Today's Pick

First "Star Trek," then "Transformers 2," and now the team of Paramount and game maker Hasbro action figure toy line proved again that toys are serious business at the box office. "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" went on to dominate the world by topping out over $100 million around the globe on its opening weekend for one of the best August debuts ever, albeit the smallest one.
The film not only exceeded expectations, overcame bad buzz and scathing reviews, and has also blown away the competition and stands tall to win the opening weekend with earning $56.2 million in the States, and grabbing another $44 million for a worldwide total of over $100 million in three days! According to THR, the film is still scheduled to debut in about 28 more foreign territories, including key markets, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
"G.I. Joe" stars Channing Tatum and Marlon Wayans as two young soldiers recruited by the international G.I. Joe military force to help save the world. It was directed by Stephen Sommers of "The Mummy" fame. Given the wide awareness of the brand, fans were underwhelmed by a trailer that premiered in February during the Super Bowl football championship, the most-watched television event of the year in the US.
“This is a very strong opening,” critics who went to see "G.I. Joe" after it opened gave it mixed reviews at best, with many branding it mindless action but some finding it fun and entertaining. Looks like Steven Sommers will get his sequel after all. Be sure to check back next week to see if G.I. Joe can hold off the invasion of "District 9."

Director Joe Wright ('Atonement,' and 'Pride & Prejudice') brings the true story of an unlikely friendship to life in the 2009 film, "The Soloist" , is based on the book, "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship", has hit the DVD format from Paramount today. The film was originally released in theaters in April, 2009.
Life has a mind of its own. "The Soloist" based off the real life experiences of a L.A. Times award-winning columnist Steve Lopez(Robert Downey Jr.) and his friendship with Nathaniel Ayers, a entally ill musician(Jamie Foxx) who becomes schizophrenic and homeless, touches on inspiring connections that are relatable but also falls slightly flat of pure satisfaction. Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them.
Overall, this powerful movie does an amazing job and has received somewhat favorable reviews. In this fact-based drama, the high-octane performances of Foxx and Downey make fine duet, and strong enough to carry the movie through till the end. Wright was also given the impossible task of making something bigger than it needed to be. "The Soloist" pulls at your heart!
The DVD and Blu-ray include a Wright commentary and an assortment of closer looks at the making of the movie and the real-life Ayers.