Gangster Whacks Box Office

Movie reviews: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum can't save amnesia romance

(NEWSER) - In The Vow, Rachel McAdams plays a woman who must learn to love her husband again after amnesia wipes her memory. It's no surprise it was released ahead of Valentine's Day: It's pure mushiness, critics say.

• In the New York Daily News , Elizabeth Weitzman calls the film a "down-the-middle, by-the-numbers fantasy, in which no one is too quirky or interesting or challenging in any way." Still, "there’s no shortage of viewers ready to embrace an old-fashioned, guilty-pleasure romance."

Kristen Wiig comedy snags another record

(NEWSER) - It's official: Bridesmaids has become the most popular video-on-demand movie ever, with 4.8 million rentals in four months, says the Hollywood Reporter . It's just the latest record for the sometimes raunchy female comedy, which is also the top-grossing movie in its genre ever made—$288 million worldwide. And that's not counting $100 million in Blu-ray and DVD sales in the US and two potential Oscars—for original screenplay and supporting actress (Melissa McCarthy). More»

Meanwhile, critics carp about too many new Hollywood additions

(NEWSER) - The forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre hosts handprints of Hollywood royalty from Marilyn Monroe to Robert Pattinson. But after years of wear, some of the most iconic imprints—such as Groucho Marx's—may be moved to more protected spots, says the theater's co-owner. Meanwhile, the tourist destination is facing criticism over some of its recent acquisitions, the Los Angeles Times notes. This year saw more additions than any year since 1927. But do Alvin and the Chipmunks really deserve a spot near Clark Gable? More»

High prices and few choices don't help: Roger Ebert

(NEWSER) - News that movie theaters had lackluster revenue in 2011 didn’t surprise Roger Ebert. He ticks off a list of the reasons why at his blog , including the lack of an Avatar-like blockbuster and usual suspects like too-high prices for tickets and refreshments. But also:

• Distractions: Loud talkers and people using their cell phones (with their bright screens) to text are getting out of hand.

Batman writer's attacks on Occupy Wall Street no surprise: Rick Moody

(NEWSER) - They say Hollywood is liberal, but in fact it's more of a right-wing propaganda machine, writes Rick Moody in the Guardian . From Schwarzenegger to Spider-Man, “the message is there: Might is right, the global economy will be restored, America is exceptional, homely people deserve political disenfranchisement, and so on.” As a result, no one should be surprised by Batman scribe Frank Miller’s recent attacks on Occupy Wall Street, writes Moody. More»