Wednesday, November 11
Earlier today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced the list of 20 animated movies that will be considered for nomination at the Oscars, which air March 7, 2010.
The Best Animated Feature category traditionally consists of three nominees. (We should add that the use of the "traditionally" is kind of funny, considering the category is less than 10 years old). But according to Academy rules, if at least 16 movies are submitted for consideration, then the number of nominees increases to five.
Among the potential contenders already released are Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Coraline, Disney's A Christmas Carol, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Monsters vs Aliens, Ponyo, and Up. Also being considered are several titles yet to be released, such as Fantastic Mr. Fox, Planet 51, and The Princess and the Frog.
Although it's not likely, there is a slight chance the whole five-nominee thing might not happen. Variety cites the fact that for a title to qualify, a print of the movie must first be submitted to the Academy by this coming Monday. In addition, a movie can be disqualified simply on the basis of bad quality. The nominating committee has to confirm each of the 20 entries by awarding each a score of at least 7.5 (on a scale of 6 to 10). Titles falling below that range will not be eligible for competition.
Posted 11/11/2009 by Rich Z
Related: The Princess and the Frog | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | Planet 51 | Up | Monsters vs. Aliens | Coraline | Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs | A Christmas Carol | Ponyo | Fantastic Mr. Fox
Sunday, July 5
| Title | Weekend | Total | Analysis |
| Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | $42.5M | $42.5M | Poor man's Pixar flick in virtual tie with Transformers 2. |
| Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen | $42.5M | $293.4M | Large Week 2 dropoff doesn't stop robot pic from becoming 2009 Box Office champ. Look for #3 in theaters soon! |
| Public Enemies | $26.2M | $26.2M | Critics generally complained about movie's lack of excitement. Moviegoers generally felt the same way. |
| The Proposal | $12.8M | $94.2M | 2009's best-performing chick flick by wide margin. |
| The Hangover | $10.4M | $204.2M | Incredible run for this $35M-budget movie continues as it eclipses rare $200M mark. |
Posted 7/5/2009 by reelz
Related: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Tuesday, June 30
If you didn't really like the first two Ice Age movies, you might be in luck with Dawn of the Dinosaurs ... unless you're The Hollywood Reporter's Michael Rechtshaffen.
"...the best of the three films about our friends in the inter-species herd of plucky prehistoric heroes."
— Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
"...the third time really is the charm..."
— Joe Leydon, Variety
"Stringing together a series of bits in the absence of inspired storytelling, the picture, though technically assured, offers audiences very little that's fresh or different aside from 3D glasses."
— Michael Rechtshaffen, Hollywood Reporter
Posted 6/30/2009 by reelz
Related: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Saturday, June 20
In a recent interview, comedian Ray Romano shared his thoughts on the storyline behind Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
Well, I think this one is cool because it involves having a baby. The audience will love that storyline and there are also new characters. The dinosaurs make it different and interesting. There's something for everybody in there. But I think ultimately the story is about family and the theme examines how important family is and how important it is to stick together, as well as all the added comedy and a lot of visual excitement.
Romano said that kids will love the story and parents will be able to relate to the dynamic tension in the film.
(Manny is nervous) but anyone who is about to be a parent or is a parent can relate to the anticipation of it all and the nerves. I became a father myself a long time ago. I thought I knew what I was doing but I didn't really and luckily there were people around to get me to step in at appropriate moments.
In addition to Romano reprising his voice role as Manny, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs sees the return of voice talents John Leguizamo as Sid, Queen Latifah as Ellie, Seann William Scott as Crash, and Denis Leary as Diego. New to the film are Simon Pegg as the voice of Buck and Karen Disher as Scratte.
Next Showing: Releases July 1, but special Father's Day preview in some areas
Posted 6/20/2009 by BrentJS
Related: Ray Romano | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs