‘Long Weekend’ Opens In Theaters To Add Coins To Specialty Box Office; ‘Come True’ And ‘Dutch’ Debut
Theaters are beginning to open up on both coasts and the specialty box office life is starting to get some shine with each passing week. Things are slowly yet surely are gravitating to something a little more — dare I say — normal?
This weekend, the Stage 6 Films rom-com Long Weekend from director Steve Basilone played in 814 theaters. The pic starring Finn Wittrock and Zoë Chao debuted with an estimated $245K with a per-theater average of $300.
Other new theatrical releases this weekend included the IFC Films’ Come True. The sleep-study-gone-wrong sci-fi thriller from filmmaker Anthony Scott Burns and starring Julia Sarah Stone played in 96 theaters across the country to earn an estimated $27.5K with an average of $671.
The drama Dutch from Preston A. Whitmore II, also posted its box office numbers, debuting in 202 theaters and is projected to earn $135,618 with an average of $671.
As more theaters open, perhaps titles like Focus...
This weekend, the Stage 6 Films rom-com Long Weekend from director Steve Basilone played in 814 theaters. The pic starring Finn Wittrock and Zoë Chao debuted with an estimated $245K with a per-theater average of $300.
Other new theatrical releases this weekend included the IFC Films’ Come True. The sleep-study-gone-wrong sci-fi thriller from filmmaker Anthony Scott Burns and starring Julia Sarah Stone played in 96 theaters across the country to earn an estimated $27.5K with an average of $671.
The drama Dutch from Preston A. Whitmore II, also posted its box office numbers, debuting in 202 theaters and is projected to earn $135,618 with an average of $671.
As more theaters open, perhaps titles like Focus...
- 3/14/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“Dutch” is dreadful. It’s a shambling, rambling recycling of clichés and conventions from ’70s Blaxploitation fare mixed with stilted murder-trial melodrama and half-baked morsels of sociopolitical topicality. But, really, to describe this rancid slice of ineptitude that way is to risk making it sound a lot more interesting than it is. Written and directed by Preston A. Whitmore II (“This Christmas”), who obviously went about both tasks with all the zeal of someone paying off a debt, the movie progresses in bumpy fits and starts, with a time-tripping, flashback-within-flashback structure that does little to energize, and much to confuse, its simplistic plot.
The protagonist is introduced as Bernard James (JJ Batteast), a Black youngster who proves his loyalty to his white Italian boss at a pizzeria by fatally shooting a would-be robber. This greatly impresses a mob boss uncreatively christened Fat Tony (Robert Costanzo), who just happened to be...
The protagonist is introduced as Bernard James (JJ Batteast), a Black youngster who proves his loyalty to his white Italian boss at a pizzeria by fatally shooting a would-be robber. This greatly impresses a mob boss uncreatively christened Fat Tony (Robert Costanzo), who just happened to be...
- 3/12/2021
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
"What did you get me into?" Faith Media Distribution has revealed an official trailer for a New Jersey crime drama titled Dutch, from filmmakers Preston A. Whitmore II & David Wolfgang. Dutch introduces a player who will use any means necessary to dominate the streets and beyond. For Bernard James, Jr. aka "Dutch", survival is the ultimate score and power is the deadliest high of all. There isn't an angle he can't work or a woman he can't seduce. Then when he gains control of an African drug lord's stolen heroin business, Dutch quickly makes it the most feared drug empire on the East Coast. Naturally, there are now plenty of enemies vowing to take him down, including a vengeful Mafia heir, an ambitious D.A., and a conscience-stricken former friend. The cast includes Lance Gross as Dutch, Jeremy Meeks, Macy Gray, Gunna, Natasha Marc, Tyrin Turner, Melissa Williams, Markice Moore,...
- 2/19/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Holiday season movies are a time-honored tradition, but African American holiday season films exist in a genre of their own. From Malcolm Lee’s “The Best Man Holiday” to Preston A. Whitmore II’s “This Christmas,” the nuances of black life at the proverbial “most wonderful time of the year” have enraptured audiences for years. David E. Talbert’s latest entry “Almost Christmas” just might be the most satisfying entry in this genre to date.
Led by the ever-reliable Danny Glover as heartbroken family patriarch Walter Meyers, “Almost Christmas” benefits from a robust cast in tune with the material. Mo’Nique stars as Walter’s hilarious and outspoken sister-in-law May. Strong supporting work comes from Gabrielle Union, Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, Nicole Ari Parker, J.B. Smoove, Omar Epps and Jessie T. Usher.
“Almost Christmas” follows the eclectic Meyers clan as they embark on their first Christmas since burying their beloved mother,...
Led by the ever-reliable Danny Glover as heartbroken family patriarch Walter Meyers, “Almost Christmas” benefits from a robust cast in tune with the material. Mo’Nique stars as Walter’s hilarious and outspoken sister-in-law May. Strong supporting work comes from Gabrielle Union, Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, Nicole Ari Parker, J.B. Smoove, Omar Epps and Jessie T. Usher.
