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The New Patented System that's Challenging the Old Ways of Tracking Success in Hollywood!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
SuperStarValue on MMFF 2010: Php450M Total Gross (conservative estimate); Expect 'Surprises' in Top 5 Rankings
THE OFFICIAL RESULTS
Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote: P159M,
Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To): P157M,
Dalaw: P96M,
Shake, Rattle & Roll XII: P50M, and
RPG: Metanoia: P28M.
SuperStarValue's MMFF 2010 box-office rankings (post-awards night) are now as follows:
Using our patented ranking and analysis system, below are some 'surprising' forecasts on the eventual outcome of the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival two (2) days prior to its official run on December 25. Barring any unforeseen event and given that the industry status quo will remain as such throughout the duration of the festival, the SuperStarValue calculations point to the following results:
MMFF Total Gross (conservative estimate) Php 450M++
Film Rankings and Gross (conservative estimate for some of the movies):
#1 Si Agimat at si Enteng = Php 140M++ (conservative estimate)
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Vic Sotto
b) GMA 7
c) Bong Revilla/Genre/Story Concept/Metro Manila Film Festival
#2 Ang Tanging Ina Mo = Php 120M++ (conservative estimate)
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Star Cinema/ABS-CBN
b) Genre/Story Concept/Metro Manila Film Festival
c) AiAi delas Alas/Eugene Domingo
#3 Rosario = Php 60M++
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) TV5
b) Artistic Value/Metro Manila Film Festival
c) Jennylyn Mercado (if she wins 'best actress')/Dennis Trillo
#4 RPG Metanoia = Php 45M++
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Star Cinema/ABS-CBN
b) Genre/Concept/Pop Sub-Culture/3D Technology
#5 Dalaw = Php 40M++ (conservative estimate)
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Star Cinema/ABS-CBN
b) Genre/Kris Aquino
For the rest of the tally, see the list on the right corner of the site.
Need an Objective Analysis on you next film project? Contact SuperStarValue: Pop Media Strategist via superstarvalue@yahoo.com.
SuperStarValue: Because in the film business, it Pays to Know Value
2010 MMFF Grosses P530M(Unrealized Box-Office Potential, Over-Hyped and Uneven Promos Affect Final Results) The box-office receipts for the two-week run of the MMFF 201 (Dec. 25, 2010 to Jan. 7, 2011) have been tabulated and the (partial) results are as follows (source: Metro Manila Development Authority): |
Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To): P157M,
Dalaw: P96M,
Shake, Rattle & Roll XII: P50M, and
RPG: Metanoia: P28M.
UPDATE Post-Awards Night: With Jennylyn Mercado's performance in 'Rosario' failing to even get a nomination and the film taking only the 2nd Best and not THE Best Picture as earlier expected, the would-have been box-office power of the film has significantly been affected, our calculations show. Still, the film's 2nd Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Dolphy) awards should be enough to place the film within the top 5 at the end of the festival season.
SuperStarValue's MMFF 2010 box-office rankings (post-awards night) are now as follows:
#1 Si Agimat at si Enteng = Php 140M++ (conservative estimate)
#2 Ang Tanging Ina Mo = Php 120M++ (conservative estimate)
#3 RPG Metanoia = Php 50M++
#4 Dalaw = Php 45M++ (conservative estimate)
#5 Rosario = Php 40M++
Using our patented ranking and analysis system, below are some 'surprising' forecasts on the eventual outcome of the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival two (2) days prior to its official run on December 25. Barring any unforeseen event and given that the industry status quo will remain as such throughout the duration of the festival, the SuperStarValue calculations point to the following results:
MMFF Total Gross (conservative estimate) Php 450M++
Film Rankings and Gross (conservative estimate for some of the movies):
#1 Si Agimat at si Enteng = Php 140M++ (conservative estimate)
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Vic Sotto
b) GMA 7
c) Bong Revilla/Genre/Story Concept/Metro Manila Film Festival
#2 Ang Tanging Ina Mo = Php 120M++ (conservative estimate)
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Star Cinema/ABS-CBN
b) Genre/Story Concept/Metro Manila Film Festival
c) AiAi delas Alas/Eugene Domingo
#3 Rosario = Php 60M++
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) TV5
b) Artistic Value/Metro Manila Film Festival
c) Jennylyn Mercado (if she wins 'best actress')/Dennis Trillo
#4 RPG Metanoia = Php 45M++
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Star Cinema/ABS-CBN
b) Genre/Concept/Pop Sub-Culture/3D Technology
#5 Dalaw = Php 40M++ (conservative estimate)
Why would audiences come ON ITS 1ST WEEK?
a) Star Cinema/ABS-CBN
b) Genre/Kris Aquino
For the rest of the tally, see the list on the right corner of the site.
