new wide openers set for Thanksgiving battle A handful of films join the Thanksgiving week buffet today, going up against Summit Entertainment’s colossal “New Moon” and other strong holdovers.

Warner Bros.’ new entry “Ninja Assassin” has a key advantage in appealing to males, who aren’t so interested in the “Twilight” series. the R-rated actioner, opening Wednesday in 2,503 runs, was produced by Joel Silver, the Wachowski brothers and Legendary Pictures.

Disney’s John Travolta-Robin Williams topliner “Old Dogs,” Walt Becker’s follow-up to sleeper hit “Wild Hogs,” will look to draw adults as the Mouse hopes it will profit from being the only new comedy. Pic plays in 3,425 theaters.

Twentieth Century Fox expands Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” nationwide into 2,027 theaters after a successful two-week limited run targeting the arthouse crowd. Studio now hopes to get the family aud, small and big badgers alike, to the animated pic.

Also going after kids, Disney opens traditionally animated “The Princess and the Frog” today in a two-week exclusive run before going wide. it plays at the theater on the Disney lot in Burbank and at Clearview Cinemas’ Ziegfeld Theater in new York.

On the specialty side, the Weinstein Co. opens John Hillcoat’s “The Road,” based on Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic tome about a father and son. Film, starring Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce, opens in 88 theaters today, expanding to a total of 111 on Friday.

Screen Media Films opens Robin Wright Penn drama “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee,” written and directed by Rebecca Miller, in 12 theaters.

The new nationwide players will have a difficult time overtaking “New Moon,” which opened to a phenomenal $142.8 million over the weekend, the third best debut of all time at the domestic B.O. on Monday, the sequel grossed $10.5 million for a cume of $153.3 million. that means that “New Moon” should surpass the entire gross of the original “Twilight” ($192 million) by this weekend at the latest.

“Twilight” dropped 62% in its second frame a year ago.

Overseas, “New Moon” is doing big business as well, grossing nearly $133 million through Sunday. this weekend, it expands into a number of territories, including Japan and Germany.

Warners’ Sandra Bullock sports drama “The Blind Side,” based on the real-life story of Baltimore Ravens player Michael Oher, should continue to score box office touchdowns in its second weekend of play at the domestic B.O. Film, fueled by older women, opened to a stronger-than-expected $34.1 million and grossed $3.7 million Monday for a cume of $37.8 million.

While “Blind Side” could get more men, there is plenty of room at the box office for a male-driven title like “Ninja Assassin.”

“Ninja” was co-financed by Joel Silver’s dark Castle label, Legendary and Warners. Pic cost roughly $40 million to produce.

Film, directed by Wachowskis protege James McTeigue (”V for Vendetta”), is considered a “hard R” because of the level of violence. Pic is tracking best among males age 17-35, including among Latinos and African-Americans.

“Old Dogs” is tracking best among women over 25, although it’s drawing interest among older males. Tracking for the comedy is softish, but tracking has been wrong on a number of films lately. “Old Dogs” is not a sequel to “Wild Hogs,” also a Disney pic. that comedy grossed $168.3 million domestically.

The trick for “Mr. Fox,” Anderson’s first animated project, will be to get families to show the same enthusiasm that arthouse crowds have. George Clooney and Meryl Streep lead the voice cast.

“Mr. Fox” had a strong second frame, grossing $203,512 for a per-location average of $50,878 and cume of $584,705. Pic is one of the best reviewed of the year on RottenTomatoes.com with a 95% fresh rating.

Film cost $30 million-$40 million. Fox Searchlight is consulting on marketing, but it is a big Fox movie, shepherded by Fox Animation topper Vanessa Morrison.

Disney appears to be sitting pretty with “Princess and the Frog,” which has already sold out every show at the theater on the Burbank lot. Tickets are $50, $30 and $20 for a group. the most expensive ticket allows moviegoers access to a separate event with animators practicing their craft, real-life Disney princesses, games and more.

Mouse House is a pro at using exclusive engagements to launch a film, but usually hosts such events at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, where the studio’s “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” is currently the headliner.

As with “New Moon,” it’s normal practice for the biggest Thanksgiving title to open the weekend before the holiday, or even two weekends before, giving it plenty of playtime.

Overseas, “New Moon” and Sony’s Roland Emmerich disaster pic “2012″ should continue to dominate.

“We were told before we went that our Brazilian fans might be more enthusiastic than normal. One day Kristen [Stewart] and I, we were doing interviews on the second floor, and all of a sudden our security guards rush in and lock the doors all around us. And they come up to us and they’re very calm and they go, ‘Two thousand girls just rushed the hotel lobby. they got past hotel security, and somehow they know you’re up in this room and they’re on their way up right now.’ That’s the only time I have ever felt in danger. they started shaking the doors.”