“Almost Christmas” follows the eclectic Meyers clan as they embark on their first Christmas since burying their beloved mother,...
- 11/9/2016
- by Aramide A Tinubu
- Indiewire
Regina King Regina King, who plays Detective Lydia Adams in the television series Southland, arrives at the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards, broadcast on TNT/TBS from the Shrine Auditorium on January 29, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. This year, Regina King acted as a hostess of sorts at the SAG Awards. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.) Among Regina King's big-screen roles are those in Preston A. Whitmore II's This Christmas (2007), with Delroy Lindo and Idris Elba; John Pasquin's Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005), starring Sandra Bullock; and Taylor Hackford's Oscar-nominated Ray (2004), opposite Jamie Foxx. King was also one of the voice-actors in The Ant Bully (2006), along with Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Paul Giamatti, and Nicolas Cage.
- 2/1/2012
- by D. Zhea
- Alt Film Guide
We just discovered from Director and Producer Preston Whitmore (of This Christmas & Crossover fame) that his next project he will be tackling is a new comedy film titled Andrew Jones that will begin filming in July. So far, Whitmore revealed to us that actor/rapper Sticky Fingas will also be starring in the film.
There has been no official announcement of the other cast members of the film, but we think that LisaRaye may also be joining the film. We say that because Whitmore let a statement slip tonight during the Black Noir Magazine Celebration that he and LisaRaye attended tonight in Hollywood- and no, they did not arrive together nor are they a couple. They just took this picture together.
Stay tuned for an exclusive interview coming up with Whitmore for more.
Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com...
There has been no official announcement of the other cast members of the film, but we think that LisaRaye may also be joining the film. We say that because Whitmore let a statement slip tonight during the Black Noir Magazine Celebration that he and LisaRaye attended tonight in Hollywood- and no, they did not arrive together nor are they a couple. They just took this picture together.
Stay tuned for an exclusive interview coming up with Whitmore for more.
Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com...
- 4/24/2009
- by noreply@blogger.com (The Humor Mill Magazine)
- Humor Mill Magazine
BET has acquired broadcast rights to "Dough Boys," the debut film from Preston Whitmore's Give Back Raise Up Program, through which he finances and produces low-budget pictures showcasing newcomers in front of and behind the camera.
The film's first screening will be Feb. 5 at Laemmle Theatre. Paramount Home Video will distribute the DVD.
"It's hard to find someone that'll believe in you enough to put money up to back your dreams," first-time director Nicholas Harvell said. "Preston didn't just talk about it, he did it."
The film, which follows four troubled youths and the poor choices they make in the inner city, was penned by Wilmore. It stars Arlen Escarpeta ("Friday the 13th"), Cory Hardrict ("Gran Torino" "He's Just Not That Into You"), Maurice McRae ("The King") and Lorenzo Eduardo ("The Hammer"), Wood Harris ("The Wire") and Sticky Fingaz ("Blade, "Doing Hard Time").
Whitmore is writing a film for Imagine Entertainment and Pharrell Williams,...
The film's first screening will be Feb. 5 at Laemmle Theatre. Paramount Home Video will distribute the DVD.
"It's hard to find someone that'll believe in you enough to put money up to back your dreams," first-time director Nicholas Harvell said. "Preston didn't just talk about it, he did it."
The film, which follows four troubled youths and the poor choices they make in the inner city, was penned by Wilmore. It stars Arlen Escarpeta ("Friday the 13th"), Cory Hardrict ("Gran Torino" "He's Just Not That Into You"), Maurice McRae ("The King") and Lorenzo Eduardo ("The Hammer"), Wood Harris ("The Wire") and Sticky Fingaz ("Blade, "Doing Hard Time").
Whitmore is writing a film for Imagine Entertainment and Pharrell Williams,...
- 2/3/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We've got another music-themed film on the way, and this time it isn't based on an old movie or musical. Variety reports that Universal and Imagine have tapped Preston Whitmore (This Christmas) to write and direct a new music extravaganza called Zoom. Normally, I'd be happy to hear of a story that's not re-telling, re-vamping, re-imagining, re-whatevering, but this one sounds a bit like another music-themed film on the front-burner. Zoom focuses on "a troubled West Virginia youth who attends a music academy and finds his voice and a place in the world." I'm betting this is aimed to grab some of Fame's buzz.
Meanwhile, Variety also reports that Hollywood is taking another stab at James "Whitey" Bulger -- Gk Films has picked up the life rights of John Martorano. He was a killer for the mob, taking the lives of 20 people. "After he discovered his compatriots, including Bulger, were government informants all along,...
Meanwhile, Variety also reports that Hollywood is taking another stab at James "Whitey" Bulger -- Gk Films has picked up the life rights of John Martorano. He was a killer for the mob, taking the lives of 20 people. "After he discovered his compatriots, including Bulger, were government informants all along,...
