The Flicks Flashback- Reese Witherspoon

Following the success of “Pretty Woman,” Julia Roberts became known as “America’s Sweetheart.” While the Oscar winning actress will always be known by that moniker, fellow actress (and Oscar winner) Resse Witherspoon has slowly earned that same level of respect and fame. Today, she headlines the FOX release “Water For Elephants,” an romantic drama based on the highly successful novel by Sara Gruen. With a string of successful box office films under her belt and a litany of awards, it’s interesting to look back at Witherspoon’s early breakthrough roles that would eventually lead to her bankable A-lister status.

Here’s your “Flicks Flashback” featuring Reese Witherspoon.

Pleasantville (1998) / Cruel Intentions (1999) / Election (1999)

Total USA Earnings:  $40 million / $38 million/ $14 million

Over the course of eight months, Resse Witherspoon appeared in three movies that combined didn’t reach $100 million. While in this decade that could be looked at as a string of failures, the simple fact is that each of those movies either made back its original investment or vastly improved on it; and that’s not even the most important part of the story. These movies allowed Witherspoon the type of public exposure few actress have had in this day and age. As a result, she was able to show she could handle herself in a wide range of genres that in the end not only put her on the map with moviegoers, but with the critics.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Total USA Earnings: $95 million

While audiences knew of Witherspoon, she was still on the fringes of the A-list, despite the high profile company she kept onscreen. At the time (newly) married to her “Cruel Intentions” co-star Ryan Philippe, she was slowly beginning to gain some media traction. All she needed was that one break-out role and she found in the most unlikely place. Witherspoon not only took on the “blonde” stereotype but she firmly embraced it. “Legally Blonde” opened in the summer of 2001 to a $20 million opening; the highest yet of her career. All of sudden, Witherspoon was a household name and on the verge of being one of the most bankable young stars in Hollywood.

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

Total USA Earnings: $127 million

While Witherspoon had a big success with “Blonde,” she still didn’t have a $100 million blockbuster on her resume. Furthermore executives wanted to make sure her big break wasn’t a big fluke. The next year she silenced all of her critics with “Sweet Home Alabama.” Starring alongside the Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey (before he was “McDreamy”), Reese saw her latest romantic comedy bow to a $35 million opening weekend. The movie essentially made back its entire production budget in just three days and would eventually haul in $127 million. Witherspoon had basically arrived!

Walk The Line (2005)

Total USA Earnings $119 million

After dominating the romantic comedy genre, she returned to her dramatic roots and took on the role of June Carter Cash. Following her early success in the genre it was no surprise that critics had labeled her an early frontrunner for award season. In the end, her portrayal of the wife of music icon Johnny Cash earned her an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actor Guild award and a slew of national film critic’s prizes. The result of which cemented Reese’s place as the next “America’s Sweetheart.”

Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)

Total USA Earnings: $198 million

Unfortunately with the sweet came the sour, Witherspoon’s marriage to Philippe unraveled as did her next four films. Nothing was clicking for the actress, but then DreamWorks came calling with its debut run at the next generation of animated movies. This was a huge risk for the studio as it was championing a new 3D technology that many weren’t completely ready to welcome. Although enough people embraced it as the movie grossed close to $200 million, which was enough for big both DreamWorks and Witherspoon to make a pop culture impact.

While her most recent film “How Do You Know” faltered at the box office in big way, Witherspoon’s image has not wilted at all, which brings us back to the present and this weekend’s “Water For Elephants.” Now newly remarried and with an array of very interesting and anticipated projects rumored to be in the pipeline, Reese is once again in the spotlight and once again poised to regain her spot atop the box office.

“Water For Elephants” is now in theaters.

New In Theaters - April 22nd, 2011

TYLER PERRY’S MADEA'S BIG HAPPY FAMILY

Starring: Tyler Perry, Loretta Devine, Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, 
David Mann,Cassi Davis, Tamela Brown Mann, 
Lauren London, Isaiah Mustafa &Rodney Perry

Directed by Tyler Perry for distribution by Lionsgate

The Plot: After her niece (Devine) receives some scary news about her health, it becomes up to Madea (Perry) to gather her self-occupied family together to tackle it as a family, no matter how dysfunctional they are as a group.

The Final Word: Coming off the surprising flop “For Colored Girls,” Perry is probably relishing the chance to step back into the Madea role one more time. In fact, how’s this for a statistic? Every time Perry dons the Madea costume, his movie opens to at least a $20 million debut. In fact, his lowest ever opening for film in which he had a leading role is only $17 million. Whether you’re a fan of Perry’s or not, the simple fact remains he is a box office force.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Starring: Robert Pattison, Resse Witherspoon & Christoph Waltz

Directed by Francis Lawrence for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: Following the tragic death of his parents, a veterinary student (Pattinson) drops out of college to take up with the circus where he falls for the wife (Witherspoon) of the cruel ringmaster (Waltz).

