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    <title>Saw Movie News from RopeofSilicon.com</title>
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		<title>Who is the Greatest Horror Character Ever?</title>
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<div class="caption">
<b>(from left to right)</b> Hannibal Lecter, Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees and Alien<br>
<cite>Photo: 20th Century Fox, Dimension Films, Paramount Pictures</cite>
</div>
</div>
In the comment section on a recent post regarding Rob Zombie's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/h2-the-devil-walks-among-us"><i>Halloween 2</i></a>, RopeofSilicon reader Chris C. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/entertainment-tonights-halloween-2-sneak-peek#comment-16189">said</a> Michael Myers was, for him, "the greatest horror character ever created." That got me to thinking, <strong>"Who is the Greatest Horror Character Ever?"</strong>
<p>
There certainly aren't a lack of them depending on where you look and many of the all-time favs are coming back as we just saw the rebirth of Jason Voorhees in <i>Friday the 13th</i>, Michael returned in Zombie's <i>Halloween</i>, Leatherface has already come back in two new <i>Texas Chainsaw Massacre</i> films and now Freddy Krueger is coming back with Jackie Earle Haley stepping into the sweater for an all-new <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/nightmare-on-elm-street"><i>A Nightmare on Elm Street</i></a>.
<p>
Norman Bates saw his own <i>Psycho</i> remake, there were four Alien specific films and two <i>Alien vs. Predator</i> features, <i>Jaws</i> had three sequels, Chucky saw his share of multiple <i>Child's Play</i> movies, Hannibal Lecter cooked Ray Liotta's brain in <i>Hannibal</i>, Pinhead saw his share of <i>Hellraiser</i>s, Jack Torrance had one hell of a debut in <i>The Shining</i>, Damien Thorn returned in a remake of <i>The Omen</i> and Jigsaw just won't go away in the <i>Saw</i> series. And these were just the group I picked off the top of my head. I considered throwing Tangina (<i>Poltergeist</i>) on the list as well, but you have to stop somewhere to allow for you, the reader, to also add some names to the conversation since I am sure this list of 13 (ooh scary!) doesn't include everyone's favorite.
<p>
So, vote below and if I left your favorite out, or perhaps even a name you think should be part of the conversation, add it to the comments below.
<p>
[poll id = '57']]]></description>
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		<title>DVD Review: Saw V (Unrated Director's Cut)</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/dvd-review-saw-v-unrated-director-s-cut</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/dvds/s/saw5.jpg" align="right" style="padding:0 0 10px 10px;">Having sat through all of the <i>Saw</i> sequels, I am happy to say <i>Saw V</i> is arguably the best one I've seen. That's faint praise, however, because I still think it is pretty darn pointless and not really worth the time to sit through; I just mean the doing so didn't pain me near as much enduring <i>II</i>, <i>III</i> and especially <i>IV</i> did. 
<p>
As expected, this one picks up where the last one ended at which time it was revealed Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) was indeed one of the late Jigsaw's (Tobin Bell) disciples and was continuing his torturous "education" process for those who've done wrongs during their lifetimes. FBI Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson), a survivor of one of the unidentified killer's traps, sets out to prove his fellow partner in law enforcement isn't everything he appears to be, going against orders to bet on a hunch no one else suspects. 
<p>
If anything, the main plotline is tiredly routine, more like an episode of "C.S.I." than an entry in this bizarrely popular series. I didn't care about Strahm, didn't give a darn about seeing flashbacks (sometimes even flashbacks within flashbacks) of the previous films showing how Hoffman fell under Jigsaw's spell and I certainly wasn't remotely interested in whether or not the FBI agent would catch the detective doing harm before falling victim to one of his macabre devices. 
<p>
What did interest me was the game being played about five selfish, and on the surface entirely unconnected, individuals. They're sent through a gruesome series of tasks forcing them to reveal who they are (and how they relate to the others around them) and compelling them to go against their inner natures and show trust to someone other than themselves. It's a nifty little mousetrap, and while I kind of had the gag pegged by the second room I can't help but admit I was still a wee bit impressed. 
<p>
But that portion takes up maybe, and that's a <i>big</i> maybe, 30 minutes of the picture's 96-minute running time. The rest is filled with nothing more than pointless schlock boring me half to death. At this point all these Rube Goldberg-like mechanisms of death and dismemberment are all starting to blend, one into the other, and while they still have a tiny bit of shock value it isn't enough to mask the fact this series is seriously running on empty. 
<p>
Lionsgate's DVD of <i>Saw V</i> presents the film in its original 1.78:1 Widescreen aspect ratio. It also boasts special featurettes on the traps the on-trial quintet endure, each room getting its own making-of piece that's a must-watch for budding makeup and prosthetic effects artists looking to break into the horror industry. They're nothing we haven't seen before, though, and much like the majority of the film itself at this point the fun in learning how they bring these bloody tricks to life is pretty much gone.
<p>
The disc also features two audio commentaries, one with director David Hackl (tackling his first <i>Saw</i> as the head-man after working on the past four as production designer) and first assistant director Steve Webb. The second is with some of the sequel's producers. These are really only necessary if you're a die hard fan, and I only listened to the one with the directors (lots of gaps in their conversation, very technical at times, yet still not without its merits here and there) and skipped the other entirely; I just couldn't sit through the film for a third time. 
<p>
The box art also proclaims this to be the Unrated Director's Cut, but what the differences are from the theatrical version to this DVD you're guess is as good as mine. Lionsgate didn't bother to screen this for critics when it was released back in October so I can't tell you what's been added. What I will say is the film ran about four-minutes shorter in its R-rated version, so the differences -- whatever they may be -- can't be all that extreme one way or the other. 
<p>
There is a <i>Saw VI</i> coming out this October so even though they killed off the main bad guy back in the third one I don't see the studio axing their gruesome cash cow from the production schedule anytime soon. Personally I've been over and done with these since that idiotic second one, but if Lionsgate really is inclined to make sequel after sequel they could certainly do a heck of a lot worse (which they have) than this. Again, that's not a recommendation, it's my personal opinion; whether you take it or leave is entirely up to you.
<p>
<div class="getdvdreview"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/dvd/saw-v-unrated-director-s-cut/"><i>Get more info on this title here!</i></a></div>
<p>
<div style="font-size:10px; text-transform:uppercase; text-align:center;">Stay up to date with everything Home Video related from reviews, release dates and newly announced DVDs and Blu-ray Discs in the <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/dvds/">RopeofSilicon Home Video Central</a>.</div>]]></description>
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		<title>Box-Office Wrap-Up: Nov. 14 - Nov. 16, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box-office-wrap-up-nov-14-nov-16-2008</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div style="padding:8px;">Kudos to <i>Quantum</i>, it hit that $70m. I think this proves you can name your movie anything, so long as you have marketing behind it.</div>
<div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>2</u> Weeks In A Row</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/quantum_of_solace"><i>Quantum of Solace</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I ended up being way low here, but this one did about 85% more business on opening weekend than <i>Casino Royale</i>. So then, if <i>Casino</i> made $600m does that mean this is headed for $1.2 billion? Man, that would be a crazy number. I'm still betting against that.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 70.4 million <strong>(My rank: #1, $16.9m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/madagascar_escape_2_africa"><i>Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">A much better prediction. It fell 42.7%. So I was a few points off, I'm still giving myself high marks.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 36.1 million <strong>(My rank: #2, $1.3m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/role_models"><i>Role Models</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">The beat goes on. Paul Rudd had a nice SNL appearance, the parts I saw at least. I fell asleep midway through. However, I've heard the special guest appearance by Justin Timberlake was big fun.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 11.7 million <strong>(My rank: #3, $1m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Four for four. Getting stronger! <i>HSM3</i> has made $194m on a reported budget of $11m. Damn. That means they can pay Efron $10m for the next one and still bank bigtime. Life is good for Disney.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 5.8 million <strong>(My rank: #4, $0.3m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This, on the other hand, has made $27m on a budget of $55m. Unless they hit Oscar gold this will be considered a failure. Sorry Clint!</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 4.2 million <strong>(My rank: #5, $1m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/zack_and_miri_make_a_porno"><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">It looks as though I nailed the first eight and then slipped on the bottom two. We've figured out there are exactly four million Kevin Smith fans. His films make about $30m each and every time. Strange.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 3.2 million <strong>(My rank: #6, $.2m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/soul_men"><i>Soul Men</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">At what point do we take the checkbook away from The Weinstein Company? For their own good I'm saying.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 2.4 million <strong>(My rank: #7, $.3m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I have a friend who was making a girl's night out of this. I wasn't invited.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 2.4 million <strong>(My rank: #8, $0.1m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This is going to make far less than II, III, or IV. But VI and VII are already scheduled so it doesn't matter too much.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 1.7 million <strong>(My rank: #10, $.4m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/haunting_of_molly_hartley"><i>The Haunting of Molly Hartley</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Looks like this one is going to crack the top 3000 of All Time! Huge accomplishment fellas, pass the bubbly.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 1.6 million <strong>(My rank: Not Ranked)</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="padding:12px; text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/box_office/news_and_results/">GET MORE BOX-OFFICE INFO HERE</a></div>]]></description>