- 12/16/2008
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
Filmmaker Preston Whitmore is set to helm Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment's upcoming drama "Zoom," according to Variety.
"Zoom" follows the story of a West Virginia youngster who goes to a music academy and finally "finds his voice and a place in the world."
Brian Grazer, who produced "8 Mile," is on board to produce the film with Pharrell Williams, who'll also compose the score and soundtrack.
Whitmore most recently directed "This Christmas," which grossed $49.1 million domestically. He also helmed the crappy sports flick "Crossover."...
"Zoom" follows the story of a West Virginia youngster who goes to a music academy and finally "finds his voice and a place in the world."
Brian Grazer, who produced "8 Mile," is on board to produce the film with Pharrell Williams, who'll also compose the score and soundtrack.
Whitmore most recently directed "This Christmas," which grossed $49.1 million domestically. He also helmed the crappy sports flick "Crossover."...
- 12/15/2008
- by Franck Tabouring
- screeninglog.com
Zoom sounds like it would be the title of some kid-friendly superhero movie, or maybe a weird companion piece to next summer's Pixar film Up. But it looks like it'll be about as far from cartoons and comic books as you can imagine. Variety reports that Preston Whitmore (This Christmas) will write and direct the movie, about a West Virginia kid who attends a music academy and has his life changed in the process. Pharrell Williams, the musician and music producer, will co-produce with Brian Grazer and compose the score and the soundtrack. I'm guessing his participation means the music side of things will actually be listenable, and not Fame-style cornball. Though the story sounds like a pretty typical "teenager overcoming adversity through music" story, I do like that the kid is coming from West Virginia-- when was the last time you saw a movie set there? It's hard to...
- 12/15/2008
- cinemablend.com
Preston Whitmore has been hired to write Zoom, the new music-themed drama being produced by Brian Grazer and N.E.R.D.'s Pharrell Williams.Zoom follows a troubled West Virginian youth who attends a music academy which allows him to find his voice and place in the world. We're betting that, along the way, he has to overcome snobbish, close-minded fellow students and teachers, but does so with the help of some encouraging friends and a mentor among the faculty. Still, let's hope that it's more 8 Mile and less Step Up, eh?Williams is writing the score and soundtrack for the film, as well as producing. Whitmore previously wrote, produced and directed This Christmas last year (with Delroy Lindo, Chris Brown, Idris Elba and Loretta Divine) and Crossover with Anthony Mackie before that.
- 12/15/2008
- EmpireOnline
NEW YORK -- Fox Searchlight is ticketed to produce and finance David Talbert's Baggage Claim, about a single flight attendant who jets around the country in search of a husband.
Talbert, a multihyphenate who has earned comparisons to Tyler Perry, will write, direct and produce the movie based on his 2005 novel. Casting is under way for the prestrike project, which Searchlight hopes to shoot ahead of a potential actors strike in the summer.
Baggage centers on the thirtysomething Montana Moore, who, frustrated with being single, embarks on a 30-day, 30,000-mile barnstorm across America to find an appropriate suitor. Along the way she encounters several interested prospects, including a preacher, a politician and a tycoon.
The project marks the latest in a series of movies aimed at black audiences, including such Perry products as Why Did I Get Married? and Madea's Family Reunion and Preston Whitmore's This Christmas, which earned $50 million at the domestic boxoffice during the holiday season.
Talbert, a multihyphenate who has earned comparisons to Tyler Perry, will write, direct and produce the movie based on his 2005 novel. Casting is under way for the prestrike project, which Searchlight hopes to shoot ahead of a potential actors strike in the summer.
Baggage centers on the thirtysomething Montana Moore, who, frustrated with being single, embarks on a 30-day, 30,000-mile barnstorm across America to find an appropriate suitor. Along the way she encounters several interested prospects, including a preacher, a politician and a tycoon.
The project marks the latest in a series of movies aimed at black audiences, including such Perry products as Why Did I Get Married? and Madea's Family Reunion and Preston Whitmore's This Christmas, which earned $50 million at the domestic boxoffice during the holiday season.
- 1/11/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Just call him the Music Man. Award-winning music video director Bryan Barber, who is in preproduction on a musical feature with OutKast's Andre 3000 and Big Boi for HBO, is pacting with Regency Enterprises to develop and direct another musical for the big screen. This one will find him helming a hip-hop musical inspired by what's described as a classic story, though the exact story and the details of the updated take for the multicultural project are being kept under wraps. It is known that Barber will team with music multihyphenate Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds on the soundtrack, while Edmonds' wife, Tracey, and her Edmonds Entertainment will produce. Scribe Preston Whitmore (Civil Brand, Lockdown) has been tapped to handle writing duties. At Regency, the project was brought together by Peter Cramer for production topper Sanford Panitch. The project is the first of its kind for Regency, which hasn't delved into the musical genre, sticking mostly to drama (Man on Fire), action (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Elektra) and comedy (The Onion Movie).
- 7/16/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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