Reviews up for two of this week's leavings offerings:
Something New
When a Stranger Calls
The romantic comedy about the uptight black chick dating the laid-back white guy soundly defeats the remake of the 1979 horror movie, which isn't saying much.
I have a movie question, movie guy! What happened to Bloodrayne? The local Houston Press equivalent ran a review saying it was in theatres about a month ago, but it was never in any actual theatres. It's sure not in them now. Was it released? Did Director Boll order all copies seized and returned for reediting?
Bloodrayne opened on January 6 with no advance screenings (believe me, I tried to find one). It's run lasted less than two weeks, grossing about $2.5 million. Its budget was $25 million.
Of course, through Boll's crafty German financing, he ended up making money.
I still can't tell if it ever played here. There was no review in the Houston Press, and the Chron ran a wire service write-up.
Typical wide release for a movie is 2500-3000 screens. Bloodrayne opened on 985, which dropped to 340 its second week. It's entirely possible H-Town was never favored with its presence.
The only person I can imagine actually seeking it out is TTTWLAM. Any input, Thing?
I'm fairly sure that Bloodrayne never made it to our smoggy shores, and we are truly the lesser for it.
The film was obviously too highbrow for plebian Houston tastes, as even elite venues like the Angelika and River Oaks didn't screen Doktor Boll's masterwork.
I only had one reason for wanting to see Something New: Simon Baker. I'm a simple girl, I can sit through two hours of drivel for the pleasure of a seeing a hot Aussie sweating though his shirt.