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		<title>Box-Office Oracle: Nov. 14 - Nov. 16, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box-office-oracle-nov-14-nov-16-2008</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div></div><div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>1</u> Weeks in a Row</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/quantum_of_solace"><i>Quantum of Solace</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This title has a ton going for it. No competition, and it's coming off the success of <i>Casino Royale</i>. Plus it's shorter, meaning at least one more screening per theater. Still, I can't get past the fact that <i>Casino</i> opened at $10k per theater. So the most I can grant this one is $15.5k per. If it beats me so be it.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $53.5 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/madagascar_escape_2_africa"><i>Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Seriously, what's up? Where are all the fawning odes to Dreamworks? Those guys make money better than anyone in the animation biz.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $34.8 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/role_models"><i>Role Models</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">The production budget was in the $28m range so they've got to be pleased so far. Look for that President's day unrated <i>Role Models</i> DVD in February.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $10.7 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This weekend is all about the haves and the have-nots. Bond and <i>Madagascar</i> have. The next seven titles have not.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $5.5 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I bet the budget for hats on this movie was $20k. You should SEE the little numbers Jolie is sporting. Not cheap.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $5.2 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/zack_and_miri_make_a_porno"><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I'm calling out Vic from Screenrant right here, right now. You made <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/kevin_smith_is_a_sad_panda_with_zack_and_miri_failing_big_while_hsm_3_takes_box_office_1_20081101/">some comments on this flick last week</a> and didn't stick around for the debate that followed. Your reasoning on <i>Miri</i> was interesting but ultimately meaningless as you didn't continue the conversation. Brad and I argue enough... join the fray.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.4 million</div>
</div>


<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/soul_men"><i>Soul Men</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">If you can't capitalize on the death of your star then what's left? Sad stuff.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $2.7 million</div>
</div>


<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Now that I've called someone out in Oracle I find myself at a loss on what to do next. Besides, talking about a film that makes $2m is pointless.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $2.5 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/eagle_eye"><i>Eagle Eye</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Oooh, I know what I can do. Community service. See <i>Slumdog Millionaire</i> this weekend if you get a chance. Good film, deserving of some dollars and love.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $1.6 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Can't wait until the teaser trailer for <i>Saw VI</i> drops. That's gonna be pure mayhem!</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $1.3 million</div>
</div>
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		<title>Box-Office Wrap-Up: Nov. 7 - Nov. 9, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box-office-wrap-up-nov-7-nov-9-2008</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div style="padding:8px;">Whoa. It was the biggest box office weekend since August, when a little film called <i>Dark Knight</i> was on the prowl. Thus I say the economy is fixed. Whew. Glad that's all over.</div>
<div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>1</u> Week In A Row</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/madagascar_escape_2_africa"><i>Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Between this and <i>Kung Fu Panda</i> I'm not sure why there aren't more Pixar/Dreamworks debates. For instance, <i>Wall-E</i> made nearly$150m less than <i>Panda</i>. How come we're not calling them geniuses?</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 63.5 million <strong>(My rank: #1, $10.8m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/role_models"><i>Role Models</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Yep, the nation was ready for comedy. Give it a few more months and we'll be ready for real movies again.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 19.2 million <strong>(My rank: #2, $3.8m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Odd. This went from a 64% to a 39% drop in its third weekend. It will hit $170m worldwide on Mondy, not too shabby for renting out a high school and teaching some kids to sing.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 9.2 million <strong>(My rank: #4, $3.1m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I clearly underestimated how little anyone wanted to see <i>Soul Men</i>. I won't make that mistake again!</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 7.2 million <strong>(My rank: #5, $1.6m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/zack_and_miri_make_a_porno"><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This should end up squeaking past <i>Dogma</i> in the dollar category. So if you're in the marketing department you go with something like "The biggest Kevin Smith movie EVER!"</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 6.5 million <strong>(My rank: #6, $1.6m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/soul_men"><i>Soul Men</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Sucks that Bernie and Isaac had to go out like this. But Hollywood is nothing if not cruel.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 5.6 million <strong>(My rank: #3, $2.1m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Back on track! It looks as though this will pass the original <i>Saw</i> at the box office. But not the rest of them.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 4.2 million <strong>(My rank: #7, $0.8m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/haunting_of_molly_hartley"><i>The Haunting of Molly Hartley</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Just hit double digits. But it was also the 120th worst wide opening of all time. So I suppose you take the good with the bad.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 3.4 million <strong>(My rank: #10, $1.3m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Budget was $11m and it sits at $30m. Fox Searchlight gets it done again.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 3.1 million <strong>(My rank: #9, $0.3m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/eagle_eye"><i>Eagle Eye</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Looks as though <i>Chihuahua</i> fell out of the top ten and this slid in. This one sits at $162m worldwide, and for the record it's another Paramount Dreamworks vehice, like that film at the top slot. They are the alpha and the omega this weekend, bookends in another fine edition of Oracle. See you soon friends.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 2.5 million <strong>(My rank: Not Ranked)</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="padding:12px; text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/box_office/news_and_results/">GET MORE BOX-OFFICE INFO HERE</a></div>]]></description>
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		<title>Box-Office Oracle: Nov. 7 - Nov. 9, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box-office-oracle-nov-7-nov-9-2008_20081106</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div></div><div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>0</u> Weeks in a Row</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/madagascar_escape_2_africa"><i>Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This is set to bank. The 2005 version made a cool half a billion. And there hasn't been a real deal kid's film since <i>Chihuahua</i> five weeks ago.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $52.7 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/role_models"><i>Role Models</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I'm a little bullish here because I think the world needs a laugh. This weekend will also be an interesting litmus test on the state of economy. If it's another downer the folks at Summit and Sony will start sporting very sad faces.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $15.4 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/soul_men"><i>Soul Men</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Ouch. The trailer here looks dismal. I miss Bernie Mac though.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $7.7 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">On the other hand, the trailer here looks amazing. Plus they are releasing a sing-a-long version! Huzzah!</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $6.1 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I sort of have to admire this film. It's a period piece, it's about kidnapping, and imagery isn't particularly grabby. Yet it's made $12.5m. Not terrible given the scope.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $5.6 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/zack_and_miri_make_a_porno"><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">We got into a big argument about whether the word "porn" hurt <i>Zack and Miri</i>. But the main arguer didn't stick around. Reason #1,542 the internet commenting world sucks.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $4.9 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Think of how much they would have made if they screened it for critics! No, only kidding. One interesting note: $47m domestic and $16m worldwide. Ahh, but looking at the results for <i>Saw IV</i> it looks as though it releases later internationally. Whew. I was thinking we Americans were psychotic once again.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.4 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/beverly_hills_chihuahua"><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">$102m worldwide and climbing. The number four dog title of all-time, right behind <i>Scooby</i>, <i>101 Dalmatians</i> and something called <i>Cats and#038; Dogs</i>. That last one came out in 2001, but I don't recall it. Perhaps I blacked out that week. I used to do that a lot.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $2.8 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">What's the difference between this and an Oscar film? Only the release date friendo, only the release date.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $2.8 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/haunting_of_molly_hartley"><i>The Haunting of Molly Hartley</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">It's gonna drop like a stone. But there's not anything else out there to compete for the bottom slot. <i>RocknRolla</i>? Not enough theaters. Bummer.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $2.1 million</div>
</div>
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		<title>Box-Office Wrap-Up: Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box-office-wrap-up-oct-31-nov-2-2008_20081102</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div style="padding:8px;">It was a dismal box office weekend for a couple of reasons. First off, that Friday Halloween hurt Friday's numbers. Plus we only had two new wide releases. Add to that the fact that <i>HSM3</i> and <i>Saw V</i> were already likely to face huge dips in their second weekends and you have the full picture. I guess I should throw something in about people losing their homes/jobs too. That couldn't have helped.</div>