-”New Moon” star Taylor Lautner, whose shirtless appeal as Jacob Black extends far beyond Forks, Washington and onto other continents. Lautner appeared last night on “The Tonight Show” and had plenty of funny stories to tell host Conan O’Brien. for instance, he talked about how he managed to develop the skill to catch grapes in his mouth (he credits co-star Stewart), which he also demonstrated for O’Brien and his studio audience. the star also joked about his constant shirtlessness in “New Moon.” “There is a scene where [Kristen Stewart] gets a cut, and there’s only one way to handle a serious cut like this, and its just to rip [my shirt] off!” he laughed. “A fan actually asked me in London, ‘If you could give Jacob any advice, what would it be?’ And I said, ‘If somebody gets cut, you don’t need to take your shirt off.’” but all that shirt-doffing clearly worked for audiences, as “New Moon” took in over $142 million during its premiere weekend — good enough for the third-biggest opening of all time.

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It has been reported by various sources that the Twilight Saga: new Moon has had the biggest opening in history. With all of the vampire hype, this is not at all surprising. what many people are wondering is just how much the cast members of New Moon are making off the movie. of course, we seem to be most concerned about the numbers that Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are earning from new Moon.

According to E!Online News, the stars of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen have gotten a pay raise from $2 million to $12 million. In addition, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson will be earning profits from New Moon. the number will probably be a very small percentage, but it is important to keep in mind that New Moon is sure to sell a lot of movie tickets and DVDs. This percentage alone will help Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson become some of the richest people under the age of 25.

It appears that Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson will both also be earning $12 million for the next movie in the Twilight Saga, which is called Eclipse. Eclipse is already completed and set to be released in June of 2010.

There’s been a lot of buzz about Taylor Laughter, who plays Jacob Black, in the Twilight Saga movie series. Taylor Laughtner has bulked up a whole lot for his role in New Moon and is getting quite a lot of attention from the ladies. according to E!Online News, lawyers have said that Taylor Laughtner is likely going to also be getting a huge pay raise for his role as Jacob Black.

Its insane how the tables can turn for a director in Hollywood in the blink of a wolfs eye. after a monstrous opening weekend for Chris Weitzs The Twilight Saga new Moon, the former American Pie all-star has gone from being the dude whose Golden Compass franchise flopped like a fatty in a pool to the dude who doubled the return of an already insanely popular series.

Of course, Summit Entertainment is smart enough to keep their new talent happy and according to Variety, have already signed Weitz up for a new picture. Its called The Gardener, and it couldnt be more different than New Moon. Apparently, it will follow a Los Angeles Mexican immigrant who does his best to protect his son. Eric Eason wrote the screenplay. As a Mexican Angeleno, Ill be fine with this as long as Weitz doesnt make him a gardener. oh wait, he did.

Weitz is also denying rumors that he plans to retire after this next film. Recent reports stated that Weitz was considering bowing out of filmmaking due to his horrible experience with new Line and their botching of Golden Compass, but it turns out it was just an emotional Chris stating things he didnt entirely mean. But heres my advice, mr. Weitz: forget making the movie about Paco, and take the $140 million from this weekend and run!

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LOS ANGELES — for Kellan Lutz, co-starring in the phenomenally popular “Twilight” films has given his career a brightly dawning future.

