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Tom Cruise Blasts '42' Into 'Oblivion'—Here's Your Box-Office Roundup

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tom cruise oblivionTom Cruise is back on top at the box office.

After a few Hollywood misses last year in "Rock of Ages" and "Jack Reacher," Cruise surges back to theaters with "Oblivion."  

Sequels aside, "Oblivion" was Cruise's largest opening at theaters since 2005's "War of the Worlds" ($64.9 million). 

Out of the top ten this week is "Tyler Perry's Temptation." After four weeks, the movie has earned $49 million. 

Here are this week's winners and losers in Hollywood: 

10. After seven weeks, "Oz the Great and Powerful" featuring James Franco finally falls to the bottom of the top ten with $3 million. Disney's first film of the year has earned $478 million worldwide. It cost an estimated $215 million to produce. 

9. The 3D re-release of "Jurassic Park" falls three spots this week earning $4 million. After three weeks, the film has taken in $38.5 million. 

8. Bruce Campbell's "Evil Dead" also drops three spots this week with $4.1 million in week three. The remake of the 1983 film is earning the majority of its $61.7 million gross in the U.S (79%). 

7. Gerard Butler's "Olympus Has Fallen" adds another $4.5 million to its $94.1 million gross worldwide. The movie, about the takeover of the White House, has only earned $5.3 million overseas. It's Butler's first real hit since 2010's "The Bounty Hunter." 

6. With its wide release over the weekend, Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper's "The Place Beyond the Pines" moves up four spots this week earning $4.7 million. The Focus Features picture has earned $11.4 million since its limited release at the end of March. It cost an estimated $15 million to produce. 

5. "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" is doing well at theaters one month in earning $5.8 million. The sequel, featuring Bruce Willis, The Rock, and Channing Tatum has earned the majority of its $322.9 million earnings overseas ($211.7 million).  

4. Lindsay Lohan's return to the big screen with Charlie Sheen in "Scary Movie 5" drops two spots in its second week with $6.3 million. The film, which cost an estimated $20 million to make, has earned $26.6 million. Out of all the films in the "Scary Movie" franchise, the latest installment has earned the least amount of money. In comparison, "Scary Movie 4" earned $40.2 million opening weekend. 

3. It's no surprise DreamWorks Animation just signed off on a sequel for "The Croods." In week five, the film following a family of cavemen earned another $9.5 million to add to its $427.2 million gross worldwide. Before the summer onslaught comes, "The Croods" is currently one of the highest-grossing films of the year—great news for DreamWorks Animation which was hurting at the end of last year after "Rise of the Guardians."

2. Jackie Robinson film, "42" earns a huge $18 million in its second week. Featuring Harrison Ford, the film has passed its $40 million estimated production budget earning $54 million to date.

1. Forget the reviews comparing it to nearly every other Sci-Fi film, "Oblivion" wins the weekend huge for Tom Cruise with $38.2 million. Released a week prior overseas, the film has already crossed the $100 million mark bringing its worldwide total to $150 million.

SEE ALSO: Watch the audition tapes that made celebrities famous >

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11 Vastly Different Movies That Actually Have The Same Plot

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oblivion tom cruise

Tom Cruise's "Oblivion"came out this weekendand movie critics repeatedly compared it to nearly every other Sci-Fi film including Disney and Pixar's "Wall-E."

Here's what Variety had to say:

"It all looks and sounds a bit like a live-action remake of “Wall-E,” right down to the way the protagonist, spurred by natural curiosity and an unexpected love interest, finds himself on a dangerous unauthorized mission."

That isn't the first time two vastly different titles have been compared.

A recent thread on Reddit asked users to name completely unrelated films that share similar storylines.

We've compiled a few of the best.

1. "Oblivion" and "Wall-E"

Plot: One of the last drone repairman on Earth finds a spacecraft which leads to a discovery that puts the fate of mankind in his lap. 

oblivion wall-e

(Universal/Disney, Pixar)



2. "Terminator/Terminator 2" and "Looper"

Plot:"A mom Sara(h) protects her son from a guy sent back in time intent on killing her son. The killer is trying to prevent the son from growing up and ruining the future for him. Sara(h) and her son are being protected from the time-traveling killer by the younger version of the killer."

terminator looper

(Source: Reddit(Orion/TriStar)



3. "Alien" and "Juno"

Plot: "An unplanned pregnancy leads to a sticky situation." 

alien juno

(Source: Reddit, Lobster456(Fox/Fox Searchlight)



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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Theater Chains Are Refusing To Sell 'Iron Man 3' Tickets Right Now

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iron man 3 bunnyIf you're trying to purchase advance tickets before the May 3 release of "Iron Man 3," you're out of luck. 

