edited by Jonathan Doyle

Cloverfield [BLU-RAY] (Paramount Home Entertainment, 6.3.2008) Disguised under deliberately goofy, yet deliciously edible-sounding, aliases such as Cheese and Slusho, Matt Reeves' Cloverfield was produced and rushed into theaters under an equally appetizing shroud of secrecy. From last year's incredibly elusive Super Bowl ad to the film's viral marketing campaign, Cloverfield had everybody scratching their heads and drooling in anticipation. Aside from the as-yet untitled title and the Blair Witch-ian visual style, the film's biggest appeal was the enigmatic creature who was last (un)seen hurling the decapitated head of the Statue of Liberty onto the crowded streets of New York City. All we knew about the mysterious beast was that it was big and angry. Now that the highy-anticipated project has come and gone, one question has fortunately been answered: Cloverfield was a major success. (continued)

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Thursday tracking

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A big tracking bump for Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro since Tuesday's numbers were posted: it was previously running at a modest 67,35 and 8, but today it's running at 73, 40 and 23. The young-male first choice figure is about 30. Definitely the weekend's #1 film with an easy $25 million, and it's just another dumb Gorilla Nation sports comedy....right?

The Other Boleyn Girl was at 49, 33 and 7 on Tuesday, but it's now 56, 33 and 13 -- among women the first-choice numbers are about 20. It'll come in second right behind Ferrell. On Tuesday Penelope was running at a so-so 52, 25 and 5; today's it's up to 60, 28 and 9.

Roland Emmerich's 10,000 BC will still be the top dog on the March 7th weekend. 73, 29 and 13 two days ago, up to 75, 41 and 15 today. Much bigger numbers, of course, will show up next week.

Three 3.21 films have begun to track: Owen Wilson's Drillbit Taylor at 43, 22 and 2 (needs work), Shutter at 23, 17 and 0, and Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns at 40, 25 and 5 -- clearly the strongest of the three right now.

Eternal Pollution<< previous | next >>"Semi-Pro" compared to "Slap Shot"

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on February 28, 2008 at 10:14 AM

comment #1

Gordie Lachance says ...

"By turns riotously silly and casually clever, with the occasional outburst of inspired lunacy, pic benefits from perfect-pitch comic turns by Will Arnett and Andrew Daly"

-from the Variety review of Semi Pro

Posted by Gordie Lachance at February 28, 2008 11:25 AM

comment #2

Rich S. says ...

Keep your eye on that Will Arnett. He's still flying a bit under the radar, but the man is comedy gold.

Posted by Rich S. at February 28, 2008 11:54 AM

comment #3

mtgilchrist says ...

What the hell do these numbers mean? I mean, I guess people care that it's at 73 or 23 or .76 or pi, but how does any of this translate to money or attendance?

I apologize if I'm the only person unsophisticated enough to know what these numbers mean but seriously, who effing cares? If you're going to really offer any kind of perspective of what will do well/ win the weekend, maybe give us a clue how this will actually play out critically or monetarily. Otherwise, I'm going to have to 74 my 20 and that will produce a 49 and you know stuff's bad then.

Posted by mtgilchrist at February 28, 2008 12:01 PM

comment #4

mtgilchrist says ...

What the hell do these numbers mean? I mean, I guess people care that it's at 73 or 23 or .76 or pi, but how does any of this translate to money or attendance?

Posted by mtgilchrist at February 28, 2008 12:01 PM

comment #5

Dave says ...

Since Jeff doesn't watch TV, he missed Arrested Development, which as any fan will tell you, was the funniest show ever to be canceled.

Alas, I didn't discover it until AFTER it was canceled. Bad timing, that.

Anyway, Arnett was great in that. Hell, everybody was.

Posted by Dave at February 28, 2008 12:05 PM

comment #6

christian says ...

AD was funny the first few episodes but fell in love with its own non-sequitors. David Cross and The Blue Man thing was interminable.

Posted by christian at February 28, 2008 12:08 PM

comment #7

C Toto says ...

Sadly, "Semi-Pro" is second-tier Ferrell. The numbers may tell us otherwise, though. His comedy star still shines, but as Jim Carrey will tell you, it doesn't last.

Posted by C Toto at February 28, 2008 12:11 PM

comment #8

Dave says ...

And that's where we can agree to disagree, Christian :-).

Posted by Dave at February 28, 2008 12:23 PM

comment #9

Josh Massey says ...

"AD was funny the first few episodes but fell in love with its own non-sequitors. David Cross and The Blue Man thing was interminable."

Wha? Huh? I mea... Seri... WHAT?

Posted by Josh Massey at February 28, 2008 12:24 PM

comment #10

christian says ...

Sorry, it was just felt forced and quirk for quirk's sake, like a tv ad. When The Blue Man group actually showed up, it was like Paul Lynde appearing on the Donny and Marie Show. No balls at all.

Posted by christian at February 28, 2008 12:34 PM

comment #11

115thDreamer says ...

mtgilchrist - if memory serves, the three numbers refer to the percentage of respondents: 1) aware of the film , 2) interested in seeing the film, and 3) making the film their 1st choice among upcoming films.

On a separate, more skeevy note - has anyone out there seen "The Other Boleyn Girl"? If so, please speak on whether or not we can expect to see Portman and/or ScarJo in some state of undress. I'm guessing the answer is no, which is why this one looks like a "pass" for me. If I'm wrong, my personal tracking numbers will see a dramatic increase.

Posted by 115thDreamer at February 28, 2008 12:45 PM

comment #12

thatmovieguy says ...

Unfortunately, Christian, in the 16th century ladies wore overshirts even in the bathtub (as we learn in one of Natalie's bathing scenes). So there's a little skin here and there, but it probably won't satisfy your prurient purposes. Other than a few bare shoulders, I don't recall much exposed skin, although the ancient push-up bras certainly seemed to get a workout.

Posted by thatmovieguy at February 28, 2008 1:09 PM

comment #13

christian says ...

Uh, good to know. But I think 115thdreamer is the one dying to find out...

Posted by christian at February 28, 2008 1:14 PM

comment #14

actionman says ...

115thDreamer: it's a pg-13 film so you aren't gonna see much. The new Woody Allen with ScarJo getting it on with Penelope Cruz will be more of what you're after I think...

I simply cannot believe that there is a huge desire to see The Other Boelyn Girl; the trailers are so been-there-done-that and the reviews have been mediocre at best.

Posted by actionman at February 28, 2008 1:50 PM

comment #15