<div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>0</u> Weeks In A Row</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">From $42m to $15m. Mercy. But with a real Friday night it probably would have made $20m or so and not looked so awful. Still, it sucks to see this repeat.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 15.0 million <strong>(My rank: #2, $3.9m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/zack_and_miri_make_a_porno"><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I will take the bullet for overrating this. That's on me. But <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/kevin_smith_is_a_sad_panda_with_zack_and_miri_failing_big_while_hsm_3_takes_box_office_1_20081101/">Steve Mason's $6.9m number</a>, which was Friday night's box office take times three was completely silly. Once I saw Friday night's numbers I saw my error, all you had to do was look back to 2003 to see the pattern. Mason made the call after seeing Friday's numbers. So there are enough bullets to go around here.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 10.6 million <strong>(My rank: #1, $11.8m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Good pick, right? Thanks. I appreciate the support.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 10.1 million <strong>(My rank: #3, $1.1m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">If I were in charge of the world's box office stories I would make this the story because this number shocked me more than <i>Miri</i>. Evidently Jolie has a bigger fanbase than I originally thought. Yes, I know people like to look at pictures of her and I know she does well in action films. But this was a different beast. A different and boring beast. So I figured folks would stay away.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 9.4 million <strong>(My rank: #5, $2.9m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/haunting_of_molly_hartley"><i>The Haunting of Molly Hartley</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I think they have to feel pretty good about this number given they spent nothing on production or advertising. We should all do so well with such handicaps.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 6.0 million <strong>(My rank: #4, $.6m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/beverly_hills_chihuahua"><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Back on track! No, not really. Honestly I'm still smarting from not factoring in the Friday night factor. My only solace is that everyone else whiffed too.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 4.7 million <strong>(My rank: #6, $0.6m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Oh, a programming note. The reason Oracle has been coming late on Sunday is that my precious Fins play football right when the estimates are released. For 16 weeks a year my priorities are all out of whack. Luckily it's hard for me to get fired because I'm cheap.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 4.0 million <strong>(My rank: #8, $.4m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/max_payne"><i>Max Payne</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Didn't even have it ranked. You can't hold that against me - this film is putrid.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 3.7 million <strong>(My rank: Not Ranked)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/eagle_eye"><i>Eagle Eye</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Back on track! See, if you keep saying it eventually it's true. I do want to mention that Kevin Smith's second place finish was his highest directorial opening ever. The bad news is I don't see the box office tea leaves lining up so favorably again. He had Rogen, Banks, Porn... and he was against nothing. Good thing for him he rules on DVD.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 3.4 million <strong>(My rank: #9, $0.4m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/pride_and_glory"><i>Pride and Glory</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">So I caught that Bond film on Thursday. Very good film, worth the $8. That's an Oracle bonus for ya.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 3.2 million <strong>(My rank: #10, $0.2m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="padding:12px; text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/box_office/news_and_results/">GET MORE BOX-OFFICE INFO HERE</a></div>]]></description>
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		<title>Kevin Smith is a Sad Panda With 'Zack and Miri' Failing Big While 'HSM 3' Takes Box-Office #1</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/kevin_smith_is_a_sad_panda_with_zack_and_miri_failing_big_while_hsm_3_takes_box_office_1_20081101</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/nov/zmsadpanda.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
<cite>Photo: Weinstein Co. / Comedy Central</cite>
</div>
</div>
I will never understand comedy when it comes to movies. It is relatively easy to make someone laugh in casual conversation and even occasionally in print, but as far as movies it is a completely different beast and I think the expectation placed on Kevin Smith's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/zack_and_miri_make_a_porno"><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i></a> came in relation to the success of Judd Apatow style similar comedies as well as the hope/expectation that a Weinstein Co. film would actually do as well as expected. Our very own Oscar Oracle pegged <i>Zack and Miri</i> for a $22.4 million opening, which is certainly lofty, but it will prove to be more than two-times what the film looks to ultimately take for the weekend. Perhaps no one was interested in films and was out trick-or-treating, but even <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3</i></a>, which looks to take the top spot probably won't hit a double digit weekend number.
<p>
Coming in at #1 for Friday, however, is <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw V</i></a>, making hay on All Hallows Eve scoring an estimated $3.3 million tossing it's overall cume up to $39 million with an estimated #2 finish for the weekend at just north of $9 million.
<p>
Then comes <i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i> at #2 which brought in an estimated miserable $2.3 million on Friday night on its way to a meager $6.9 million weekend. The sad thing is the film is now projected to be beaten by not only <i>Saw V</i> and <i>High School Musical 3</i>, both in their second week, but even the very niche flick <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a> in its first wide weekend release. Is it the name Kevin Smith that didn't bring in the audiences? Even <i>Forgetting Sarah Marshall</i> brought in $17.7 million on its opening weekend and it had two dick shots, if not more. So what's the deal?
<p>
As I already mentioned, in its second weekend <i>High School Musical 3</i> brought in only $1.9 million on Friday night, but it is expected the film will take a major bump over the weekend as tweens forget about hording candy and get back to the theaters. The flick is expected to leap frog the competition and bring home $9.5 million for the weekend providing for a very tight race at the top between <i>HSM 3</i> and <i>Saw V</i>.
<p>
Coming in third on Friday and expected to end at third for the weekend is Clint Eastwood's Angelina Jolie child death story <i>Changeling</i> at $2.25 million on Friday and an anticipated $9 million for the weekend. This is a number I believe could be a bit blown out of proportion, but I understand the reasoning behind it as it is expected the blue hairs will head out to the theaters for Saturday and Sunday matinees and bolster the returns. We'll have to wait and see.
<p>
<a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/haunting_of_molly_hartley"><i>The Haunting of Molly Hartley</i></a> is our other new release for the weekend and it is my understanding it was hidden from critics and thus hardly promoted, which makes its $1.5 million on Friday and expected three-day total of $4.3 million all the more understandable. Studios need to realize that if they have a horror film showing critics the flick is to their benefit. It is free publicity even if it is negative publicity and perhaps your film will go from a #5 poo stain to a #1 or #2 Halloween hit. Wake up execs, it only makes sense.
<p>
Guy Ritchie's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/rocknrolla"><i>RocknRolla</i></a> went wide this weekend and will end low with a meager take of $500k for Friday and an expected $1.55 million for the weekend ultimately failing to make the top ten.
<p>
Overall, it was just a sh*tty weekend at the theaters as crap films top the charts and <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a> and <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/w"><i>W.</i></a> were really the only films of note to crack the top ten and I would say that is giving <i>W.</i> a lot of credit. We all know general audiences aren't demanding of much when it comes to films seeing how <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/beverly_hills_chihuahua"><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i></a> is now printing its own money, but perhaps they are demanding a little more than the drivel shilled this weekend.
<p>
Here is the complete <a href="http://news.fantasymoguls.com/originalcontent/2008/10/early-friday--4.html" target="_blank">Fantasy Moguls</a> early Friday estimates and Laremy will be here Sunday for the complete weekend recap.
<ol>
<li><i>Saw V</i> (Lionsgate) - $3.3 million</li>
<li><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i> (Weinstein) - $2.3 million</li>
<li><i>Changeling</i> (Universal) - $2.25 million</li>
<li><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i> (Disney) - $1.9 million</li>
<li><i>The Haunting of Molly Hartley</i> (Freestyle) - $1.5 million</li>
<li><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i> (Fox Searchlight) - $1.1 million</li>
<li><i>Pride and Glory</i> (Warner Bros) - $1 million</li>
<li><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i> (Disney) - $950,000</li>
<li><i>Max Payne</i> (Fox) - $900,000</li>
<li><i>W.</i> (Lionsgate) $890,000</li>
</ol>]]></description>
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		<title>Box-Office Oracle: Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box_office_oracle_oct_31_nov_2_2008_20081031</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div></div><div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>2</u> Weeks in a Row</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/zack_and_miri_make_a_porno"><i>Zack and Miri Make a Porno</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">It's time to lay it on the line. This one is facing two genres that have a history of plummeting (Horror, Tween) in their second weekend. Plus it has "Porno" in the title. Plus it has Banks and Rogen. No, they aren't household names - but they also aren't actors that people say "who the hell is that?" about when they see them. All this adds up to Kevin Smith's best opening weekend ever. And I'm calling it a winning weekend.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $22.4 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Gotta drop it 55%. Really should be dropping it 60%. But I'm really nice.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $18.9 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Can't wait for Saw VI! A 63% drop for you, don't pass go, don't collect $200.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $11.2 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/haunting_of_molly_hartley"><i>The Haunting of Molly Hartley</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">In the trailers she seems pretty haunted. But the lack of awareness will murder this film's financial prospects.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $6.6 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I really wish this was a better film. Then I could tell people to check it out. As it stands I have to tell them to "ignore it." That's not as fun.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $6.5 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/beverly_hills_chihuahua"><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">We've now entered the portion of the top ten where nothing really matters. A few dollars here or there could move you four slots.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $4.1 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/rocknrolla"><i>RocknRolla</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I really wish that N in the middle would have been capitalized. Solid flick though - this one I can recommend.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.7 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I get the sneaking suspicion that this film wasn't really about bees at all.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.6 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/eagle_eye"><i>Eagle Eye</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I can only ding it 24% because films don't fall much under $!500 per theater. At that point you're barely paying the popcorn guy minimum wage.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.0 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/pride_and_glory"><i>Pride and Glory</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Too bad I missed this one. I could have made fun of it that way.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.0 million</div>
</div>
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		<title>Godfather of Superman Films, 'G.I. Joe' Chatter and a 'Dragonball' Mini Clip</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/godfather_of_superman_films_gi_joe_chatter_and_a_dragonball_mini_clip_20081030</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/oct/rm1030.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
(clockwise from top left) Riddick, <i>Kick-Ass</i> set pic, <i>Sherlock Holmes</i> set pic, Sienna Miller in <i>G.I. Joe</i>, <i>Saw</i> kill, Snake Eyes' bike, McCain as Jigsaw, <i>Dark Knight</i> UK DVD, <i>Drag Me To Hell</i> pic, Fraser in <i>Mummy 3</i>
</div>
</div>
Mark Millar (<i>Wanted</i>) is working with an unnamed director on what he is calling the Magnum Opus of Superman stories, an 8-hour saga, split into 3 films to be released a year apart, in <i>Lord of the Rings</i> fashion. He tells <a href="http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=23521" target="_blank">Empire Online</a>, "I want to start on Krypton, a thousand years ago, and end with Superman alone on Planet Earth, the last being left on the planet, as the yellow sun turns red and starts to supernova, and he loses his powers."
