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Fog rules over US box office |
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The Fog, a story of a coastal town invaded by inclement weather and bloodthirsty ghosts from a 100-year-old shipwreck, scared overhyped rival Elizabethtown to third place, and last week's champ Wallace And Gromit to the second. The newcomer earned about $12.2 million in its first weekend, which is noteworthy, as the film cost just $18 million.
The high profile Elizabethtown, directed by Almost Famous helmer Cameron Crowe, and starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst, received mixed reviews. A longer cut of the film received a tepid welcome at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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1. The Fog Cast: Tom Welling, Maggie Grace and Selma Blair. Director: Rupert Wainwright.  Young cast, atmospheric camerawork. Boring, for the most part.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Average.
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2. Wallace & Gromit In The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit Cast: (Voices) Helena Bonham Carter, Peter Sallis and Ralph Fiennes. Director: Nick Parker and Steve Box. Superb entertainment, exuberant animation, lovable lead players.Too sweet natured.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Success.
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3. Elizabethtown Cast: Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin, Jessica Biel. Director: Cameron Crowe. Decent performance by the lead players. Few touching moments.Too long and suffocating.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Disappointing.
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4. Flightplan Cast: Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Erika Christensen, Sean Bean. Director: Robert Schwentke. The formidable Jodie Foster; some suspenseful moments.Story has too many bumps; the suspense nosedives soon.Number of weeks: 4. BO Verdict: Hit.
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5. In Her Shoes Cast: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine. Director: Curtis Hanson. Interesting chemistry between the lead players, strong life lessons and mild comedy.Takes time to warm up.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Disappointing.
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6. Domino Cast: Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke. Director: Tony Scott. Fascinating story about a female bounty hunter.Too confused, unfocussed and violent.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Flop.
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7. Two For The Money Cast: Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughley and Rene Russo. Director: DJ Caruso. Intriguing twists, many smart lines.Very predictable Al Pacino, overlong and overdrawn drama.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Flop.
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8. A History of Violence Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris. Director: David Cronenberg. Intriguing story, solid performances, gripping narration.A bit harrowing at times.Number of weeks: 4. BO Verdict: Art house hit.
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9. Corpse Bride Cast (Voices): Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter. Director: Tim Burton. Imaginative setting; story with heart; wonderful voices.Appeal is limited to die-hard Burton fans.Number of weeks: 5. BO Verdict: Success.
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10. The Gospel Cast: Boris Kodjoe, Idris Alba, Nona Gaye. Director: Rob Hardy. Feel-good movie, low-keyed for most part. Unpretentious, too.Too preachy.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Hit.
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Text: Arthur J Pais
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