Christopher Nolan's latest reached number one this week, and based on anecdotal evidence from a few forums, it comes as quite the surprise. Not to this guy! I had a feeling that it would open well, based on the strength of the cast and the incessant advertising. Well, I'm happy that a deserving film came out on top of the box office.
Looking at the top three, I am amazed at the quality of films that are currently in release. I have seen the top three films, and they are all four-star movies. I do not recall the last time that such quality was riding high on the charts.
The Prestige took the top slot, and is a wonderful film full of mystery, suspense, and a magical aura. It stars Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as professional and personal rivals who trade in the business of magic. Their lives become inextricably entwined as their attempts to one-up each other escalate with devastating results.
That is followed by The Departed, the latest Martin Scorsese film, now in its third week. This is one of those movies that delivers on so many levels, and deserves the excellent word of mouth that it has been getting.
Following close behind, is Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers. The Battle of Iwo Jima is the setting for this WWII-based film. It follows the events leading up to and following the taking of the famous photo of the soldiers raising the American flag. The film is as moving as it is unflinching. I would highly recommend that as many of you see as many of these as you can.
There are two other films debuting this week. The first is Flicka, based on the novel of the same name. It finished at number 5. I have to be honest, this holds no interest for me. The other new release is the critically savaged Marie Antoinette, from Sofia Coppola and her first film since the excellent Lost in Translation. This one finished at number 8, and won't likely climb any higher. I am sort of intrigued to see just how bad it is and plan on catching it.
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