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newsmakers
newsmakers
‘Resident Evil’ takes top spot at box office on slow weekend
NEW YORK
On a weekend that Hollywood was largely content to cede to football and late-summer barbecues, Sony-Screen Gems’ “Resident Evil: Afterlife” led the box office.
The 3-D horror film earned $27.7 million over the weekend according to studio estimates Sunday, a total that exceeded expectations. It’s the fourth “Resident Evil” film, all of which have starred Milla Jovovich. This installment opened better than the three previous movies.
“Resident Evil” was the only film in new release on the historically slow moviegoing weekend after Labor Day. With an estimated box-office total of $82 million, it was the lowest grossing weekend of the year.
Screen Gems’ “Takers,” in its third week of release, came in second with $6.1 million. Last weekend’s top film, the George Clooney thriller “The American,” took in $5.9 million for Focus Features.
With little competition, “Resident Evil” was able to capitalize on the post-Labor Day weekend, when two of the previous entries to the franchise also were released.
“It had all of what its core audience was looking for and more,” said Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution for Sony.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com:
“Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D,” $27.7 million.
“Takers,” $6.1 million.
“The American,” $5.9 million.
“Machete,” $4.2 million.
“Going the Distance,” $3.8 million.
“The Other Guys,” $3.6 million.
“The Last Exorcism,” $3.5 million.
“The Expendables,” $3.3 million.
“Inception,” $3 million.
“Eat Pray Love,” $2.9 million.
Steve Harvey takes over as new host of ‘Family Feud’
LOS ANGELES
Steve Harvey says he’s bringing change to “Family Feud” and viewers better get ready to laugh.
Harvey, who debuts as the game show’s new host today, is drawing on his decades in comedy to take the program in a new direction. He’s already taped 100 episodes.
He hasn’t been at a loss for inspiration, Harvey said. Turns out that playing a game show in the studio, distracted by the audience, lights and noise, can be tougher than the competing families anticipated.
Their incorrect answers are giving him plenty of material to play with, Harvey said. But he said he’s keeping the humor strictly G-rated for the syndicated show.
Harvey is replacing actor John O’Hurley, who hosted “Family Feud” for four seasons.
Vintage gear stolen from rock band Drivin’ N Cryin’
ATLANTA
Atlanta-based rock band Drivin’ N Cryin’ has plenty of reason to cry — they’ll be driving to their next gig without more than $50,000 worth of vintage equipment that was swiped from a hotel.
Band manager Ken Green said a trailer packed with vintage amplifiers, custom guitars and an elaborate drum set was stolen early Saturday from a hotel in Macon, Ga. The band played at a local theater just hours earlier.
Green says the band members are devastated, but they still plan to make the next stops on the tour later this week in Bainbridge and Raleigh, N.C.
He says other bands, including The Allman Brothers Band and Drive-By Truckers, have offered to help.
Associated Press