This week saw Samuel L. Jackson carry Lakeview Terrace to the top of the box office heap. I saw the film, and it was a good one, but I completely believe that it is Jackson's star power and cult appeal that pushed this one to the top of the chart. While I was sure that it was going to be Dane Cook's star power and cult appeal that would lead the box office this week, I can't say that I am disappointed to have been proven wrong. How well either one will hold onto an audience is anyone's guess.
Lakeview Terrace, a thriller set in California in the shadow of wildfires, centers on racial and personal issues that develop between hard-nosed LAPD office Abel Turner (Jackson) and the interracial newlyweds that have moved in next door (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington). It is a film built on reactions and it works very well until the final act. However, Jackson turns in a wonderful, scenery-chewing performance that is absolutely electric and just about what you would expect from the star.
Three other new releases join Lakeview in the top ten, continuing the wholesale turnover as the summer films are slowly but surely pushed out. The House Bunny and The Dark Knight are the lone remnants of the summer of 2008 and next week they are sure to be pushed out, making way for fall's releases.
Coming in third place, well off my predicted placement, is the Dane Cook/Kate Hudson romantic comedy My Best Friend's Girl. This comedy is definitely a step up from Cook's last vehicle, Good Luck Chuck, although it does feel a bit like a sequel. It definitely had some laugh out loud moments, but it lacked an overall cohesion and the much needed heart. I suspect that this will not last long, despite my initial prediction.
Right behind it is the family film Igor, a movie that goes too far down the rabbit hole and loses its way under the weight of traditional family movie expectations. Now, if it had gone all the way with its Nightmare Before Christmas inspirations, this could have been something special.
Lastly, all the way down in eighth place is the supernatural Ricky Gervais comedy Ghost Town. I have not yet seen the film, but plan on correcting that in the near future. The movie centers on an anti-social dentist who, after a near death experience, can see dead people. Greg Kinnear plays one of the dead who enlists his help in rescuing his living ex (Tea Leoni) from marrying the wrong guy. I have heard good things, hopefully it will pay off.
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