Box Office: 'Dark Knight' slashes 'Mummy'

By Franck Tabouring

Weekend of August 1 – August 3, 2008

“The Dark Knight” managed to fend off “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” at the North American box office with a weekend gross of $43.8 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

“Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” debuted in second place with $42.4 million, which is a little less than the $43.3 million opening weekend gross of “The Mummy” in 1999. Directed by Rob Cohen, the third installment in the franchise follows Brendan Fraser on his quest to take down China’s ruthless Han Emperor (played by Jet Li).

Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” continued its reign over the box office, lifting its domestic total to an impressive $394.8 million after only three weeks in release. Starring Christian Bale, the film follows Batman’s struggled to protect Gotham City from the madness of the Joker (Heath Ledger).  

Sony’s “Step Brothers” slipped to No. 3 this weekend, collecting $16.3 million and brining its total haul to $62.9 million after a two-week run. Directed by Adam McKay and produced by Judd Apatow, the film stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two spoiled men who become competitive stepbrothers after their single parents decide to get married.

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‘The Dark Knight’ still rules overseas box office

“The Dark Knight” is the king of the world! Christopher Nolan’s popular follow-up to “Batman Begins” topped the international box office this weekend with a stunning $65.6 million in 51 territories, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

While Batman lifted its domestic gross to $314.2 million this weekend, its overseas total currently stands at $126.3 million. That’s a worldwide cumulative of $440.5 million after only two weeks in release.

At No. 2, Will Smith’s action spectacle “Hancock” collected $19.2 million in 71 markets, reaching a total international haul of $294.6 million. Following closely in third place was “Kung Fu Panda” with $17.8 million in 59 markets.

Meanwhile, Universal’s “Mamma Mia!” took home $17.5 million and brought its overseas total to $111.7 million. Opening in only 22 markets, Chris Carter’s “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” earned $9.3 million.
 
Other results from the international box office: “WALL-E” scored $8.9 million ($70.1 million total), “Journey to the Center of the Earth” earned $6.7 million, and “Wanted” snatched $6.2 million.

Review: “The X-Files: I Want to Believe”

Seen on: July 27, 2008

The players: Director: Chris Carter, Writers: Chris Carter, Frank Spotnitz, Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Xzibit , Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly

Facts of interest: Includes several references to key episodes of the TV series.

The plot: Mulder and Scully try to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances of an FBI agent.

Our quick thoughts: As a diehard fan of the series, I really wanted to believe in Chris Carter’s “The X-Files: I Want to Believe,” but as it turns out, my hopes and excitement quickly got shattered. I actually never thought I’d say this, but for the first time ever, I felt really angry and bored watching Mulder and Scully tackle yet another case involving supernatural phenomena.  

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'The X-Files: I Want to Believe' web reviews

I won't be seeing Chris Carter's "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" until tomorrow (review will follow tomorrow evening), but as a diehard fan of the TV series, I have to admit I'm pretty excited about this big-screen reunion of Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson). Let's take a quick look at what online critics have to say about this new mystery adventure:

• Joblo's Chris Bumray: "In many ways- this film is like an early, feature length episode from the days before the show became centered around an extremely complicated mythology."

• Scott Gwin at CinemaBlend: "Given the flatness of the plot and the blandness of the characters, I’m left wondering what on earth drew Duchovny and Anderson back for this pointless sequel."

• LatinoReview's Ron Henriques: "There have been some pretty lame episodes of the X-Files, but they pale in comparison to what a lazy piece of writing this film is."

• James Rocchi at Cinematical: "Duchovny, as Mulder, is fairly wasted -- or, rather, not given much room to move in the constraints of the plot."

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