<p>
IGN has up a list of the <a href="http://movies.ign.com/articles/922/922694p1.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Kills from the <i>Saw</i> movies</a>. Strangely enough, they have age gated it.
<p>
Atari is making <a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117994909.html?categoryid=13and#038;cs=1and#038;nid=2564" target="_blank">videogame sequels</a> to <i>Ghostbusters</i> and <i>The Chronicles of Riddick</i>.
<p>
<b>SET PICS:</b> Pics from <i>Sherlock Holmes</i> with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are now <a href="http://www.thebadandugly.com/2008/10/29/first-look-sherlock-holmes-and-watson/" target="_blank">online</a> as are a couple from <i>Kick-Ass</i> and they <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/29/more-kick-ass-set-photos/" target="_blank">look dumb</a>.
<p>
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/29/gi-joe-producer-gives-scene-details-promises-films-looking-really-good/" target="_blank">talked about</a> <i>G.I. Joe</i> saying, "I think that, more than anything, what differentiates it from a lot of these big movies is that there are eight or nine very well-drawn characters." Bleh.
<p>
<a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/28/early-buzz-pixars-up/" target="_blank">SlashFilm</a> points us to three early reviews from a test screening of Pixar's <i>Up</i> saying the film "combines a bittersweet coming of age story with an unexpected friendship". That it was "somewhat dark with many adult themes (aging, loss, separation and unfinished promises)". You can read one <a href="http://larryfire.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/last-night-we-saw-an-early-screening-of-pixars-up/" target="_blank">here</a>, another <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/28/early-buzz-pixars-up/" target="_blank">here</a> and another small one <a href="http://forums.comingsoon.net/showthread.php?p=2506183" target="_blank">here</a>.
<p>
DVDTimes has artwork for <i>The Dark Knight</i> <a href="http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=69262" target="_blank">Blu-ray release</a> and <a href="http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=69261" target="_blank">DVD release</a>.
<p>
If you go <a href="http://www.hisstank.com/gi-joe-news/gi-joe-movie-2/possible-gi-joe-movie-snake-eyes-motorcycle-7752/" target="_blank">here</a> you will see what is apparently the motorcycle driven by Snake Eyes in the <i>G.I. Joe</i> movie.
<p>
SlashFilm has a <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/29/page-2-36/" target="_blank">mock-up poster</a> putting John McCain's face on the new <i>Saw V</i> poster and a Joker style Jack-o-Lantern.
<p>
<b>RUMORS:</b> <a href="http://www.moviehole.net/200816321-big-american-pie-news" target="_blank"><i>American Pie 4</i></a>? Christian Bale as <a href="http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/2008/10/28/Christian_Bale_to_take_on_new_superhero_role" target="_blank">Marvel's Dr. Strange</a>? <i>Mummy 4</i> <a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/new.php?id=10690" target="_blank">without</a> Brendan Fraser? <i>Hulk 2</i> <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2008/10/quantum-reviews.html" target="_blank">vs.</a> Leader? Who's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leader_(comics)" target="_blank">Leader</a>?
<p>
Ain't It Cool has a <a href="http://www.aintitcool.com/node/38894" target="_blank">test screening review</a> of Tony Gilroy's <i>Duplicity</i> starring Clive Owen and Julia Roberts.
<p>
New pictures from Sam Raimi's <i>Drag Me To Hell</i> are online at <a href="http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1598026/story.jhtml" target="_blank">MTV</a>.
<p>
Finally, we have this mini clip from Japanese TV station NHK from <i>Dragonball</i>.
<p>
<div align="center">
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<script language="javascript">getVideo();</script>
</div>]]></description>
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		<title>Box-Office Wrap-Up: Oct. 24 - Oct. 26, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box_office_wrap_up_oct_24_oct_26_2008_20081026</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div style="padding:8px;">I read Brad's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/high_school_musical_slays_saw_v_while_pride_and_glory_finds_neither_pride_or_glory_20081025/">Friday night column</a>, the one where he said they thought <i>High School Musical 3</i> would crack $55m, and now I look at it and I wonder where all the money went. Did Disney steal it? I wouldn't put it past them. Regardless, we'll plod on.</div>
<div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>2</u> Weeks In A Row</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">It looks as though I was on it. This confirms my theory that there are only so many tween girls in the world. You can't scale up on a finite number. </div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 42.0 million <strong>(My rank: #1, $1.3m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">They'll be very happy with the fourth straight $30m opening for the <i>Saw</i> franchise. And with the weak competition next weekend it won't drop off too badly.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 30.5 million <strong>(My rank: #2, $2.2m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/max_payne"><i>Max Payne</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Hey, where is Edward Norton? As it turns out my <i>Max Payne</i> prediction wasn't severe enough - it dropped 57% as every poor bastard who was hoping for the best saw it... and then told a friend not to. On the <i>Max Payne</i> commercials they don't even have a quote. Not from Hammond or Edwards or Lyons. They couldn't get one schill to help them out! Sad.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 7.6 million <strong>(My rank: #4, $.9m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/beverly_hills_chihuahua"><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This film is going to hit $100m worldwide. That means we're getting a sequel. Just so we're all prepared for the horror.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 6.9 million <strong>(My rank: #5, $.9m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/pride_and_glory"><i>Pride and Glory</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">The only real disaster of the weekend involves Edward Norton... but you have to hand it to the general public. Fool them once with <i>We Own the Night</i>, shame on them. Fool them twice with <i>Pride and Glory</i>? Nope.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 6.3 million <strong>(My rank: #3, $5.3m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Will The Oracle begin going five for the bottom five? Yes we can!</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 5.9 million <strong>(My rank: #6, $0.4m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/w"><i>W.</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">The budget was $25m, and it's only made around $19m. Not good news for anyone else trying to get financing for a "sitting president balanced satire" film.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 5.3 million <strong>(My rank: #7, $1.6m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/eagle_eye"><i>Eagle Eye</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">$132m worldwide and counting. That means Shia's streak is at three - <i>T-Formers</i>, <i>Indy 4</i> and now this one have hit triple digits. Only five more and he matches Will Smith.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 5.1 million <strong>(My rank: #8, $1.4m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/body_of_lies"><i>Body of Lies</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">They are so far under water with this picture that they're probably pondering killing Russ Crowe for the insurance dollars.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 4.0 million <strong>(My rank: #9, $0.9m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/quarantine"><i>Quarantine</i></a></div>
<div class="lower"><i>Quarantine</i> fell 58% this weekend. In other words, it was exactly what we thought it was.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Result:</strong> 2.5 million <strong>(My rank: #10, $0.2m off)</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="padding:12px; text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/box_office/news_and_results/">GET MORE BOX-OFFICE INFO HERE</a></div>]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>'High School Musical' Slays 'Saw V' while 'Pride and Glory' Finds Neither Pride or Glory</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/high_school_musical_slays_saw_v_while_pride_and_glory_finds_neither_pride_or_glory_20081025</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/oct/hsm3.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
Zac Efron in <i>High School Musical 3</i><br>
<cite>Photo: Walt Disney Pictures</cite>
</div>
</div>
Anyone surprised Disney's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3</i></a> is going to slaughter Lionsgate's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw V</i></a> this weekend? If so you aren't in the loop and didn't see the numbers Miley Cyrus drummed up earlier this year on nearly 3,000 fewer screens. So, when it is reporting <i>HSM3</i> managed an estimated $16.5 million on Friday on its way to an expected $55 million weekend you could perhaps be surprised it didn't make more. As for <i>Saw V</i>, well it looks like the franchise may be showing mild signs of weekening as the sequels seem to be dropping by $2 million increments since the dreadful <i>Saw III</i>, but an estimated $12.3 million isn't anything to scoff at.
<p>
Steve Mason starts off his <a href="http://news.fantasymoguls.com/originalcontent/2008/10/early-friday--3.html" target="_blank">weekly Friday estimates</a> with a long diatribe on Disney's cash cow, <i>High School Musical</i>, and estimates the franchise is so popular the first two basically added $2 billion to the Mouse House's bottom line. That's billion... with a "b". As in bailout style. He predicts the opening weekend is just the beginning and believes the tween musical will likely gross north of $150 million in its domestic run while the soundtrack will rake in dollars as well as subsequent DVD sales. Safe to assume <i>High School Musical 4</i> can't be too far off in the future.
