Some people are surprised at the critic reviews and box office success of ‘Instructions Not Included’, but for me, it is exactly the other way around. It comes as no surprise. Think about it—it is well produced, has a wonderful script, and has an amazing, ensemble cast. Audiences have been praising single dad films for ages. After all, dads will do anything for their kids, no matter if they are boxers or creative directors. Check out this list of my favorite films (including Instructions Not Needed).

1)   The Champ (1979) – Directed by the legendary Franco Zeffirelli. Bryan Flynn (John Voight) is an ex-boxer who works very hard to raise his little son T.J. (Ricky Schroder). All of a sudden, T.J.’s mom (Fay Dunaway) shows up after she abandons him and now wants to become a part of his son’s life. So Bryan has no choice but to go back to the ring, even if it costs him dearly. I dare you not to cry at the end of the movie.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU7NGJw0kR8

2)   Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – Apparently, ’79 was the year of single dads, in this case, a divorce. Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a workaholic creative director who has just been assigned a hot airline account. However, as Ted shares the good news with his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep), he finds out she is leaving him. Now Ted has to raise their son Billy (Justin Henry) by himself. I have no kids of my own, but having worked as a creative director, I can imagine the pain Ted Kramer goes through.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kIsYLV8bE8

3)   I Am Sam (2001) – Sam Dawson (Sean Penn) is a man with a developmental disability. Unbeknownst to him, he fathers a child after he has sex with a woman, who subsequently leaves their baby at his front door. Now he has to raise Lucy (played by Dakota Fanning in her film debut). With a “little help from his friends” — some acquaintances who also have disabilities and an agoraphobic neighbor named Annie (Dianne Wiest) — he raises Lucy successfully. However, after Lucy grows older, social services eventually threatens to take her away and put her in a foster home. This film is moving from start to finish, and it has one of the best soundtracks ever (especially if you’re a Beatles fan). Of course, Penn and Fanning are amazing as well.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_AguDqCBvo

4)   Life is Beautiful (1997) – Although Guido Orefice (played by  Roberto Benigni) is not a single dad in the film, this movie is on my list because Guido does the impossible for his son: he covers up the horror of a concentration camp and makes him think it is a game. Also, he is not sure if his wife is alive while they are in the internment camp, so he has to manage those emotions. Even today if I hear the music from the film, it makes me sad.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y9aKqawdUQ

What do you think of these films? Do you like them? Do you hate them? Some people find the first two misogynistic. What do you think?

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TOP 10 HITS (domestic/worldwide)a

 1. Iron Man 3 (BV) $408,195,474  / $1,212,795,474

      Sequel? The Avengers: Age of Ultron
 

 2. Despicable Me 2 (Universal) $347,224,000 / $782,424,000

     Sequel: Minions spin-off?

 3. Man of Steel (WB) $289,760,857 / $649,260,857
      Sequel? Batman and Superman movie
 

 4. Monsters University (BV) $261,134,998 / $658,634,998
      Sequel? Not likely.
 

 5. Fast & Furious 6 (Uni.) $238,476,000/ $785,476,000

      Sequel? In preproduction.
 

 6. Star Trek Into Darkness (Par.) $227,217,750 / $453,717,750

     Sequel? Orci might write the 3rd one

 7. World War Z (Par.) 198,428,715 / $517,728,715

      Sequel? Well, it is based on a book series

 8. The Heat (Fox) $155,686,000 / $49,400,000

      Sequel? Most likely 

 9.The Great Gatsby (WB) $144,825,923 / $331,025,923

     Sequel? No

 10. The Conjuring (WB) $128,844,355 / $194,144,355

        Sequel? Maybe after Insidious 2 results.

Special mention: This is the End (Sony): $98 million (30 million budget)

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Robert Downey Jr. $75 million *

He has proven he can bring the big bucks, with or without his co-workers. ‘Iron Man 3’ was a smashing hit, and ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron’ will probably make box-office history. ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ grossed 1.5 billion worldwide. He’s totally worth it.

Channing Tatum $60 million

 ‘Magic Mike’ was a cult international success, and now the studio is talking sequel. Women just love to see him in romantic leads (or anything that shows his abs) and men in action flicks. Without any doubt, he is a raising star; but he still does not have the same acting skills or opening gross average as the rest of the actors of this list. He’s not worth it, yet.

Hugh Jackman $55 million

 He dances, he slices, he chops, and he sings. From broadways shows to killing ninjas, male and female audiences pretty much like his films. Yes, he is worth it.

Mark Wahlberg $52 million

 The boy from Dorchester, Boston has clearly left his Calvin Klein and rapping days behind. A talented, versatile, funny, and charming actor, he can do it all: action, comedy, drama, you name it. Mark should have received an Oscar for ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘The Departed.’ FYI, ‘Ted’ made $550 million and cost only $50 million.  Worth it.

