Twilight breaks new record, sequel in works
The book turned movie, Twilight, opened in theaters nation-wide Friday, November 21 and has broken records in the opening weekend of play. Twilight grossed $70.55 million and that doesn’t include money made from the special Thurday night premier in selected cities. A new record was set for a female director’s opening gross since Mimi Leder’s Deep Impact in 1998. With the success of the first movie, even though there were plenty of mixed reviews to go around, the sequel is in works with a 2010 release. Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella and Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward will return for New Moon, the second book in Stephanie Meyers’ series. At this moment, Catherine Hardwicke will be taking the helm and will write the script herself. The Twilight phenomenon is expected to break over $100 million after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Star Trek 0 trailer released
The JJ Abrams-directed movie Star Trek’s trailer is now available. This Star Trek is a prequel and chronicles James T. Kirk’s life before he took over the Enterprise. It will star Chris Pine as Kirk, and Zachary Quinto as Spock.
Two new reality shows air on SciFi channel
The new SciFi reality show Chase has proven to be a hit amongst the masses. The host of the show, Trey Farley, releases personnel called the Hunters one by one to tag out runners. The runners are chosen like any reality show. As the time runs out on the runners the challenge gets more and more difficult as more and more hunters are released, new rules are applied, gadgets that keep the Hunters at bay are released, and the quadrants of the playing board are cut in half to make it interesting for the unsuspecting runners. Chase closely resembles an action-based video game where it mixes reality show concepts with an antagonist and protagonist. The producers of Chase created a new environment of the reality show genre adding in an aspect of paranoia and fear. Only time will tell how long the show will last. There are three completed episodes in lineup. The show airs on Tuesdays 10/9 C.
Another new show that’s come out for the SciFi channel in recent days is Estate of Panic. In this claustrophobic reality show, a group of contestants enter a house full of booby traps and strange happenings. The contestants are forced to play in three challenges where two get eliminated. The final player left standing faces a challenge in the Vault Room. Scott Valentine hosts this show that also puts a new spin to reality shows. While Chase and Estate of Panic air on the SciFi channel and not on the big four networks, the chance of competition to stay afloat is slim, however, its uniqueness should stand on its own. Survivor, Amazing Race, and Big Brother maintains their popularity, but the same premise stands season after season in those shows and the many that are in syndicated television. At least Chase and Estate of Panic brings something new to the table. The SciFi channel attempted a reality show three years ago with Mad House in 2005. The show lasted one season, but many of the aspects of the show emulated those of Survivor, Amazing Race, etc. Perhaps Chase and Estate of Panic can exceed the expectations, but it’s up to the public to understand it. Estate of Panic airs Wednesdays 10/9 C.
Crichton’s legacy will live on
Horror movies take new direction
The 2008 After Dark 8 Movies to Die For series is slated for a January release in select theaters. The Horrorfest series, since its inception in 2006 has had mixed reviews due the content and nature of the films presented. In 2006, over $15 million was invested to promote and show the movies. The investment proved a worthy investment as the ‘fest of 2006 netted over $50 million in ticket and DVD sales. Those numbers have risen in it’s sophomore venue and it expects to grow for its third. So, why are the Horrorfest movies so popular anyway?
Many of the movies in the horrorfest are either too graphic for theater release or the budgetary limits of the movies don’t make it a necessarily pleasing movie to watch, aesthetically speaking. Over half of the movies in the fest are independently made movies that have no major producers have taken, but has made waves with After Dark Productions founded by Courtney Solomon, who produced, wrote, and directed the 2000 film Dungeons & Dragons. Its popularity extends beyond the budgetary production limitations that are presented. In a society where big budget horror movies with “A” list actors and directors overwhelm the big screen independent movies are given the same recognition.
Its popularity has developed amongst younger viewers, allowing them a chance to see horror and science fiction from another perspective. The predominant age range of watchers of the After Dark Horrorfest is between the ages of 18-32. How influential is it?
Ghost House Pictures, a new movie label created by director Sam Raimi was created this year with eight movies on slate that are in the same vein as the After Dark movies. In 2009 Raimi will attempt to bring out eight more movies to compete with the success of the After Dark Films.
While independent horror films are far and few between, the inception of these movies are growing at an alarming rate. Soon, very soon, you will be able to see a wide range of horror movies that will test the proverbial MSRP ratings. While I do not condone or favor all the movies that are released through the After Dark or Ghost House series, I will, however, give them kudos for at least attempting to bring n a different, albeit sometimes strange twist to the genre. All movies can be purchased as a box set at your local video store.