Last night’s box office was kind of a watershed moment for “Silver Linings Playbook.” David O. Russell’s Oscar nominated serio-comedy not only held its own in third place, but nudged up to cross the $75 million mark. “Silver Linings” has now also nosed ahead of “Zero Dark Thirty,” which is sort of amazing. For thirty days, “SLP” languished in limited release while other, bigger movies came and went. “SLP” and “ZD30” were neck and neck in the same number of theaters once they each went wide.
But now “SLP” had broken from the pack. It’s going to make $100 million, and be the next Weinstein Company movie to hit that mark. Maybe a landmark: I can’t recall a time that the Weinstein Company has had two movies in the top 10 at the same time. Yet, now they have the Russell and “Django Unchained.” And they’re each nominated for Best Picture.
Of the two, “Playbook” has a stronger shot at winning Best Picture. But again, I told you this when I saw “Playbook” in Toronto. It’s such a terrific film, and it’s the one with heart this season. People feel good when they see it. That’s not to diminish “Zero Dark Thirty.” But audiences love “Silver Linings Playbook.” Jennifer Lawrence is on her way to Best Actress, too. “SLP” and maybe “Lincoln” are the two realistic rivals to “Argo.”
The surging success of “SLP” means that by February 24th, Oscar audiences will really have seen all nine nominated Best Pictures and care about them. That, plus the show itself, should add up to solid ratings for the Academy Awards telecast.
Meanwhile, the little girl who knocks everyone out as young Cosette in “Les Miserables” has gotten herself an A list manager. Ten year old Isabelle Allen, who’s also the face of the poster for “Les Miz,” has signed with Jason Spire of Inspire Entertainment. The child star is already represented by Hobsons International in the UK. Allen has won over audiences and critics with her poise and beautiful voice opposite such A listers as Hugh Jackman playing the young Cosette. She was first seen in a local production of “The Pied Piper” by the head of the British National Youth Music Theatre who identified her vocal and acting talents. Spire has a bunch of hot actors such as Anthony Mackie, Oscar Isaac, and Benjamin Walker. Those three are in everything these days. Little Isabelle won’t be far behind!
