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Box Office Wakes Up with Wild $37 Million Opening Shot from Sony’s “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”

Roger Friedman
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Box Office Wakes Up with Wild $37 Million Opening Shot from Sony’s “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”

Sony Pictures is opening Champagne this morning.

Andy Serkis’s “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” swamped the box office with Thursday previews and a Friday opening. The total is $37 million. The “Spider Man” adjacent sequel to the first “Venom” is bringing audiences into theaters like it’s the pre-pandemic days. Hallelujah!

Considering what it is, “Carnage” has a 59 rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which ain’t bad. Critics aren’t impressed, but the audience is getting what it wants. Plus you’ve got a quality cast with Tom Hardy. Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, and Woody Harrelson.

“Carnage” is also a good omen for “Spider Man: No Way Home,” coming December 17th. For Sony, combining with Marvel on these movies is a gift from the heavens.

Review: Powerful “Power of the Dog” Is A Psychosexual Horse Opera with Oscar Performances from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst

Roger Friedman
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Review: Powerful “Power of the Dog” Is A Psychosexual Horse Opera with Oscar Performances from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst

Benedict Cumberbatch has been in the hunt for an Oscar since we met him. He’s one of our premier actors from “The Imitation Game” to “12 Years a Slave” and a ton of great TV performances.

But BC’s performance as Phil, the central antagonist from Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog” should do the trick, it’s a fully realized creation of a disarming and unexpected character who powers an entire film himself. He’s like a nuclear generator.

Phil is one of two cowboy brothers in 1925 Montana, men who were raised in a wealthy ranching family. Phil is the vibrant one, Jesse Plemons’ stolid George is the less interesting, responsible brother. From the beginning, something is wrong with their relationship because George, who is always well dressed, can barely tolerate Phil. And Phil, a loner, is blissfully unaware of his brother’s contempt.

George marries Rose, a comely widow played by the incandescent Kirsten Dunst. If you think BC has been waiting around for an Oscar, Dunst was a child star who has gone her own way in a remarkable career. Rose is her best work ever: husband committed suicide, 20ish son is a wan “sissy” (Kodi Smit McPhee). Rose can best be described as someone who has landed in a place and she doesn’t seem to know how or why. She’s almost like a time traveler who lands on this Montana ranch in 1925 randomly. To quote David Byrne: “How did I get here?”

Well, everyone’s going to play the card they are dealt from a cult 1967 novel called “Power of the Dog” by Thomas Savage. Director Jane Campion has apparently plucked the details she liked from the book to construct a screenplay that works. (I’m told the book is even wilder.)

This is a combustible group, these four people, set against magnificent Montana mountains. Ari Wegner’s cinematographer is sumptuous (it’s a great season for landscapes) and Johnny Greenwood’s spare and kind of frightening score reminds a lot of his work in “There Will Be Blood,” which is a good thing.

“Power of the Dog” has been described elsewhere as “noir-ish,” which I guess it is. But it’s also as if “Brokeback Mountain” and “Legends of the Fall” had a movie made by Gus van Sant. With a touch of “Days of Heaven.” And these are also all good things. Campion hasn’t made a movie since 2009, she spent a decade on the great TV series “Top of the Lake.” Her movie achievements are legendary, like “The Piano” and “An Angel at My Table.” Campion likes to live on the cutting edge. The material she’s attracted to is the most unusual. Even when she confronted Henry James for “The Portrait of a Lady,” she made it her own. Nicole Kidman and Barbara Hershey are still resonating from that one 25 years later.

Cumberbatch told me last night at a small reception after the screening at Alice Tully Hall that he used “dream therapy” to create Phil. He and Campion worked on the character for a year. It’s a remarkable invention. I don’t know if a lot of people would venture into theaters for “Power of the Dog” but Netflix will put it at their feet, luckily. This is one time I’m happy to say you will be forced to watch this movie. It’s transcendent. And never boring. You may want to go back and study the clues of this psychosexual horse opera to understand the eventual twist.

 

Sting Drops a Hot Single, “Rushing Water,” on the Eve of His 70th Birthday!

Roger Friedman
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Sting Drops a Hot Single, “Rushing Water,” on the Eve of His 70th Birthday!

Hard to believe, but tomorrow is Sting’s 70th birthday. He looks 40, so there’s that. He was always the youngest of the rock stars. Time flies!

What’s he doing for his birthday? Dropping a great new single, I love this song, “Rushing Water,” from his album called “The Bridge” coming next month.

Tonight Sting is playing a show at the Herod Atticus Theater in Athens, Greece under the shadow of the Parthenon. He joked in an email, “I’m trying to find venues older than myself. It’s getting harder and harder!”