The nation's largest theater chains including AMC Entertainment, Regal Entertainment, and Cinemark USA Inc. have stopped selling tickets for the upcoming summer release. 

If you try to purchase a ticket online from any of those entertainment chains, you may get a message similar to this one below:

Iron Man 3 ticket

The reason you can't pre-order your "Iron Man" tickets is due to a dispute between Disney and theater chains over shared ticket-sales revenue for the film. 

The Wall Street Journal reports Disney wants to renegotiate the ticket-sales revenue split between the studio and theater chains. 

Normally, the box-office revenue is about a 50-50 split. 

Wall Street Journal Business reporter Dennis Berman estimates Disney is asking for a 60-65% take of the $12-15 tickets.

Deadline reports Disney hasn't renegotiated its terms with theater chains in years. With a full slate of Marvel films in the works and—at least—five "Star Wars" films in the can, it makes sense for the Mouse House to set a new deal in place.  

At last week's three-day film convention in Las Vegas, CinemaCon, AMC Entertainment announced it stopped selling advance tickets for the film.  

"We do not have 'Iron Man 3' tickets on sale because we are still working to reach terms with Disney," said AMC in a statement. "We hope to reach agreement and get tickets on sale as soon as possible so it doesn't affect opening weekend." 

Since then, Regal and Cinemark followed in its footsteps. 

Currently, "Iron Man 3" is projected to have the largest opening of the year. 

Estimates predict the film opening anywhere between $125 million and $151 million 

Last year's "The Avengers" took in a record-breaking $207 million opening weekend. 

Right now, the biggest opening weekend of the year is another Disney film, "Oz the Great and Powerful" which debuted with $79.1 million back in March. 

We reached out to Fandango to see if there's any word on when tickets will become available again for purchase.  

A deal is expected to come within the following days because ticket presales are a huge predictor in the past few years to telling how a film will perform opening weekend. 

Previously, the nation's fourth-largest theater chain Carmike Cinemas Inc. refused to sell tickets as well, but reached a deal last Thursday to sell tickets online.

SEE ALSO: 11 vastly different movies with the same plot >

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First 'Star Trek' Clip Shows Spock In Trouble

Ben Stiller Says Roger Ebert Personally Apologized After Horrible 'Zoolander' Review

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Ben Stiller Owen Wilson Zoolander

The world wasn't exactly in a laughing mood when Ben Stiller's "Zoolander" was released on September 28, 2001  barely two weeks after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Following the tragedy, the late Roger Ebert wrote an extremely harsh review of the comedy: "There have been articles lately asking why the United States is so hated in some parts of the world. As this week's Exhibit A from Hollywood, I offer 'Zoolander.'"

During a Tribeca Film Festival panel Sunday afternoon, Stiller — who wrote, directed and starred in the film revealed that Ebert later apologized for the review.

"To his credit, I ran into him like five or six years later backstage at 'The Tonight Show,' and he said, 'Hey, I just want to apologize to you. I wrote that about 'Zoolander,' and I [now] think it's really funny. Everything was a little crazy [back then]. It was Sept. 11 and I went overboard.'

Stiller, who is currently working on a sequel to the popular film, added of Ebert's review:

"It's the old adage: if you believe the good ones, you have to believe the bad ones. I know people who like reading reviews, but, for me, you can always feel what's getting good reviews or bad reviews. People will let you know. For me, that metric is one you can't get wrapped up in. What do you do if they don't like you? I guess you can learn from them."

SEE ALSO: Roger Ebert's 10 favorite movies >

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Tom Cruise's 10 Highest-Grossing Films Of All Time

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tom cruise oblivion

Tom Cruise's new Sci-Fi flick "Oblivion" came out over the weekend. 

Despite some harsh reviews, the film did amazing at the box office. 

After a 2012 riddled with flops—remember "Rock of Ages" and "Jack Reacher"—it was Cruise's first non-sequel in seven years to earn more than $30 million at theaters.