Need an Objective Analysis on you next film project? Contact SuperStarValue: Pop Media Strategist via superstarvalue@yahoo.com.
SuperStarValue: Because in the film business, it Pays to Know Value
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
(Philippines) Does TV Network Support Guarantee Box-Office Success?
An alternative to the 'old-school' dependence on the 'star system' in the marketing of films in the Philippines today is securing 'television network support.' A relatively new 'must-have' in promoting movies nowadays, the idea has nonetheless easily and immediately gained acceptance from a number of film producers as they point to the unprecedented success of Star Cinema which trailblazed the maximum use of tv exposure via its larger sister company, ABS-CBN Network.
The logic is simple: if a film is supported by a tv network, then it will be promoted widely and promoted well which then almost always assures box-office success.
IF the above-mentioned formula is 100% accurate, then along with the 'star system, one can, as early as now, establish the rankings at the box-office for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, to wit:
1-2) Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'to):
AiAi delas Alas and Eugene Domingo
TV Network support: ABS-CBN
AiAi delas Alas and Eugene Domingo
TV Network support: ABS-CBN
3) Dalaw:
Kris Aquino
TV Network support: ABS-CBN
4) Super Inday and the Magic Bibe:
Marian Rivera, Pokwang, Jake Cuenca
TV Network support (partial): GMA Network/ABS-CBN
5) RPG Metanoia:
(voices) Zaijan Jaranilla, Aga Muhlach, Eugene Domingo, Vhong Navarro
TV Network support: ABS-CBN
6) Rosario
Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo
TV Network support: TV 5
7) Shake Rattle and Roll 12:
Shaina Magdayao, Rayver Cruz, Sid Lucero, Carla Abellana
TV Network support (partial): ABS-CBN/GMA Network
8) Father Jejemon:
Dolphy
TV Network support (partial): TV 5
Will the above-listed ranking prove to be prophetic when the film fest unfolds thus cementing the impression that TV networks are the new rulers of Pinoy entertainment? More specifically, can the support of a TV network truly guarantee box-office triumph for any movie in the Philippines today? Or are there other factors that determine a film's commercial success?
Next: SuperStarValue forecasts the mmff 2010 box-office rankings based on its patented formula.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
(Philippines) Will 'Stars' Determine MMFF 2010 Box-Office Rankings?
Mainstream film producers are still almost fully dependent on the 'star system' to sell their movies to the ever-evolving Pinoy audiences. If this traditional and old-school mantra remains truly reliable up to now, then the outcome at the box-office of the participating movies in this years Metro Manila film festival will most likely be as follows:
1-2) Agimat ni Enteng :
Vic Sotto and Bong Revilla
Box-Office King + Bankable Action Star
1-2) Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'to):
AiAi delas Alas and Eugene Domingo
Box-Office Queen + Bankable Female Comedy Star
3) Dalaw:
Kris Aquino
Box-Office Queen
4) Super Inday and the Magic Bibe:
Marian Rivera, Pokwang, Jake Cuenca
Top Female Star + Popular Comedienne + Popular Male Star
5) Father Jejemon:
Dolphy
Superstar
6) Rosario:
Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo
Popular Female Star + Popular Male Star
7) Shake Rattle and Roll 12:
Shaina Magdayao, Rayver Cruz, Sid Lucero, Carla Abellana
Current Male and Female Stars + Current Actor
8) RPG Metanoia:
(voices) Zaijan Jaranilla, Aga Muhlach, Eugene Domingo, Vhong Navarro
Popular Child Star, Top Drama Actor, Top Female Comedy Star, Top Coimedy Star
Again, the above rankings mirror only what current showbiz 'experts' believe to be true in terms of box-office potential as dictated by the stars involved in each project.