Sting is a mensch, and forever young. Happy Birthday!

No Time to Sell: Billie Eilish’s Morose James Bond Theme Hopes for Revival But Louis Armstrong Makes a Surprise Return in Film

Roger Friedman
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No Time to Sell: Billie Eilish’s Morose James Bond Theme Hopes for Revival But Louis Armstrong Makes a Surprise Return in Film

Back in February 2020, Billie Eilish released her morose James Bond theme, “No Time to Die.”

The movie then was scheduled for April 2020. It never happened.

The Eilish track didn’t do much. It had a brief run on the charts. Total sales of downloads were just 70,000 to this date. Including streaming, though, she’s 1.1 million in “sales.” Which sounds like a lot but isn’t.

The good news is Billie won a Grammy a year later, in January 2021, for music from a movie. But because the movie was never released, she wasn’t eligible for an Oscar nomination. This year she will be.

Now that “No Time to Die” is out in the UK and coming here next Friday, it’s possible the record will have a revival. In the movie, the song sits there like a wet fish, a limp handshake, a door mat.

The single is no “Live or Let Die” or “Goldfinger” or “Nobody Does it Better.” It has all the excitement of death, which might be the point. Hearing it you think maybe there IS time to die. Maybe that’s why the producers brought Hans Zimmer in write the score, which is very lively and lets us forget those first, sleep inducing moments.

The real theme song to “No Time to Die” plays over the end credits: Louis Armstrong’s “We Have All the Time in the World.” It’s so much more apt, and its a signal from the producers that they’ll be back with a new Bond series no matter what happened in this movie. It’s also a throwback to “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” which featured Diana Rigg. It was the last song Armstrong ever recorded. Talk about ‘haunting’– this track is the definition.

Michael Jackson’s Final Accuser Case Dismissed by LA Court, “Leaving Neverland” Doc Now Based on Nothing

Roger Friedman
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Michael Jackson’s Final Accuser Case Dismissed by LA Court, “Leaving Neverland” Doc Now Based on Nothing

Michael Jackson is moonwalking in heaven today.

The final case against him has been dismissed by a Los Angeles judge.

James Safechuck, one of two men who leveled absurd child molestation allegations against Jackson in the “Leaving Neverland” documentary, has had his case chucked from court. His lawyer was supposed to file an appeal to his last court loss and never did.

Safechuck and Wade Robson each participated in the HBO documentary, “Leaving Neverland,” in which they made unfounded and unsubstantiated claims against Jackson. The filmmaker never gave anyone a chance to respond nor did he present any other side to the stories.

Jackson’s Estate is currently suing HBO and the case has gone to arbitration.

In the meantime, both Robson and Safechuck’s cases, filed 7 years ago, have been thrown out of court.

The case brought by Safechuck was dismissed on demurrer almost a year ago on October 21, 2020. He had nearly a year to file an appeal and chose not to. He can still appeal this dismissal of

Judge Mark Young wrote, explaining demurrers: When considering demurrers, courts “are required to construe the complaint liberally to determine whether a cause of action has been stated, given the assumed truth of the facts pleaded.”

You can read the Judge’s complete finding here. But he didn’t buy that Safechuck, as a child, worked for Michael Jackson or his companies, and that Jackson failed “to warn, train, or educate” him. Safechuck’s case, like that of his pal Wade Robson, was concocted to get money from the Jackson estate because Michael– who died suddenly– failed to leave them anything in a will.

The judge wrote that: “Plaintiff [Safechuck] alleged that Jackson was “hired” by Defendants to coach, teach, and mentor minors interested in the entertainment industry. Setting aside Plaintiff’s allegation that Jackson was the President of both Defendants, Plaintiff has failed to allege specific facts detailing what such mentorship looked like (or was supposed to look like) from 1988 through 1992.”

Safechuck’s lawyer, Vince Finaldi, told TMZ, the day after losing the case that he would file an appeal immediately.”We are going back to court of appeal and we are going to win this thing.” Notes Twitter account @MJJRepository, which has done incredible work keeping track of these cases: “More than 11 months later—with four months of extensions granted—he failed to submit even an opening brief, as required to proceed.”

Another one bites the dust.

“Grey’s Anatomy”: The Pandemic Is Over, No More Masks, It Was Very Depressing, We’ve Moved On

Roger Friedman
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“Grey’s Anatomy”: The Pandemic Is Over, No More Masks, It Was Very Depressing, We’ve Moved On

The big surprise tonight on “Grey’s Anatomy” is that they brought back a character from four years ago, seen once, played by Scott Speedman.

