Box Office Report: 'The Help' Beats Four New Films

DreamWorks and Participant Media'sThe Helpcontinued to overperform in its second weekend, beating a new round of competitors in grossing $20.5 million and coming in No. 1 at the domestic box office.our editor recommendsBox Office Report: Four New Films No Match for 'The Help,' 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'Box Office Report: 'Apes' Still Rules; 'The Help' Bows Strong; 'Glee' Off to Slow Start Distributed by Disney,The Helphas racked up $71.3 million in its first 10 days of release. The pic fell less than 22% from its opening weekend, when it came in No. 2. To rise to No. 1 is an unusual feat, and reflects the film's great buzz. PHOTOS: How 'The Help' Was Cast Rise of the Planet of the Apes, from 20thCentury Fox, also remained a worthy contender in its third weekend, falling only 41% to an estimated $16.3 million for a domestic cume of $133.8 million and coming in No. 2. The HelpandRise of the Apesleft the weekend's four new films struggling. Robert Rodriguez'sSpy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D, from the Weinstein Co./Dimension, did the best of the bunch, coming in No. 3 and grossing an estimated $12 million. "We were within range of our expectations. Yes, it was on the low end, but given the market conditions, we're okay with this number. We're going to be in good shape with this movie, and it will play for the rest of the summer, since there's no other family film coming in," Weinstein president of distribution Erik Lomis said. Yet the family pic, receiving a B+ CinemaScore, fell notably short of the $33 million earned by the last Spy Kids in its July 2003 debut. REVIEW:Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D Nu Image/Millennium's big-budgetConan the Barbarian, distributed by Lionsgate, and DreamWorks'Colin Farrell-Anton Yelchinvampire remakeFright Nightboth fell well short of expectations, grossing $10 million and $8.3 million, respectively, to come in No. 3 and No. 4. "It was a rough weekend, and disappointing for the new films," Lionsgate executive vice president of distributionDavid Spitzsaid. VIDEO: Conan the Barbarian: How Jason Momoa Prepared For The Role "Historically, August has always been a challenge, but we at Lionsgate have certainly enjoyed plenty of success with titles likeThe ExpendablesandThe Last Exorcism," Spitz continued. Marcus Nispel'sConanandCraig Gillespie'sFright Night, both based on 1980s properties, ended up appealing largely to older moviegoers (also, both are rated R). OfFright Night'saudience, 60% was over the age of 25;Conan, 67%. The two pics-each receiving a B- CinemaScore--also vied for males. Males made up 76% ofConan'saudience, and 60% ofFright Night's. Conanwas fully financed by Nu Image/Millennium Films and cost upwards of $70 million to produce.Fright Nightcost far less, or just under $30 million, but the pic's soft performance is still a disappointment for DreamWorks. Disney is distributing Fright Night. STORY: Collin Farrell: 5 Memorable Roles ConanandFright Night, along withSpy Kids, were released in 3D, meaning a deluge of 3D titles.Spy Kids cost $27.5 million to produce. Elsewhere at the domestic box office, Focus Features' romanticOne Day, starringAnne HathawayandJim Sturgess, grossed $5.1 million to come in on the low end of expectations. Based on the best-selling book by British authorDavid Nicholls,One Dayhad a limited footprint, only playing in 1,721 theaters. STORY: Anne Hathaway in One Day: What the Critics Are Saying Focus, which produced the film per its deal with Random House, said it is pleased with the result.One Dayopens next week in the U.K., where it should do strong business. In the U.S.,One Daylikely struggled to lure moviegoers otherwise intrigued byThe Help, with both films based on books and drawing older females. Of those buying tickets forOne Day,72% were females, while 73% were over the age of 25. The film drew a disappointing B- CinemaScore. While DreamWorks and Disney are perplexed by Fright Night's tepid debut--the film received great reviews and played well in screenings--the two companies are elated over The Help's great start. "We hoped that The Help would be a breath of fresh air at the end of a busy summer, and that has turned out to be the case," Disney executive vice president of distribution Dave Hollis said. In other headlines, Sony's The Smurfs placed No. 6 for the weekend domestically, grossing an estimated $8 million for a cume of $117.7 million. Even better, the hit family film crossed the $300 million mark worldwide over the weekend, ending the session with a cume of $329 million, inlcuding an international total of $211.4 million. Sore spots incuded Fox's Glee: The 3D Concert Movie, which tumbled to No. 15 in its second weekend, declining 69% to $1.8 million for a domestic cume of $10.5 million. At the specialty box office, documentary Senna made a strong showing as it expanded to 14 theaters in its second weekend, grossing an estimated 169K for a strong per screen average of $12,071 and cume of $280K. Producers Distribution Agency is distributing the pic. Kevin Smith's Red State made its debut in Los Angeles, grossing $25,800 for a cume of $1 million. And the Weinstein Co.'s Sarah's Key continued to score strong returns, grossing $783K as it expanded into a total of 201 theaters for a domestic cume of $3.1 million. Domestic Box Office Top 10 (Aug. 19-21) 1.The Help(2,690): $20.5 million 2.Rise of the Planet of the Apes(3,471): $16.3 million 3.*Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D(3,295): $12 million 4.*Conan the Barbarian(3,015): $10 million 5.*Fright Night(3,114): $8.3 million 6.The Smurfs(3,057): $8 million 7.Final Destination 5(3,115): $7.7 million 8.30 Minutes or Less(2,888): $6.3million 9.*One Day(1,721): $5.1 million 10.Crazy, Stupid, Love(1,940): $5 million *New release Related Topics Box Office Spy Kids Rise of the Planet of the Apes The Help Fright Night

