What Happened to Kinder, Gentler Tom Hanks?

(NEWSER) - The Transformers juggernaut rolls on. The Revenge of the Fallen sequel is about to become the biggest grossing film of 2009 worldwide, reports Variety. After only 2 weeks, it's grossed $448 million around the globe, just shy of the $469 million haul by Angels & Demons, which opened in May. It's on track to take over the No. 1 spot by Friday. The film also should pass Up as the No. 1 domestic earner (currently $255 million) around the same time. More»

(NEWSER) - The Screen Actors Guild overwhelmingly approved a new contract tonight with the big Hollywood studios, ending an impasse that raised the threat of another strike in the entertainment industry, reports the LA Times. The approval, pushed by a group of top-tier actors such as George Clooney and Tom Hanks, comes a year after the previous contract expired. More»

Da Vinci Code follow-up barrels its way through Dan Brown's brand of hokum

(NEWSER) - Da Vinci Code sequel Angels & Demons is a fast-paced improvement on its sluggish predecessor, say critics, although filmgoers without a high tolerance for hooey are advised to steer clear.

• Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer: The "ticking-bomb thriller tightly wrapped in a papal plot and cinched with the ribbons of religion and science" could pass as CSI: Vatican City.

List of new releases that face criticism

(NEWSER) - Movie fans are fuming for one reason or another about most of the blockbusters out this month, the New York Times reports—and studios find it difficult to discern potent protests from the all-too-common casual boycott. A look at which films, and why:

• Terminator Salvation upset fans because of its tame PG-13 rating.
• Trekkies are petitioning Paramount to donate part of Star Trek revenue for exploration of outer space.

Blockbusters that will make the summer even hotter

(NEWSER) - In Hollywood, May flowers don’t bring Pilgrims; they bring summer blockbusters. The Wall Street Journal takes a look at the season’s most promising flicks:

• May 21: Christian Bale stars in Terminator Salvation, a prequel that tries to hew closer to the first two hit films instead of taking cues from the third, a real clunker.