Speedman, you might see, resembles Patrick Dempsey, the late Dr. McDreamy and husband of Meredith Grey. Dempsey was unceremoniously killed off years ago.

All of Meredith’s suitors since then have died or been written off. Speedman will try and fill the void.

But the bigger news on “Greys” is that the pandemic is over. The doctors and staff are no longer wearing masks. The show started with a card that read something like, “It was very depressing, we’re sorry it’s still going on, but we’re pretending this is the future and COVID has been resolved.”

It’s sort of like in “Pearl Harbor” when Kate Beckinsale runs into Ben Affleck at the end of the movie and says, “And then the war happened it ruined everything.”

Last season it was all COVID COVID COVID. Everyone wore masks and shields. But that was so 2020.

Peter Gallagher has appeared as a doctor in Minnesota who “knew” Meredith’s mother and has dedicated a research lab to her. Why? My guess is, he’s really Meredith’s father. Kate Burton has returned to play Meredith’s dead mother in dream sequences. Coincidence? I think not.

On “Law & Order,” Chris Meloni looks like Grizzly Adams.

The good news is, the Yankees won.

We’ll see overnight ratings midday Friday.

Rikki, Don’t Lost That Ticket: Steely Dan Cancels, Reschedules Florida Tour Dates Because of COVID

Roger Friedman
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Rikki, Don’t Lost That Ticket: Steely Dan Cancels, Reschedules Florida Tour Dates Because of COVID

Somebody with Steely Dan is reeling in the virus.

The band just canceled all their dates in Florida for their current “Absolutely Normal” tour, moving them to next year. Rikki, don’t lose that ticket: you can trade it in for the 2022 dates.

Steely Dan– which is really now just Donald Fagen since the untimely death of Walter Becker- and his band of crack musicians– was embarking on the tour up the East Coast and promoting their new live album, “Northeast Corridor.”

The tour is now postponed for 20 days, beginning October 25th in Baltimore. I’ll see in November at the great Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York. All those Florida and North Carolina dates have been moved to July 2022.

Their website states: “Steely Dan have announced that they will postpone their upcoming shows in Miami, Orlando, St Petersburg, Jacksonville, North Charleston, Charlotte, and Richmond. The postponement comes out of an abundance of caution despite COVID-19 health and safety precautions in place. Fans are encouraged to hold on to their tickets for the newly scheduled dates, which can be seen below.”

Let’s hope for a speedy recovery and no more illness for the Dan. In the meantime, learn to work the saxophone.

NFL Deal with Jay Z Produces Hardcore Hip Hop SuperBowl Half Time Show With Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J

Roger Friedman
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NFL Deal with Jay Z Produces Hardcore Hip Hop SuperBowl Half Time Show With Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J

It was a couple of years ago that the NFL turned over its halftime show to Jay Z and Roc Nation.

This coming February we will see the fruit of that pact.

The half time show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (that’s kinda out hear the airport) is going be hardcore hip hop and rap. Today it was announced that the headliners will be Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dogg, and Kendrick Lamar.

The game is set for a week later than usual, February 13, 2022. It’s the first time in 30 years that the Super Bowl has been in Los Angeles.

They’re saying this “R&B” but it’s not, this is tough stuff, and not the usual middle of the road entertainment seen at the Super Bowl. At this rate they should get Missy Elliot to do the national anthem.

The NFL is trying to woo back the Black viewer, that’s for certain. What’s really interesting is that this at the expense of Colin Kaepernick, who still has no job in football. So all these artists are coming in in juxtaposition to that scenario. This year, the NFL is allowing players to put five different social justice slogans on their helmets. They’re also playing the so-called Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” before “The Star Spangled Banner.” So this part of that effort.

And Kaepernick? It’s been exactly five years since he took a knee and refused to stand for the national anthem. He was 28. Now he’s 33. Despite earning money from endorsements, his professional football career seems to be over. He played his last game on January 1, 2017.

For a while, Kaepernick had the NFL on the ropes. But then Goodell made this deal with Jay Z, who was quick to sell Kaepernick out, letting Goodell subvert him. How much did the NFL pay Jay Z to undo Kaeperick’s calls for spcial justice and awareness of police brutality against Blacks? It had to have been millions beyond our understanding.

Colin Kaepernick? George Floyd? It’s all about the Benjamins. And as I wrote the other day, NFL TV ratings are surging again. People have short memories.

