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The South Korean box office, which has been widely affected by coronavirus and has fallen to historic lows, was further hit by leading exhibitor Cj-cgv’s recent decision to shut 35 complexes nationwide, and to reduce screenings at those theaters remaining in operation.

Opening on Wednesday (Mar. 25), Oscar-winning drama “Judy” debuted on top of the box office. But it earned only $269,000 from 41,000 admissions over five days.

“The Invisible Man” and “1917” dropped to second and third places, respectively, from the previous weekend’s top spots. Upi’s “Invisible Man” earned $154,000 for a total of $3.82 million after five weekends on release. Sam Mendes’ war epic “1917” added $147,000 to extend its six-weekend total to $5.27 million.

Newcomer “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” opened on Wednesday and landed in fourth. The fantasy horror film earned $177,000 over its five opening days, including $105,000 at the weekend.

With few new films opening, exhibitors are largely relying on re-releases.

Moviegoers came back for a second helping of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, but the new items on the menu, Surrogates and Fame, didn't fly. That led to a weekend that was off seven percent from the same timeframe last year when Eagle Eye landed. Standing as the only broadly appealing movie among recent releases, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs dissipated by a mere 19 percent, generating an estimated $24.6 million and lifting its total to a solid $60 million in ten days. Its drop was less than such comparable titles as Open Season, Meet the Robinsons and Chicken Little, though it may have a steeper decline in its third weekend, when the Toy Story double feature will claim much of its 3D attention. Surrogates plugged in with an estimated $15 million on approximately 3,600 screens at 2,951 sites, or a fraction of what the similar I, Robot started at. The science fiction thriller...

The retooled "Fame" apes "High School Musical" rather than "Mean Streets." Rated PG, it's almost laughably bland. Full review...

There are plenty of new releases in theatres this week, although as usual, some of the most interesting stuff seems to be in select theatres only. The majority of us will have to choose from the space horror flick Pandorum, sci-fi actioner Surrogates starring Bruce Willis, and the remake of Fame, but if you're lucky you might get to catch Michael Moore's new movie Capitalism: A Love Story, Tiff hit The Boys Are Back, or the buzzed-about low-budget horror movie Paranormal Activity. Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day is also playing in wide release in Canada, and Drew Barrymore's Whip It will be playing sneak previews in a lot of theatres on Saturday night. Do you plan on checking anything out this weekend? Pandorum [1] Fame [2] Surrogates [3] Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day [4] (Canada only) I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell [5] (limited) Paranormal Activity [6] (limited) Capitalism: A Love Story...

MGM just sent us this brand new movie poster from the upcoming film “Fame” by director Kevin Tancharoen and starring Naturi Naughton (Notorious), Kay Panabaker (Lie to Me, Grey’s Anatomy) and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Hannah Montana). Synopsis: A reinvention of the original Oscar-winning hit film, Fame follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame…the kind that comes only from talent, dedication, and hard work. In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, [...]...

The remake of the 1980 megahit Fame will feature original score music by Mark Isham, the composer and jazz musician who is best known for his music for Crash, Quiz Show and Blade. Fame, which premieres on September 25, is directed by feature film newcomer Kevin Tancharoen, whose resumé includes directing Britney Spears' "Onyx Hotel" tour, choreographing her "Me Against the Music" video, remixing projects for Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson, and directing Michael Jackson's 45th birthday celebration. The remake of Fame features Naturi Naughton, Kay Panabaker and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle - and original 1980 star Debbie Allen as the school's prinicipal. The Fame soundtrack album, featuring songs performed by the film's stars, is coming out on August 25 on Lakeshore Records.

Fame is the new musical feature, remaking the 1980 film of the same title, directed by Kevin Tancharoen and written by Allison Burnett. Premise follows a young group of actors, singers, dancers and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. "...In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, plagued by self-doubt, each student's passion will be put to the test. In addition to their artistic goals, they have to deal with everything that goes along with high school, a tumultuous time full of schoolwork, deep friendships, budding romance and self-discovery. As each student strives for his or her moment in the spotlight, they'll discover who among them has the innate talent and necessary discipline to succeed. With the love and support of their friends and fellow artists, they'll find out who amongst them will achieve fame..." Fame will be released by MGM, September 25. Sneak Peek the official Fame trailer.

MGM has passed its annual audit.

That's the expected good news, delivered by the Century City-based studio on Wednesday. An unfortunate related update is that a J.P. Morgan-led creditors committee appears unmollified by the announcement.

There was never considered a sizeable risk that the audit would result in a warning being issued about MGM's viability as a "going concern." But the mere theoretical chance of that happening shook creditors, who then hired investment consultancy Houlihan Lokey to advise on possible strategies for dealing with the situation.

Fortunately for MGM, the successful conclusion of its audit means the creditors would be hard-pressed to force a court-supervised reorganization of the studio. It appears the more than 140 lenders comprising the creditors group can only jawbone about their concerns for the time being.

