Carl Roberts 
This week, on The Official Film Chart, Doctor Strange enters the Multiverse Of Madness, and The Northman battles his way in, but the top spot remains inside The Lost City!
Welcome to The Official Film Chart.
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD AND KEEP!
For all of you out there who are fans of the ‘Wizarding World’ franchise and are big ‘Harry Potter.’ fans, this week is for you. Coming off of PVOD and becoming available to download and keep is the third in the ‘Fantastic Beasts.’ series. The new film ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore’ follows the second film along its journey through the early years of Albus Dumbledore and company. Eddie Redmayne once again plays Newt Scamander alongside Jude Law as Dumbledore. Mads Mikkelson takes over the role of Grindelwald from Johnny Depp (For well-reported reasons) in a film that earned mixed reactions from both critics and fans alike. The film was profitable but earned the lowest amount ever for one of the films. It now seems unlikely that the planned fourth and fifth films will be made and the franchise will end as a trilogy. If you’re a fan and feel like grabbing the film, get it from your favored digital retailer now.
THE OFFICIAL CHART
The chart race is hotting up, just as the weather is outside. The big titles keep on coming as we move towards the main summer releases. As usual, titles make way for the new releases, and this week, we must bid goodbye to ‘Ambulance’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. But what is sitting pretty in the top spot? Is the number one still on a journey for treasure? Has a hedgehog sped back in to reclaim the top spot? Or has something else entirely taken the plaudits for itself? Time for us to find out.
THE LOST CITY REMAINS THE NUMBER ONE!
For the second week in succession, the top spot is traveling to ‘The Lost City.’ The Paramount movie hit the top last week on digital downloads alone and continues its winning run. The action/romance/comedy is a delightful movie that will keep the whole family entertained. Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum make for a pair of charming leads. With Daniel Radcliffe as the villain and a cameo from Brad Pitt, there is so much to like about the film. It is a romp in the same vein as the 1980s classic ‘Romancing The Stone.’ Feats of daring-do, lots of high jinks, and some great laughs make the film an enjoyable night in.
OPERATION MINCEMEAT FAKES ITS WAY INTO THE SECOND SPOT!
After debuting last week in the eighth spot, ‘Operation Mincemeat’ manages to fake its way up six places to take the second spot, thanks to its release on the physical formats. The film, which stars Colin Firth and Matthew MacFadyen as WWII intelligence officers who have to outwit German forces, is based on a true story. Two members of British intelligence obtained the body of a tramp who died from eating rat poison, dressed him as an officer of the Royal Marines, and placed personal items on him. Correspondence was planted between two British generals which suggested that the Allies planned to invade Greece and Sardinia, with Sicily as merely the target of a feint. It is an enjoyable film that deserves to be seen.
THE BATMAN REMAINS IN THE SHADOWS IN THE THIRD PLACE!
The comic book epic that is ‘The Batman’ decides it still wants to watch Gotham City from the third position. The movie, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as the Dark Knight, is full to the brim of easter eggs for the fans. Eagle-eyed viewers will manage to spot the references to Batman comics from years gone by. And these clues are a major hint as to where the film is heading. I personally enjoyed seeing the bust from the 1960s series among the items on display. The film is a dark take on those comic books and the lore of Batman. It is just a shame that the film isn’t the greatest Batman film of them all. Several flaws prevent it from becoming the best. But all in all, the film does its job and gets the viewer in the mood for where the sequel will go.
DOCTOR STRANGE ENTERS THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS IN THE FOURTH SPOT!
Our first new entry enters the chart placings in the fourth position. Based on downloads alone, the Marvel sequel ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’ makes its chart bow. Benedict Cumberbatch returns to the iconic role of Doctor Strange with Elizabeth Olsen reprising her role as Wanda Maximoff/ Scarlet Witch. The movie manages to follow on from the end of the TV series ‘Wandavision’ and sets up the basic structure of the film. It isn’t a spoiler to reveal that Scarlet Witch is the big bad this time around. But her reasons for doing so manage to tug at the heartstrings. While it isn’t the best Marvel film of them all, it manages to be incredibly enjoyable from the start. Cumberbatch is once again terrific as Strange but it is Elizabeth Olsen who manages to steal the show. As usual, don’t turn it off before the credits finish as there are two stingers attached. It may be a little too scary for younger viewers but as it’s a Marvel movie, it remains top-quality entertainment.
THE BAD GUYS DROP TO FIFTH PLACE!
Rounding out this week’s top five placings is the hilarious animated film ‘The Bad Guys.’ It tells the story of a criminal group of anthropomorphic animals who, upon being caught, pretend to attempt to reform themselves as model citizens, only for their leader to find himself genuinely drawn to changing his ways as a new villain has his own plans. With the voices of Sam Rockwell and Awkwafina among others, the film is the perfect summer holiday entertainment for the youngsters. And for the whole family too.
THE NORTHMAN BATTLES HIS WAY INTO THE CHART!
Our second and final new entry battles its way into the chart in the sixth position. And it is a warm welcome to the terrific ‘The Northman.’ Based on the legend of Amleth, the film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe. The plot follows Amleth, a Viking prince who sets out on a quest to avenge the murder of his father. The film is directed by Robert Eggers. Now, the film isn’t for the whole family as it is gory, violent, and contains scenes that are barely contained within its 15 rating. But it is also a film that is worthy of being in anyone’s library. It is the perfect late-night fodder for when you’re alone or after the kids are in bed. And is guaranteed to be rewatched time and again.
MORBIUS NEEDS NEW BLOOD!
Last week’s number two becomes this week’s number seven as ‘Morbius’ is in desperate need of some fresh blood. The Sony/Marvel film sees its fortunes severely reversed this week. Already derided by critics and moviegoers alike, the film isn’t anywhere near the quality we have come to expect from a comic book movie. Jared Leto tries his best in his role of Michael Morbius but is let down by a poor script and some bad editing choices. I wouldn’t bother watching the trailer for the film as roughly half of what it contains isn’t in the final film. This leads us to suspect that the film was seriously changed in the editing suite. And not for the better either.
TOP GUN FLIES DOWN TO NUMBER EIGHT!
Dropping three places this week as its afterburners flame out is the 1980s classic ‘Top Gun.’ Thanks to the success of its sequel, the Tom Cruise original film has been a massive hit on the home entertainment front. Members of the generation who experienced it back in its 1986 heyday have once again embraced the film as they did thirty-six years ago. While the new generation can experience the film as it was meant to be.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 SUFFERS A SEVERE SPEED DECREASE!
The brilliant Paramount sequel ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 2’ finds its speediness has all but deserted it this week. The film, yet again a highly enjoyable family film falls five places to end the week in the ninth position.
SING 2 SUFFERS A SEVERE SORE THROAT!
And finally, dropping a single place which puts it over the chart exit door is the former number one ‘Sing 2.’ The animated sequel now tries to give its performances from the tenth and final position on the chart.
FINISHING OFF!
And that is all we have for this week. Ahead of some major titles coming our way over the next few months, the chart is looking healthy. The choice of entertainment is exciting at the moment. And it will only get better. But until next time…
Whatever you decide, whatever you buy, stay safe, be kind, look after each other, and happy viewing!
Anyone wishing to buy any of the titles featured in The Official Film Chart can do so via FindAnyFilm.com. All videos and information have been supplied by Find Any Film and used under authorization.
Carl Roberts is the News Editor for The Future of the Force. Aside from being our horror genre aficionado, he is also passionate about Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and the Indiana Jones movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force frequently!