The Final Word: The last time Robert Pattison stepped outside of his “Twilight” comfort zone, the results didn’t go in his favor. You can expect a much different result this time around as the teen heartthrob teams up with a pair of Academy Award winners for this adaptation of the popular book. FOX will have not only the “Twilight” fanbase interested, but also the appeal of the very likeable Witherspoon and the incredibly talented Waltz. The combination of these three should easily make this a popular film at the box office. Although can it outperform Tyler Perry’s latest installment in his ultra-successful Madea series?

Previewed next week: Dylan Dog: Dead of Night, Fast Five, Hoodwinked Too: Hood vs. Evil & Prom

New In Theaters - April 15th, 2011

RIO

Starring (voices): Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, George Lopez,

Tracy Morgan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, will.i.am & Jamie Foxx

Directed by Carlos Saldanha for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: A macaw (Eisenberg) leaves the comforts of his owner’s home to follow a potential mate (Hathaway) across the globe, only to end up in Rio de Janeiro during the height of Carnival, along with the many new friends he’s encounter along the way.

The Final Word: From the people who brought the “Ice Age” trilogy to the screen comes this new 3D animated feature. Director Carlos Saldanha, who helmed all of the “Ice” movies, could easily have himself another franchise to play with if this new movie catches on with audiences. Judging by the runaway success of kid-friendly films as of late, FOX could really be in for some luck here, especially after the movie’s recent partnership with the iPad staple “Angry Birds” worked to record breaking levels.

SCREAM 4

Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox Arquette,

Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Marley Shelton, Anthony Anderson,

Adam Brody, Alison Brie, Anna Paquin, Kristen Bell & Brittany Roberts

Directed by Wes Craven for distribution by Dimension Films

The Plot: Ten years after the events of the last film, Sidney Prescott (Campbell) returns back to her hometown as part a book tour, only to learn someone else has taken on the mantel of Ghostface.

The Final Word: In the 1990’s “Scream” was arguably one of the most dominating franchises around. It targeted the teen demographic in a very unique way and the end result was a trilogy which re-invigorated its genre. Now just over a decade later, Dimension is hoping to reboot the series with “Scream 4,” and could very well once again capture lighting in a bottle. The reason why this will be a success is because the studio is playing it smart and NOT changing what already works. They are taking a proven formula, adding in a new group of hot rising stars and seamlessly mixing in it in with its trio of returning veterans. The end result should be another smash hit.

Previewed next week: Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family & Water For Elephants

New In Theaters - April 8th, 2011

ARTHUR

Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Greta Gerwig,

Luis Guzman, Nick Nolte & Jennifer Garner

Directed by Jason Winer for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: A trust fund playboy (Brand) with zero ambition must fend for himself when he is cut off from his inheritance after he refuses to marry the woman (Garner) his family has chosen on his behalf. 

The Final Word: In 1981, Dudley Moore brought to life a character that would later earn him an Academy Award nomination.  A happy drunk with no ambition whatsoever; the character’s name was Arthur. Now thirty years later, comedian Russell Brand is about to slip into Arthur’s expensive shoes and remind audiences why they fell for this lovable lothario in the first place. Although this will be Brand’s second movie released in a two week span. Could audiences be in for a “Brand” overload? I don’t envy Warner Brothers, as it is hard enough to launch a movie by itself, much less one where your lead actor is basically competing against himself for number one at the box office.

BORN TO BE WILD 3D

Starring: Morgan Freeman

Directed by David Lickley for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: A documentary focusing on orphaned orangutans & elephants and the people who come to their aid.

The Final Word: Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this nature film was shot in IMAX 3D across Borneo and Kenya. It profiles world-renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas and noted elephant specialist Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they go about their work in the field preventing these amazing animals from extinction.

HANNA

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Jason Flemyng,

Tom Hollander & Olivia Williams

Directed by Joe Wright for distribution by Focus Features

The Plot: A trained sixteen year old assassin (Ronan) is dispatched by her father (Bana) on a mission, only to be tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent (Blanchett) and her throngs of operatives.

The Final Word: Between “Arthur” and “Your Highness” I have every reason to believe this movie will be overshadowed at the box office. Although this is Focus Features and they’ve pulled off shockers before, but I just don’t see this falling to either of the two comedies it’s up against. Nothing against the film or its talented cast, but this honestly looks like a movie you may stumble upon on a cable channel in a few years and get sucked into for an hour or two. Then again Ronan (who at age 16 already has one Academy Award nomination) is already receiving rave reviews and Blanchett has become the definition of Oscar-bait, so this movie could still find a second life down the road.