<p>
As for the <i>Saw</i> franchise, we already know <i>Saw VI</i> is in the works and according to <a href="http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938799.html?categoryid=31and#038;cs=1and#038;nid=2577" target="_blank">Variety</a> it sounds like this latest installment goes easy on the "torture porn" aspect and settles "for a generally conventional cat-and-mouse detective movie." Not exactly a bad move considering the torture genre seems to be out of fashion, but seeing how <i>Saw</i> is the franchise that started it all it isn't any surprise it maintains its supporters, even if numbers are sliding.
<ul>
<li><b>2004</b> - <i>Saw</i> � $18.2M opening - $55.1M cume</li>
<li><b>2005</b> - <i>Saw II</i> - $31.72M opening - $87M cume</li>
<li><b>2006</b> - <i>Saw III</i> - $33.6M opening - $80.2M cume</li>
<li><b>2007</b> - <i>Saw IV</i> - $31.7M opening - $63.3M cume</li>
<li><b>2008</b> - <i>Saw V</i> - $29M <u>estimated</u> opening</li>
</ul>
With <i>Saw V</i> operating on a reported production budget of $10.8 million I think it is safe to say it is a franchise Lionsgate won't abandon as long as it is tripling its budget on opening weekend. Would it be too much to assume that even doubling its budget on opening weekend would be acceptable to the Lion's suits?
<p>
Also opening this weekend was the disappointing <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/pride_and_glory"><i>Pride and Glory</i></a> a film that sails smoothly for its first 75% but then hits a wall in its climax with an uncalled for fist fight and bouts with major coincidence only assumed real in movie land. The film, as Mason points out, looks like it will end slightly higher than the $5 million it was tracking at after pulling in $2.2 million on Friday, just $.4 short of <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/max_payne"><i>Max Payne</i></a> in the third slot and is expected to take in approximately $6.3 million and coming in fifth with Disney's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/beverly_hills_chihuahua"><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i></a> besting it.
<p>
The curious release of the week was Sony's Anne Hathaway starrer <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/passengers"><i>Passengers</i></a>, which the studio dumped in only 125 theaters across the country. Gotta wonder where the logic in that is, perhaps they learned something after opening Lindsay Lohan's <i>I Know Who Killed Me</i> in 1,320 theaters to the tune of $7.4 million total. Other releases such as Clint Eastwood's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/changeling"><i>Changeling</i></a> saw 15 theaters, <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/synecdoche_new_york"><i>Synecdoche, New York</i></a> opened in 9 theaters, <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/ive_loved_you_so_long"><i>I've Loved You So Long</i></a> in 6 and <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/let_the_right_one_in"><i>Let the Right One In</i></a> opened in 4. I wouldn't expect much from any of these bad boys.
<p>
Below are the complete <u>early</u> Friday estimates and Laremy will be here on Sunday with a full recap.
<ol>
<li><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i> (Disney) - $16.5 million</li>
<li><i>Saw V</i> (Lionsgate) - $12.3 million</li>
<li><i>Max Payne</i> (Fox) - $2.6 million</li>
<li><i>Pride and Glory</i> (Warner Bros) - $2.2</li>
<li><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i> (Disney) - $1.9 million</li>
<li><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i> (Fox Searchlight) - $1.83 million</li>
<li><i>W.</i> (Lionsgate) - $1.79 million</li>
<li><i>Eagle Eye</i> (Dreamworks/Paramount) - $1.7 million</li>
<li><i>Body of Lies</i> (Warner Bros) - $1.38 million</li>
<li><i>Quarantine</i> (Sony) - $1.05 million</li>
</ol>]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>Box-Office Oracle: Oct. 24 - Oct. 26, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/box_office_oracle_oct_24_oct_26_2008_20081023</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/booracle.jpg" align="center" alt="" style="padding-bottom:8px;"></div>
<div></div><div class="oracle_weeks">#1 movie predicted correctly: <u>1</u> Week in a Row</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">1. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/high_school_musical_3_senior_year"><i>High School Musical 3: Senior Year</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This is so easy it's like stealing. Just look at what that <i>Hannah Montana</i> movie did. Then figure out that 8-13 year old girls run the universe. Plug in $11250 per theater and then call it good. Let's move on to a movie I might see...</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $40.7 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">2. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw 5</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Whoops, false alarm. I'll never see this. My reasoning is simple: they get more lame each time. Still, it will make some bank. Horror fans are starved.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $28.3 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">3. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/pride_and_glory"><i>Pride and Glory</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Do the math: an Edward Norton film being released to 2500 theaters in October. It's a classic "dump" maneuver. Most likely they're just praying no one remembers it in a few weeks. </div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $11.6 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">4. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/max_payne"><i>Max Payne</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">Man, it is doomy and gloomy around Oracle headquarters this weekend. But this movie sucks too. The good news is that next weekend <i>Zack and Miri</i> should make some unopposed loot. You gotta cheer for Kevin Smith - he's good people.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $8.5 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">5. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/beverly_hills_chihuahua"><i>Beverly Hills Chihuahua</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I dare anyone to take in a double feature of this and <i>HSM3</i>. Without taking out their eyes I mean.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $7.8 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">6. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/secret_life_of_bees"><i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I'm only dropping it 41% because clearly word of mouth is strong here. You gotta like Queen Latifah. She's good people too.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $6.3 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">7. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/w"><i>W.</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I listened to Ben Lyons talk about <i>W.</i> - he was saying everyone should see it. He was wrong.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.7 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">8. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/eagle_eye"><i>Eagle Eye</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">I'm dropping it 32% because only like 40 people need to see it to hit this number. That's not many.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.7 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">9. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/body_of_lies"><i>Body of Lies</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">This might end up as the most underrated movie of the year. It wasn't exceptional, but it was treated as if it was flat out bad. And it wasn't!</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $3.1 million</div>
</div>

<div class="oracle_shell">
<div class="title">10. <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/quarantine"><i>Quarantine</i></a></div>
<div class="lower">It will get hurt by <i>Saw V</i> - but it really has no competition. <i>Sex Drive</i>? C'mon. That one's a goner.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Estimate:</strong> $2.7 million</div>
</div>
]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>'Saw V' Update: 14 Pics, French Poster and New TV Spot</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/saw_v_update_14_pics_french_poster_and_new_tv_spot_20080923</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div class="header_image"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5/stills"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/sep/saw5pics.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></a>
<div class="caption">
This can't end well for this guy...<br>
<cite>Photo: Lionsgate</cite>
</div>
</div>
I guess today is <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5/"><i>Saw V</i></a> update day as I have just added 14 new pictures to our <i>Saw V</i> gallery, a new French poster has been found online and <a href="http://www.joblo.com/video/arrow/player.php?video=sawspot5.avi" target="_blank">JoBlo</a> has a brand new teaser spot for the fifth installment in the tired horror franchise.
<p>
If you want to check out the new pics just <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5/stills"><b>click here</b></a>, on the pic above or any of the thumbnails below. The TV Spot and French poster can be seen at the end of this article.
<p>
<i>Saw V</i> hits theaters on October 24.
<p>
<div align="center">
<embed src="http://www.joblo.com/video/player/mediaplayer.swf" flashvars="and#038;repeat=listand#038;logo=http://www.joblo.com/video/includes/joblo-watermark.pngand#8465;=http://www.joblo.com/video/media/screenshot/sawspot5.avi.jpgand#038;file=http://www.joblo.com/video/player/arrow_playlist.php?movie=sawspot5.avi" width="600" height="453">
</div>
<p>
<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/sep/saw5french.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
Poster comes courtesy <a href="http://www.filmsactu.com/film-saw-5-39424.htm" target="_blank">Filmsactu</a>
</div>
</div>]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>Trailers Galore, 'Knight Rider' Episode, Posters, Diablo Rant, Ratner/Conan</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/trailers_galore_knight_rider_episode_posters_diablo_rant_ratner_conan</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/sep/rm918.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
(clockwise from left to right) <i>Repo!</i> poster, Diablo Cody with sexy fake long hair, pic from <i>The Spirit</i>, <i>Whore</i> poster, Rose McGowan, <i>Revolutionary Road</i> poster, "Knight Rider"
</div>
</div>
First off, HBO's "True Blood" has been renewed for a second season. I already reviewed the first two episodes <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/true_blood_is_the_twilight_for_the_over_17_soap_opera_crowd/">right here</a> and HBO just sent me the next three so I will be getting to those very soon.
