One Tourism Australia official described it as “basically a two and a half hour ad” for Australia. I am of course talking about the new $120 million movie called ‘Australia,’ with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

Because not only Europe is feeling the effect of the cheap dollar. Tourism Down Under didn’t grow since the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is down overall this year. But the island is about to get some attention. “This movie will potentially be seen by tens of millions of people and it will bring to life little-known aspects of Australia’s extraordinary natural environment, history, and indigenous culture,” Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said.

Expecting some beautiful cinematography, there couldn’t be a better medium to promote a country. And that’s why Tourism Australia will release an international marketing campaign together with the new movie, promoting it as a “mature, inviting country.”

I just checked, but Australia didn’t went as far as financing the whole movie. Which I reckon would easily push it into the flop corner. But this seems like a smart move. Hop on the hype train of an expensive movie. And I’m sure the filmmakers won’t mind the extra promotion for their movie either. Win-win.

The first (official) glimpse of Two-Face. Keira Knightley in another 18th century drama. Death by racing and by war. And a new Brad Pitt movie.

• The Dark Knight (Two-Face)
• The Duchess
• Death Race
• Miracle at St. Anna
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Continue reading Today’s trailers: ‘The Dark Knight Two-Face,’ ‘The Duchess,’ ‘Death Race,’ ‘Miracle at St. Anna’ and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’

Ok, ‘The Happening’ is a terrible movie, but taking the number one spot overseas is quite an accomplishment. M. Night Shyamalan’s movie made $32.1 million at 5,714 screens in 88 territories. That’s about $5,600 per screen. ‘The Incredible Hulk’ came in second, but managed to make almost $10,000 per screen at 38 markets.

The $32.1 million comes after Shyamalan’s awful box office result of ‘Lady in the Water’ in 2006. The fantasy only made $30 million overseas during its lifetime. It’s clear Fox’ aggressive marketing campaign paid off. The trailer with falling bodies gave people high hopes for his new thriller. It’s too bad this is one of those ‘the best is in the trailer’ movies and most will leave disappointed.

Europe was leading the ticket sales for ‘The Happening.’ France grossed a good $4.6 million, followed by Spain with $3.8 million. The U.K. brought in $3.4 million and several other countries ended the weekend with around $2 million.

Continue reading It’s Happening around the world, a look at the overseas box office