SOUL SURFER

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Carrie Underwood,

Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo & Jeremy Sumpter

Directed by Sean McNamara for distribution by TriStar Pictures (Sony)

The Plot: The true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton (Robb), a young prodigy on the water who has her dreams shattered when a shark attack leaves her unable to perform. Although through her determination, Bethany fights to return to the sport she loves and overcome her handicap.

The Final Word: No doubt this uplifting story’s biggest asset is its cast, which includes Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and Helen Hunt (who has seemingly fell off the map the last few years), but this is an insanely crowded release date and similar to “Hanna,” I see this getting overshadowed as well. It actually makes me wonder why TriStar didn’t hold it for the summer, when audiences begin to get tired of things blowing up and decide to go after this type of movie.

YOUR HIGHNESS

Starring: Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman,

Zooey Deschanel, Justin Theroux, Toby Jones & Damian Lewis

Directed by David Gordon Green for distribution by Universal

The Plot: Two princes (McBride, Franco) with vastly different personalities must team up to rescue the older and more mature one’s girlfriend (Deschanel) after she’s kidnapped by an evil wizard (Theroux)

The Final Word: Franco has to be dreading doing press for this picture following the Oscars, but with Portman getting ready to give birth, it seems apparent the promotional burden will fall on him and McBride. Although remember that this won’t be the first time the pair has teamed up for a movie and that could end up being what really helps this comedy succeed. Fans of “Pineapple Express” probably already have the film’s release date circled on their calendars since this is targeted at the exact same audience.

Previewed next week: Rio & Scream 4

New In Theaters - April 1st, 2011

HOP

Starring: James Marsden, Russell Brand, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria, Gary Cole,

Elizabeth Perkins, David Hasselhoff, Chelsea Handler & Hugh Laurie

Directed by Tim Hill for distribution by Universal

The Plot: A out of work slacker (Marsden) is tricked into taking care of the Easter Bunny’s son (Brand), who ran away to Los Angeles instead of taking over the family business.

The Final Word: “Hop” cleverly blends CGI and live-action to tell this story about an unlikely friendship. Russell Brand lends his voice to the Easter Bunny’s son E.B., who instead of taking over for dear old dad, wants to be a drummer in Hollywood. Upon his arrival, Marsden’s character hits E.B. with his car and the bunny fakes an injury in exchange for a place to stay. It’s actually a fun concept and is (of course) perfectly timed to the upcoming Easter holiday. This will also be the first movie for “The Big Bang Theory’s” Kaley Cuoco since her sitcom premiered. She’ll co-star as Marsden’s love interest, who is also admired by E.B.

INSIDIOUS

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye,

Ty Simpkins & Barbara Hershey

Directed by James Wan for distribution by FilmDistrict

The Plot: A family finds their new house haunted by evil spirits only to realize the root of their problem may not actually be the house.

The Final Word: This new take on the classic haunted house genre comes courtesy of a collaboration of talent from the people behind “Saw” and “Paranormal Activity.” Horror films are notoriously unpredictable, but they have also been a hugely successful as of late. With the pedigree behind this film and a cast led by rising stars Patrick Wilson and “Damages’” Rose Bryne, upstart company FilmDistrict could make a splash if it doesn’t get overshadowed by “Source Code.”

SOURCE CODE

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga & Jeffrey Wright

Directed by Duncan Jones for distribution by Summit Entertainment

The Plot: A soldier (Gyllenhaal) becomes a part of a secret government program known as the “Source Code,” where he is given the ability to travel back in time to eight minutes prior to a terrorist attack.

The Final Word: Director Duncan Jones put himself on the map in 2009 with a little-known film called “Moon.” The indie hit attracted the attention of Summit, which led to this movie, which could probably best be described as “Groundhog Day” with a twist. The son of David Bowie, Jones is slowly making a name for himself and is looking for “Code” to bring him mainstream buzz. The tricky part here is that Gyllenhaal, while known in the mainstream, still hasn’t been able to prove he can consistently open a picture on his own. Yes, “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Day After Tomorrow” did extremely well, but he was also a supporting player in both. While he is a talented actor, his films don’t perform well, with the most obvious example being last year’s high profile dud “Prince of Persia.” Although “Code” is just the right mix of indie, but molded for mainstream viewing, so it is possible he could be a great fit here, but honestly the jury is still out.

