ZOOTOPIA prevails once again at the Box Office, holding the top spot for a third consecutive week for Disney. Despite a stiff challenge from THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT, it hangs-on with $38.4 million from 3,959 theatres.  Domestically, it just surprassed the $200-million-mark.

ALLEGIANT opens in second for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films with $29.4 million from 3,740 theatres, unable to match the $54 million debut of its first installment back in 2014. Critics were harsh giving it a 10% on the Tomatometer, but as expected Audiences were much easier on it with a B CinemaScore.

Faith Drama MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN opens in third with $12.4 million for Sony Pictures, from 3,047 theatres. Audiences gave it a superb A+ CinemaScore, while Critics gave it a passable 51% on the Tomatometer. The Film stars Jennifer Garner.

10 CLOVERFIELD LANE continues to perform respectably in fourth with $12.2 million in its second week out for Paramount Pictures. with $12.4 million. In two weeks it has earned $45 million.

DEADPOOL is a stalwart fifth with $8.1 million for 20th Century Fox, now in its sixth week out.

LONDON HAS FALLEN is sixth with $6.6 million for VVS Films/Focus Features with $49 million grossed in three weeks in North America.

THE REVENANT in its 13th week of release rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.2 million for 20th Century Fox.

Disney makes a victorious debut with latest Animated Feature ZOOTOPIA, earning $73 million from 3,827 theatres this weekend. Voiced by the likes of Kristen Bell, Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, it receives unanimous praise from Critics and Audiences alike with 98% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore. This sets an all-time record for best original non-Pixar/Disney original Film, besting 2013’s Frozen which debuted with $67 million.

Debuting a respectable second with $21 million is LONDON HAS FALLEN with $21 million from 3,490 theatres for VVS Films/Focus Features. The follow-up to Olympus Has Fallen gets a 26% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences adored it with an A- CinemaScore, giving it legs to run on in coming weeks as word of mouth spreads. This however doesn’t best Olympus‘ $30-million opening in 2013 en route to $160 million worldwide.

DEADPOOL slips to third spot this weekend with $16.8 million for 20th Century Fox, now in its fourth week out. Already it has surpassed $311 million domestically.

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT debuts in fourth with $7.3 million for Paramount Pictures from 2,374 theatres. Based on the Memoir by Kim Baker, it stars Tina Fey and Margot Robbie, garnering a passing 61% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

GODS OF EGYPT in its second week out lands in fifth with $4.7 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films, a second Film for Gerard Butler in the Top Ten this week alongside LONDON HAS FALLEN. Egypt has grossed $22.6 million in its North American run so far.

THE REVENANT gets a boost from its Oscars exposure last weekend, in seventh with $3.6 million for 20th Century Fox, now impressively in its 11th week out. It has made $176 million thus far in these parts.

THE WITCH rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.4 million for Elevation Pictures/A24 Films in its third week out, just surpassing the $20-million mark.

For a third consecutive week, DEADPOOL dominates the Box Office in North America.  Bringing-in $31 million from 3,856 theatres for 20th Century Fox this weekend, the foul-mouthed Action Hero earns $285 million thus far in its run.

GODS OF EGYPT starring Gerard Butler debuts in second with $13 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films from 3,117 theatres. It earns 13% on the Tomatometer from Critics, with a B- CinemaScore from Audiences.

KUNG FU PANDA 3 in its fifth week out earns $8.7 million, bringing it domestic run to $128 million for 20th Century Fox.

RISEN places fourth with $7.1 million for Sony Pictures from 2,915 theatres, in its second week out tallying $22 million for the Biblical Drama.

TRIPLE 9 debuts in fifth with $6 million from 2,205 theatres for Open Road Films/Elevation Pictures. Critics gave it a mixed 54% on the Tomatometer and a C+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

Sports Drama EDDIE THE EAGLE opens in sixth with $5.8 million from 2,042 theatres for 20th Century Fox. Critics gave it a positive 73% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an A CinemaScore, which indicates positive word of mouth potential.

THE REVENANT rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.6 million for 20th Century Fox in its tenth week out. It has made over $170 million in North America.

KUNG FU PANDA 3 continues its winning legacy, topping the Box Office in its debut this weekend across theatres in North America. It earns $41 million from 3,955 theatres for 20th Century Fox. Despite being the Franchise’s lowest debut to date with a $47 million opening 2012 and a $60 million opening in 2008, it continues to be a highly-bankable venture with Critics praising it with a 79% on the Tomatometer and Audiences feeling the same with an A CinemaScore.

THE REVENANT after topping the Box Office last weekend slips to second spot with $11 million also for 20th Century Fox. It has made $137 million domestically thus far in six weeks.