Review: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s Grand “Love for Sale” Is the Booster Shot We Need So Badly Right Now

Roger Friedman
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Review: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s Grand “Love for Sale” Is the Booster Shot We Need So Badly Right Now

Tonight, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga‘s “Love for Sale” drops in all formats including CD, vinyl, streaming and downloads like iTunes. Listen, kids, you’d better hit that button and make it number 1. There are a lot of reasons.

He’s 95, she’s 35, this is unprecedented. Their first album, “Cheek to Cheek,” came to us in 2014. That’s when Tony told me they would absolutely follow up with a Cole Porter collection. “Cheek to Cheek” sold like crazy and won lots of awards, as it should.

“Love for Sale” is a crowning achievement for both of them, and Tony’s producer son, Dae Bennett. Working with the best musicians, they’ve made a lasting record of great beauty. If people are still listening to jazz in 50 years, “Love for Sale” will have to be at the top of every list.

Bennett is capping off the most remarkable career of all time, 70 years, all of our lifetimes, all of his. No other American singer can lay claim to his longstanding at peak quality. While Sinatra lurks out there as the Chairman of the Board, Tony is Chief Operating Officer of Jazz. The whole cosmic twist of his living this long was to prove a voice can only get richer as a heart grows deeper. Listen to him on some of these tracks, whether he recorded them six years ago or yesterday it doesn’t matter. The instrument is genuine. As much I have Frank’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” under mine, this new Gaga-Bennett duet is going to occupy a place there, too.

On first listen I’m focused on two tracks featuring Tony: “Dream Dancing” and “I Concentrate on You.” They’re lesser known Porter and sound fresher because of it. They bounce. Tony swings. He not only keeps up with Gaga, he outpaces her often. You can feel the energy he’s getting from her newness to the material. But for Tony, the piece de resistance is his solo number, “Just One of those Things.” I think this is the fourth time he’s recorded this song, who knows. But in 1969 he titled an album with this number, and going back there comparing to the new recording, Mr. Benedetto hasn’t lost a step. The earlier version is a younger man’s voice. The new one is a man who’s weathered all those things and come through it a winner. When Tony sings

When fortune cries “Nay, nay” to me
And people declare “You’re through”
Whenever the blues become my only songs
I concentrate on you
it’s enough to send you overboard. Many people declared he was “through” a long time ago. Guess who gets the last laugh?

Lady Gaga is a great jazz singer. I love her early music, the hit 45s, but I could listen to her sing like this for the rest of time. She’s done what Mariah Carey never bothered to do: she’s used her super powers for the good of mankind. If Natalie Cole were alive, she’d be Gaga’s only competition. With Tony she’s playful but never campy. This is a serious endeavor. Rosemary Clooney must be sending her signals from heaven. Rarely has there been a pairing that’s been so well matched. You know, she’s a good actress, Gaga, but you can tell she really gets a kick out of Tony. It’s very charming.

Gaga’s standout solo is “Do I Love You.” She has to compete with the ghosts of Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, and Vera Lynn. Who else would have the guts to take this on? This Stefani Germanotta doesn’t shy away from the challenge. She has nothing to fear in comparison. Gaga’s voice has all the vibrato and texture of the greats. You can’t imagine her every screaming again through a “Chromatica” or “Edge of Glory.” Why bother when you can do this?

Dae Bennett’s production on “Love for Sale” will win him another Grammy. He’s got the secret sauce to make this all come together. “Love for Sale” may be a cure for the pandemic. Please get the shots. But this is the extra booster we all need so badly.

Needless to say but A Plus. Plus.

 

story photo courtesy of Kelsey Bennett

@kelseybennett333

 

News Anchor Ashleigh Banfield Responds With Grace and Eloquence to Katie Couric Slagging in Book

Roger Friedman
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News Anchor Ashleigh Banfield Responds With Grace and Eloquence to Katie Couric Slagging in Book

Ashleigh Banfield, who I’ve always liked so much but haven’t seen in some time, really came through today.

Banfield responded with grace and eloquence to news that Katie Couric slagged her in her upcoming memoir.

Couric writes that she turned against Banfield when she heard that that Ashleigh’s father said in the New York Post that NBC should give her Katie’s job. That’s the gist of it. Katie said she wouldn’t mentor Ashleigh because of it.

If only Katie had called Banfield. Today Ashleigh says a Post reporter called her dad, who was senile in a care home for a quote when Banfield was on assignment in Afghanistan. The poor man was confused, and misquoted on top of that.

Banfield doesn’t care. She goes on to praise Katie, say she’s the gold standard in broadcasting, has always admired her, and hopes she’ll set the record straight.

Ashleigh is a five star reporter, and should be back on a major network. She’s terrific!

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