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Potter magic at the US box office |
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Far exceeding predictions, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire created magic with a $101 million three-day opening in North America. It also grossed an impressive $80 million abroad, including the United Kingdom and Germany. The darkest of the four films in the series so far, the Mike Newell film earned more than the weekend gross of all films -- over 150 -- showing across North America.
The second-highest grossing film of the week, the screen bio of country singer Johnny Cash, Walk The Line, took in some $22 million. Many critics consider Walk The Line to be a sure bet for Oscar nominations. Another critically acclaimed film, Good Night, And Good Luck, about the political witch-hunt during era of anti-Communist American senator Joseph McCarthy, has dropped from the top 10 list. But the George Clooney directed film, which has garnered some of the best reviews of the year, has grossed an admirable $17 million.
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1. Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire Voices: Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Brendon Gleeson, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith. Director: Mike Newell.  Relentless suspense, good humour and awesome special effects. No concessions for those who haven't read the book.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Super hit.
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2. Walk The Line Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon. Director: James Mangold. Vibrant story of sin and redemption, strong performances. Little appeal for the instant gratification crowd.Number of weeks: New. BO Verdict: Solid opening.
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3. Chicken Little Voices: Zach Braff, Garry Marshall, Joan Cusack, Steve Zahn. Director: Mark Dindal. Pleasing to the eye, many solid laughs.Not as heartfelt as Shrek or The Incredibles.Number of weeks: 3. BO Verdict: Hit.
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4. Derailed Cast: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston and Vincent Cassel. Director: Mikael Hafstorm. Escapist fun, some suspense, attractive starcast.Goes haywire in the second half.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Success.
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5. Zathura Cast: Tim Robbins, Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart. Director: Jon Favreau. Mild entertainment.Not enough laughs.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Flop.
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6. Jarhead Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper. Director: Sam Mendes. Good performances, thoughtful moments.Lacks enough dramatic tension.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Success.
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7. Get Rich or Die Tryin' Cast: 50 Cent, Joy Bryant, Terrence Dashon Howard, Bill Duke, Omar Benson Miller, Viola Davis. Director: Jim Sheridan. Enough anger and conflicts to grab the attention of urban young men.Very few heartfelt moments.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Disappointing
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8. Saw II Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Donnie Wahlberg and Erik Knudsen. Director: Darren Lynn Bousman. Some scary moments.Hollow moments, emotional disconnection.Number of weeks: 4. BO Verdict: Super hit.
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9. The Legend of Zorro Cast: Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Director: Martin Campbell. Attractive star cast.Frantic, overcooked but few genuine thrills.Number of weeks: 4. BO Verdict: Disappointing.
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10. Pride & Prejudice Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Donald Sutherland. Director: Joe Wright. Sumptuous looking film, solidly acted and filled with good humour.Dense plot.Number of weeks: 2. BO Verdict: Art house hit.
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Text: Arthur J Pais
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