The year 2010 in Hollywood was about original screenplay and larger-than-life movies. This year, the maximum box office action was seen by movies that were based on novels, comic books and sequel movies. Full of special effects, imaginative fiction and animation were more successful that other movies the world over. As is the trend, these movies were released in the US, then the UK, India and other South Asian countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand these movies got favourable and as-expected reviews everywhere. Animation movies were on everyone’s favourite list. Among the top ten, four were from the animated movies category.
Toy story 3
A record return of 300 billion and 64 crore dollars
Produced by Pixar Studios, “Toy story 3” is the last of the sequel in the Toy story series. It was distributed by Walt Disney. Made at a cost of $200 million, this movie made money more than $300 billion. It is also the first 3D animation movie where live action and 3D are used at the same time. Well known stars of Hollywood such as Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg, Tim Allen, Ned Betty and John Cusack have lent their voice to the movie. The movie shows the toys experiencing human emotions and they have been closely examined and rightly reflected on the silver screen. Toy story 3 has made new records in terms of box office returns. It is the first 3D animation movie that has crossed the $300 billion mark. It was released in three formats all over the world – 3D, RealD and Imax 3D. It also set the American record of having 100 per cent occupancy on the first day itself. It is also one of the strong entries for the animation category for the Oscars.
Alice in Wonderland
It made Rs 150 billion for Walt Disney
Walt Disney’s second animation movie “Alice in Wonderland” also managed to make more than $100 billion. It was a memorable year for Walt Disney as both of its movies were among the Top Ten movies of 2010. Made with a budget of $100 million, the movies was based on Lewis Carol’s “Alice in Wonderland” novel for children. They have also made it to the 50 All Time Block Buster Films at number five and six.
Inception
Dream catchers
Presented by Warner Brother, “Inception” is a psychological thriller. Christopher Nolan, the director of the movie researched the subject for over 10 years. Nolan is also the writer and producer of this movie. Nolan has originally thought of converting the movie into a horror movie. But as he started to proceed with the screenplay, it took the shape of a psychological thriller. He wrote an 80-page treatment of it. Warner Brothers liked the concept and made a budget of $160 million for the same. “Inception” has Leonardo di Caprio and Kata Watanabe use a psychological method of lucid dreaming and false memory through which an entire crime world is shown. Leonardo uses a totem to get into people’s dreams and steals secrets from the same; the totem belongs to his wife. The story is extremely complex but in terms of technique, editing and acting, the movie doesn’t let you feel that it isn’t really happening and that it is all a dream. The movie has made $820 million.
Shrek forever after
A mixed response from critics
All other sequels of Shrek have made great money and hit jackpot at the box office. 2010 saw the fourth and last movie of the series. The movie got a mixed response from critics. Produced by Dreamworks Animation, the 3D movie was distributed by Paramount Pictures and made with a budget of $165 million. It has made $739 so far worldwide.
The twilight saga: Eclipse
Grand midnight opening
Like the other two sequel to the Midnight series – “Twilight” and “New Moon”, this sequel also expands the story further. Based on writer Stephanie Mayer’s fantasy “Eclipse” novels, the werewolves and vampires are shown in a romantic light. The script of the movie has been written by Melissa Rosenberg, and she has also written scripts for the first two movies of the series. The movie has been directed by David Slade and in the lead are Robert Pattinson and 18-year-old Christine Stewart. The audience appreciated the innocent love story. The pair that taken Hollywood by storm. With a budget of just $65 million, this movie has been produced by Summit Entertainment. The producers have successfully managed to excite and thrill the audience with this story of vampires and werewolves. It was released at midnight and was premiered in 4000 theatres in the US and Canada. It created box office history by collecting $40 million at the midnight opening itself. It has made $692 million the world over.
Iron Man 2
Ten-fold earning
In the Top Ten Hollywood movies of 2010, Iron Man 2 is on number six. The story of an American superhero has Robert Downey Jr playing the lead. The story is based on Marvel Comics’ Iron Man. The film has been produced by Iron Cinematics in collaboration with Paramount Pictures. This was the second movie in the series. Special effects are one of the movie’s USPs. Made with $69 million, Iron Man 2 got good reviews from critics and has done business worth $621 million.
Despicable Me
The complex story of moral values
Among the Top Ten, this is the fourth 3D animation movie that was a grand success. Made by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment, this is a comedy. The animated characters are made in France’s famous studio Mac Guff Studios. This cartoon movie is based on how a super villain tries to use three orphan girls to take over the world. But their innocence changes his heart. Made with $300 million, this 3D animation movie is not based on a novel or a comic but is an original story. It has done business worth $520 million the world over.
Clash of the titans
A successful remake of a fantasy film
Made by Warner Brothers, it is a remake of a movie by the same name made in 1981. Based on Greek mythology, this fantasy movie has been converted into 3D and made again with special effect. Directed by Louis Letterier, the movie stars Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. Made with a budget of nearly $125 million, it has done a business of about $494 the world over.
How to train your dragon
Another successful fanatasy film
Number nine of the Top Ten list, this computer animated fantasy movie is based on a book by the same name. Dreamworks produced the movie for $165 million. Voiceovers have been done by famous names such as Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson. The movie started slow but managed to find a foothold by weekend and has done business worth $494 million.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Old characters with new energies
This is the seventh book by J K Rowling. Directed by David Yates, the movie has been produced by Warner Brothers and has the same characters. Daniel Radcliffe, as Harry Potter is in search of the invincible underworld Lord Voldemort. Special effects add to the excitement. The first part of the seventh book was released amid great pomp and show on November 19 all over the world. Produced in the Imax format, the movie made $400 million in the first week itself. The second part will be released in 2011 July in Imax 2D and 3D formats.
