FILM/ BIG BOX OFFICE RETURNS CONTINUE: A number of films hit milestones this weekend in the US, including Universal’s "Fast Five," which became the 1st film of 2011 to cross the $200 million mark domestically. The action film’s cumulative box office through today was an estimated $202 million. Meanwhile, 2 other films jumped the $100 million mark; Universal’s sleeper hit "Bridesmaids" and DreamWorks Animation and Paramount’s "Kung Fu Panda 2". In addition, Disney’s "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" sped towards the $800 million mark, ending the weekend with a worldwide total of $790.7 million. Twentieth Century Fox’s prequel "X-Men: First Class" was the #1 film in the US this weekend with an estimated $56 million made at the box office. Coming in at #2 is Warner Bros.’ "The Hangover Part II". In its 2nd weekend, the film's take fell 62% to an estimated $32.4 million for a total $186.9 million in receipts. And finally, 2 films in limited release are showing strong returns. "Midnight in Paris," which placed #8 for the weekend, although its playing in only 147 theaters. The Woody Allen film grossed $2.9 million for a stellar location average of $19,838 and cumulative total of $6.9 million. The best picture winner at Cannes, "The Tree of Life" from Terrence Malick, saw strong numbers as it expanded to 20 theaters in top markets. The film grossed $620,772 for a location average of $31,030 and 10 day total of $1.3 million.
The UK music charts remain calm this week, as both Lady Gaga and Pitbull continue to occupy the penthouse on the album and singles charts. Gaga's "Born This Way" spends at 2nd week on top as Adele's massive "21" holds tight at #2 and her "19" remains at #3. There are 4 new entries in the top 20 of the album chart with "You and I" by The Pierces leading the way at #4. Seasick Steve's "You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks" is new at #6, Status Quo's "Quid Pro Quo" slides in at #10 and Black Stone Cherry enters at #13 with "Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea". On the singles chart, Pitbull's "Give Me Everything," which features Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer, logs its 3rd week on top, while "I Need A Dollar" by Aloe Blacc continues its slow ride up the chart, moving up 1 spot to #2. "Dollar" is in its 12th week on the chart. There is only 1 new entry in the top 20 of the singles chart and that belongs to "What A Feeling" by Alex Gaudino and Kelly Rowland, which debuts at #6.
"The Book of Mormon: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical" by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone has just been released. According to reviews, the play script is "highly readable and extremely funny". One review said: "Notable are any number of jokes you might miss in the theatre; it is impossible to keep up with the dialogue and lyrics when so much is buried in laughter". Included in the book is a forward by Mark Harris; a collective author's introduction from Parker, Lopez and Stone; and a 9 page selection of quotes from the first-night critics. The text is printed in 3 colors, with parts of the dialogue highlighted in extra-large type. Numerous color photos from the Broadway production are also included. And not just production shots, but props and set pieces as well, such as close-ups of the texting machine, the magical frog, a light switch with which to "Turn It Off," and more. The release of the play script was timed to coincide with the 2011 Tony Awards, which will be held next Sunday evening.
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