His last big box-office hit was 2011's "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol." 

The film made history for breaking December IMAX records previously held by "Tron: Legacy." 

However, it opened to a small $12.8 million at theaters.

In honor of Cruise's big return to theaters we're counting down the actor's highest-grossing films worldwide. While "Oblivion" may not make the list yet, it will be in a matter of time.

10. "Jerry Maguire" (1996): $273.6 million

(Source: BoxOfficeMojo)



9. "Top Gun" (1986): $356.8 million

(Source: BoxOfficeMojo)



8. "Rain Man" (1989): $354.8 million

(Source: BoxOfficeMojo)



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The First Awesome Trailer For 'Thor: The Dark World'

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thor the dark world

"Iron Man" won't be the only Avenger we see return to the big screen this year. 

The first trailer for "Thor: The Dark World," the sequel to the 2011 film, is here and it's great. 

Here's the synopsis from Disney:

In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness.  Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

The best part of the trailer? He has to ask his brother Loki—the villain from "The Avengers"—for help to protect his home planet.

Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman reprise their roles along with Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Anthony Hopkins (Odin). Kat Dennings and Zachary Levi will join the cast.

"Thor: the Dark World" is in theaters November 8.

It will premiere in the UK earlier on October 30.

Here are a few take aways from the trailer:

The bad guy resembles a "Lord of the Rings" orc.

Thor villain

Natalie Portman's in trouble.

natalie portman thor

Serious trouble.

jane foster

Loki (Hiddleston) with long hair!

loki thor the dark world

Here's Jaime Alexander who will play Sif, another potential love interest for Thor.

jaime alexander thor

And, here's a new teaser poster for the film Disney released.

thor the dark world poster

SEE ALSO: 11 very different movies with the exact same plot >

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Michael Bay: 'I Apologize For Armageddon'

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michael bay

Director Michael Bay has been nominated for four Razzie Awards for his work behind-the-camera on films like "Pearl Harbor,""Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."

But there's one film that even Bay is sorry you had to pay to see.

In a recent profile in the Miami Herald, Bay explains what went wrong on his least-favorite film he has done:

“I will apologize for ArmageddonWe had to do the whole movie in 16 weeks. It was a massive undertaking. That was not fair to the movie. I would redo the entire third act if I could. But the studio literally took the movie away from us. It was terrible. My visual effects supervisor had a nervous breakdown, so I had to be in charge of that. I called James Cameron and asked ‘What do you do when you’re doing all the effects yourself?’ But the movie did fine.”

armageddonDespite Bay wanting to re-do parts of the 1998 film starring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler, audiences ate it up.

"Armageddon" went on to gross nearly $554 million worldwide. With a production budget of $140 million and $414 million profit, we'd say Bay is still sitting pretty — despite any creative differences.

Bay's latest film "Pain & Gain"  about a trio of bodybuilders in Florida who get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong — opens in theaters this Friday.

SEE ALSO: Now Michael Bay is backtracking on his "Armageddon" comments >

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Michael Bay Backtracks On 'Armageddon' Apology: 'I'm Proud Of The Movie'

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Michael Bay

Director Michael Bay is eating his words after being quoted in a Miami Herald profile as saying "I apologize for Armageddon."

But Bay didn't stop there, he continued "I would redo the entire third act if I could. But the studio literally took the movie away from us. It was terrible."

But after backlash Tuesday, Bay took to his blog in a post titled "I'm Proud of Armageddon" to clarify his remarks:

One press writer has gone too far in reporting false information. He has printed the bare minimum of my statement which in effect have twisted my words and meaning. I’m not in the slightest going to apologize for the third movie in my movie career, a film called Armageddon. On the red carpet for Pain & Gain some reporters asked me what are you apologizing for, and I said what on earth are you talking about?

What I clearly said to the reporter, is I wish I had more time to edit the film, specifically the the third act. He asked me in effect what would you change if you could in your movies if you could go back. I said, I wish we had a few more weeks in the edit room on Armageddon. And still today Armageddon, is still one of the most shown movies on cable TV. And yes, I’m proud of the movie. Enough said.