Disney Announces Two New Pixar Films

The very first movie is placed for 2014and looks inside people'sminds. Directed by Peter Docter, the Academy Award-winning director of Up, the brand new Pixar toon is simply beginning its designs and sets and anticipating castings.Another movie is all about dinosaurs set sometime later on. Director Bob Petersonwasinspired by his childhoodvisit towards the 1964 New You are able to World's Fairwhere he saw animatronic dinosaurs.Disney made present day bulletins to 4,200 fansin Anaheim Convention Center included in its 'D23 Expo'this weekendthat brings everything Disney in one place:Recreational areas &Resorts, Consumer Items, Media Systems, as well as coursethe Studio.D23 may be the first official Disney fan club and also the expo takesplace almost every other year.The 2010 arena presentation was located byby Wally Disney Galleries Chairman Wealthy Ross andfeatured John Lasseter from Pixar, Kevin Feige from Marvel, Sean Bailey from Wally Disney Galleries and talent fromupcoming films from animation, Marvel, and Disney live action.More particulars and interviews later today.

Mess joins 'Glee' cast

"Friday Evening Lights" alum LaMarcus Mess is moving to "Glee." Mess, who starts focusing on the show today, may have a recurring role playing the smoothness Marcus, an appreciation interest for Amber Riley's Mercedes. On "Friday Evening Lights," Mess performed a linebacker about the East Dillon Lions. He's also made an appearance on "Cougar Town" last season. There's been speculation that numerous cast people might be departing following the approaching season, but nothing is becoming formally introduced. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Happy 54th Birthday, Melanie Griffith! Here are 5 of Her Underrated Roles

Body Double came out 27 years ago, but it’s still a little weird to realize that its one-time ingenue Melanie Griffith is 54 years old. The woman who picked up an Oscar nod for playing the defiant Tess McGill in Mike Nichols’ Working Girl has a pretty solid filmography otherwise, including a few good flicks you probably missed or — more likely — forgot. In honor of her birthday, click ahead for a rundown of five underrated movies where Griffith also did a helluva good job of letting the river run. Something Wild (1986) As far as offbeat ’80s movies go, Jonathan Demme’s Something Wild ranks among the kookiest in all its throes of comedy, violence, and romance. But Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels, the two starring romantics, are the movie’s most unassailable strengths. As Audrey “Lulu” Henkel, Griffith invigorates Daniels’ humdrum existence and the two embark on a series of adventures. Griffith is cunning and cool here, and best of all, she wears the blazers we still miss from Working Girl. This largely forgotten film earned Golden Globe nods for both Griffith and Daniels. Stormy Monday (1988) Speaking of largely forgotten: A very underrated thriller with balmy noir elements, Stormy Monday features Griffith as Kate, a waitress and gopher prostitute for a corrupt businessman’s (Tommy Lee Jones) dealings. In a movie that lingers on vivid visual and aural elements, Griffith’s one-of-a-kind patois is given a proper showcase in what may be her most seductive performance. Sting costars in a mangy mane! Pacific Heights (1990) In one of the few movies to star Griffith and her mother Tippi Hedren (others include 1973’s The Harrad Experiment and 1981’s Roar), the future Mrs. Banderas plays a yuppie wife who unknowingly allows a psychopath (Michael Keaton) to be her tenant. Now, this barely counts as a two-star horror romp, but Griffith is convincing as the determined wife (of Matthew Modine) who suffers major setbacks in trying to investigate a cockroach-farming con artist. Born Yesterday (1993) After 60 years, there’s no beating the original Born Yesterday, the saucy trifle of a comedy with Judy Holliday giving one of the finest comic performances of all time as the ditzy matriculant Billie Dawn (which famously earned her an Oscar over All About Eve’s Bette Davis and Sunset Boulevard’s Gloria Swanson). But in this ’90s remake, Griffith — a natural choice to update the role — gives a spirited, deeply likable performance as the sheltered wife of a blowhard businessman (John Goodman). This scene, in which Griffith teaches a mnemonic device by which to remember the Constitutional amendments, is a real gem. My only gripe: The role originated on film by William Holden is filled by Griffith’s then-husband Don Johnson. Not quite a pound-for-pound proxy. Another Day in Paradise (1998) Man, Melanie Griffith sure dates a lot of awful people in movies. Another Day in Paradise, in which she gives her most underrated performance, is no exception, as her thief beau (James Woods) befriends a small-time crook named Bobbie (Vincent Kartheiser of Mad Men) and his girlfriend (Natasha Gregson Wagner), and ropes them into a drug robbery that could provide enough money for the rest of their lives. Griffith is sweet but suffering, critical but comforting. And this movie is more than worth a watch. (Start the following clip at 3:00 for Griffith’s goodness.)