THE FINEST HOURS opens in third for Disney with $9.7 million from 3,143 theatres.  Critics gave the Craig Gillespie (Lars & The Real Girl) Film 59% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a decent A- CinemaScore giving it some hope for success in coming weeks as word of mouth spreads.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is in fourth this weekend with $9 million, now in its seventh week out. By this time next week it will have surpassed the $900-million-mark for Disney.

DIRTY GRANDPA is in seventh in its second week out with $6.8 million for VVS Films/Lionsgate Films, surpassing the $20-million-mark.

FIFTY SHADES OF BLACK, a parody of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, opens in ninth for Open Road Films/D Films, with $5.9 million from 2,075 theatres.  Critics gave it 13% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a CinemaScore.

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI rounds-out the Top Ten with $5.8 million for Paramount Pictures, from 2,803 theatres. It is nearing the $50-million-mark.

Extreme weather couldn’t stop THE REVENANT from climbing to the top of the Box Office this weekend. In its fifth week out, it dominates with $15 million from 3,711 theatres across North America for 20th Century Fox.  Thus far, the Oscar Contender has grossed $119 million domestically.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS also stays in second spot again this weekend with $13 million for Disney from 3,822 theatres. By this time next week it will have surpassed the $900-million-mark in North America.

RIDE ALONG 2 slips to third spot this weekend with $11.7 million for Universal Pictures after a debut at number one last weekend. In two weeks it has made $57.9 million in these parts.

DIRTY GRANDPA debuts in fourth spot with $11 million from 2,912 theatres for VVS Films/Liosngate Films. Rotten Tomatoes pegs it at a paltry 8% on the Tomatometer, with Audiences giving it a much better B CinemaScore.

THE BOY opens in fifth spot with $10 million for eOne Films/STX from 2,671 theatres.  The Horror gets a B- CinemaScore and a 27% score on the Tomatometer.

THE 5TH WAVE opens in sixth with $9.6 million for Sony Pictures from 2,908 theatres. Starring Chloë Moretz, the Action/Adventure gets a B- CinemaScore and 19% on the Tomatometer.

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI has a solid second week out despite the weather, earning $9.4 million in its second week out for Paramount Pictures.  In two weeks it has grossed $32 million. Despite being perceived as a disappointment at the Box Office it actually is on its way to recouping its $50-million production cost.

THE BIG SHORT earns $3 million now in its seventh week, rounding-out the Top Ten.  The Best Picture Contender has made $56.3 million thus far in its domestic run.

Following the #1-debuting success of its predecessor, RIDE ALONG 2 opens on-top this weekend.  Playing at 3,175 theatres for Universal Pictures, the Kevin Hart and Ice Cube-starring Comedy earns $34.1 million.  By comparison, Ride Along opened with $41 million in 2014. Critics gave it 15% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences enjoyed it with a B+ CinemaScore.

THE REVENANT after giving STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS a run for its money last weekend, settles for second spot with $31.4 million for 20th Century Fox, benefiting from a boost as it led both the Golden Globes last Sunday and Oscar nominations announced Thursday. It should cross the $100-million-mark by early this week domestically.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS lands in third this weekend with $24 million for Disney. It has made $860 million over five weeks in North America.

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI, the latest from Michael Bay, opens in fourth with $16 million for Paramount Pictures. It pays at 2,839 theatres and gets a A CinemaScore, which undoubtedly will help in terms of word of mouth. Critics also gave it a passing 60% on the Tomatometer.

Animated Feature NORM OF THE NORTH opens in sixth for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films with$6.4 million.  Critics gave it a rare 0% on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a  far more forgiving B- CinemaScore.

SISTERS continues to perform consistently well in ninth spot with $4.4 million for Universal Pictures.  In five weeks it has just surpassed the $80 million-mark.

THE HATEFUL EIGHT rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.4 million for eOne Films/The Weinstein Co. In four weeks it is about to cross the $50 million-mark.

The 73rd annual GOLDEN GLOBE Awards took place tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  After a strong performance at the Box Office this weekend in North America, partly Canadian-made (Calgary, British Columbia) THE REVENANT would dominate the Awards, winning Motion Picture Drama.  It also received recognition with victories for Director, Motion Picture by Alejandro González Iñárritu and also its star Leonardo DiCaprio taking Actor, Motion Picture Drama.

THE MARTIAN, which had a Premiere at TIFF ’15 this past September in Toronto, also was a big winner tonight. In addition to a win for Motion Picture Comedy (which had many baffled about its categorization), also saw its star Matt Damon win for Actor, Motion Picture Comedy.  The Star soon will be in Toronto to film Downsizing this spring.

MR. ROBOT was awarded two Golden Globes tonight for TV Series Drama and Supporting Actor – TV Series, a well-deserved win for veteran Christian Slater.  

MOZART IN THE JUNGLE likewise would win TV Series Comedy and Star Gael Garcia Bernal, Actor – TV Series Comedy.

