Sideshow | 'Golden Compass' topped weekend film openings
The Golden Compass, a fantasy tale based on the novel by Philip Pullman, opened as the top film at U.S. and Canadian theaters over the weekend, taking in $26.1 million for Time Warner Inc. That's about $9 million less than industry insiders had expected, given that it was the only major film to open.
The Golden Compass
, a fantasy tale based on the novel by
Philip Pullman
, opened as the top film at U.S. and Canadian theaters over the weekend, taking in $26.1 million for Time Warner Inc. That's about $9 million less than industry insiders had expected, given that it was the only major film to open.
Still, Compass, from New Line Cinema, dethroned Walt Disney Co.'s Enchanted, which dropped to second.
Compass tells the story of a young girl who uses a unique ability to discern truth in a cosmic battle over free will. It stars Dakota Blue Richards, Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman.
Like Pullman's books, the film has attracted criticism. The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights urged a boycott, claiming the movie preaches atheism.
Honors aplenty
Taiwan showered native son
Ang Lee
with honors Saturday as his spy thriller
Lust, Caution
clinched seven prizes, including best film, director and actor at the that nation's Golden Horse awards.
The normally reserved director of Hulk, Brokeback Mountain and other films wrapped up his acceptance speech by chanting "Go Taiwanese film!" The success of Lust, Caution at the awards came after the steamy film, an NC-17 movie in release in America, became a big hit in both Taiwan and China. It's about a World War II-era undercover activist.
A nice Philly gal
Our town's
Patti LaBelle
says she was once offered
Paula Abdul
's job on
American Idol
but turned it down because she didn't want to be mean. "I didn't want to be someone giving bad news by saying 'You didn't make it,' " LaBelle tells Newsweek in the issue that hits stands tomorrow.
Cutting singers was the hardest part of her new NBC reality show, Clash of the Choirs. She does offer encouragement. "I did tell them, 'Because Patti LaBelle said no, it doesn't mean it's the end. Jennifer Hudson was told no, and she has an Oscar.' "
We give it a 100
CN8's
Seeking Solutions With Suzanne
today and tomorrow will be at the Enterprise Center in West Philadelphia to tape members of
American Bandstand
, doing their thing as post-boomers. (The center is the former Bandstand home.) Among them:
Jerry Blavat
,
Danny and the Juniors
, dancers
Arlene Sullivan
,
Frank Spagnola
and
Kenny Rossi
, and, exec producer
Lew Klein
and lighting director/stage manager
Bill Russell
. The segments will be shown in March.