Weekend Movies in Review: Superbad and The 11th Hour
by Neil Chambers, New York City on 08.21.07
So if you’re anything like me, you’ve been waiting as patiently as you could for Aug 17. Last Friday was the opening weekend for two highly anticipated films: Superbad starring Jonah Hill, Michael Cera & Seth Rogen, and The 11th Hour directed by Nadia Conners and Leila Conners Petersen and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The 11th Hour packs a punch. As a friend said to me after seeing the film – it’s got everything An Inconvenient Truth was missing…solutions. It should be regarded as the crown jewel for the kid movie star turned environmentist, Leonardo DiCaprio, as an engaging review of what the global community is facing due to environmental decay and what we can do about it.
Though the film only opened in New York City and Los Angeles, it made an impression this weekend by beating out Superbad for total grossing movie at the box office… well sort of .
The 11th Hour was the highest grossing movie per theater this weekend averaging $14000 per theater. It beat out Superbad by more than $3000. Superbad eked by with a flimsy $10583 gross per theater. Not bad for The 11th Hour, a much more independent flick that was only showcased in four theaters nationwide. Of course, Superbad raked in over $31 million this weekend while The 11th Hour brought in around $56000, but who’s counting.
The only movie to tie The 11th Hour with a $14000 average gross per theater was Manda Bala – a very, very (very, very, very) sobering exploration into the corruption of Brazilian politics, plastic surgery and crime world. Watching Manda Bala makes me rethink the praise Brazil has received by greenies for its push for alternative fuels such as ethanol – the movie chronicles kidnappings, murder and the Magnolia-like story of frog farms used for money laundering.
All three movies are worth seeing – though, don’t go see Superbad expecting to be edified about any environmental topic – but do expect to laugh your ass off. As for all the great movies that came out this weekend, The 11th Hour is the only pure environmental choice for anyone interested in learning more about how each person can make a difference. The film is scheduled to open in 10 other cities this coming weekend followed by 15 more cities the weekend after that – so if you aren’t not lucky enough to live in LA or NYC – it’ll be in a theater near you within a couple of weeks.
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I don't mean to sound judgemental but I dont think I trust Stars on eco-topics or eco-movies. Honestly I think its about Hollywood getting money by taking advantage of the green need. I could be wrong. I hope I am.
Leo is fighting hard. Hopefully Gore and Leo can team up and do some serious work.
Gore uses hybrids and buys green power (wind, iirc) from his local electricity provider.
If only everyone could do those two simple things... man, what a difference.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to see 11th hour in theaters (Even Sicko didn't premiere anywhere remotely near me)... and if I can't get a Weinstein distributed and promoted near me... there's no WAY I'll get this.
I guess I'll have to wait for dvd.
While I understand the impulse to be a little suspicious of Hollywood's take on environmental issues, as an actor who is also a committed environmentalist, I've always felt that my choice of career did nothing to abrogate my responsibilities as a global citizen.
The arts - with their ability simultaneously engage intellect and emotion - can be a powerful motivator. And when it comes to climate change, we need everyone on board, and all the motivation we can get.
We are in the 11th hour, and just as in the debate over the efficacy of carbon offset, I think it's important not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
I do not get your comment about Brazil (Manda Bala). You say you are rethinking the praise the country has received regarding ethanol, because of completely unrelated social matters.
Can´t they be treated and valued separately? That is, if one thinks that ethanol really is environmentally friendly. Considering how the Northeast of Brazil turned into a desert because, among other things, opting for intensive sugarcane plantation, I can understand the critics
Famous celebs getting involved with the environment is a very good thing in my opinion. Fact is...people notice them. Leonardo DiCaprio, is a household name and it seems he has devoted a great deal of time getting the world to wake up. I find this extremely humbling. 11th hour hasn't yet reached the only theatre in my town, but I anxiously await its showing. I hope in makes my small town THINK.
I saw this movie last night and it was really well done - I have zero complaints - great interviews, great editing, great music, great visuals, and Leonardo struck the perfect cord. Everyone was calm and insightful. It was holistic and touched on the "convergence of ecological disasters," as Leonardo says - and it also explored the evolution of man and the turning point of the industrial revolution - BRAVO!!