SUPER

Starring: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon & Nathan Fillion

Directed by James Gunn for distribution by IFC Midnight (Films)

The Plot: An ordinary man (Wilson) transforms himself into a superhero after his wife (Tyler) leaves him for a psychopathic drug dealer (Bacon).

The Final Word: This is the definition of an indie film, but it comes with a very mainstream cast, which should earn it some attention. Although Gunn, who also wrote the script, is known for dark and edgy style which could limit its potential audience, but more than likely those going to see it will know ahead of time what to expect.: An ordinary man (Wilson) transforms himself into a superhero after his wife (Tyler) leaves him for a psychopathic drug dealer (Bacon).

Previewed next week: Arthur, Hanna, Born To Be Wild 3D, Your Highness

New In Theaters - March 25th, 2011

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES

Starring: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris,

Devon Bostick & Steve Zahn

Directed by David Bowers for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: The parents of two feuding brothers try to keep the peace by having them try and spend quality time bonding.

The Final Word: Jeff Kinney’s “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid” book series have sold over 40 million copies, which in today’s Hollywood almost guarantees a movie adaptation. The first film, which was released around this time last year, had an impressive opening weekend and made back all of its money in just three days. Now comes the next installment in the series and I honestly really curious if they can repeat the success of the original.

SUCKER PUNCH

Starring: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung,

Jena Malone, Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm, Oscar Isaac & Scott Glenn

Directed by Zach Synder for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: Locked away in an asylum against her will, a young girl (Browning) enlists the help of four of her fellow captives to escape from their prison and enter a fantasy world of warfare.

The Final Word: Let’s be honest, you can’t really summarize this movie’s plot. I’m not even sure I did it anywhere near justice, but the basic idea is hot girls kicking the ever loving hell out everything and everyone in their way; in IMAX. Directed by Zach Snyder, the man working with Christopher Nolan’s on the next “Superman” re-boot, this fantasy action flick is the type of movie fanboys go crazy over and with good reason. It has a smoking hot cast and basically a release date almost entirely to itself. 


Previewed next week: Hop, Insidious, Source Code

New In Theaters- March 18, 2011

LIMITLESS

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, 
Anna Friel & Tomas Arana

Directed by Neil Burger for distribution by Relativity

The Plot: An out-of-work writer (Cooper) discovers a wonder drug designed to let him access 100% of his brain, but finds his newfound intelligence comes with major side effects as well as the interest of a shrewd business mogul (DeNiro) determined to use it for financial gain.

The Final Word: This is a big opportunity for “Hangover” star Bradley Cooper to show he can carry a film without an ensemble to back him. He also won’t exactly be going it alone as Hollywood icon Robert DeNiro is his co-star, but the fact remains it is a great chance for Cooper to shine. He is a very talented actor and Relativity is banking on him to carry this adaptation of author Alan Glynn’s debut novel.

THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe,

William H. Macy,  Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena,

Trace Adkins, Katherine Moennig & Erin Carufel

Directed by Brad Furman for distribution by Lionsgate

The Plot: A charismatic and at times morally challenged lawyer (McConaughey), who operates his firm out of his Lincoln Continental car, is drawn into what seems like a straightforward case involving a rich playboy (Phillippe) accused of attempted murder, but soon finds himself in a cat and mouse game of manipulation with possibly deadly consequences.

The Final Word: Some may be hard pressed to name the last movie that McConaughey successfully headlined, but surprisingly it was only a few years back in 2008 when he teamed with Kate Hudson in “Fool’s Gold.” While that may seem like a while ago, by Hollywood standards it is actually in the normal range. Although the year Lionsgate if focused on is 1996, which is the year McConaughey first broke through as a lawyer in John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill.” It is the studio’s hope that McConaughey can reclaim that magic and help them launch what could turn into a new franchise.

PAUL

Starring: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig,

 Bill Hader,Jane Lynch, Sigourney Weaver, Joe Lo Truglio, 

David Koechner,Blythe Danner & John Carroll Lynch

Directed by Greg Mottola for distribution by Universal

The Plot: Two sci-fi geeks (Frost, Pegg) pick up an alien hitchhiker (voiced by Rogen) on a cross-country journey through America’s UFO heartland and soon find themselves the focus of a government task force designed to re-capture their new friend.

The Final Word: Frost and Pegg are known for their irreverent humor in movies like “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead,” which gives them a built in audience for this picture. The problem will be drawing in the average viewer who may not be familiar with the pair’s across-the-pond following. With a solid cast of supporting actors and Judd Apatow staple Seth Rogen in the mix, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility they could pull off a surprise at the box office.

Previewed next week: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules & Sucker Punch