Despite mediocre reviews, “Get Smart” landed in the No. 1 spot in the box office this weekend, with $39 million. “Kung Fu Panda” hung on to No. 2, ($27 million,) and “The Incredible Hulk” crashed into No. 3 ($21 million,) with a 61% dropoff in revenue. Mike Meyers’s critically maligned “The Love Guru” debuted at No. 4 ($14 million,) and the similarly criticized “The Happening,” (which has actually inspired a movement of anti-fans) came in at No. 5 with $10 million.
On the Billboard 200 chart, Lil Wayne debuted at No. 1, and Plies debuted at No. 2, making the only two debuts in the Top 5 this week. The group was rounded out by NOW Vol. 28, Disturbed and Usher. Disappointing debuts for N*E*R*D, Alanis Morisette, and My Morning Jacket, who came in at Nos. 6, 7, and 8, respectively.
“Sail” by James Patterson and Howard Roughan was the best-selling book on the NYT fiction list (”A sailing vacation turns into a disaster when someone attempts to destroy a family.” Running out of ideas, James?). In addition to disastrous sailing vacations, adultery (Jackie Collins, Emily Griffin), weird stuff (Dean Koontz, Stephanie Meyer), and spies and criminals (W.E.B. Griffin, Jeffery Deaver) are popular themes. As for the non-fiction list, David Sedaris is still at No. 1, as well as some political stuff, memoirs, and that damn Barbara Walters book.
Posted by admin on June 23, 2008
“The Incredible Hulk” smashed away all memories of Ang Lee’s 2003 version and opened with a $54.5 million opening weekend (and even a few good reviews). “Kung Fu Panda” fell to No. 2, with $34 million. M. Night Shyamalan’s first R-rated film (a big selling point in the trailers) “The Happening,” opened at No. 3 with $30 million. “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” ($16 million) and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” ($13 million) round out the Top 5.
Four of the albums in the top five of the Billboard 200 are held by newcomers this week. Disturbed’s “Indestructible” opened at No. 1, as Usher’s “Here I Stand” fell from the top spot to No. 3. Weezer’s self-titled album makes a strong showing, as does Journey’s new “Revelation,” debuting in slots four and five, respectively.
As usual, books about weird secrets dominate the NY Times Hardcover Fiction list. Lee Child’s “Nothing to Lose,” about small-town secrets, takes the top spot, while Stephanie Meyer’s “The Host” hangs on to No. 2. Also included are books about mysterious illnesses and vampire hunters. Dean Koonz’s “Odd Horus” falls to number seven. David Sedaris takes the top spot on the non-fiction list with “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.” “Audition” by Barbara Walters falls to number four, and somewhere around there are the requisite political books. (Oh: Ron Paul.) And one of those polygamy books is still clinging on to the top ten as well.
Posted by admin on June 16, 2008
Apple fans worldwide have been hearing speculation that their fearless leader is in for another bout with cancer. We recommend the L.A. Times’s piece detailing why the man is going to be just fine. (Or Apple’s own statement, for that matter.)
In other Apple-related news, as you may know, the new version of the iPhone will be available July 11, which means we’re extending our iPhone giveaway contest until then. Every dollar you earn increases your chances of winning, so trade like a madman for the next month and the next-gen iPhone could be yours!
Posted by admin on June 16, 2008
Sarah Jessica Parker and her partners in crime should be able to afford plenty of “Sex and the City” themed drinks after a $55.7 million opening weekend. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” fell to second with $46 million (bringing its total to $216 million), followed by respectable debut for “The Strangers” ($20.7 million). “Iron Man” ($14 million) and “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” ($13 million) continue to show legs.
The curtain may have fallen on “American Idol” and “Dancing With the Stars,” but (of course) they’re still atop the most recent Nielsen ratings.
Newcomers to the charts hold the top three spots on the Billboard 200. 3 Doors Down’s self-titled album debuts at No. 1, followed by Bun-B’s “II Trill” and Julianne Hough’s “Julianne Hough.” Frank Sinatra’s “Nothing But The Best” falls two spots to No. 4 and Death Cab for Cutie slides from first to fifth.
Dean Koontz is back at No. 1 on the NYT fiction list with “Odd Hours.” Other noteworthy titles include “Snuff” from Chuck Palahniuk (No. 5) and “Bright Shiny Morning” by James Frey (No. 12). Barbara Walters’ “Audition” is No. 1 again on the non-fiction list. Political books and polygamy books are apparently all the rage: Fareed Zakaria, Ron Paul, Jim Webb, and Ted Sorensen are all in the top 10, as are two memoirs by former members of polygamous sects.
Posted by admin on June 2, 2008