Michael

But this isn't the first time Bay has had to clarify his remarks. After the director talked about "rip-off' robot movies, referencing "Pacific Rim" director Guillermo del Toro at Cinemacon recently, he later stated: "I was talking about another movie, at another studio that will remain nameless, while I spoke at CinemaCon in Vegas this Monday."

Bay is currently on a promotional tour for his latest film "Pain & Gain," starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson, opening in theaters this Friday.

SEE ALSO: Read Michael Bay's original remarks here >

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17 Gorgeous Images Of The 'Oblivion' Landscape

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tom cruise oblivion landscape

Critics may not be sold on Tom Cruise's latest Hollywood blockbuster "Oblivion" but it's pretty unanimous that director Joseph Kosinski delivered another gorgeous world in his followup to 2011's "Tron: Legacy."

The crew filmed in eight locations ranging from California to Iceland to capture some of the movie's breathtaking landscapes to make a desolate Earth look both barren and majestic at the same time.

Kosinski told the Los Angeles Times he set out to depict a world that looked ravaged by war but full of light feeling black holes and space have become ubiquitous in the science fiction genre ever since the late '70s. 

“’Alien’ put sci-fi into the darkness — in the hulls of ships, dark planets, always seeming to be night," said Kosinski. "I was interested in inverting that, shooting a daylight film.”

As Cruise said in a featurette for the film, the result is a haunting beauty.

Director Joseph Kosinski set out to do a daytime sci-fi film since he believes so many films in the genre focus on darkness.

(Source: The World of "Oblivion" featurette)



He based the film around the phrase "beautiful desolation."

(Source: The World of "Oblivion" featurette)



Kosinski says he set out to depict the Earth the way it looked a million years ago.

(Source: The World of "Oblivion" featurette)



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Emma Watson Robs Paris Hilton In The First 'Bling Ring' Trailer

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The first trailer for Emma Watson's next movie "The Bling Ring" is out.  

The film, from director Sofia Coppola, is based on a group of teens who went on a celebrity burglary spree in 2008 and 2009. 

All together, the six, known as "The Burglar Bunch" and "The Bling Ring" collected nearly $3 million in jewelry, clothing, and other items from celebs including Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. 

The movie stars Watson in her next role since the "Harry Potter" franchise ended in 2011, and the actress shows she's come a long way from Hogwarts.  

The first trailer shows the group raiding Paris Hilton's home while she's out at a party.

"The Bling Ring" is out in theaters May 16. 

SEE ALSO: 17 beautiful images of the "Oblivion" landscape >

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Walmart Will Sell Tickets To See 'Man Of Steel' A Day Early In Theaters

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man of steel superman

Want to be among the first to see "Man of Steel"? 

Walmart will be selling tickets for advance screenings to the film 

The retailer has paired with Warner Bros. to give customers early access to the film a day ahead of its June release.  

Stores will exclusively sell tickets May 18 starting at 8 a.m. in more than 3,700 Walmart locations. 

Moviegoers will be able to choose between 2D and 3D screenings and there will be a limit of four tickets per visit. 

This appears to be the first time a major studio has partnered with a retailer to sell advance movie tickets. 

man of steel walmart ticketsCustomers will also receive a code to pre-order a Blu-ray Combo pack or HD Digital download of the film with exclusive content along with a free digital comic book written by "Man of Steel" screenwriter, David S. Goyer.

Screenings will take place June 13 at 7 p.m. at select local theaters.  

"Man of Steel" hits theaters the following day at midnight.  

So if you want to skip out on a late showing Thursday evening, the Walmart deal may be more appealing. 

To find participating Walmart locations head HERE

SEE ALSO: 17 images from the gorgeous set of "Oblivion">

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Here's What The Cast Of 'Wayne's World' Looks Like Today

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The cast of 1992's hit film "Wayne's World" gathered Tuesday for a 21-year reunion screening at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

The night’s panel event sold out in 90 seconds once tickets went on sale.

The Hollywood Reporter called it "a public burying of the hatchet" after actor Dana Carvey and director Penelope Spheeris both notoriously fell out with Mike Myers after he blocked Spheeris from directing the 1993 sequel because "she'd ignored his edit suggestions on the original."

Carvey and Myers, who originated the "Wayne's World" sketch on "Saturday Night Live," have apparently never been close.

