'Bioshock,' which became one of last year's biggest console games, is making the expected move to the big screen with Gore Verbinski on board to direct, according to Variety || The last two seasons of 'Lost' will now be 17 hours each instead of 16 hours to make p for time lost because of the Writers Guild of America strike, says The Hollywood Reporter || Common, a rap artist, has decided to take a turn to acting and has been granted a role on 'Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins,' according to Variety || For the first time, SciFi Channel will rerun episodes of the 1987-94 series 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' joining 'Charmed' and 'Mork & Mindy' on the cable outlet, Variety reports || 'Star Trek: The Experience' may be running out of steam. Cedar Fair, which owns the Las Vegas attraction, says there are no plans to renew its contract with CBS Corp., which could close the event next year, TrekToday reports || 'Bioshock,' which became one of last year's biggest console games, is making the expected move to the big screen with Gore Verbinski on board to direct, according to Variety || The last two seasons of 'Lost' will now be 17 hours each instead of 16 hours to make p for time lost because of the Writers Guild of America strike, says The Hollywood Reporter || Common, a rap artist, has decided to take a turn to acting and has been granted a role on 'Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins,' according to Variety || For the first time, SciFi Channel will rerun episodes of the 1987-94 series 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' joining 'Charmed' and 'Mork & Mindy' on the cable outlet, Variety reports || 'Star Trek: The Experience' may be running out of steam. Cedar Fair, which owns the Las Vegas attraction, says there are no plans to renew its contract with CBS Corp., which could close the event next year, TrekToday reports ||

'Iron Man' Pounds The Box Office

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By MICHAEL HINMAN
Source: CNN
May-04-2008

The first standalone movie from Marvel Studios is a major hit.

"Iron Man" far exceeded even the most liberal predictions for this weekend, taking in just over $100 million in its debut, after picking up $3.5 million on a little-advertised Thursday night, easily slaying any competition that has surrounded it, and giving what could be a tremendous start to what genre fans hope will be a productive summer film season.

The Robert Downey Jr. vehicle had the largest non-sequel opening since the first "Spider-Man" and is among the top 10 biggest openings of all time, and is the fourth best superhero movie opening of all time, including sequels. The film picked up a lot of strong positive reviews from critics, and had help not just from its massive marketing budget, but by strong word of mouth, too.

This could be a great summer season for genre fans. Other movies getting ready to come out in just the next couple of months include "The Incredible Hulk" -- the second film to be made by Marvel Studios -- as well as "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

"We could not have hoped for a better way for Marvel Studios to blast off," David Maisel, chairman of the studios, told CNN. While the comic book company has in the past partnered with other studios to release many of its other films, including the Spider-Man franchise, the company decided to strike out on its own and try to make "Iron Man" itself. Doing that gives it better creative control, as well as stronger profits from box office receipts and merchandising.

Sadly, the box office is still down compared to this time last year. The $154.1 million from the top 15 movies is down 15 percent from a year ago when "Spider-Man 3" had a $151.1 million opening. Ticket sales are still down 7 percent so far this year compared to 2007.

Feeling a little horrific? Get your daily dose of horror news straight from The Doll, Rabid Doll that is at www.RabidDoll.com.

Hear Michael Hinman on SyFy Radio every Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, and Sundays at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/SyFyRadio.

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