Box Office: ‘Max Payne’ defeats competition

By Franck Tabouring
Weekend of October 17 – 19, 2008

“Max Payne” topped the North American box office this weekend with $18 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Directed by John Moore, the PG-13 rated film based on the popular video game easily dominated its competition by gaining an early lead Friday. Starring Mark Wahlberg, the film follows a grieving detective who has made it his mission to avenge those responsible for his family’s murders.

Still going strong at No. 2 was last week’s box office champion “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” which collected $11.2 million to bring its domestic total to $69 million after three weeks in theaters. Walt Disney’s family adventure directed by Raja Gosnell centers on a spoiled dog ending up astray in the middle of Mexico.

Debuting in third place with $11 million this weekend was Gina Prince-Bythewood’s adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees,” the dramatic story of a young girl finding new hope and love inside the house of an African-American family of beekeepers. Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys star.

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‘Max Payne’ dominates Friday box office

“Max Payne” delivered a strong performance at the North American box office Friday with $7.1 million at the No. 1 spot.

The John Moore-directed adaptation of the popular video game had the widest release at 3,376 locations this weekend, gaining an early lead in what could transform into a solid three-day gross Sunday.

Debuting in second place with $3.8 million was Oliver Stone’s “W.,” which chronicles the life and career of George W. Bush. Following closely at No. 3 was “The Secret Life of Bees,” which collected $3.6 million in ticket sales.

Things didn’t work out that well for “Sex Drive,” the week’s fourth wide release. Sean Anders’ comedy about a loser who takes a road trip to meet his online girlfriend opened at No. 9 with only $1.3 million.

Meanwhile, “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” dropped to fourth place, earning $3 million and reaching a total haul of $60.9 million. At No. 5, “Eagle Eye” picked up $2.2 million to bring its domestic total to $76.2 million.

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

Review: "Sex Drive"

Seen on: October 17, 2008

The players: Director: Sean Anders, Writers: John Morris, Sean Anders, Cast: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden, Charlie McDermott

Facts of interest: Based on the book "All the Way" by Andy Behrens.

The plot: A loser who's never had a girlfriend before drives to Knoxville, Tenn. to hook up with a babe he met online.

Our thoughts: Sean Anders’ comedy “Sex Drive” is not as embarrassingly stupid as several other recent flicks of the same genre, but its conventional story line and dull characters prevent it from finding the road out of mediocrity. The movie is entertaining, sure, but its lack of originality causes great damage to what could have been a refreshing ride.

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'Sex Drive' web reviews

It's not the most original premise: a loser meets a babe online, poses as a cool guy, and decides to meet her in person although he doesn't know how to tell her the truth. Welcome to Sean Anders' comedy "Sex Drive," starring Josh Zuckerman, James Marsden, Seth Green, and others. I will post my review later on, but for now, let's check in with the Web's movie reviewers:

• Jimmy O at Joblo: "Sex Drive is not a bad movie, but it is a major case of déjà vu that just didn’t inspire guffaws."

• At Cinema Blend, Katey Rich: "So while 'Sex Drive' isn't original, creative or consistent, it's a step or two above average, and the pleasure lies in being surprised when the movie overcomes its own limits."

• Cinematical's William Goss: "And you'll know when Sex Drive gets into inevitable conflict territory, and not just because you've likely seen dozens of other similar and superior movies."

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Now playing: 10 minutes of 'Sex Drive'

If you haven't made up your mind yet whether to see Sean Anders' comedy "Sex Drive" this weekend, maybe this will help. MySpace TV just posted a 10-minute clip from the upcoming film, which kicks off its North American release tomorrow.

In the flick, Josh Zuckerman plays a loser who meets a babe online and decides to drive to Knoxville, Tenn. to meet her. Clark Duke, James Marsden and Seth Green co-star. If you like the genre of stupid comedies, this may be for you. Enjoy the footage just below.

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This week in theaters: 'Max Payne,' 'Sex Drive'

Here are the wide releases for Friday, Oct. 17, 2008: "Max Payne," "W." and "Sex Drive."

MAX PAYNE

Who's in it? Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Chris O'Donnell, Ludacris

What is it about? Max Payne is a maverick cop--a mythic anti-hero--determined to track down those responsible for the brutal murders of his family and partner. Hell-bent on revenge, his obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmare journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal. 

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Watch a new 'Sex Drive' red band clip

Based on what I've seen in the trailer and clips, Sean Anders' upcoming comedy "Sex Drive" really looks like crap. That said, I admit I have not seen the film yet, which is why I will definitely give it a chance. Anyway, here is a new red band clip from the film, which follows wannabe lover Ian (Josh Zuckerman) on a road trip to hook up with a chick he met online.

As you can see in the footage above, Ian likes to hump air and a punching bag. "Sex Drive" co-stars Seth Green and opens Oct. 17, 2008. Enjoy.

New ‘Sex Drive’ stills surface on web

Coming Soon scored several new stills from Sean Anders’ upcoming comedy “Sex Drive,” which focuses on an 18-year-old guy who embarks on a cross-country drive to hook up with a woman he’s met online. Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke and Seth Green star.

In the synopses I’ve read, main character Ian is apparently heading to Knoxville, our current home base. Whatever happens on his trip, I sure hope we won’t make it here. The trailer for “Sex Drive” promises nothing but a primitive comedy about a dufus trying to get laid.

Anyway, the flick hits Oct. 17, 2008. Click here to check out those new screenshots.