But the pair fooled audiences in the '90s playing best friends Garth Algar and and Wayne Campbell. They even won the MTV Movie Award in 1992 for Best On-Screen Duo:

Wayne's World

Today, Dana Carvey, 57, and Mike Myers, 49, get along just fine. While both have shorter hair, it appears Myers has taken Carvey's cue on the glasses:

 Dana Carvey and Mike Myers

Here's the entire "Wayne's World" cast Tuesday night in Beverly Hills: (From left) Lara Flynn Boyle, Penelope Spheeris, Mike Myers, Lorne Michaels, Rob Lowe and Dana Carvey.

Wayne's World Cast reunion Mike Myers Lara Flynn Boyle

Probably the most unrecognizable from the 2013 cast photo is 43-year-old actress Lara Flynn Boyle. Here's what she looks like today:

Lara Flynn Boyle

And here's the actress playing character "Stacy" in 1992's "Wayne's World":

Lara Flynn Boyle Wayne's World

Just three years older than her co-star Lara Flynn Boyle, 46-year-old actress Tia Carrere has aged slightly more gracefully:

Tia Carrere

Here she was playing love interest "Cassandra" in the 1992 film:

Tia Carrere Wayne's World

But it's 49-year-old Robe Lowe who's barely aged a day:

Robe Lowe

Since playing bad guy "Benjamin Kane" in "Wayne's World":

Rob Lowe Wayne's World

21 years later, "Wayne's World" has grossed over $183 million worldwide.

SEE ALSO: Here's what Mad Men's little Sally Draper looks like today >

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J.J. Abrams Decided To Direct 'Star Wars' Because Of His Wife

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JJ Abrams Vanity Fair Oscars PartyWhen it was announced J.J. Abrams will direct the next "Star Wars," the news — for the most part — was met with positivereception.

After all, the future of the franchise would be in the hands of someone known to be a big "Star Wars" fan and who was no stranger to sci-fi.

However, the news was also unexpected.

Just last year, Abrams confidently told both Entertainment Weekly and Empire magazine he wanted nothing to do with the franchise.

"I wouldn’t even want to be involved in the next version of those things,” Abrams told Empire. “I declined any involvement very early on."

So, what changed his mind?

In the upcoming May issue of Playboy, Abrams reveals what occurred to change his mind about directing one of the most beloved franchises in Hollywood—and, it wasn't solely his secret meeting with Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy.

"It was a wild time. I was near the light at the end of the tunnel with my work on Star Trek. I felt I needed a bit of a breather, actually. But then Kathleen Kennedy [the new Lucasfilm head who oversees Star Wars] called again. I’ve known her for years. We had a great conversation, and the idea of working with her on this suddenly went from being theoretical and easy to deny to being a real, tangible, thrilling possibility. In the end it was my wife, Katie, who said if it was something that really interested me, I had to consider it."

If it weren't for Abram's wife, we'd have someone different at the helm of the "Star Wars" franchise.

And, don't worry "Trek" fans, despite his heavy workload Abrams told Playboy there's still a chance he may return to direct the next "Star Trek."

"I would say it’s a possibility," said Abrams.""We’re trying to figure out the next step. But it’s like anything: It all begins with the story."

Read the entire Playboy interview here >

SEE ALSO: Abrams has no idea what the next 'Star Wars' film will be about >

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Photos From The Star-Studded 'Iron Man 3' World Premiere

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Celebrities gathered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood Wednesday night for the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' highly anticipated "Iron Man 3," opening in theaters May 3.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays Pepper Potts in the Marvel franchise, stunned in an Antonio Berardi dress that covered her front ...

Gwyneth Paltrow Iron Man 3 Premiere 2013

But left very little to the imagination from the side:

Gwyneth Paltrow Iron Man Premiere 2013

"Avengers" director Joss Whedon didn't get quite as dressed up:

Joss Whedon Iron Man 3 Premiere

Jon Favreau directed the first two "Iron Man" films and plays character Happy Hogan in the third installment:

Jon Favreau Iron Man 3 Premiere

Shane Black — who previously directed the "Lethal Weapon" franchise — directed "Iron Man 3."

