
  • Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure as Rufus (1989)
  • Justin Case as Justin Case (1988)
  • Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends as The Narrator (1984)
  • Americathon (1979)

Tags: , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

June 22nd, 2008

Top Ten Genre Movies: Weekend of June 22, 2008

Following are the Top 10 speculative fiction movies in release in North America for the weekend of June 20-22, 2008.

RANK #. (Overall Rank) Title – Weekend Gross | Total Gross [Budget]

  1. (1) Get Smart – $39.2 million | $39.2 million [$80 million]
  2. (2) Kung Fu Panda – $21.7 million | $155.6 million [$130 million]
  3. (3) The Incredible Hulk – $21.6 million | $30.5 million [$150 million]
  4. (5) The Happening – $10.0 million |$50.3 million [$60 million]
  5. (6) Indiana Jones/Crystal Skull – $8.4 million |$290.8 million [$185 million]
  6. (9) Iron Man – $4.0 million | $304.8 million [$140 million]
  7. (11) Narnia: Prince Caspian – $1.7 million | $135.5 million [$200 million]
  8. (19) The Fall – $0.13 million | $1.6 million [budget unknown]
  9. (29) Superhero Movie – $0.02 million | $25.8 million [budget unknown]
  10. (34) Baghead – $0.005 million | $0.02 million [budget unknown]

Source: Box Office Mojo – list only includes science fiction, spy fi, fantasy and dark fantasy/horror titles.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Movies, News | No Comments »

June 16th, 2008

Top 10 Genre Movies: Weekend of June 15, 2008

Following are the Top 10 speculative fiction movies in release in North America for the weekend of June 13-15, 2008.

RANK #. (Overall Rank) Title – Weekend Gross | Total Gross [Budget]

  1. (1) The Incredible Hulk – $54.5 million | $54.5 million [$150 million]
  2. (2) Kung Fu Panda – $34.3 million | $118.0 million [$130 million]
  3. (3) The Happening – $30.5 million | $30.5 million [$60 million]
  4. (5) Indiana Jones/Crystal Skull – $35.5 million |$275.3 million [$185 million]
  5. (7) Iron Man – $5.1 million | $297 million [$140 million]
  6. (9) Narnia: Prince Caspian – $3.0 million | $131.7 million [$200 million]
  7. (14) Horton Hears a Who! – $0.2 million | $153.4 million [$85 million]
  8. (15) Nim’s Island – $0.2 million | $46.7 million [$37 million]
  9. (25) The Forbidden Kingdom – $0.07 million | $52 million [budget unknown]
  10. (29) Superhero Movie – $0.03 million | $25.8 million [budget unknown]

Source: Box Office Mojo – list only includes science fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy/horror titles.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Movies, News | No Comments »

June 11th, 2008

Terry Pratchett on writing with Alzheimer’s

On December 11 of last year, best-selling science fiction and fantasy author Terry Pratchett revealed to the world that at age 60, he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. He talked recently with the London Times about how the diagnosis has effected his life and his outlook on the British health care system:

“The day after I had been diagnosed I was working in the garden and I suddenly realised I was whistling, and I thought regrettably there is this sort of inner well of humour or good nature, there is some kind of insuppressible source of good humour that I can’t actually manage to get rid of.”

For the complete article, visit the following link:

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article4085858.ece

 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Books | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »