1 – Avatar (released 4-22-10), 8,356,154 units sold, $147,540,922 in sales revenue

2 – The Twilight Saga: New Moon (released 3-20-10), 7,445,525 units sold, $164,684,139 in sales revenue

3 – The Blind Side (released 3-23-10), 5,435,408 units sold, $87,583,307 in sales revenue

4 – Iron Man 2 (released 9-28-10), 4,481,781 units sold, $100,721,218 in sales revenue

5 – The Princess and the Frog (released 3-16-10), 4,307,477 units sold, $68,947,833 in sales revenue

6 - Alice in Wonderland (2010) (released 6-1-10), 4,060,329 units sold, $72,820,552 in sales revenue

7 – Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (released 3-30-10), 4,024,193 units sold, $66,818,833 in sales revenue

8 – The Hangover (released 12-15-09), 3,351,500 units sold, $54,466,559 in sales revenue

9 – How to Train Your Dragon (released 10-15-10), 3,292,534 units sold, $70,396,979 in sales revenue

10 – 2012 (released 3-2-10), 2,953,274 units sold, $51,225,663 in sales revenue

Should be no surprise to see Avatar, New Moon, or Iron Man 2 on here, but Alvin and the Chpimunks? The Blind Side? C’mon, people! It’s also interesting to see The Princess and the Frog on this list, because Disney claimed it wasn’t the hit they were expecting. I would be interested in seeing an updated list, with Blu-ray sales.

Source: DVDTown

The Blind Side

Set to produce the picture is Lautner under his Tailor Made banner along with Lee Stollman, Roy Lee, Doug Davidson and Ellen Goldsmith-Vein. Principal photography is to take place this July with a yet to be set 2012 release date from Gotham Group and Vertigo Entertainment.

Lily Collins is appearing on the big screen on January 14th in the very loosely-based comic book adapted feature Priest, starring Paul Bettany as the vampire killing Ivan Isaacs.

The Film:

When the Baltimore Ravens selected Michael Oher in the first round, pick number 23 of the 2009 NFL Draft a few months back, it on paper seemed like another college kid getting a shot in the pros. In recent years, it seems like so many college kids play to get that big NFL salary, as if it’s theirs already, instead of realizing that it is a privilege and not a right, to play professionally. Michael Oher’s story, based on the book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, is an impossible story to believe, yet it is a true story. It’s so powerful, and while true stories have been marginalized into “feel good movies” that Hollywood producers love, The Blind Side actually feels genuine from start to finish, even with the film’s flaws.

So much is made in the sports world when a star player commits a crime, that we immediately look at his background on where he came from and who he is. It’s unfair, and a stereotype. It’s so easy to say generalized things about them due to home life, their friends, and yes, because of their race. We’re still that country, whether it is wrong or right, and even in a post-elected Obama era, it is still just the way it is. Oher certainly came from a horrendous upbringing, but strangely this didn’t lead to a violent adolescent. Instead, he became very quite, sweet young man, even though he only had the shirt on his back and nowhere to go.

Newcomer Quinton Aaron perfectly captures Michael Oher, although at first it seems like his a “deer-caught-in-the-headlights” approach is just him being green. Throughout the film, layers start to peel back, revealing a sincere performance. Lots of early buzz has been on Sandra Bullock, and for a lot of people that seems odd. I wouldn’t say she was Oscar worthy (even though she won!), but she really is good, and hopefully, this performance will hopefully lead to more weightier roles, instead of a Miss Congeniality 3. Pairing these two performances together, makes the film shine, despite every attempt of director John Lee Hancock to go the glossy, manipulative route of that Hollywood “feel good movie” archetype. He does at times, and that’s where the film suffers. But for every moment like that, the film realigns due to the sincerity of the actors, and Oher’s real story.