Shane Black Iron Man 3 Premiere

"Thor" actress Kat Dennings showed up to support her Marvel family:

Kat Dennings Iron Man 3 premiere

Rebecca Hall plays new character Maya Henson, a scientist, in "Iron Man 3":

Rebecca Hall Iron Man 3 premiere

Stan Lee is chairman of Marvel Comics:

Stan Lee Iron Man 3 premiere

Robert Downey Jr. arrived to the premiere in a flashy, red Audi R8 Spyder:

Robert Downey Jr Iron Man 3 premiere audi

The "Iron Man" star posed with his wife, Susan Downey:

Robert Downey Jr wife iron man 3 premiere

And signed tons of autographs:

Robert Downey Jr autograph Iron Man 3 premiere

Before he could finally reunite with co-star Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet!

Gwyneth Paltrow Robert Downey Jr Iron Man 3 Premiere

"Thor" actress Jaimie Alexander arrived with her "Twilight" actor boyfriend, Peter Facinelli.

 Jaimie Alexander Peter Facinelli Iron Man 3 Premiere

Don Cheadle, who plays James Rhodes in the film, posed with Andy Garcia:

Don Cheadle Andy Garcia Iron Man 3 premiere

Actress Stephanie Szostak plays Ellen Brandt in the film:

Screen Shot 2013 04 25 at 12.19.41 PM

Actor Guy Pearce plays scientist Aldrich Killian:

Guy Pearce Iron Man 3 premiere

Sir Ben Kingsley plays a villain named The Mandarin.

Ben Kingsley Iron Man 3 premiere

Zachary Levi, who plays Fandral in the upcoming "Thor" sequel, cleaned up to hit the red carpet:

Zachary Levi Iron Man 3 premiere

"Avengers" actress Cobie Smulders matched her dress to the carpet:

Cobie Smulders Iron Man 3 premiere

Disney star Bella Thorne donned a two-piece gown:

Bella Thorne Iron Man 3 premiere

But 11-year-old "Iron Man 3" actor Ty Simpkins stole the show:

Ty Simpkins Iron Man 3 Premiere

SEE ALSO: 11 vastly different movies that actually have the same plot >

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'Iron Man 3' Reviews: Ben Kingsley's Villain Steals The Spotlight

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iron man 3 suit

The first "Iron Man 3" reviews are out after the film's world premiere in Los Angeles last night.

If you're worried that the third time won't be a charm for Tony Stark, the sequel has already launched successfully in a dozen overseas locations, aiming toward a $110 million debut in its opening week. 

The first wave of 'Iron Man 3' reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising Robert Downey Jr., Ben Kingsley's menacing villain The Mandarin, and surprise twists from director Shane Black.

Black took over the director's chair from Jon Favreau who oversaw the first two films to screen, a role which worried some since he's mostly known for screenwriting ("Lethal Weapon"). Previously, he had other film under his directorial belt, 2005's "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang in which Robert Downey Jr. also stars.

"Iron Man 3" follows Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) after the fallout of last year's summer blockbuster, "The Avengers."

The film is partially based on a six-issue "Extremis" comic in which villain The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) unleashes an army of soldiers with the help of scientist Aldrich Killain (Guy Pearce). 

"Iron Man 3" won't be in U.S. theaters until May 3, but, until then, here's what you need to know before deciding to see the film.

Downey Jr. is as superb as ever in his return as Tony Stark:

The Hollywood Reporter (THR):

"Downey is at his superhero genius best here, rattling off dialogue both clever and boilerplate with non-repetitive aplomb ... The star executes almost continual verbal pirouettes, barking out sardonic quips and rejoinders even in moments of greatest distress but, due to his exceptional lingual dexterity, it rarely gets old and never seems condescending to the admittedly cartoonish context."

Black does a fine job back in the director's chair, and will remind fans of his last go-around with Downey Jr.:

Hitfix:

"'Kiss Kiss Bang Ban' fans in particular are going to find themselves howling at the film's framing device and at a few twists and turns in the detective elements of the story."

Empire:

"It’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with a lot of extra bang."

iron man 3 the mandarinOne thing everyone can agree on: Ben Kingsley's Mandarin villain is amazing. 

Digital Spy: 

"One of the great surprises of the movie is Kingsley's turn as the Bin Laden-ish bad guy, hamming it up and giving Stark a reality check on who's to blame for all this." 

Total Film  

"Kingsley’s ultra-menacing turn as The Mandarin is nothing short of sensational."