SuperStarValue acknowledges that there are notable reasons that support the 'star system' ranking. However, there are factors that are present in the current film fest that would most likely affect the expected results of the producers.
Next: SuperStarValue ranks the box-office potential of the eight movies using its patented system.
1-2) Agimat ni Enteng :
Vic Sotto and Bong Revilla
Box-Office King + Bankable Action Star
1-2) Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'to):
AiAi delas Alas and Eugene Domingo
Box-Office Queen + Bankable Female Comedy Star
3) Dalaw:
Kris Aquino
Box-Office Queen
4) Super Inday and the Magic Bibe:
Marian Rivera, Pokwang, Jake Cuenca
Top Female Star + Popular Comedienne + Popular Male Star
5) Father Jejemon:
Dolphy
Superstar
6) Rosario:
Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo
Popular Female Star + Popular Male Star
7) Shake Rattle and Roll 12:
Shaina Magdayao, Rayver Cruz, Sid Lucero, Carla Abellana
Current Male and Female Stars + Current Actor
8) RPG Metanoia:
(voices) Zaijan Jaranilla, Aga Muhlach, Eugene Domingo, Vhong Navarro
Popular Child Star, Top Drama Actor, Top Female Comedy Star, Top Coimedy Star
Again, the above rankings mirror only what current showbiz 'experts' believe to be true in terms of box-office potential as dictated by the stars involved in each project.
SuperStarValue acknowledges that there are notable reasons that support the 'star system' ranking. However, there are factors that are present in the current film fest that would most likely affect the expected results of the producers.
Next: SuperStarValue ranks the box-office potential of the eight movies using its patented system.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario: Ang Tanging Writer! - STIR
Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario: Ang Tanging Writer! - STIR
A-List Screenwriter Ms. Mel Mendoza Del Rosario holds a string of blockbuster movies that could challenge the 'claim to bankability' of most 'box-office kings and queens' in Philippine showbiz for years now.
A-List Screenwriter Ms. Mel Mendoza Del Rosario holds a string of blockbuster movies that could challenge the 'claim to bankability' of most 'box-office kings and queens' in Philippine showbiz for years now.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
UPDATED: On ABS-CBN, Mara Clara takes Imortal's Prime Time Slot: On-Target or Over-estimated?
AGB-Megamanila
Oct. 25, 2010
- 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 12.8%
- Mara Clara (ABS-CBN)* / Imortal (ABS-CBN) - 11.6%
- Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown (GMA-7) - 10.5%
- Noah (ABS-CBN) / Grazilda (GMA-7) - 10.3%
- Ilumina (GMA-7) - 10.1%
- TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 10%
- Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 9.9%
- Bantatay (GMA-7) - 9.4%
- Beauty Queen (GMA-7) - 8.6%
- Kokey@Ako (ABS-CBN) / Kristine (ABS-CBN) -7.5% *Imortal -15.1% (pilot)
AGB-Megamanila
Oct 26, 2010
1) 24 Oras 13.4
2) Imortal 13.1
3) Survivor 12.6
4) Grazilda 12.3
5) Ilumina 11.3
6) Patrol 11.1
7) Noah 10.9
8) Magkaribal 10.8
9) Mara 10.5
10) Beauty 10.11
the superstarvalue endorsed kapamilya ptb line up:
mara clara
tv patrol
kokey
imortal
noah
kristene
snn
if the newly leaked line-up is true, abs-cbn may have overestimated the drawing power of its new/old soap, 'mara clara 2010.' in fact, how this will affect the overall standing of its prime time bida block, specifically in audience rich megamanila, is almost too predictable. between the resurrected soap (mc) and the fairy tale classic inspired with a twist fare (grazilda), megamanila will most likely tune in (tune back) to the latter while the visayas and mindanao viewers are expected to stick with the updated tear jerker.
its in the resulting new battle between 'imortal' and 'ilumina' that promises to be more interesting. despite all the hoopla, 'ilumina's' current rival 'magkaribal' has never really stolen the spotlight from the rhian-aljur fantaserye. in fact, 'ilumina' has immensely benefitted from magkaribal's too-niche appeal and 'idol's' almost unbelievable lackluster performance as far as megamanila is concerned.
with 'imortal' taking the cudgels from 'idol', 'ilumina' finally gets a more threatening genre-per-genre and audience-per-audience adversary in the ratings game. again this is as far as megamanila is concerned because the nationwide tally is really in the bag (and will remain to be so for quite some time still) in favor of abs.