<p>
Next, I have a new behind-the-scenes set video from <i>Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen</i> <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/transformers_revenge_of_the_fallen/trailers/6360">right here</a>, the trailer for Charlie Kaufman's <i>Synecdoche, New York</i> <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/synecdoche_new_york/trailers/6357">right here</a>, the new <i>Inkheart</i> trailer <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/inkheart/trailers/6358">right here</a> and the new red band trailer for <i>Saw V</i> <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5/trailers/6356">right here</a>. Oh, and an extended clip from <i>How to Lose Friends and Alienate People</i> can be found <a href="http://www.empireonline.com/video/how-to-lose-friends-clip/" target="_blank">here</a>.
<p>
The poster for <i>Frost/Nixon</i> is now online <a href="http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20210536,00.html?xid=rss-feed-todayslatest-20080917-First+Look%3A+%27Frost%2FNixon%27+poster" target="_blank">here</a>, the poster for <i>Repo! The Genetic Opera</i> is <a href="http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/13660" target="_blank">right here</a>, the poster for <i>Role Models</i> is over <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/role_models/stills">here</a> and the poster for <i>Revolutionary Road</i> can be found <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-09-17-revolutionary-road_N.htm?csp=34" target="_blank">right here</a>.
<p>
A <a href="http://www.latinoreview.com/news/green-lantern-story-details-and-casting-update-5395" target="_blank">script review</a> for <i>Green Lantern</i> is online with a B+.
<p>
Diablo Cody went on <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.viewand#038;friendID=301249153and#038;blogid=433864247and#038;page=1" target="_blank">an insane rant</a> aimed at those who hate her. Do people hate Diablo Cody or did her <i>Juno</i> script just start to annoy folks? I thought it was the latter, but here is a preview of Miss Potty Mouth's rant:
<blockquote>
I am not Charlie Kaufman or Sofia Coppola (much as I supplicate at their Cannes-weary feet.) I'm not Paul Thomas Anderson. I'm not even Paul W.S. Anderson. I am middle-class trash from the Midwest. I'm a competent nonfiction writer, an admittedly green screenwriter, and a product of Hollywood, USA. I am "Diablo Cody" and if you're not a fan, go rent Prospero's Books again and leave me the f**k alone. [...]
<p>
I know my name is fake and that it annoys you. What, do you hate Queen Latifah and Rip Torn, too? Writers and entertainers have been using pseudonyms for years. Chances are, you're spewing bile under an assumed screen name yourself. I'm sorry if you think I'm like some inked-up quasi-Suicide Girl derby c**t from 2002, but I like my fake name. It's engraved on an Oscar. Yours isn't.
</blockquote>
Jason Statham <a href="http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=23255" target="_blank">wants to make a film</a> called <i>The Grabbers</i> in the same vein as John Huston's <i>The Treasure of the Sierra Madre</i>.
<p>
<b>RUMOR:</b> Brett Ratner <a href="http://www.dreadcentral.com/story/exclusive-brett-ratner-considering-conan" target="_blank">directing</a> <i>Conan</i>?
<p>
New pics from <i>The Spirit</i> are right <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/09/17/new-photos-frank-millers-the-spirit/" target="_blank">over heaw</a>.
<p>
The <a href="http://www.impawards.com/2008/whore.html" target="_blank">poster</a> for a film starring Megan Fox, Rumer Willis and Ron Jeremy titled <i>Whore</i> is <a href="http://www.impawards.com/2008/whore.html" target="_blank">online</a>.
<p>
You can watch the first episode of NBC's new "Knight Rider" right now:
<p>
<div align="center">
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</div>
<p>
Rose McGowan says something stupid and no one's surprised but they are <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i91c8d15e4e316205ec81ce4d894ffff1" target="_blank">backing away</a>.
<p>
MTV has done a fantastic job of getting actors to say completely ambiguous things and then running them as legit stories I have become endlessly amazed at the number of sequels the site is pushing... Let's see, there's the sequel to <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/18/hoffman-moore-ready-to-roll-in-proposed-big-lebowski-sequel/" target="_blank"><i>The Big Lebowski</i></a>, <a href="http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/09/17/patrick-wilson-ponders-watchmen-sequel-its-been-talked-about/" target="_blank"><i>Watchmen</i></a>, <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/10/exclusive-danny-boyle-may-direct-second-28-days-later-follow-up-plays-coy-on-setting/" target="_blank"><i>28 Months Later</i></a>, <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/04/inside-the-buckaroo-banzai-sequel-that-was-to-be-and-which-still-may-happen/" target="_blank"><i>Buckaroo Banzai 2</i></a>, <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/03/ghost-rider-2-may-team-with-church-for-euro-adventure-says-nic-cage/" target="_blank"><i>Ghost Rider 2</i></a>, <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/03/national-treasure-3-may-head-to-new-orleans-says-nicolas-cage/" target="_blank"><i>National Treasure 3</i></a>, along with the possibility of the Wachowski brothers directing <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/10/will-the-wachowski-brothers-tackle-a-wonder-woman-movie/" target="_blank"><i>Wonder Woman</i></a>, a call for the return of "Star Trek" to <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/17/former-star-trek-scribe-bryan-fuller-calls-for-franchises-return-to-tv/" target="_blank">television</a>, confirmation that Viggo Mortensen hasn't heard about a role in <i>The Hobbit</i> <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/17/viggo-mortensen-still-waiting-for-guillermo-del-toros-hobbit-call/" target="_blank">sequel</a> (you know the film that hasn't even been written yet), the Superman movie from Brett Ratner that <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/16/brett-ratner-unveils-the-superman-movie-that-never-was/" target="_blank">never was</a>, how Billy Idol and Lance Henrickson <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/15/how-billy-idol-and-lance-henriksen-were-nearly-james-camerons-terminators/" target="_blank">weren't cast as terminators</a> and finally how the Coen brothers film <i>Gambit</i> <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/09/15/colin-firth-says-coen-brothers-film-gambit-not-happening/" target="_blank">isn't happening</a>. Wow! Have you ever seen so much non-news?
<p>
Finally, you may think this is funny. I didn't really think so, but whatevskies (is that right Diablo?).
<p>
<div align="center">
<object width="464" height="388" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://www2.funnyordie.com/public/flash/fodplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="key=0765508dca" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="464" height="388" flashvars="key=0765508dca" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" src="http://www2.funnyordie.com/public/flash/fodplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><div style="text-align:center;width: 464px;">See more <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/">funny videos</a> at Funny or Die</div>
</div>
<p>
<i>Thanks to <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com" target="_blank">SlashFilm</a>, <a href="http://www.joblo.com" target="_blank">JoBlo</a>, <a href="http://www.mtv.com" target="_blank">MTV</a>, <a href="http://www.comingsoon.net" target="_blank">ComingSoon</a>, <a href="http://www.themovieblog.com" target="_blank">The Movie Blog</a> and <a href="http://www.aintitcool.com" target="_blank">AICN</a> for the link help</i>]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>Brand New 'Saw 5' Poster and Hot Nurse Blood Drive Posters</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/brand_new_saw_5_poster_and_hot_nurse_blood_drive_posters</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We just received all three brand new posters for Lionsgate's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw V</i></a>.
<p>
The first one you see just below is the official theatrical poster and the two below that are the yearly <i>Saw</i> blood drive posters featuring some hot chick just standing there and another hot chick getting stabbed in the face.
<p>
Enjoy.
<p>
<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/aug/saw5poster1.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
<cite>Photo: Lionsgate</cite>
</div>
</div>
<p>
<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/aug/saw5poster2.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
<cite>Photo: Lionsgate</cite>
</div>
</div>
<p>
<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/aug/saw5poster3.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
<cite>Photo: Lionsgate</cite>
</div>
</div>]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>'Saw 5' Teaser Trailer Arrives</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/saw_5_teaser_trailer_arrives</link>
		<description><![CDATA[After catching the abysmal <i>Saw III</i> in a hotel during a press junket a year or so ago I have officially given up on the <i>Saw</i> franchise, so for me to watch the just released teaser trailer for the fifth film and give you my opinion would be a waste of your time and mine and it wouldn't help you one bit.
<p>
So, instead, you be the judge and if you feel the urge to share let us know what you think of the trailer and of the franchise. I would be interested to hear if you are still in it for the long haul.
<p>
<a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw V</i></a> hits theaters on October 24.