New Poster For A Lonely Place To Die

Melissa George will regret her holidayThere's a mini-trend developing for films wherein someone goes on holiday in the UK and horrible things happen. Upcoming efforts Cross Country and The Retreat both fit the pattern, but the one that concerns us today is A Lonely Place To Die, starring Melissa George and Ed Speleers and directed by Julian Gilbey. And today sees the release of a new poster from the film. {New Poster For A Lonely Place To Die}The story sees George and Speleers play a couple on a climbing holiday in the Highlands. When they hear an unusual noise, they investigate and discover a young girl trapped in a small chamber in the wilderness. They help her - naturally - but that gets them in trouble with some very nasty types who would prefer she stay where she is. The film got some great buzz out of Fantasia Film Festival a few weeks back, and while this poster's gone for a bleached-out, grainy look, the film itself is a little bit prettier. A Lonely Place To Die is out in the UK on September 7. Don't go hiking until you've seen it!

Brett Ratner Told Academy: "I Can Do This."

Keep refreshing for latest... Of all the entertainment people in the world that the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences could havepicked to produce the 84th Academy Awards, without doubt the last name would have been Brett Ratner's. Even he feels that way. "I had no idea. But Tom Sherak called me two weeks ago to come see him in his office. And I walk in and Tom is there with Dawn Hudson. And I thoughtI was being kicked out of Academy. I thought my maid had started bootlegging my AcademyDVDs and I would beescorted out of the building and asked to relinquish my Academy cards."That 1/2-hour meeting turned into a 3-hour schmoozefest, and at the end of it Ratner was asked to produce the Oscar telecast with returning Don Mischer.MORE

Leonardo DiCaprio Apparently Likes The Creed of Violence, and 5 Other Tales You Will Be Speaking About Today

Also within this Monday edition from the Broadsheet: Just one Cameron Crowe film might get a follow up… Die Hard 5 continues to be happening also it may have an area… the “women could be funny!” debate hasn’t ended at this time… and much more ahead. · My closest friend’s sister’s boyfriend’s brother’s girlfriend been told by this person you never know this kid who’s choosing the lady who saw… ahem. Based on “a individual who was briefed about the actor’s plans but tend to not discuss it openly while he wasn't approved to talk for [him],” Leonardo DiCaprio is apparently thinking about taking among the lead roles within the Creed of Violence. In line with the book by Boston Teran, Creed is really a Western-tinged drama that follows a criminal named Rawbone and also the lawman who captures him as they attempts to smuggle weapons into Mexico. Universal is setting this up — Within the Bed room director Todd Area continues to be developing it — though they declined to discuss DiCaprio’s participation. [LAT/24 Frames] · In one possible fantasy project to a different! In the TCA summer time press tour over the past weekend, director Cameron Crowe says Lloyd Dobler could live again… at some point. “It’s the only real factor which i’ve written which i would consider doing by using,” Crowe stated about the potential of creating a follow up to express Anything. “I’ve considered it every once in awhile and spoken about this with John Cusack once and merely stated this is actually the only story which i type of think there can be another chapter to that particular sooner or later.” [HitFix] · Based on TwitchFilm, Die Hard 5 might be lower a director. Noam Murro could apparently drop the follow up due to his obligations to 300: Fight of Artemisia. Behind Enemy Lines’s John Moore could part of about the film, which apparently follows John McClane to Russia. Hey, much like that part in Transformers: Dark from the Moon! [TwitchFilm] · Kaira Furman (The Lincoln subsequently Lawyer) will direct a movie about Pablo Escobar for Warner Bros. — the 3rd project concerning the famous drug the almighty to become introduced recently. (Neither Oliver Stone’s take, nor Joe Carnahan’s, got off the floor.) As lengthy because they don’t refer to it as Medellin, things should exercise? [THR] · Fun with casting gossips! If you think maybe David Varod, the Boss from the Bulgarian-based production company behind The Expendables 2, listed here are many people who might star within the follow up: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Travolta Qantas Video, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke and Bruce Willis. [Novinite via Collider] · “Is mtss is a new feminist assertion from the self that states, ‘Yes, women fart, women belch, women get drunk? That Cameron Diaz as being a disgrace, isn’t that fabulous?’ The feminist ideal wasn't that there is likely to be equity of stupidity. Locating the cheapest common denominator isn't what everyone was marching for.” Sorry, Bridesmaids it seems you will find still several things to talk about if this involves women in comedy. [LAT]