You can’t fake genuine. It’s either there or it isn’t, and despite The Blind Side’s glossy, mainstream approach, Oher’s story will bring anyone to a tear. It’s a real success story, something that should be championed, especially with the recent bits of boneheaded play from coaches and players off-field in the NFL. The Blind Side does fly over some potential to spotlight some of the nastier elements within the story like stereotypes and underlining racism the Tuohy family, as well as, Michael faced. It doesn’t get into the nature of how being an offensive lineman has changed, which was the thesis of the book. These elements undermine a few scenes, namely the opening monologue. Showcasing when Lawrence Taylor broke Joe Theimann’s leg, and then saying how that one play changed the nature of blocking and pass protection in the NFL, we never get a real why. Michael Oher’s story is one we should keep in mind, the next time we want to judge someone. Just because your past was rough and bad, doesn’t automatically condemn a person. A good person, is a good person, where they’re lending a helping hand, or needing a helping hand. If you can get passed the parts of the film that pander to the mainstream, for the sake of accessibility, then you’ll find a solid film.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Majority of the transfer looks great. There’s some issues in dimly lit scenes and some instances of softness here and there, but the details and colors are the transfer strong points. Warner’s DTS track is really good, even if the film’s sound design isn’t all that creative. Dialogue is clear, sound is appropriate, and enough bass to have a welcoming audio presentation. All in all, WB delivers a solid high-def release for this Oscar nominated film.

The Real Michael Oher: I would have admired this piece more if it was longer and more detailed. Everything here is glossed over in its 10 minutes, and while it’s nice to hear from the mouths of those from the film, it’s borderline EPK. In HD.

Sideline Conversations: More substantial is this, a thorough talk running 33 minutes with Sandra, the real Leigh Anne Tuohy, the director, and the book’s author. Fans of the film will enjoy this, as it’s the disc’s best extra. In HD.

The Story of Big Quinton: This covers the actor playing Michael Oher and his life. Decent and in HD.

Acting Coaches focuses on the SEC coaches who made cameos in the film-all fairly EPK and Additional Scenes that were wisely cut.

Conclusion: Oscar worthy? Not really, but a decent film nonetheless. WB’s Blu is a decent release as well.

The Film: Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The Blu-ray: Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Michael Lewis is quite a huge commodity within the realms of Tinseltown, especially since he wrote the novel turned Academy Award nominated picture The Blind Side. No word yet on who will be attached to the picture to star.

Best Motion Picture Drama

• Avatar (20th Century Fox)

Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical

• The Hangover (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Best Director

• James Cameron – Avatar - (20th Century Fox)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama

• Jeff Bridges – Crazy Heart (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama

• Sandra Bullock – The Blind Side (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical

• Robert Downey Jr. – Sherlock Holmes (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical

• Meryl Streep – Julie & Julia (Columbia Pictures)

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Drama

• Christoph Waltz – Inglorious Basterds (Universal Pictures)

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Drama

• Mo’Nique – Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (Lionsgate)

Best Foreign Language Film

• The White Ribbon (Germany)

Best Animated Feature Film

• Up - (Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios)

Best Original Song in a Motion Picture

• “The Weary Kind” – Crazy Heart – music and lyrics by Ryan Bingham

Best Original Score in a Motion Picture

• Up - Michael Giacchino

Best Motion Picture Screenplay

• Up in the Air - Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner – (Paramount Pictures)

Best Television Series (Drama)

• Mad Men (AMC)

Best Television Series (Comedy or Musical)

• Glee (Fox)

Best Television Mini Series or Movie

• Grey Gardens (HBO)

Best Actor in a Television Series (Drama)

• Michael C. Hall – Dexter (Showtime)

Best Actress in a Television Series (Drama)

• Julianna Margulies – Mad Men (AMC)

Best Actor in a Television Series (Comedy or Musical)

• Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock (NBC)

Best Actress in a Television Series (Comedy or Musical)

• Toni Collette – United States of Tara (Showtime)

Best Actor in a Television Mini Series or Movie

• Kevin Bacon – Taking Chance (HBO)

Best Actress in a Television Mini Series or Movie

• Drew Barrymore – Grey Gardens (HBO)

Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series (Drama)

• John Lithgow – Dexter (Showtime)

Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series (Drama)

• Chloe Sevigny – Big Love (HBO)

The Cecil B. DeMille Award

• Martin Scorsese

Do not forget though, Avatar did not end up reigning the box office without it’s share of competition. Like previously reported, Sherlock Holmes did give the flick a slight run for it’s money one day which means it more than likely made some cash, and it did. The movie, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, took in $65.3 Million for it’s opening weekend which shows the power of Downey Jr, the rest of the cast and what not. Following close behind is the hybrid animation and live action film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel managed to make itself some profit estimating to be $50.2 Million. All I can say is I wonder how fast it will be until Holmes and the Chipmunks get greenlit for more sequels at this point.

Last but certainly not least is the Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep romantic comedy of sorts called It’s Complicated which ended up taking in $22.1 Million. With a supposed price tag of $75 Million, this flick still has a ways to go to get even. On a fairly good note, it looks like the nationwide release of Jason Reitman’s feature Up in the Air gained itself a little more steam as it tallied up to bringing in $11.75 Million, already ridiculously close to making back it’s budget, hurray. At least it finally broke free from the tie stranglehold that it had on Christmas Day with The Blind Side, which to me is one of the surprise hits of the holiday season. Nine, however, is not looking too good since it only wrangled in $5.5 Million on it’s second weekend. You have to admit, it’s been one hell of a weekend for movies. Here’s the rest of the numbers for the weekend below from Box Office Mojo.:

Weekend Box Office (December 25-27)

1. Avatar  ($75 M)
2. Sherlock Holmes  ($65.3 M)
3. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel  ($50.2 M)
4. It’s Complicated  ($22.1 M)
5. Up in the Air  ($11.75 M)
6. The Blind Side  ($11.73 M)
7. The Princess and the Frog  ($8.6 M)
8. Nine  ($5.5 M)
9. Did You Hear About the Morgans?  ($5 M)
10. Invictus  ($4.3 M)

It’s time to get ready for the New Year, and with that means were going into the dead months. However, it’s not looking as incredibly bleak as it normally would be in the month of January. With that said, the releases start up on Wednesday, December 30th with a limited one for The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond and the New York and Los Angeles release of The White Ribbon. In January, you’ll just have to wait and see until the 8th for the releases of several films which I will touch upon during the next box office report. Happy New Year to you all.

Let us not forget that these two were not the only films out in theaters on the holiday. The super kid-friendly CGI animated and live action hybrid film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel got away with $12 Million little nuts in their pockets, not surprising since the first flick made a nice chunk of money it’s opening weekend as well. The Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin starring film It’s Complicated $7.5 Million, which is not too bad for the comedy of sorts. Up in the Air did a couple of million better than it did a couple of days ago, making about $4 Million on Friday and tying up with The Blind Side. The unfortunate part is that the Jason Reitman flick is not showing too much improvement with revenue in regards it finally opening up nationwide. Perhaps the studios played it out a little wrong with the every-other-week openings and might have let the Oscar-contention steam that was flowing from this movie from so long finally start to slip away.

Last but not least is the Rob Marshall directed feature Nine which is not only one of the lowest grosses out of all of the weekend openers, with $2.2 Million, but could more than likely skid under the radar with audiences and not gather that much revenue for it’s opening weekend. Here’s the rest of the Christmas Day estimates below, with a special thanks to Coming Soon for digging up the estimates.:

Christmas Day Box Office (December 25th)

1. Sherlock Holmes  ($25 M)
2. Avatar  ($24 M)
3. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel  ($12 M)
4. It’s Complicated  ($7.5 M)
5. Up in the Air  ($4 M)
6. The Blind Side  ($4 M)
7. Nine  ($2.2 M)
8. The Princess and the Frog  ($2 M)
9. Did You Hear About the Morgans?  ($1.6 M)
10. Invictus  ($1.3 M)

Make sure to keep on reading up here on Killer Film for the final weekend tally along with other news, interviews and other sorts of cool features.

