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 After last week’s almost nonexistent box office, this week, people went to theaters in droves. But it was a video game character named Ralph who slugged the competition as Disney’s Wreck it Ralph pulled in a better than expected 49.1 million dollars. In second place – also exceeding expectations - was Denzel Washington’s Flight. It brought in almost twice what was expected at 25 million for second place. Last week’s champ Argo fell to third. The Man with the Iron Fists was fourth with 10.2 million.

(Flight – Paramount – Rated R)
Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly and John Goodman all give award-worthy performances in Robert Zemeckis’ outstanding film, Flight. I literally had sweaty palms for most of this incredible, intense, disturbing, nerve-wracking film. Washington plays against type and is sure to garner an Oscar nomination. Unexpected and disquieting, with themes that will haunt you for days afterward, Flight is above the clouds great. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5

(Wreck it Ralph – Disney – Rated PG)
Wreck it Ralph opens with a delightful short called Paperman that in itself, is worth the price of a ticket. But the main feature is really something to behold. It isn’t the usual Disney animated film. This is edgy, original and fun. It’s a kind of love letter to video game fans, although you don’t need to have played any to enjoy this film. If you have, you will love the nods to many different games through the years, with lots of familiar video game characters and great music that seems plucked from an old Atari. The voice cast is wonderful, while the story is heartwarming and a real blast. Wreck It Ralph gets today’s high score…4 ½ Stars Out of 5

(Ingenious – Arriba Films – Not Rated)
Based on the true story of the invention of the talking beer opener, and funded by it, Ingenious stars Jeremy Renner who displays a whole different side. He is great playing a devil may care type. This movie has a terrific story. It’s about how one great idea, if you act on it, can change your life. This is an inspirational, delightful story. I absolutely LOVED it! 4 ½ Stars Out of 5

(Samsara – Oscilloscope – Not Rated)
Samsara opens like a gorgeous picture book…but it tells you nothing about any of the images it contains. There isn’t a single word of dialogue and no plot - just random images from around the world; Nepal, a baby in the womb, glaciers, an assembly line, a slaughterhouse…a bizarre performance artist who smears clay on his face…After 30 minutes or so, it gets boring, then just mind numbing. It was a total waste of time. I left wondering if it had inflicted any lasting brain damage. Out of 5 Stars 2.

(The Man With Iron Fists – Universal – Rated R)
The Man With Iron Fists is a vanity project gone horribly awry. The Wu Tang Clan’s RZA wrote, directed and stars in this bomb. But he must be delusional to think he produced something that people will actually like. I don’t know if you can really call what he does acting, or writing, or directing. It’s all so awful. He also does the voiceover narration that is nearly impossible to understand as he describes an enemy coming from “da norf.”
He sets the film in late 1800’s China, but scores it with heinous hip hop music. The camera work is so bad it literally made my eyes hurt.
This alarmingly bad assault on intelligence features jaw dropping stupidity, hideous acting, an incomprehensible script, and wigs that look like they are something grown in the back of a taxidermist’s refrigerator. And how much trouble must Russell Crowe be in? It has to be something deep as he seems to have been coerced into starring in this desiccated bowl of steaming tripe. I believe it may have inflicted some kind of terrible intelligence reducing malady. Hopefully it is only temporary. Save yourselves! Run far away from any theater showing it. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5

For my reviews and more, check out my web site, bobrichardsmoviereviews.com or link to it at Idaho On Your Side.com…

1. "Wreck-It Ralph," $49.1 million.

2. "Flight," $25 million.

3. "Argo," $10.2 million.

4. "The Man With the Iron Fists," $10.2 million.

5. "Taken 2," $6 million.

6. "Cloud Atlas," $5.3 million.

7. "Hotel Transylvania," $4.5 million.

8. "Paranormal Activity 4," $4.3 million.

9. "Here Comes the Boom," $3.6 million.

10. "Silent Hill: Revelation," $3.3 million.