after a celebrity studded reality show and a modern fairytale, will megamanila prefer it dark and action-driven or bright and spritely
for their second/third dose of fantaserye in one night? will they care to switch channels midway or be too lazy and just enjoy the rest of the program line up?
major indications strongly suggest that 'imortal' will turn the lights off for 'ilumina.' but rhian and aljur fans could fret less if only because their fave stars are stepping aside for a pair of much brighter stars, angel locsin and john lloyd cruz.
ergo this new abs-cbn line offers an almost 'win-win' scenario at best (gma wins first two rounds with survivor and grazilda then abs-cbn rebounds with 'imortal' and in the process, will more likely improve the standings of 'kristene' and snn, giving 'beauty queen' and 'east of eden' a more serious run of its money. again in megamanila).
yet it must be noted that as far as the tv ratings are concerned, the kapamilya channel is not known to settle for a 'win-win' scenario. like all other networks, it wants a programming line up that goes 'for the kill.'
the newly leaked line-up however is not that line-up that will reward them that.
Top 10 influential celebrities in Malaysia: Stars with the x-factor sizzle
Popular, wealthy, talented, daring and fearless. Indeed, 10 of our local talents seem to have it all. When they sneeze, the nation blesses them. Industry observers say these celebrities are the most sought after for endorsements, have a huge fan base, and legions of admirers. They also set trends, and influence public opinion and tastes. These well-known names have an X-factor that others of seemingly equal talent do not. SHUIB TAIB lists out the apples of our eyes
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Sarah Geronimo/John Lloyd Cruz Movie Tops Star Cinema Box-Office in 2009
Here are the box-office figures provided by Star Cinema regarding their 2009 films:
1. You Changed My Life (Star Cinema/Viva) - P208.8 million
Cast: Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz
Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina
2. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P200.2 million
Cast: Ai-Ai delas Alas, Eugene Domingo
Director: Wenn Deramas
3. In My Life - P137.4 million
Cast: Vilma Santos, John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano
Director: Olive Lamasan
4. I Love You Goodbye - P108 million (As of today, January 15. The film is expected to continue screening until January 30)
Cast: Angelica Panganiban, Gabby Concepcion, Derek Ramsay, Kim Chiu
Director: Laurice Guillen
5. BFF (Best Friends Forever) - P102.5 million
Cast: Sharon Cuneta, Ai-Ai delas Alas
Director: Wenn Deramas
6. T2 (Tenement 2) - P95 million
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Mika dela Cruz
Director: Chito Roño
7. And I Love You So - P89.3 million
Cast: Sam Milby, Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay
Director: Laurenti Dyogi
8. Love Me Again: Land Down Under - P72.1 million
Cast: Angel Locsin, Piolo Pascual
Director: Rory Quintos
9. Ang Tanging Pamilya: A Marry Go Round - P72 million
Cast: Ai-Ai delas Alas, Joseph Estrada
Director: Wenn Deramas
10. Villa Estrella - P50.08 million
Cast: Maja Salvador, Shaina Magdayao, Jake Cuenca, Geoff Eigenmann
Director: Rico Ilarde
1. You Changed My Life (Star Cinema/Viva) - P208.8 million
Cast: Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz
Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina
2. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P200.2 million
Cast: Ai-Ai delas Alas, Eugene Domingo
Director: Wenn Deramas
3. In My Life - P137.4 million
Cast: Vilma Santos, John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano
Director: Olive Lamasan
4. I Love You Goodbye - P108 million (As of today, January 15. The film is expected to continue screening until January 30)
Cast: Angelica Panganiban, Gabby Concepcion, Derek Ramsay, Kim Chiu
Director: Laurice Guillen
5. BFF (Best Friends Forever) - P102.5 million
Cast: Sharon Cuneta, Ai-Ai delas Alas
Director: Wenn Deramas
6. T2 (Tenement 2) - P95 million
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Mika dela Cruz
Director: Chito Roño
7. And I Love You So - P89.3 million
Cast: Sam Milby, Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay
Director: Laurenti Dyogi
8. Love Me Again: Land Down Under - P72.1 million
Cast: Angel Locsin, Piolo Pascual
Director: Rory Quintos
9. Ang Tanging Pamilya: A Marry Go Round - P72 million
Cast: Ai-Ai delas Alas, Joseph Estrada
Director: Wenn Deramas
10. Villa Estrella - P50.08 million
Cast: Maja Salvador, Shaina Magdayao, Jake Cuenca, Geoff Eigenmann
Director: Rico Ilarde
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Vatican Slams 'Avatar'
VATICAN CITY — "Avatar" is wooing audiences worldwide with visually dazzling landscapes and nature-loving blue creatures. But the Vatican is no easy crowd to please.
