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It is with great sorrow that for the third consecutive week this article starts by recognizing the passing of one of Hollywood's golden-era actors, Ernest Borgnine. This columnist will forever remember him as Quinton McHale from "McHale's Navy." The cultured reader is more likely to recall Borgnine's Academy Award performance in 1955's Oscar-winning "Marty."
The predictions made last week for first and second were accurate. "The Amazing Spider-Man" easily took first place, followed by "Ted" in second. "Brave" held firm and steadfast, unmoved from its third-place position the week prior. Fourth place went to "Savages," while "Magic Mike" dropped rapidly to end in fifth.
To much surprise, "Savages" placed on the list against expectations, while "Katy Perry: Part of Me," anticipated to perform well, failed to make the Top 5.
Only one new film dares to debut this week ahead of the long-awaited release of "The Dark Knight Rises" next Friday. "Ice Age: Continental Drift" makes its debut 10 years after the original "Ice Age" premiered. Featuring the voice of Ray Romano, the prehistoric animals are back in 3-D.
The predictions for July's Friday the 13th weekend are:
1. "Ice Age: Continental Drift"
Having already grossed $238 million in its early release internationally, "Continental Drift" is set to wow audiences this weekend. The second film in the franchise to be presented in 3-D, this rated-PG animated comedy features the original set of characters in a new adventure. Using an iceberg as a ship that is set adrift, Manny, Diego and Sid are forced to combat the treacheries of sea life — including pirates.
Fun for all ages, "Continental Drift" is certain to be a hit with audiences of all ages as children enjoy one last fling before the school year starts anew.
Featuring Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, replacing Tobey Maguire, "The Amazing Spider-Man" has received a very positive initial response. Featuring the early life of Parker, "The Amazing Spider-Man" explores the roots of how Spider-Man came to be as Parker navigates his high school years.
3. "Ted"
"Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane makes a directorial debut with Mark Wahlberg playing the central character in this rated-R comedy. Wahlberg wishes as a child that his teddy bear would come to life to provide companionship.
Now, years later as an adult, he is forced to deal with how to balance the transition between childhood and adulthood with his ever-present teddy bear at his side.
4. "Brave"
There is a mighty battle brewing as "Continental Drift" seeks to steal the thunder from Disney-Pixar's first female protagonist, Merida. Adept in archery, Merida is forced to venture out and undo a curse on her kingdom. "Brave" is proving the Disney-Pixar resiliency as it solidly remains on the list despite only spending a week in first place.
5. "Savages"
The surprise winner from last week that was not expected to make the list, this star-laden R-rated action thriller by Oliver Stone features John Travolta.
Two marijuana growers share a mutual girlfriend who is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel. Highlighting a very real problem that exists along the border between Mexico and the United States, "Savages" portrays the fictional accounts of a DEA agent who assists in the miraculous rescue attempt.
Joseph Irvine is an information assurance engineer in Madison, Ala. Currently working on a master's degree at the University of Alabama, he passed his CompTIA Network+ certification this past week.