Brothers managed to wrangle out a little bit of dough, despite the some what scary dramatic feel of the film, as it takes in $9.7 Million. Not much is to be said about the semi-mediocre heist film Armored only wrangles up $6.6 Million and the Robert De Niro starring picture Everybody’s Fine show’s that not everything is fine as it only brings in $4 Million. Here’s the rest of the weekend box office reported below thanks to Box Office Mojo:

Weekend Box Office (December 4-6)

1. The Blind Side  ($20.4 M)
2. Twilight Saga: New Moon  ($15.7 M)
3. Brothers  ($9.7 M)
4. A Christmas Carol  ($7.5 M)
5. Old Dogs  ($6.9 M)
6. 2012  ($6.6 M)
7. Armored  ($6.6 M)
8. Ninja Assassin  ($5 M)
9. Planet 51  ($4.3 M)
10. Everybody’s Fine  ($4 M)

The Oscar race is starting to heat up and this upcoming weekend is no exception. With limited releases of A Single Man, The Lovely Bones and the wide release of Invictus happening, the hopeful nominees are ready for battle.

So much is made in the sports world when a star player commits a crime, that we immediately look at his background on where he came from and who he is. It’s unfair, and a stereotype. It’s so easy to say generalized things about them due to home life, their friends, and yes, because of their race. We’re still that country, whether it is wrong or right, and even in a post-elected Obama era, it is still just the way it is. Oher certainly came from a horrendous upbringing, but strangely this didn’t lead to a violent adolescent. Instead, he became very quite, sweet young man, even though he only had the shirt on his back and nowhere to go.

Newcomer Quinton Aaron perfectly captures Michael Oher, although at first it seems like his a “deer-caught-in-the-headlights” approach is just him being green. Throughout the film, layers start to peel back, revealing a sincere performance. Lots of early buzz has been on Sandra Bullock, and for a lot of people that seems odd. I wouldn’t say she’s “slumming for an Oscar”, but she really is good, and hopefully, this performance will lead to more weightier roles, instead of a Miss Congeniality 3.  Pairing these two performances together, makes the film shine, despite every attempt of director John Lee Hancock to go the glossy, manipulative route of that Hollywood “feel good movie” archetype. He does at times, and that’s where the film suffers. But for every moment like that, the film realigns due to the sincerity of the actors, and Oher’s real story.

You can’t fake genuine. It’s either there or it isn’t, and despite The Blind Side‘s glossy, mainstream approach, Oher’s story will bring anyone to a tear. It’s a real success story, something that should be championed, especially with the recent bits of boneheaded play from coaches and players off-field in the NFL. The Blind Side does fly over some potential to spotlight some of the nastier elements within the story like stereotypes and underlining racism the Tuohy family, as well as, Michael faced. It doesn’t get into the nature of how being an offensive lineman has changed, which was the thesis of the book. These elements undermine a few scenes, namely the opening monologue. Showcasing when Lawrence Taylor broke Joe Theimann’s leg, and then saying how that one play changed the nature of blocking and pass protection in the NFL, we never get a real why. Michael Oher’s story is one we should keep in mind, the next time we want to judge someone. Just because your past was rough and bad, doesn’t automatically condemn a person. A good person, is a good person, where they’re lending a helping hand, or needing a helping hand. If you can get passed the parts of the film that pander to the mainstream, for the sake of accessibility, then you’ll find a solid holiday film.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The unfortunate part is for the surprisingly hilarious and light hearted comedy Pirate Radio, barely able to make $2.8 Million through it’s opening weekend. Precious continues to show what the power of Oprah’s voice can do with it’s wider release as it makes a cool $6 Million. Paranormal Activity proves that it’s not going anywhere as it passes the $100 Million mark, completely proving that a good idea can keep a movie afloat better than star power. Here’s the rest of the list, provided by Box Office Mojo, right below.:

Weekend Box Office (November 13-15)

1. 2012  ($65 M)
2. A Christmas Carol  ($22.3 M)
3. The Men Who Stare at Goats  ($6.2 M)
4. Precious  ($6 M)
5. Michael Jackson’s This Is It  ($5.1 M)
6. The Fourth Kind  ($4.7 M)
7. Couples Retreat  ($4.25 M)
8. Paranormal Activity  ($4.2 M)
9. Law Abiding Citizen  ($3.9 M)
10. The Box  ($3.1 M)

Turkey time is drawing near, and what better way to start stuffing your movie palate than with The Blind Side, Planet 51 or every other teenage girl’s most anticipated movie with Twilight Saga: New Moon.