Dwayne Johnson $46 million

Whether The Rock is fighting monsters or aliens or racing fast cars around the world, he guarantees big bucks. His only weakness is that he needs a movie that proves he is a gifted actor, like a drama. He needs to prove he is not just an Arnold Schwarzenegger. But with Hercules as his next film, mmm. Yet he is worth it.

Leonardo DiCaprio $39 million

I was surprised by this number. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t choose to act in shallow action movies, dumb comedies, or chick flicks. He picks his movies carefully. Just check his acting chops – the man deserves a raise! Worth it.

Adam Sandler $37 million

As much as I been a fan of Adam since the days of ‘Stan and Judy’s Kid,’ lately he has produced or acted in really crappy films. He needs to pick better screenplays and definitely more animation. I am not talking about ‘8 Crazy Nights.’ I am talking ‘Hotel Transylvania’ which made $350 million worldwide. Please, go back to drama. Remember ‘Punch Drunk Love’, ‘Reign Over Me’, even ‘Funny People’. He’s worth it.

Tom Cruise $35 million

The number above comes as a surprise; I thought his paycheck was bigger. However, since he probably gets a percentage of tickets and he works also as a producer, it gets balanced. He’s worth it.

Denzel Washington $33 million

The six-time Oscar nominated actor has proven he can make critics and audiences happy. However, unlike some of the actors on this list, he has not appeared in a one billion dollar film. Worth it.

Liam Neeson $32 million

It is no debate. The man can haul audiences, whether it is Star Wars fans or the action thriller seekers, he can do it. He also has a very strong screen prescence. I wonder why he turned down ‘Lincoln’. He’s definitely worth it.

Now, let’s see a chart lifetime gross vs. their current film paycheck, do you think it is fair? Or is it you get paid according how hot are you currently.

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This week Depp had another bad opening at the box office, with Dark Shadows and The Tourist it seems he has a bad streak, but then again he has mega blockbusters. But do you know if his films make the big bucks at the US or foreign market? Check the chart below:

The proof is on the pudding. Depp is more popular overseas. Of course he has a few films that were morse successful domestically such as Edward Scissorhands or Once Upon a Time in Mexico. However, we have to be realistic; back in 1989 he was not the international star as he is today. His independent movies have less  distribution than the Pirates series movies. In conclusion, if we add the foreign percentage it is almost a 60% average. Not bad for Depp who has a lifetime gross of $3,029,693,796. 

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Pacific Rim probably is the most expensive, impressive, and anticipated blockbuster conceived by a Mexican filmmaker. Because it opens this July 14, I would like to give you a Guillermo del Toro crash course. 

He once said, “My life is a suitcase. I am the travelling Mexican,” and what a journey indeed! The Guadalajara-born filmmaker went directly from La Hora Marcada for Televisa to becoming one of the most beloved and respected filmmakers worldwide. He was ranked #35 in Entertainment Weekly’s “50 Smartest People in Hollywood.” Personally, I think he should be in the top 3.

His professional and personal life has been full of challenges, from working in Hollywood as a foreign director to dealing with his father’s kidnapping. He rose to the occasion on all instances. This is his work as a director:

La Hora Marcada (1986-1989). A TV project that was horribly manipulated by Televisa executives. To this day, it gives him nightmares.

Cronos (1993). His first full-length film. It is an intelligent and smart vampire story. It received several Arieles and put Guillermo on the map. He casted Ron Perlman as the henchman, and ever since, they have worked on almost all his films.

Mimic (1997). The story is quite interesting. Giant hissing insects start killing humans and mimic them. This movie starring Mia Sorvino could have been a hit, but because studio executives made several changes, it flew under the people’s radar.

Blade II (2002).  Sequel to the vampire action film, starring Wesley Snipes. It was far more exciting and well made than the original film. Del Toro obtained more respect in Hollywood, thanks to the good box office and critic results.

The Devil’s Backbone (2001). Guillermo now has a distinct signature as a filmmaker and storyteller. He starts showing his love of stories involving the evil of Franco, the Spanish dictatorship, kids with drama in their lives, fantasy and ghosts. Another hit among critics and fans.

(2004) & Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008). If someone was meant to bring life to Mike Mignola’s comic book antihero, Guillermo del Toro behind the camera and Ron Perlman as the cigar-loving, gun-crazy red demon did it. Definitely all those years reading comic books and working in making special effects helped Guillermo to make these two incredible movies (and a third one has been announced).

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006). A masterpiece. It tells the story of Ofelia, a little girl who has to deal with the cruelty of his fascist military stepfather during the Spanish Civil War by escaping to one captivating, marvelous, and dangerous fantasy world. It won three Oscars and received a twenty-two minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.

