We always knew “Bruno” would be controversial and what’s happened in Britain and Ukraine is just more proof that not everyone can handle the film.
According to Reuters, Ukraine has banned “Bruno” from being shown in theaters and sold in DVDs after its culture ministry commission decided that the film “included an artistically unjustified exhibition of sexual organs and sexual relations, homosexual acts in a blatantly graphic form, obscene language, sadism, anti-social behavior which could damage the moral upbringing of our citizens.” The commission’s decision is not surprising since Sacha Baron Cohen’s previous film “Borat” was also banned in Ukraine. Time reported that Deputy Culture Minister Tymofiy Kokhan, head of the commission, told them that 9 out of the 14 commission’s experts voted to ban the film. Evhen Minko, chief editor of media-watchdog magazine Telekritika,is however concerned because he says that the comission’s decision shows that they do not understand the film at all. Taras Karasiychuk, director of the Gay Alliance of Ukraine, stated though that the comission’s decision was not really out of a moral standpoint but to earn points with the elections coming up. He says, “It’s more populism than a desire to protect morals.”
Meanwhile in Britain, where the film is enjoying great popularity, Universal Studios decided to release an edited version of “Bruno” so that younger audiences can see the film. The edited version, which will be just about 2 minutes shorter the original version, will open in British theaters in July 24 and can be seen by anyone 15 and above. Now this decision clearly does not show intolerance or ignorance but sound judgement.
“Bruno” Tops Box Office
“Bruno” dominated this weekend at the North American box office with a total of $3.6 million earned this weekend. The rest of the movies that made it to the box office top is listed below.
Studio Weekend Actuals: July 10 to July 12, 2009
1 Brüno – $30,619,130
2 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs – $27,607,497
3 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – $24,213,875
4 Public Enemies – $13,794,240
5 The Proposal – $10,603,884
6 The Hangover – $9,933,238
7 I Love You, Beth Cooper – $4,919,433 3
8 UP – $4,715,746
9 My Sister’s Keeper – $4,294,382
10 The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 – $1,543,516
Bruno, though topping the weekend box office, is predicted by some to not only rake less money in compared to “Borat” but also have a short run. The reason for this is that “Bruno” did a lot better last Friday ($14.4 million) than Saturday ($8.8 million), which might mean that it is quickly losing steam. According to Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco the figure does not automatically equate to that though since such occurrences are usual during summer.
“Bruno” as we well know stars Sacha Baron Cohen and, like his first very notorious and successful film “Borat”, the movie is as shocking as ever, if not more. “Bruno” shows the exploits of a gay Australian fashion designer out to conquer America. Surely this film will turn out to be as controversial as ever given its very explicit content. My only tip would be to watch this film if you liked “Borat” and steer clear or regret it if you didn’t.
As for Eminem I only have one message for you: If you aren’t over the butt incident during the MTV Movie Awards better not watch “Bruno” because it will bring it all back to you.
Mixed Feelings on Night at the Museum 2
It’s been quite some time since I’ve been to a movie theatre packed with kids and I must say that I did enjoy hearing them laugh. I think I enjoyed the sound of laughter more than I did the movie. That doesn’t mean though that Night at the Museum 2 wasn’t funny because it did have some good moments even if I did have to fight boredom towards the middle of the film. Thankfully Kahmunrah was there to destroy the world and save the movie because for me he provided the biggest laughs. Hank Azaria really did a great job with all the three characters he played, i.e. Kahmunrah, The Thinker, Abe Lincoln. The rest of the cast did their jobs pretty well too though I was a bit disappointed with how little they made use of Robin William’s talent.
As for the plot of the story there isn’t much you can say about it because there’s really not much of a story beyond Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) running around, in, and under the Smithsonian trying to save his wax friends and the world from Kahmunrah. The attempt to add depth to the story by giving us a lesson on doing what we love was more like an afterthought just so we can say that the movie had a story beyond trying to get some good laughs out of the audience. The ending was fun but ruined by the oh so corny appearance of the reincarnation/complete opposite of Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams).
All in all the movie was funny enough but I could have lived without seeing it on the big screen.
New on DVD: Big Stan
A few days ago I saw Rob Schneider promoting the DVD release of Big Stan on Chelsea Lately and with no real expectations set out to watch the prison comedy. Being a prison comedy I did expect a few laughs but was pleasantly surprised that it did make me chuckle more than I expected. What surprised me even more was that the action scenes were very decent – even interesting. Big Stan may not have made it to the big screen but it is actually enjoyable enough to watch on DVD.
Big Stan is about a con artist who, when he found out that he was going to prison, prepares by learning martial arts. Stan (Rob Schneider) is trained by “The Master” (David Carradine). When he arrives in prison he immediately sets out to make a reputation for himself and eventually becomes the big man in prison. He teaches fellow prisoners to co-exist in peace and thwarts the plans of the corrupt warden (Scott Wilson) to produce a bloody riot.
Though definitely not a deep movie it is worth watching if you are in the mood for something light-hearted. Rob Schneider’s attempt in action is also commendable with the scenes believable enough yet still managing to retain the humorous side each time. So if you’re looking for a few belly laughs this weekend go buy Big Stan settle down for an hour and a half of laughs.
Hannah Monta Rocking the Box Office
Hannah Montana: The Movie has proven that Miley Cyrus is indeed the most popular teenage girl today as it landed the number one spot in the North American box-office last weekend with a total of $32,324,487 worth of tickets sold during the three day weekend.
Not surprisingly the movie was mobbed by young girls ranging from toddlers (2yrs old) to teenagers (17yrs old). I guess the fact that many fans had to be accompanied by their moms of course helped boost the ticket sales.
Disney is of course very please with the results and as Chuck Viane, Disney’s president of domestic theatrical distribution said, “Outside of Wow! what can you say?” They also expressed surprise at the movie’s success but considering the success of the previous Hannah Montana movie I can’t help but think that the surprise is a bit contrived.The movie is the first Hannah Montana non-concert movie. The last movie, “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour,” was opened just a mill shy of thisone last year and ended up with a total of $65 million in total. It is now hailed as the top grossing movie concert of all time. With this record we can be sure that this new movie will be doing equally well if not better.
As for the plot of the movie anyone who’s seen the tv show knows what to expect.