films

Taxing Cinema: The IRS Goes to Hollywood

Every year, tax season inspires Americans ... to gripe and complain. But rather than focus on the depressing side of your yearly ordeal, why not consider the more enjoyable things that taxes have inspired -- namely, a long list of films. On Oscar weekend, there's no better time to recall these taxing classics.

Should Netflix Stream Its Video Business Into the U.K.?

Netflix is enjoying a period of rapid expansion, riding on the popularity of DVD-by-mail and online video streaming. The question for investors is: What's next? Netflix has signaled that it plans to expand abroad, and the U.K. is a likely target. But is Britain ready for Netflix?

The Frugal Consumer: Stay Home for Dinner and Suspense

Looking for an easy way to keep your entertainment budget in check without feeling like you're pinching pennies or getting bored? Bring the gang over for a dinner party and movie night that features one of these classic Hollywood suspense films.

Frugal Consumer: Three Home Theater Films for Teens

Today's pinched budgets mean many American families can%u2019t shell out as much as they once did to send teenagers to the movies. But there's a more affordable way to keep young people entertained: Soup up your home theater and screen some teen-friendly classics.

Strike! Eleven of the Best Union Movies Ever

Regardless of your political leanings, the struggle for fair wages and collective bargaining is fraught with drama, and Hollywood's union movies have inspired some amazing performances. With the public workers standoff in the news now, here are a few of Tinseltown's best offerings.

3-D Honeymoon's Over: Box-Office Sales Fall

At least one analyst is predicting that fourth-quarter box-office sales are set to fall 12% as most 3-D movies have failed to attract big audiences this year. Even worse: The trend extends beyond movie theaters to the living room.

That's a Wrap: Miramax Films Sale Finally Closes

After months of delays, the deal is done: An investment group called Filmyard Holdings is the proud new owner of the storied Miramax Films. The sale was announced back in June, but concerns about bank financing pushed the closing date back until now.

Original Darth Vader Costume Fails to Sell at Christie's Auction

Bidding for an original Darth Vader costume from the "Star Wars" movie series failed to reach the undisclosed reserve at a Christie's auction Thursday. Auctioneers had expected the costume to sell for between 160,000 pounds and 230,000 pounds ($250,000 to $365,000). The top bid was 150,000 British pounds (roughly $236,000).

Lions Gate's Out: MGM to Merge with Spyglass

After its drama with shareholder Carl Icahn, Lions Gate is apparently out of the bidding for MGM. Creditors of the storied studio -- which owns the James Bond franchise and half of the rights to "The Hobbit" films -- approved a merger with Spyglass Entertainment on Friday.

Lions Gate Sues Billionaire Icahn Over MGM Drama

The movie studio has sued activist investor Carl Icahn for opposing a merger with MGM. But the internal bickering doesn't look good for the company. Will the lawsuit end up sinking its bid?

A Midnight Boost for Big-Budget Movie Openings

Cult classics used to rule in midnight screenings. But in recent years, blockbuster films like Eclipse, The Dark Knight and Avatar, have proven that it's a strategy that can supercharge both ticket sales and buzz.

Some Relativity Movies Say Bye to Cable, Hi to Netflix

In a deal worth more than $100 million per year, Netflix has snagged Relativity Media movies away from cable channels like HBO and Showtime starting next year. Will the ability to stream those movies win Netflix more fans?