| TW | LW | Title (click to view) | Studio | Weekend Gross | % Change | Theater Count / Change | Average | Total Gross | Budget* | Week # | |
| 1 | N | Valentine’s Day | WB | $56,405,000 | - | 3,665 | - | $15,390 | $56,405,000 | $52 | 1 |
| 2 | N | The Wolfman | Uni. | $31,753,000 | - | 3,222 | - | $9,855 | $31,753,000 | $150 | 1 |
| 3 | N | Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief | Fox | $31,400,000 | - | 3,356 | - | $9,356 | $31,400,000 | $95 | 1 |
| 4 | 2 | Avatar | Fox | $23,500,000 | +2.8% | 2,685 | -315 | $8,752 | $661,130,000 | - | 9 |
| 5 | 1 | Dear John | SGem | $16,050,000 | -47.3% | 2,975 | +6 | $5,395 | $53,927,000 | $25 | 2 |
Featured
Rethinking the Best Picture Nominees
The decision to dignify ten films instead of the usual five was an all-around good one, but it was rendered moot by the Academy’s steadfast refusal to acknowledge films that have traditionally been ignored because they weren’t tonally or aesthetically in line with the usual bait. Zach offers his personal picks for the ten films that should have been nominated for Best Picture.
Top-10 Films of 2009
Here are what I consider to be the year’s 10 best. Each film on this list has a special place. I can guarantee that anyone who reads this will inevitably be offended by the inclusion, absence, or curious ranking of various films. But the purpose of this list is not about second-guessing or apologizing. It’s about defending.
The 4 Phases of Future Home Entertainment
In case you weren’t paying attention, 3D is here to stay. It seems that soon all theatrical films will offer a 3D alternative. So what does this mean for the future of home entertainment? Zach Copeland projects the way we will watch movies at home over the next 100+ years.
AVAsTAR Wars
“Avatar” – we’ve been hearing about it for ages, and now it’s finally here. We were skeptical, but the response is amazing. Critics are praising writer/director James Cameron’s new epic to a fault. Now it’s being compared to what many consider the greatest science fiction film ever, “Star Wars.” Is there even a comparison?
Featured Articles
FeaturedMore Featured »
The 4 Phases of Future Home Entertainment
In case you weren’t paying attention, 3D is here to stay. It seems that soon all theatrical films will offer a 3D alternative. So what does this mean for the future of home entertainment? Zach Copeland projects the way we will watch movies at home over the next 100+ years.
Critical FlashbackMore Critical Flashback »
Critical Flashback: Vertigo (1958)
Because Hitchcock is an auteur, he treats each scene and character with craft and ensures that everything projected onto the screen is purposeful to the plot and experience shared by viewers. This discussion will focus on the sequence when Scotty Ferguson begins his serious pursuit of Madeleine Elster starting from outside the flower shop and concluding with the museum scene.
NewsMore News »
Commentary Tracks: The Ubiquity and Devaluation of Director/Writer Commentary
Long gone from today’s DVD audio commentaries is the scholarly discourse. Instead, the commentary has been replaced by insipid anecdotes and the filmmaker’s inside jokes.
Under the CinescopeMore Under the Cinescope »
For Your Consideration
Say what you want about Peter Jackson’s “The Lovely Bones.” But it is one of the most original films of 2009. And is worthy of some praise and attention. Remarkable performances and solid direction make for an emotionally gripping experience.