Last week Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen demolished the competition on its rise to the top of the chart. Now in its second week of release, it is nearing the $300 million mark and will likely finish at the top of the year's box office chart. Week number two also sees the special effects extravaganza retain its place at the top of the chart, albeit by a considerably slimmer margin than during its debut. The one thing to remember is that box office success does not equal quality. While the effects and action are jaw-dropping, the overall movie is a bomb as the story goes nowhere, the script is terrible, and the performances worse. There are much better choices scattered throughout the list. And yes, I realize I am part of the problem, having offered my pennies to Michael Bay's coffer.
Coming a very close second is the latest family-centric animated feature. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs had a smaller take than I expected. I thought for sure this would win the weekend, but I guess I was wrong. You want to know why it didn't win? I haven't seen it yet. I kid, I kid. I liked the first one, but thought the sequel was pretty bad. I have to wonder if this is a step up or further proof that the franchise has over-stayed its welcome? I will find out for myself soon enough.
In third place is Michael Mann's latest, Public Enemies. I have been looking forward to this ever since I first saw the trailer. Starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Marion Cotillard, this is the story of John Dillinger, his high. lows, and everything in between. This film I have seen and it is quite marvelous. It is not exactly what I was expecting, but it is a sight to behold. It is a movie that tells its story on its own terms, not necessarily giving us what we want, but just what we need to know. It is the basis of the legend without the legend. You fill in the blanks.
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