Pacific Rim (2103). This is what we know so far: the studio has given Guillermo total freedom, expanded his budget, and asked him to do it in IMAX 3D. After watching the dailies, producers requested that he immediately start writing the sequel. This is noteworthy because it is not common for a filmmaker to impress big-time studio executives.

Without any doubt, Guillermo is a most gifted person. He directs, produces, and writes all types of films from horror to children’s movies. He even turned down an offer to direct The Hobbit trilogy (he co-wrote it instead). What makes him so exceptional? He works with passion and joy, and he is always very humble and appreciated by his fans. He is a lovable genius-geek.

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United

Busby Babes

In America, most people do not know this aspect of Manchester United’s history. In 1958 during a European championship, the team was returning from Munich, Germany on a chartered plane. During liftoff the plane crashed, killing 8 players. It was a tragedy. But like a phoenix rising from ashes, coach Sir Matt Busby and his young players excelled beyond excpectations. Today they are known as the “Busby Babes”. United stars Dougry Scott (Matt Busby), Bert Whalley (Dean Andrews), Bill Fellows (Robert Charlton) and Jack O’Connell (Bobby Charlton).

Pros: One heartbreaking and inspiring drama. It shows how the triumph of the spirit can conquer all. It is fascinating to see how some young players transform to legends.

Cons: Minor. It deserved better casting.

Did you know? Scottish manager Sir Matt Busby’s manager records and longevity at the helm of Manchester United are surpassed only by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Enjoy the trailer. 

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A couple of years ago, Fede Alvarez was a respected director & special effects designer in Montevideo, Uruguay. When he showed the world his impressive short Panic Attack or Ataque de Pánico, everyone knew Fede was a natural born storyteller. And Sam Raimi was one of them. He picked him to direct the Evil Dead remake. The rest is history. It received mostly good reviews and pulled 26 million at the box office. 

Trivia: The music is from 28 Days Later. 

Enjoy the short below:

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BEST FILM

1)    ARGO

2) LINCOLN   

3) SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

4) THE LIFE OF PI  

5) LES MISERABLES

 6) BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD

7) DJANGO UNCHAINED

8) AMOUR

A few months ago, I would bet Les Miserables as the solid winner. Academy members have the tendency to drool over musical films, specially if they are historical with fancy wardrobes. Almost like a Broadway show. They are old school. However, Argo has swept international awards, so it is most likely to beat Les Miserables.

Who should win? Argo. It is a mature and objective drama. Throughout its running time, specially the last 20 minutes it glues the audiences to their seats. Kudos to Afleck, the majority of his actors ere not very commercial . This way it gave the film a documentary sensation. Django Unchained, even though is a exceptionally intriguing film, due its controversial nature the members of the Academy will not touch it with a 20-foot pole.

NEXT: BEST ACTRESS>

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THE “HOW LONG CAN YOU HOLD YOUR BREATH” BATTLE

THE “LOOK AT THE SKIES” BATTLE

THE “LAVA LOUNGE” BATTLE

THE “MASTER OF SUSPENSE” BATTLE

THE “DIE HARD ON THE WHITE HOUSE “BATTLE

Both premises are about “evil doers” attacking the White House and the President will become a prisoner in his own home.

THE KING OF MOUNT EVEREST BATTLE (2014) 

Although “Batman” and  ”Bane” will be on separate movies, both will be involved in a project about the first man to reach Mt. Everest. Bale’s movie is based tentatively titled “Into Thin Air” and Hardy’s “Everest”.

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- Don’t forget to below for your favorite below - 

Iron Man 3

Last time we saw an Iron Man 3 trailer The Mandarin was planning a mega attack on Ton Stark’s mansion and we got a glimpse of War Machine. Now we saw a frightening airplane sequence where Iron Man has to rescue dozens of passengers who are plummeting to their death. Can he rescue them at once? It looks like Shane Black will deliver a good flick.

Fast and Furious 6

 The whole gang is back for another adventure of the successful franchise, including the brains behind the movies director Justin Lin. This is a good sign and the proof its on the trailer.

Oz The Great and Powerful

Circus magician Oscar Diggs thinks he’s hit the jackpot as he’s transported to the Land of Oz, but his encounters with three witches and the problems facing Oz’s inhabitants encourage him to become the great wizard they’ve been expecting.

The Lone Ranger

Picture the mega production dollars of Pirates of the Caribbean (hopefully not a weak script) but on the Old West. Would audiences relate to the 40’s and 50’s character? Do audiences still like Johnny Depp?

Star Trek:Into Darkness

After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

World War Z

Thanks to 28 Days Later, Zombie Land, The Walking Dead and Dawn of the Dead these Days are cooler than vampires. Will World War Z be in this list?

Snitch

 A father goes undercover for the DEA in order to free his son who was imprisoned after being set up in drug deal.

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