“I’m just so blessed to be a part of this amazing experience. It’s such a magic carpet ride. And it’s opened up doors for all of us within our careers to frontline other movies and be a part of bigger and better things,” Lutz said in a phone interview earlier this fall from Vancouver, British Columbia.”It’s just so amazing to have forged these relationships with these other actors who are just as humble and down-to-earth and have their heads on solid shoulders.”"The Twilight Saga: new Moon,” opening Friday, is the second “Twilight” film. Lutz reprises his role as vampire Emmett Cullen, the adopted big brother to the series’ brooding hero, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).in the sequel, Edward decides to leave his human girlfriend Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) after a minor accident puts her in mortal danger. in his absence, Bella tumbles into a deep depression, which is only lightened through her friendship with sunny Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). but Bella again finds herself in supernatural peril when Jacob becomes a werewolf.the films are based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling four-book series, though Lutz didn’t realize that when he got the role in “Twilight.” Like the novels, the movies boast legions of passionate female fans.”We didn’t know what this would become, in a way. we were just actors who fell in love with a script, and within doing that, it’s not like a Marvel hero where you know Green Lantern or Captain America, whoever is that is gonna be famous right off the block. we fell in love with our characters and kind of looked at this as just another job,” Lutz said during a recent news conference with co-stars Ashley Greene, Elizabeth Reaser and Nikki Reed at the four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.the North Dakota native is thrilled fans have accepted him as Emmett. “Twilight” was a 2008 blockbuster, and “New Moon” is one of the most hotly anticipated movies of the year.When Edward leaves Bella in “New Moon,” the rest of the Cullen coven also cuts ties with her. that meant Lutz, 24, and his Cullen co-stars had to make the most of short screen time in the sequel. Lutz tried to show his character’s protective side, especially his big-brotherly manner toward Bella.”The more you can still be in the scene and react … and really be in the scene without dialogue, the more you can add to the scene and fulfill it and just make it a full scene. That’s definitely the hardest part, but in a way it’s where the best acting comes out,” Lutz said from Vancouver, after a day of fight training for “Eclipse,” which wrapped filming in October.Lutz is confident his patience will pay off in future installments of the franchise: Emmett has a beefed up role in “Eclipse” and in the fourth book, “Breaking Dawn.” during a separate L.A. news conference, Pattinson said filming for “Breaking Dawn” is tentatively set for fall 2010.”We’re doing such intense fight training that we’re gonna look like trained killers by the time the fans and the audience sees it onscreen,” Lutz said of “Eclipse.”Outside the “Twilight” series, Lutz next will be seen in the remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Growing up, horror villains such as Chucky and Jason Voorhees didn’t scare him, but “Elm Street’s” Freddy Krueger did, he said.”It’s such a blessing to be a part of something that for me, I grew up with,” he said. “It’s this psychological thriller that can take you in your dreams.”Though fame can be a double-edged sword, Lutz again counts his blessings when he considers the “Twilight” phenomenon.”We’re blessed to be actors and have such a loving fan base. And the fans are always so great, and they’re giving us presents, which is so crazy ’cause we’re allowed to work because of them. And the time they put into making dolls or buying Gummi bears or anything like that, it’s very humbling.”Travel and accommodations provided by Summit Entertainment. Share with a friend your Email address:Enter multiple comma-separated email recipients. Friends Email address many: Leave a Comment

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A&E Photo Galleriesview all OU men vs. Louisiana-Monroe: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009

Men’s college basketball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Louisiana-Monroe at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, the Oklahoman

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“The Twilight Saga: new Moon” premiere: Nov. 16, 2009

View photos from the movie’s premiere.

Daily Published Photos: November 17, 2009

View pictures from the Oklahoman.

Published: 7:00AM GMT 18 Nov 2009

More film fans have pre-booked tickets to New Moon than ordered advance seats for Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or The Dark Knight, according to Fandango, the cinema booking website.

With three days to go before the sequel goes on general release in the US on Nov 20, it has already sold more advance seats than the original Twilight film in 2008.

“For many fans, it’s the year’s most anticipated film event,” a Fandango spokesman told the Deadline Hollywood website.

“Ever since tickets went on sale in September, it’s been among our top five weekly ticket-sellers, as New Moon has a strong pull on audiences.

“We’re seeing a higher-than-usual number of tickets per transaction for this film, suggesting that moviegoers will show up en masse at theaters this weekend with their friends and family.”

Thousands of fans flocked to see New Moon stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on Monday.

Pattinson, 23, who plays vampire Edward Cullen in this latest adaptation of the popular series, said this year’s crowd of thousands of screaming fans was larger than last year’s turnout.

“And it seems different to me because we have done this world tour in the last week and it has just been unbelievable in every single city,” he said. “It is about 10 times bigger than any other city in the world.”

It’s not every day that you get to meet a vampire. Thankfully Kellan Lutz, who plays the “vegetarian” vamp Emmett Cullen in The Twilight Saga: New Moon and its predecessor Twilight, doesn’t suck.

“Hereally hasn’t changed, there’s just more to him,” he tells me about hisrole in the sequel. “My character is not the lead and he doesn’t have aton of dialogue but his presence is great, and felt,” he adds.

Beingaccepted by the fans was a huge weight off of Lutz the second timearound and, he said, it allowed him to have more fun with thecharacter. He still prepared just as much as the first time however.

“Igot my journal out, the journal that had all my Emmett notes about howI was going to play him and what I liked and disliked. I maderelationships with all the characters and just elaborated on that.”

The 24-year-old is genuinely enthusiastic about New Moon and says his role as the protectivebig brother plays a larger part in the film. He also notes that,compared to the relatively low budget production of the first Twilight, this was a big studio movie.

“After the success of Twilight we got a lot more funding for New Moon and couldmake it bigger and better. A lot of money goes to CGI for the wolvesbut it was cool to have an endless supply of resources to make it thebest film it could be,” he says.