Jennifer Lawrence won her third (in the past four years) Golden Globe tonight for Actress, Motion Picture Comedy, for her portrayal of Miracle Mop creator Joy Mangano in JOY.  In the Drama category, Brie Larson would win Actress, Motion Picture Drama for her work in Toronto-made ROOM.

Kate Winslet won her fourth Golden Globe tonight in the Supporting Actress, Motion Picture category for her work in STEVE JOBS.  Film industry icon Sylvester Stallone also would receive a long-overdue Golden Globe for his work in CREED, the latest in the storied Rocky franchise.  The star-studded audience would give him a standing ovation after a career which has spanned over 45 years.

Lady Gaga gave a big shock winning Best Actress in a Limited TV Series or Movie for AMERICAN HORROR STORY: HOTEL.  “I wanted to be an actress before a singer, but music came to me first”, she told the audience, comparing the feeling of winning to being Cher in Moonstruck.

Taraji P. Henson caused quite a stir after winning Actress in a TV Series Drama, EMPIRE.  Her outspoken character Cookie Lyons came out a bit as she was rushed along to finish her acceptance speech quickly.  “I’ve waited 20 years for this – you gonna have to wait”, she replied.  After arriving on-stage, she also told someone to step off the train on her dress.

Receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award was Denzel Washington, who appeared on-stage with his family and despite needing his reading glasses, refused them.

Classic Hollywood looks would prevail on the Red Carpet tonight, with Actresses opting for elegance.  Favourite looks included a custom gold Calvin Klein dress on Brie Larson, Jennifer Lawrence in a hip and back-revealing red Dior piece, Amy Adams in a blood-orange Versace number and Lady Gaga channeling Marilyn Monroe in a black Versace dress also.  Cate Blanchett and Co-Star Rooney Mara delivered a bit more edge with tassels and lace in Givenchy and Alexander McQueen respectively.

As for the gents, Ryan Gosling would reign king in a sharp white Ralph Lauren tuxedo outshining his ultra-famous The Big Short Co-Star Brad Pitt.  Rami Malek, star of Mr. Robot also looked perfect in a Dior suit.

 Click here to see the complete list of Winners!

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

It took four weeks for it to happen, but we finally have an opponent that gave STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS a run for its money. Barely.  STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS made $41.4 million this weekend for Disney, from 4,134 theatres, continuing to shatter  a litany of records.  By Sunday, it crossed $800 million in only four weeks domestically.

THE REVENANT has stamped itself an Oscar contender long before its release this weekend, with star Leonardo DiCaprio making this his most likely in a celebrated career to win the coveted award.   It expands to 3,375 theatres this weekend for 20th Century Fox and earns $38 million plus a Golden Globe for Motion Picture Drama. Audiences gave it a B+ CinemaScore and Critics give it a solid 81% on the Tomatometer – not quite the critical sweep some were expecting.

In third is consistent DADDY’S HOME with $15 million for Paramount Pictures, from 3,483 theatres. Thus far it has made $115 million in four weeks.

THE FOREST is in fourth in its debut this weekend with $13.1 million for Universal Pictures from 2,451 theatres. The Horror starring Natalie Dormer and Taylor Kinney, gets a C CinemaScore from Audiences and 13% from Critics on the Tomatometer.

SISTERS is in fifth spot with $7 million for Universal Pictures, now in its fourth week out.  It has just surpassed the $70 million-mark, a great feat considering it was made for $30 million.  Many had their doubts about its Holiday release, but this clearly has been a bankable venture.

THE HATEFUL EIGHT is in sixth with $6.4 million in its third week out from 2,938 theatres.  It has just surpassed the $40 million-mark in three weeks out for eOne Films/The Weinstein Co.

THE BIG SHORT is in seventh with $6.3 million for Paramount Pictures, now earning $42.6 million in five weeks.  It now plays at 2,529 theatres.

JOY is in eighth with $4.6 million in its third week out for 20th Century Fox.  Earning $46 million in three weeks, it is on its way to recouping back its $60 million budget.

CONCUSSION rounds-out the Top Ten with $3 million for Sony Pictures.  It has made just over $30 million in three weeks.

We wanted so bad for this to be at TIFF ’15, but alas The Revenant has a plan of its own and this brand-new Trailer solidifies its status as a real Awards Season contender. The bear attack. That is all.

This Film was the reason Tom Hardy couldn’t come film Suicide Squad here this Summer… so it better be good!

Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).

See the Trailer:

20th Century Fox Canada release THE REVENANT this Christmas.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)

From the Director who brought us Academy Award Best Picture Winner BIRDMAN, comes THE REVENANT.

Synopsis:

Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award-winner Alejandro González Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).

See the Trailer:

Oscar$!!? TIFF ’15?!?

20th Century Fox release THE REVENANT Friday, January 8, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)