The Vatican newspaper and radio station are criticizing James Cameron's 3-D blockbuster for flirting with the idea that worship of nature can replace religion – a notion the pope has warned against. They call the movie a simplistic and sappy tale, despite its awe-inspiring special effects.
"Not much behind the images" was how the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, summed it up in a headline.
As the second highest-grossing movie ever, "Avatar" is challenging the record set by Cameron's previous movie "Titanic."
Generally it has been critically acclaimed and is touted as a leading Oscar contender.
Bolivia's first indigenous president, Evo Morales, has praised "Avatar" for what he calls its message of saving the environment from exploitation. But the movie also has drawn a number of critical voices. Some American conservative bloggers have decried its anti-militaristic message; a small group of people have said the movie contains racist themes.
To Vatican critics, the alien extravaganza is just "bland."
Cameron "tells the story without going deep into it, and ends up falling into sappiness," said L'Osservatore Romano. Vatican Radio called it "rather harmless" but said it was no heir to sci-fi masterpieces of the past.
Most significantly, much of the Vatican criticism was directed at the movie's central theme of man vs. nature.
L'Osservatore said the film "gets bogged down by a spiritualism linked to the worship of nature." Similarly, Vatican Radio said it "cleverly winks at all those pseudo-doctrines that turn ecology into the religion of the millennium."
"Nature is no longer a creation to defend, but a divinity to worship," the radio said.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said that while the movie reviews are just that – film criticism, not theological pronouncements – they do reflect Pope Benedict XVI's views on the dangers of turning nature into a "new divinity."
Benedict has often spoken about the need to protect the environment, earning the nickname of "green pope." But he also has balanced that call with a warning against turning environmentalism into neo-paganism.
In a recent World Day of Peace message, the pontiff warned against any notions that equate human beings with other living things in the name of a "supposedly egalitarian vision." He said such notions "open the way to a new pantheism tinged with neo-paganism, which would see the source of man's salvation in nature alone, understood in purely naturalistic terms."
The pope explained in the message that while many experience tranquillity and peace when coming into contact with nature, a correct relationship between man and the environment should not lead to "absolutizing nature" or "considering it more important than the human person."
The Vatican newspaper occasionally likes to comment in its cultural pages on movies or pop culture icons, as it did recently about "The Simpsons" or U2. In one famous instance, several Vatican officials spoke out against "The Da Vinci Code."
In this case, the reviews came out after a red-carpet "Avatar" preview held in Rome just a stone's throw from St. Peter's Square. The movie – which has made more than $1.3 billion at box offices worldwide, partly boosted by higher 3-D ticket prices – will be released Friday in Italy.
"So much stupefying, enchanting technology, but few genuine emotions," said L'Osservatore in one of three articles devoted to "Avatar" in its Sunday editions. The plotline of aliens who live on a distant unspoiled planet and the humans who want to pillage their resources is a universal theme that can be reminiscent of past colonizations and wars, the paper said. As such, it is easy to relate to it, but also unoriginal.
"Everything is reduced to an overly simple anti-imperialistic and anti-militaristic parable," it said.
In America, the big numbers and media hype have been accompanied by some controversy.
Blog posts, newspaper articles, tweets and YouTube videos have criticized the film, with some calling it "a fantasy about race told from the point of view of white people" and that it reinforces "the white Messiah fable." Cameron says the real theme is about respecting others' differences.
An LA Times blog noted that the movie "has inflamed the passions of right-wing bloggers and pundits."
"Cameron incensed many voices on the right by acknowledging of-the-moment messages about imperialism, greed, ecological disregard and corporate irresponsibility," it said. Anti-smoking lobbies have denounced the cigarette-puffing character played by Sigourney Weaver.