MGM, which is owned by a consortium of private equity firms, Sony and Comcast, also has been mulling how to restructure its finances.

While the teaser trailer for Kevin Tancharoen's upcoming "Fame" remake (it opens Sept. 25, 2009) didn't really show us much, this new feature preview offers viewers a first good look at the characters and central story line.

We've seen quite a few musicals heading our way on the big screen during the past years, and while some delivered the goods, others kind of fell flat. At this stage I obviously don't know where to place "Fame," but judging by this trailer, it all already looks a tad too familiar.

Sure, the energetic music definitely won me over, but all the drama going on around it is already starting to bug me a little. I'm all for stories about a bunch of kids dreaming big and tackling the challenges they face on the road to success, but you can do all that without too much melodrama and monotony.

But hey, this is still only a trailer,...

Yahoo! Movies has debuted a brand new trailer for "Fame". More than two minutes long, the promotional video focuses on featuring the struggles, both personally and professionally, a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists face when they are trying to make their dreams come true at a New York City school where any dream is possible.

An updated version of the 1980 musical, "Fame" follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at New York City High School of Performing Arts as they are given a chance to live out their dreams. But, in an incredibly competitive atmosphere, plagued by self-doubt, each student's passion will be put to the test and they will discover who among them will achieve fame.

Starring Asher Book as Marco, Kristy Flores as Rosie, Paul Iacono as Neil, Paul McGill as Kevin, Naturi Naughton as Denise, Kay Panabaker as Jenny,...

Veteran entertainer Debbie Allen will dance her way back to the big screen after movie studio bosses tapped the star to take on a new role in Fame.

Allen made her screen debut as a dance instructor in the 1980 film, and went on to recreate the part of Lydia Grant in the TV version - one of her best-known roles.

The movie follows dancers, singers, actors and artists from auditions to graduation at the New York City High School of Performing Arts.

Allen will be playing a principal in the remake, co-starring Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally and Bebe Neuwirth.

The film is scheduled for release on 25 September.

Megan Mullally, Kelsey Grammer, Charles S. Dutton, Bebe Neuwirth and Debbie Allen have been tenured.

The quintet has been chosen to fill out the administrative and teaching roles in MGM and Lakeshore Entertainment's remake of "Fame." Choreographer Kevin Tancharoen will direct the reinvention of the 1980 musical about a group of dancers, singers, actors and artists trying to survive four gruel¬ing years at the prestigious New York City High School of Performing Arts.

Allison Burnett and Aline Brosh McKenna wrote the updated screenplay.

Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg of Lakeshore are producing the $25 million project along with Mark Canton; vp production Becky Sloviter is overseeing the film, which has scheduled a Sept. 25 release date, for the studio.

"This picture is a celebration, a testament to people pursuing their dreams, so we set out to find talented actors who could both convincingly instruct onscreen and also inspire audiences," MGM Worldwide Motion...

Nine Hollywood hopefuls want you to remember their names.

MGM has compiled most of the lead cast for its accelerating remake of the 1980 musical "Fame." Kristy Flores, Paul Iacono, Paul McGill, Naturi Naughton, Kay Panabaker, Kherington Payne, Collins Pennie, Walter Perez and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle have joined the ensemble.

"Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" star Thomas Dekker also is in negotiations to take one of the remaining leads. And Debbie Allen, who played Lydia in the original, is rumored to be in line for a cameo, though not as the same character.

The studio is seeking actors for the adult roles.

Written by Allison Burnett and Aline Brosh McKenna, the reinvention will be directed by choreographer Kevin Tancharoen. Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg of Lakeshore Entertainment are producing the $25 million project along with Mark Canton. Becky Sloviter is overseeing for MGM.

The film is expected to begin lensing...

U.S. TV star Thomas Dekker is in talks to front the new Fame.

The actor, who currently stars in Terminator TV spin-off Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, is the favorite to lead the cast in a remake of the hit 1980 musical about the talented kids at a New York performing arts school.

The new film will be directed by Kevin Tancharoen, who has choreographed and shot videos for Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson.

The original Fame was directed by Alan Parker, and starred Irene Cara, Laura Dean and the late Gene Anthony Ray. The film was nominated for six Oscars and won for Best Score and Best Original Song.

Dekker, a former child star, is already an accomplished musician - his album Psyanotic was recently released online.

Thomas Dekker wants to live forever.

The star of Fox's "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is in talks to take a lead role in MGM's remake of the 1980 musical "Fame." Dekker is gunning to play Marco, a working-class kid with some gnarly acting chops who is competing with thousands of other hopefuls to get into and survive an elite New York public high school for the arts.

Written by Allison Burnett, the revamp will be directed by Kevin Tancharoen, a director and choreographer who has worked in TV (MTV's "DanceLife"), on music videos and on tours for such singers as Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson. Mark Canton ("300") is producing the $25 million project along with Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg of Lakeshore Entertainment ("Elegy").

The producers have been holding open casting calls in New York and Los Angeles since the spring (video auditions posted by wannabes also pepper YouTube).

The original "Fame,...