If you have opened a newspaper or turned on a television in the last couple of months you know that Twilightfans are an intense bunch. And it’s not just its main stars, KristenStewart and Robert Pattinson, that are being constantly hounded. Lutzthinks the fans are an amazing group but he also has some stories totell.

“[The fans] allow us actors to continue working,” he notes. “But there are also the marriage proposals andpeople wanting to handcuff themselves to you. [We get] common ones like ‘willyou bite my neck’, ‘will you sign my baby’s forehead’, and scandalouspictures in the mail. Most recently a lady wanted to know if shecould lick my face.”

New Moon also has a new director with Catherine Hardwicke being replaced by Chris Weitz. In The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the third film that opens in 2010, David Slade takes over the reins. Does Lutz like a fresh eye behind the camera each time?

“I don’t think there is one director who could do all the booksjustice because all the books are so different. Catherine was perfectfor the first, Chris for the second and David for the third. Who knowsfor the fourth…I would love Chris to come back,” he says. “Chris iseasy to deal with. He was an actor once so that goes along with theterritory of knowing how to deal with actors.”

After New Moon, Lutz will be battling the iconic horror character Freddy Krueger in the reboot of A Nightmare on Elm Street.This time around Freddy is played by Jackie Earle Haley, and Lutz, whoplays Dean, can’t give us much more information than what we alreadyknow.

“My character is the guy you want to root for,” he says when describing his new role. “I’m up for a couple ofdays…I can’t sleep, I’m an insomniac, and I’m taking medicine becauseI’m having these dreams where I see Freddy.” He teases, “I might make it and I mightnot.”

Lutz says he’s also ecstatic about the release of Eclipse and can’t wait until a trailer is cut so the world can get as excited about it as he is.

“It’s amazing. It’s going to kill in the theatre with the guyaudience,” he tells me. “So many cool stunts and fight scenes. We did six weeks oftraining…some kung fu, jujitsu, boxing, kick-boxing…everything. My character is in it alot more,” he continues. “David Slade is a kick-ass director. Hedid 30 Days of Night and Hard Candy and just has this way of makingmovies edgy.”

Lutz’sgoal is to be an action hero like Matt Damon in the Jason Bournemovies. He would happily work on one of those films with Damon too, ifthe offer was ever given.

“There’s no rush, I don’t need to work every day of my life. I don’tneed to be on a TV show where I’m working nine months a year. I have a great team that understands I wantlongevity…I want to do this for the rest of my life,” he concludes.

And with that he turned into a bat and flew out the hotel window to battle some spies. Or something like that.

Watch the video for Death Cab For Cutie’s Meet Me At The Equinox from the soundtrack for The Twilight Saga: New Moon below.

brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com

Top image: Kellan Lutz and Nikki Reed in a scene from The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Courtesy E1 Entertainment.

BY Cristina Everett
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Tuesday, November 17th 2009, 4:40 PM

The stars were out in full force at Monday night’s premiere of “New Moon” – all except for one familiar face.

Noticeably missing from the star-studded event was “Twilight” actress Rachelle Lefevre, who plays evil vampire Victoria in the first two installments of the film franchise.

Though the hoards of fans who assembled at the premiere would have liked to have caught a glimpse of the actress, Lefevre says her red-carpet absence was for a good reason.

“2 fans at the premiere: w/ Honey in hospital & being fired from Eclipse tonight was just 2 emotional 4 me & I couldn’t manage it,” the actress wrote Monday on her Twitter page. “So sorry.”

Lefevre, who was referring to her dog, Honey, opted to skip the premiere after finding herself in a feud in July with the movie’s production company, Summit Entertainment.

Despite Lefevre having appeared in the first and second installments, Bryce Dallas Howard surprisingly was recast in the role of the film’s red-headed villainess for the third chapter, “Eclipse.”

Lefevre was left “stunned” by the sudden dismissal, which Summit attributed to scheduling conflicts. The actress had signed on to work for 10 days on an indie film, “Barney’s Version,” that began production on the same day as “Eclipse.”

“I was fully committed to the ‘Twilight’ saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria,” Lefevre said in a statement. “I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules.

“Although the production schedule for ‘Eclipse’ is over three months long, Summit said they had a conflict during those 10 days and would not accommodate me. Given the length of filming for ‘Eclipse,’ never did I fathom I would lose the role over a 10-day overlap.”

The bigwigs at Summit were none too happy with Lefevre’s public statement and fired off a counterstatement.

“We at Summit Entertainment are disappointed by Rachelle Lefevre’s recent comments which attempt to make her career choices the fault of the Studio,” the studio’s statement said. “It is not about a ten day overlap, but instead about the fact that ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story.

“Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to the other project – which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment – makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria.”