Back at the Vatican, the reviews did praise the groundbreaking visuals of the movie.
Vatican Radio said that "really never before have such surprising images been seen," while L'Osservatore said the movie's worth lies in its "extraordinary visual impact."
Source: Huffington Post
The Vatican newspaper and radio station are criticizing James Cameron's 3-D blockbuster for flirting with the idea that worship of nature can replace religion – a notion the pope has warned against. They call the movie a simplistic and sappy tale, despite its awe-inspiring special effects.
"Not much behind the images" was how the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, summed it up in a headline.
As the second highest-grossing movie ever, "Avatar" is challenging the record set by Cameron's previous movie "Titanic."
Generally it has been critically acclaimed and is touted as a leading Oscar contender.
Bolivia's first indigenous president, Evo Morales, has praised "Avatar" for what he calls its message of saving the environment from exploitation. But the movie also has drawn a number of critical voices. Some American conservative bloggers have decried its anti-militaristic message; a small group of people have said the movie contains racist themes.
To Vatican critics, the alien extravaganza is just "bland."
Cameron "tells the story without going deep into it, and ends up falling into sappiness," said L'Osservatore Romano. Vatican Radio called it "rather harmless" but said it was no heir to sci-fi masterpieces of the past.
Most significantly, much of the Vatican criticism was directed at the movie's central theme of man vs. nature.
L'Osservatore said the film "gets bogged down by a spiritualism linked to the worship of nature." Similarly, Vatican Radio said it "cleverly winks at all those pseudo-doctrines that turn ecology into the religion of the millennium."
"Nature is no longer a creation to defend, but a divinity to worship," the radio said.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said that while the movie reviews are just that – film criticism, not theological pronouncements – they do reflect Pope Benedict XVI's views on the dangers of turning nature into a "new divinity."
Benedict has often spoken about the need to protect the environment, earning the nickname of "green pope." But he also has balanced that call with a warning against turning environmentalism into neo-paganism.
In a recent World Day of Peace message, the pontiff warned against any notions that equate human beings with other living things in the name of a "supposedly egalitarian vision." He said such notions "open the way to a new pantheism tinged with neo-paganism, which would see the source of man's salvation in nature alone, understood in purely naturalistic terms."
The pope explained in the message that while many experience tranquillity and peace when coming into contact with nature, a correct relationship between man and the environment should not lead to "absolutizing nature" or "considering it more important than the human person."
The Vatican newspaper occasionally likes to comment in its cultural pages on movies or pop culture icons, as it did recently about "The Simpsons" or U2. In one famous instance, several Vatican officials spoke out against "The Da Vinci Code."
In this case, the reviews came out after a red-carpet "Avatar" preview held in Rome just a stone's throw from St. Peter's Square. The movie – which has made more than $1.3 billion at box offices worldwide, partly boosted by higher 3-D ticket prices – will be released Friday in Italy.
"So much stupefying, enchanting technology, but few genuine emotions," said L'Osservatore in one of three articles devoted to "Avatar" in its Sunday editions. The plotline of aliens who live on a distant unspoiled planet and the humans who want to pillage their resources is a universal theme that can be reminiscent of past colonizations and wars, the paper said. As such, it is easy to relate to it, but also unoriginal.
"Everything is reduced to an overly simple anti-imperialistic and anti-militaristic parable," it said.
In America, the big numbers and media hype have been accompanied by some controversy.
Blog posts, newspaper articles, tweets and YouTube videos have criticized the film, with some calling it "a fantasy about race told from the point of view of white people" and that it reinforces "the white Messiah fable." Cameron says the real theme is about respecting others' differences.
An LA Times blog noted that the movie "has inflamed the passions of right-wing bloggers and pundits."
"Cameron incensed many voices on the right by acknowledging of-the-moment messages about imperialism, greed, ecological disregard and corporate irresponsibility," it said. Anti-smoking lobbies have denounced the cigarette-puffing character played by Sigourney Weaver.
Back at the Vatican, the reviews did praise the groundbreaking visuals of the movie.
Vatican Radio said that "really never before have such surprising images been seen," while L'Osservatore said the movie's worth lies in its "extraordinary visual impact."