<p>
<div align="center">
<script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.springboard.gorillanation.com/storage/js/swfobject.js"></script>
<script language="javascript">
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  var so = new SWFObject("http://cdn.springboard.gorillanation.com/storage/xplayer/ro001.swf", "mplayer", "510", "550", "8", "#000000");
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<div id="flashcontent_defaultplayer_37_3_50"></div>
<script language="javascript">getVideo();</script>
</div>]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>Latest MPAA Ratings: #112</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/latest_mpaa_ratings_112</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2006/apr/mpaa.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
<div class="mpaa_shell">
<div class="title"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/appaloosa"><i>Appaloosa</i></a></div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Rated R</strong> For some violence and language.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Release Date:</strong> September 17, 2008</div>
</div>
<div class="mpaa_shell">
<div class="title"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/mummy_tomb_of_the_dragon_emperor"><i>The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor</i></a></div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Rated PG-13</strong> For adventure action and violence.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Release Date:</strong> August 1, 2008</div>
</div>
<div class="mpaa_shell">
<div class="title"><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw V</i></a></div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Rated R</strong> For sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, language and brief nudity.</div>
<div class="lower"><strong>Release Date:</strong> October 24, 2008</div>
</div>
<div>You can always stay up-to-date on all the latest updates to our database <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/database/">right here</a>.</div>]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>New Posters from 'Pineapple Express', 'Saw 5', 'Disaster Movie', 'Dark Knight' and More</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/new_posters_from_pineapple_express_saw_5_disaster_movie_dark_knight_and_more</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Thanks to the help of publicists, viral sites, users and the poster cataloging gurus at <a href="http://www.impawards.com/" target="_blank">IMPAwards</a> we have several new posters for you to peruse.
<p>
I have featured each one below, but if you are up for the task I have also added a gallery with higher-res versions to the bottom of this article which includes an extra look at some <i>Blindness</i> character posters.
<p>
Posters below belong to the likes of <i>Death Race</i>, <i>Elegy</i>, <i>Pineapple Express</i>, <i>Disaster Movie</i>, <i>Saw V</i> and <i>The Dark Knight</i>.
<p>
<table width="600" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="2">
 <tr>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/pineapple1.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/pineapple2.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/saw5.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/deathrace.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/blindness.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/elegy.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/disastermovie.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
  <td align="center" valign="middle"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jul/posters1/darkknight.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image"></td>
 </tr>
</table>]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>Just When You Hoped They Might Forget about 'Saw 5'</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/just_when_you_hoped_they_might_forget_about_saw_5</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=6730" target="_blank">Shock Til You Drop</a> came across the teaser poster for <i>Saw V</i> and ...
<p>
<table width="200" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
 <tr>
  <td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jun/saw5poster.jpg" align="center" /></td>
 </tr>
</table>]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>Lionsgate Makes the Move to Replace Fox as the Worst Studio</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/lionsgate_makes_the_move_to_replace_fox_as_the_worst_studio</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<div class="header_image"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/jun/tporter3.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0" class="image">
<div class="caption">
Jason Statham returns as Frank Miller in <i>Transporter 3</i><br>
<cite>Photo: 20th Century Fox</cite>
</div>
</div>
Someone recently told me they were upset that Jason Statham has decided his career is going to be centered on frenetic and mindless thrillers as opposed to advancing his career into more serious films. When I asked him if he had seen <i>The Bank Job</i> his answer was, "No," and the conversation didn't really go much further. However, it is hard to argue against someone if they say that Statham really does seem to have fit himself into the "thriller" genre as he is set to return as Chev Chelios in <i>Crank 2</i> later this year and has played the role of Frank Miller in two <i>Transporter</i> films and is now set for a third.
<p>
Today Lionsgate announced they have acquired the rights to release <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/transporter_3"><i>Transporter 3</i></a> starring Statham as Frank Miller, the ex-Special Forces operative who specializes in high-risk deliveries. The film has been set for a November 26, 2008 release.
<p>
This is the second film Lionsgate seems to have "stolen" from 20th Century Fox, which may be a sign that Lionsgate was not happy with the $74.0 million net loss they suffered in fiscal 2008 despite recording record revenues north of $1.3 billion. Instead they are going to tackle the Fox mold and release any old thing that comes along. As much as I am interested in both <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/crank_2_high_voltage"><i>Crank 2</i></a> and <i>Transporter 3</i>, Lionsgate's acquisition of <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/disaster_movie"><i>Disaster Movie</i></a> is not a good sign.
<p>
Fox, on the other hand, is making a move for the better by releasing M. Night Shyamalan's first R-rated film, <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/happening"><i>The Happening</i></a>, as well as bringing Baz Luhrmann's epic <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/australia"><i>Australia</i></a> to the big screen. Could we be seeing a shift in the lesser ranks of studio released films?
<p>
Lionsgate is also the company that shills Tyler Perry films as well as is set to release more <i>Saw</i> films, <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/punisher_war_zone"><i>Punisher: War Zone</i></a> and <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/repo_the_genetic_opera"><i>Repo: The Genetic Opera</i></a>. I am interested in seeing Oliver Stone's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/w"><i>W</i></a>, which Lionsgate will release, but it's place on their release slate is due primarily to the fact that they have nothing to lose in releasing a controversial title more than they are a studio to respect for doing so.
<p>
As for <i>Transporter 3</i> no synopsis is known as of yet, but Statham is set to return along with Francois Berleand and Robert Knepper. Filming completed in early May and is currently in post-production.]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>'Rambo' Sexpot Added to 'Saw 5' Cast</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/rambo_sexpot_added_to_saw_5_cast</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2008/mar/benzy.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
<a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/celebrity/julie_benz">Julie Benz</a>. You know Julie from the hit show "<a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/tvshow/dexter">Dexter</a>" and as the hottie from <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/rambo"><i>Rambo</i></a>. You will soon know her as the hottie in <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/punisher_war_zone"><i>Punisher: War Zone</i></a> and then she is gonna get chopped up and served for dinner in <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw V</i></a>. Yup, she hates herself so much that she wants to star in <i>Saw V</i>.
<p>
I kid of course, everyone needs to eat and I am sure she didn't sign up for <i>Saw V</i> for 10 cents and a half-rack of Coors, but damn Julie... Do a Maxim spread and relax, you don't need to feed the studio's lust to make more of these stupid <i>Saw</i> films. Not even real horror fans are interested in these things anymore.
<p>
The best part is <i>Variety</i>'s description of Benz's character:
<blockquote>
Benz will portray an elegant woman in the pic, set for release Oct. 24.
</blockquote>
Oh wow, really? Not just a woman, but an elegant one eh? Exciting!
<p>
Production on the film began on March 17th and, as you read in the snazzy quote above, the film will be released on October 24th.]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>Casting News: March 12, 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/casting_news_march_12_2008</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I forgot to mention this yesterday, but Reese Witherspoon, Rainn Wilson, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen, Kiefer Sutherland, Stephen Colbert and Will Arnett make up the voice cast of Paramount Pictures' <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/monsters_vs_aliens"><i>Monsters vs Aliens</i></a>.
<p>
John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb, Lynn Redgrave and Julie Hagerty have signed on to join the Isla Fisher romantic comedy <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/confessions_of_a_shopaholic"><i>Confessions of a Shopaholic</i>. [<a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i9375e474de039b3b8be4feef2208575f" target="_blank">The Hollywood Reporter</a>]
<p>
Jason Patric and Thomas Dekker will join Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin in the drama <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/my_sister_s_keeper"><i>My Sister's Keeper</i></a> for New Line and director Nick Cassavetes. [<a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i9375e474de039b3b9fb5cd33b31ce6ea" target="_blank">The Hollywood Reporter</a>]
<p>
Brendan Gleeson has been signed on for the final lead role in the <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5">untitled "Green Zone" thriller</a> that Paul Greengrass is directing for Universal and Working Title. [<a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117982240.html?categoryid=13and#038;cs=1and#038;nid=2564" target="_blank">Variety</a>]
<p>
Mark Rolston has joined the cast of <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/saw_5"><i>Saw V</i></a>. [<a href="http://www.officialsawnews.com/" target="_blank">Official Saw News</a>]
<p>
Charlie Sheen is going to star in some bullsh*t horror flick for the Twisted Pictures folks. [<a href="http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/11579" target="_blank">Bloody-Disgusting</a>]]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>27 Bloody New 'Saw 4' Pics!</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/27_bloody_new_saw_4_pics</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/stills.php?id=3376and#038;page=2"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/oct/moresaw4pics1.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></a></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
Just a couple days ago I told you we added five new images for tomorrow's <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3376"><i>Saw IV</i></a> and how I thought we weren't getting anymore and blah, blah, blah... All of a sudden here I am with 27 brand spanking new pics of torture and broken bones and I must share. Just look at that pic above and the snapped leg... It's in hi-res in our gallery of what is now 45 images if you just <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/stills.php?id=3376and#038;page=2"><b>click here</b></a> or either of the pics in this article.
<p>
<i>Saw IV</i> actually begins tonight as <i>Saw</i> marathons are being held around the country showing all four films in a row. So go <strike>kill someone</strike> have fun and enjoy the gory madness.
<p>
<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/stills.php?id=3376and#038;page=2"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/oct/moresaw4pics2.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></a></td>
</tr>
</table><br>]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>Five New Looks at 'Saw 4'</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/five_new_looks_at_saw_4</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/stills.php?id=3376and#038;page=2"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/oct/5newsaw4pics.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></a></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
New rumors now have Lionsgate prepping to film both <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3694"><i>Saw V</i></a> and <i>VI</i> next year and actually leave 2008 without a <i>Saw</i> film, but I have a feeling a lot of that hinges on just how well <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3376"><i>Saw IV</i></a> does this weekend. I think Lionsgate is just testing the torture horror genre to see if <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3246"><i>Hostel II</i></a> was just a fluke or if people truly no longer interestedin watching people get killed in weird and excruciating ways.