The Mirror: 

"Barely a scene goes by without a killer of a one-liner, with The Mandarin getting some of the best. In fact, he might be the most eye-catching superhero villain since Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning turn as The Joker in The Dark Knight."

Empire magazine 

"People will be talking about Ben Kingsley’s performance for ages to come — it’s a tricky, delicate role, handled beautifully." 

guy pearce iron man 3Not enough is said about the film's other villain, Guy Pearce's scientist-gone-rogue Aldrich Killian.

IGN provided the best analysis:

"Special mention should also go to Guy Pearce, who is just about believable as the unfortunate Killian in the film’s early scenes, and then absolutely spellbinding as the character becomes more refined and ambiguous later on in proceedings." 

Despite all the revealing teasers and trailers of late, there are a few unexpected twists that will still surprise:  

THR 

 "The ante is upped beyond mere contemporary relevance by some major surprises—one of them, at the 75-minute mark, quite startlingly funny—that shoot the film up to an entirely different level of screwy humor and large-canvas spectacle."

Some of the action sequences may hit close to home for some. There's a scene that shows an attack in front of Hollywood's Chinese Theatre where it appears bombs go off:

Variety 

"Although clearly unintentional, the movie’s recurring images of severed limbs and burning bodies can’t help but strike a queasy note in light of the recent events in Boston."

The film's a trite long at more than two hours. (The film's runtime is 130 minutes.)

The Mirror:

"If there’s a criticism, it’s that the film slows down somewhere around the halfway mark and it wouldn’t have hurt to chop out a good 20 minutes from that epic running time."

Total Film:

"Coming in at just over two hours, it suffers a few saggy sequences (Rhodes’ detour to Afghanistan, for example) that weigh down the film’s convoluted middle act."

Ty Simpkins Iron Man 3 PremiereThere's a breakout star in Ty Simpkins ("Insidious") who plays Stark's mini-sidekick.

Hitfix:

"Ty Simpkins ... plays a kid who runs into Tony at his lowest point, and what could be a disgustingly syrupy relationship in the wrong hands is actually very funny and does a nice job of reminding Tony about humility."

The biggest downsides with a new director is that the film feels a bit overwhelming and overly reliant on technology: 

Variety:

"Favreau’s handcrafted touch is conspicuously absent, particularly his affection for retro, Ray Harryhausen-esque visual effects. (This is by far the most digital-looking series entry.) Perhaps fittingly for a movie that introduces a new generation of remote-guided Iron Man suits, “Iron Man 3” all too often feels as if it were assembled by a machine."

Time Out:

"He [Black] seems out of his depth during the larger set pieces: the action sequences are busy and confusing, especially the misjudged, threat-free climax. The result is a film which never settles into a comfortable groove. It tries to be an angsty ‘Dark Knight’-style game changer, an ’80’s-throwback action romp, a nudge-wink pastiche and a CG-fuelled spectacular."

Don't see it in 3D. 

Total Film:  

"3D post-conversion adds absolutely nothing, apart from some irritating plastic glasses to your face and a layer of murk that renders set-pieces occasionally hard to follow." 

Overall, the film is a thrill ride:

IGN

"A superhero flick with smarts, depth and a marvelously mischievous sense of fun."

Empire:

"If this does turn out to be Downey Jr.’s final solo outing, it’s a very strong exit."

General consensus: See it ASAP

Shane Black hits it out of the park in his second directorial debut with Robert Downey Jr. at his side once again. Though early trailers for the film made the third "Iron Man"appear as broody as a "Dark Knight" film, it looks like another fun ride with Downey Jr. in the driver's seat as Tony Stark.  

"Iron Man 3" is out in the U.S. May 3.

Check out a trailer for the film below:

SEE ALSO: The car Tony Stark showed up in to the 'Iron Man 3' world premiere >

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Watch An Alternate Ending For 'Silver Linings Playbook'

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Silver Linings Playbook Jennifer Lawrence Bradley Cooper

When "Silver Linings Playbook" comes out on DVD April 30, you'll be able to watch an alternate ending to the film.

Not too much happens in the four minutes. It's just a longer look at the family and friends gathered together.

The scene livens up when Tiffany (Played by Jennifer Lawrence, who won an Oscar for her role as a young widow) and Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro) playfully gang up on their neighbor, who's played by director David O.Russell's real-life son, Matthew. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder when young, he served as inspiration for his father to work on the film.