Source: Huffington Post
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Metro Manila Film Festival Yearly Box-Office Gross (2009-2006)
MMFF 2009 Dec 25-January 07
*Ang Panday (P99.4M+) – Best Picture
*I Love You Goodbye (P94.3M+) – 2nd Best Picture
*Ang Darling Kong Aswang (P89.6M+) – 3rd Best Picture
*SRR XI (P77.6M+)
*Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love (P42M+)
Nobody (P31.9M+)
Wapakman (P2.6M)
Total Gross (P437.6M+)
MMFF 2008 Box Office Gross (Final Rankings)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat – P171.0M (2nd Best Picture)
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After – P107.0M (3rd Best Picture)
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X – P68.0M
4. Desperadas 2 – P49.3M
5. Baler – P35.8M – BEST PICTURE
6. One Night Only – P10.5M
7. Dayo – P5.6M
8. Magkaibigan- P2.1M
Total Gross (P449M+)
MMFF 2007 Box Office Gross (Final Rankings)
1. Sakal Sakali, Saklolo (ABS-CBN Films/Star Cinema) P122,893,166 (2nd Best Festival Picture)
2. Enteng Kabisote 4: The Beginning of the Legend (OctoArts Films) P104,632,792 (3rd Best Festival Picture)
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll 9 (Regal Films) P68,021,363
4. Desperadas (Regal Films) P35,501,113
5. Resiklo (Imus Productions) P21,668,242 (MMFF 2007 Best Festival Picture)
6. Bahay Kubo (Regal Films) P19,439,119
7. Katas ng Saudi (Maverick Films) P3,280,522
8. Anak ng Kumander (MP Productions) P2,457,113
9. Banal (ComGuild Films) P2,347,852
Total Gross (P380.2M+)
MMFF 2006 Box Office Gross (Final Rankings)
1. Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (P140M) – 2nd Best Picture
2. Enteng Kabisote 3 (P128M) – BEST PICTURE
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll 8 (P57M) – 3rd Best Picture
4. Matakot Ka Sa Karma (P24M)
5. Mano Po 5 (P23M)
6. Super Noypi (P19M)
7. Zsa*Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh (P12M)
8. Ligalig (P8M)
9. Tatlong Baraha (P4M).
Total Gross (P415M+)
*Ang Panday (P99.4M+) – Best Picture
*I Love You Goodbye (P94.3M+) – 2nd Best Picture
*Ang Darling Kong Aswang (P89.6M+) – 3rd Best Picture
*SRR XI (P77.6M+)
*Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love (P42M+)
Nobody (P31.9M+)
Wapakman (P2.6M)
Total Gross (P437.6M+)
MMFF 2008 Box Office Gross (Final Rankings)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat – P171.0M (2nd Best Picture)
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After – P107.0M (3rd Best Picture)
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X – P68.0M
4. Desperadas 2 – P49.3M
5. Baler – P35.8M – BEST PICTURE
6. One Night Only – P10.5M
7. Dayo – P5.6M
8. Magkaibigan- P2.1M
Total Gross (P449M+)
MMFF 2007 Box Office Gross (Final Rankings)
1. Sakal Sakali, Saklolo (ABS-CBN Films/Star Cinema) P122,893,166 (2nd Best Festival Picture)
2. Enteng Kabisote 4: The Beginning of the Legend (OctoArts Films) P104,632,792 (3rd Best Festival Picture)
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll 9 (Regal Films) P68,021,363
4. Desperadas (Regal Films) P35,501,113
5. Resiklo (Imus Productions) P21,668,242 (MMFF 2007 Best Festival Picture)
6. Bahay Kubo (Regal Films) P19,439,119
7. Katas ng Saudi (Maverick Films) P3,280,522
8. Anak ng Kumander (MP Productions) P2,457,113
9. Banal (ComGuild Films) P2,347,852
Total Gross (P380.2M+)
MMFF 2006 Box Office Gross (Final Rankings)
1. Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (P140M) – 2nd Best Picture
2. Enteng Kabisote 3 (P128M) – BEST PICTURE
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll 8 (P57M) – 3rd Best Picture
4. Matakot Ka Sa Karma (P24M)
5. Mano Po 5 (P23M)
6. Super Noypi (P19M)
7. Zsa*Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh (P12M)
8. Ligalig (P8M)
9. Tatlong Baraha (P4M).
Total Gross (P415M+)
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