<p>
Considering <i>Saw IV</i> has been the most looked at preview for about a month now on the site I am starting to think a nice little low-to-mid $20 million weekend is ahead for the franchise and a fifth film gets the green as soon as this writers strike is worked out.
<p>
However, as for <i>Saw IV</i>, and these new stills. I really think this might be the last batch we get and since Lionsgate is again not screening this one for us either we will have to wait and see what it is like once it hits theaters. For now, <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/stills.php?id=3376and#038;page=2">click here</a> or on Jigsaw above as he lay on the cold autopsy table to check out our five new looks at the film.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>'Saw 5' Is Cutting a Tight Script Deadline</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/saw_5_is_cutting_a_tight_script_deadline</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Only a <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/news.php?id=7486">few hours ago</a> I reported on ShockTillYouDrop's little news piece concerning <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3694"><i>Saw V</i></a>, and boom, Ryan over there goes and puts up an even juicier article that confirms <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3376"><i>Saw IV</i></a> helmer Darren Bousman is already making plans for his <i>Scanners</i> remake and David Hackl gives even more insight on the progression of <i>Saw V</i>.
<p>
The most important piece of news conerning <i>Saw V</i> is obviously <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/news.php?id=7498">strike</a> related as Hackl says, "We have about a week to write the outline, then the script by the end of the month. We're really just throwing down the ideas now and it's coming together quickly." Yikes, a week for the outline and get that script done because after that there won't be any clever writers to do the writing. Better hope the idea sticks, but as Hackl points out, "Right until the last days of filming we're always changing things and adjusting things just seeing what works as the story unfolds and I think that's why people like them - because we never let them rest. We don't go into pre-production with a white script and say, 'That's it no changes.' We push it so there's no holes."
<p>
However, <i>Saw</i> fans can rest relatively easy as Hackl does say that the franchise is "precious" and that they would "never start a sequel" unless it felt right. For the complete story <a href="http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=1596" target="_blank">click here</a> as he talks a little more about the production and his hopes to keep his team intact.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>'Saw 5' is Actually on Track for October 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/saw_5_is_actually_on_track_for_october_2008</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/aug/newsaw4photo.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
<a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3376"><i>Saw IV</i></a> hits theaters in only two weeks and like <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=2975"><i>Saw III</i></a> it won't be screened for critics here in Seattle, much like Lionsgate didn't film Tyler Perry's latest box-office winner <i>Why Did I Get Married?</i> (when a method works, why fix it?). However, looking beyond <i>Saw IV</i>, Lionsgate is already making plans for a <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3694"><i>Saw V</i></a>. This isn't a surprise since <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/news.php?id=6686">back in July</a> it was reported that the <i>Saw II</i> and <i>IV</i> second unit director David Hackl would be taking directorial duties on both <i>V</i> and <i>VI</i>. I just assumed that with the failure of <i>Hostel II</i> that there may be some hesitation, or perhaps I was hoping they would just slow down. Unfortunately, <a href="http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=1593" target="_blank">ShockTillYouDrop</a> talked to Hackl and they are outlining <i>V</i> right now.
<p>
Hackly told the site that writers Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton are prepping the outline so they can begin shooting after the first of the new year for a release in October of 2008.
<p>
<img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/people/a/alexavega.jpg" align="left" style="padding:0 8px 8px 0;">The site also reports that <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile.php?id=2191">Alexa Vega</a>, who stars in <i>Saw IV</i> helmer Darren Lynn Bousman's horror musical <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3623"><i>Repo! The Genetic Opera</i></a>, of which Hackl is production designer, has been begging to be killed in <i>Saw V</i>. Not literally of course.
<p>
I am just curious to see what the torture horror genre has come to and if <i>Saw IV</i> will continue the <i>Saw</i> franchise success. I personally thought <i>Saw III</i> was terrible and not even worth watching. The puzzle was too silly and I am not a fan of showing gore just to be shocking. Who knows, can't hate on success, but it always frustrates me when a movie that I believe shouldn't do well does, or at least when movies like <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3093"><i>The Game Plan</i></a> beat out quality flicks like <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=2640"><i>The Kingdom</i></a> and now <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=2528"><i>Michael Clayton</i></a>. Frustrating is the word.]]></description>
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	<item>
		<title>A New 'Saw 4' TV Spot</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/new_saw_4_tv_spot</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/sep/saw4tvspot.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
So, there was that spoilerish <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3376"><i>Saw IV</i></a> image that popped up online this week (pictured above and taken from <a href="http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/10012" target="_blank">Bloody-Disgusting</a>) showing us that Jigsaw is indeed seen walking around in the new film despite meeting his maker at the end of the <i>Saw III</i>. So, it should come as no surprise when he speaks in this new TV spot for the film featured below.
<p>
<i>Saw IV</i> opens on October 26.
<p>
<div align="center">
<object width="430" height="258"><param name="bgcolor" value="#0000000" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.iklipz.com/flashplayer/FLVPlayeriKlipz.swf?configFile=http%3A//www.iklipz.com/flashplayer/servers.xmland#038;streamName=76d610d2-1f8a-41b5-8b3b-9f6ad1727df2and#038;movieID=3b17aead-e5eb-459a-8958-59882bcd6e78and#038;photoName=3121bf17-c61d-4455-9e4f-f54e0477200a.jpgand#038;isFullScreen=false" allowScriptAccess="always" width="430" height="258" /></object>
</div>]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>'Saw 4' R-Rated Autopsy Clip</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/saw_4_r_rated_autopsy_clip</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RopeofSilicon user 'Andreas' just made us aware of this R-rated YouTube clip from <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3376"><i>Saw IV</i></a> featuring a look at Jigsaw's autopsy.
<p>
The clip is R-rated so beware.
<p>
<div align="center">
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/36PlWZ2pkqI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/36PlWZ2pkqI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
</div>
<p>
<i>Saw IV</i> is coming to theaters October 26th.]]></description>
	</item>

	<item>
		<title>'Saw 4' Teaser Trailer Online Now!</title>
		<link>http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/saw_4_teaser_trailer_online_now</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809856250/video/3915641/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/aug/saw4trailer.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></a></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
Sorry I wasn't on this when it hit two hours ago, but Yahoo! has posted the first trailer for <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movies.php?id=3376"><i>Saw IV</i></a> and I have also just added two new <i>Saw</i> related DVDs to the database.
<p>
First off, the trailer can be found <a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809856250/video/3915641/" target="_blank">right here</a> in Flash and QuickTime high-definition format. It doesn't really give you much, but then again do you really need much? The film hits on October 26th, but also in October Lionsgate is offering up two new <i>Saw</i> DVDs.
<p>
The first is a new director's cut of <i>Saw III</i> (<a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/homevideo.php?id=2975and#038;vid_id=3962and#038;type=dvd">pre order here</a>), the specs are as follows:
<p>
<b>Disc 1</b>
<ul>
<li>Audio commentary with producer/co-writer Leigh Whannell</li>
<li>Audio commentary with director Darren Lynn Bousman and J Larose</li>
<li>Exclusive �villains� audio commentary with actors Shawnee Smith and Tobin Bell</li>
</ul>
<b>Disc 2</b>
<ul>
<li>Jigsaw's Plan trivia game- First ever SAW Universe Trivia Game! Can you solve the riddles and unlock Jigsaw's evil scheme?</li>
<li>Hydrovibe music video: �Killer Inside � Messed Up World remix� � featuring Shawnee Smith</li>
<li>Choose the Death - Select a 'death' plan from one of Jigsaw's blueprints and learn how the terror trap was laid out!</li>
<li>Looking Tortured Make-up: An FX How-To: Want to be a "Saw" character for next Halloween? Get a lesson from a key makeup artist!</li>
<li>Filmmaker Faves - The cast and crew of the Saw films pick out their favorite scenes from the films!</li>
<li>Sneak Peek: SAW IV � Get a first-hand look at the new movie!</li>
</ul>
On top of that will be a <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/homevideo.php?id=2975and#038;vid_id=3963and#038;type=dvd"><i>Saw</i> DVD Trilogy</a> set (<a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/homevideo.php?id=2975and#038;vid_id=3963and#038;type=dvd">pre order here</a>) which will include <i>Saw</i>: Uncut, <i>Saw II</i>: Special Edition and the <i>Saw III</i>: Director�s Cut.
<p>
The artwork for each DVD is below along with the new and final poster for <i>Saw IV</i>.
<p>
<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/aug/saw4poster.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/aug/sawtrilogy.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></td>
</tr>
</table><br>
<table width="50" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/Images/stories/2007/aug/saw3dircut.jpg" align="center" alt="" border="0"></td>
</tr>
</table><br>]]></description>
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