Watch the 4-minute deleted scene below:

SEE ALSO: What critics are saying about "Iron Man 3">

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Steven Spielberg Premieres 'Obama' — A Parody Follow Up To 'Lincoln'

Mark Wahlberg Brings The 'Pain' — Here's Your Box-Office Roundup

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pain and gain

With little competition this week at theaters, Michael Bay's "Pain and Gain" easily took the weekend. 

Robert De Niro's star-studded "The Big Wedding" featuring Susan Sarandon, Amanda Seyfried, Robin Williams, and Topher Grace was a massive flop at theaters.

The film was the lowest debut for Robin Williams since 2006's "The Night Listener."

While the box-office was overall pretty quiet this weekend, it was soaring overseas. 

"Iron Man 3" doesn't hit theaters until Friday in the U.S., but it has already taken in a huge $195 million internationally so far—$10 million more than "The Avengers" opening abroad last year. 

Out of the top ten this week are the "Evil Dead" reboot and Disney's "Oz the Great and Powerful," one week before its next big film hits theaters.

"Oz" is currently the highest-grossing film of the year, earning $481 million worldwide. 

Here are this week's winners and losers in Hollywood:  

10. "Jurassic Park" falls one spot this week to round out the top ten with $2.3 million. The 3D reboot of the film has taken in $42 million in the US since its premiere four weekends ago. 

9.  Ryan Gosling's "The Place Beyond the Pines" moved down three spots this week earning $2.7 million. The indie film has gone on to earn $16 million. 

8. "Olympus Has Fallen" also moves down another spot in week six with $2.8 million. The Gerard Butler film has earned just under $100 million at theaters. 

7. "Scary Movie 5" takes a 43.8% dip at theaters with in $3.5 million this weekend. Lindsay Lohan's spoof has not been faring well in theaters, earning $37.6 million—the least of any film in the franchise. 

6. "G.I. Joe Retaliation" makes a slow descent down the box-office top ten earning $3.6 million in week five. The film, starring The Rock, Bruce Willis, and Channing Tatum has earned a big $349 million worldwide. 

5. With no other kid's competition in theaters, "The Croods" continues its ride at theaters earning another $6.6 million. DreamWorks Animations' movie following a cavemen family has earned more than $468 million worldwide and already has a sequel in sights. 

4. No amount of star power was going to help Robert De Niro's "The Big Wedding." The Lionsgate comedy took in $7.5 million opening weekend. The film cost an estimated $35 million to produce. 

3. Warner Bros. Jackie Robinson biopic, "42," adds another 155 theater seats this weekend, bringing in a total of $10.7 million in week three. The film has earned $69 million so far at theaters. 

2. Tom Cruise's "Oblivion" has a strong second week with $17.4 million. The second feature film for Joseph Kosinski ("Tron: Legacy") has already earned a total of $198.8 million worldwide. With the summer blockbuster slate coming fast and hard starting next weekend, it will be tough for the film to continue cruising at theaters. 

1. Mark Wahlberg's "Pain and Gain" won the weekend, but just barely beat out "Oblivion" with $20 million. The Michael Bay film, also featuring The Rock cost an estimated $26 million to make. 

SEE ALSO: 27 films that depict the apocalypse >

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Michelle Rodriguez Sends 'The Fast & Furious 6' Crew On A Wild Chase In Latest Trailer

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Michelle Rodriguez Fast and FuriousParamount debuted the final trailer for "Fast & Furious 6."

The latest installment of the car series will launch in theaters next month complete with fast cars, plenty of explosions, and upping the ante with tanks on highways and cars shooting through planes.

Michelle Rodriguez rejoins the cast of Vin Diesel, The Rock, Tyrese, and Paul Walker from the fourth film to wreck havoc on the crew.

Paramount's been pushing an aggressive social media campaign across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the film, and it's working.

When it goes head to head in theaters with "The Hangover III" it may just outperform the Wolfpack opening weekend. The film is tracking to debut at $105 million opening weekend. "The Hangover III" projections are slightly lower at $88 million.

"Fast & Furious 6" comes to theaters May 24.

Watch the trailer: 

SEE ALSO: 27 visions of the apocalypse in film >

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