Yesterday, the creators of the hit show “House” announced that at the end of this, its eighth season, Dr. House and his cast of characters would fade into the distance.

“The decision to end the show now, or ever, is a painful one, as it risks putting asunder hundreds of close friendships that have developed over the last eight years,” said executive producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Hugh Laurie, “but also because the show itself has been a source of great pride to everyone involved.

The producers have always imagined House as an enigmatic creature;  he should never be the last one to leave the party.  How much better to disappear before the music stops, while there is still some promise and mystique in the air.”

Now’s as good a time as any for a post-mortem on one of the quirkiest, most interesting character shows of the last decade. “House’s” focus on a thoroughly unlikeable character was risky, and it paid off; the creators’ decision to make him a thoroughgoing atheist constantly at conflict with others subtly made the case for the bankruptcy of his ideology.  Or, at the very least, it offered philosophical contrast.

Most famously, “House” featured a very pro-life episode in 2007, “Fetal Position,” in which an unborn child reached out of the womb and touched House’s hand, mirroring the famous photograph. That was mirrored by a pro-choice episode that same season that made the case for abortion for a religious rape victim. That was House’s style.

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The 2011 thriller “In Time” tells the dystopian science fiction story of a world where time means everything.

Social classes are not determined by income, but by the amount of time a person can live. The humans are genetically engineered to stop aging when they turn 25. At that point, their clocks begin ticking and they must earn or steal more time to stay alive. Lower classes work menial jobs for pay in days, while the upper class hoards centuries. Gangsters prey on the weak to steal their time. “Timekeepers’” or law enforcement’s primary concern is to make sure the “wrong people” – the lower class – never have too much time.

Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) is from “the ghetto,” where people live hour to hour. He meets Henry Hamilton (Matt Bomer) in a bar flashing around a wealth of time – 100 years. After Will rescues him from gangsters, Hamilton gives Will his entire store of time. Sadly, Will can’t get home in time to prevent his mother (Olivia Wilde) from “clocking out.” In retaliation, Will travels to the top “time zone” on a mission to take as much time from the wealthy as he can.

However, possessing time that you didn’t earn is illegal. Timekeeper Leon (Cillian Murphy) catches up with Will and takes back what time he’s managed to accumulate. To avoid capture, Will takes wealthy Sylvia Weis (Amanda Seyfried) hostage and goes back to the ghetto. He realizes it’s not enough to take time from the wealthy, he needs to redistribute the time to the poor. Sylvia falls in love with Will and joins him on a crime spree to spread the wealth of time around as much as they can before they are caught…or their own clocks run out.

We’re lead to believe that a small portion – the one percent? – of the population not only controls the vast majority of wealth, but is actively engaged in preventing the 99 percent from ever progressing outside of their “time zone” by strategically raising taxes and interest rates whenever people start accumulating too much time.

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Last week saw Sensei’s streak extend to 11 straight weeks. That streak faces a serious test this Super Bowl weekend. If you need a laugh before the big game, we’ve collected Master Iron Fist’s funniest photo captions from 2011:

Speaking of the big game, this weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. Chronicle ($17 million) - Films usually have big drops because of the Super Bowl on Sunday, so the key to winning will be the film that can start the strongest on Friday. Currently, “Chronicle” has that advantage with its advance social media presence and appeal to action audiences, which are very strong right now.

2. The Woman In Black ($12 million) - Daniel Radcliffe opens a film without his “Harry Potter” safety net. Sadly, as has been the pattern with all CBS film releases, marketing hasn’t been strong. The picture is relying entirely on Radcliffe’s name to try and pull a weekend win. That points to a diminished opening, especially on Super Bowl weekend. (more…)

Another Sensei call streak reached double digits last week. Looking ahead, things will only get more unpredictable at the box office. Or, as Master Iron Fist puts it, “more fun.”

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. The Grey ($15 Million) – This wilderness action film falls right in place for its target audience and is receiving strong critical reviews. That should allow enough momentum to take the top spot. Be warned. Liam Neeson has very strong box office appeal in action films (“Unknown,” “Taken”), and has a solid history of beating box office projections.

2. Underworld Awakening ($12.4 Million) - The sci-fi sequel continues to do well and is hunting at an “Underworld Evolution”-like box office pace. Look for another solid runner-up finish for Ms. Beckinsale–A.K.A. “Ms. January.” (more…)

Sensei’s streak extended to nine straight weeks last week. That streak could honestly hedge its bet by just picking Kate Beckinsale at this point.

This week’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. Underworld: Awakening ($28 Million) – The market is set up perfectly for action/adventure fare, and this film’s fan base is already dialed in. It will easily set a new franchise-best opening. A similar comparison is the “Resident Evil” franchise: films that feature female action leads against horror elements and open during months not seen as blockbuster fare (“Resident Evil” in September and “Underworld” in January). Despite this, the films generally open very well, and this “Underworld” will open even higher than “Resident Evil: Afterlife’s” $26 million opening in 2010.

2. Red Tails ($19 Million) – No question the film will resonate well portraying an important chapter in military history. There also remains a significant audience who will watch the film as a continuation of Martin Luther King Holiday celebrations. These factors will help it land a much higher than expected finish.

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Sensei extended his streak last week. His streak at calling the correct #1 film now sits at eight straight weeks. That streak faces a tough test as three new releases could all take the top spot.

All calls this weekend are 4 day (Fri-Mon) to incorporate the holiday weekend:

1. Contraband ($24 million) – Up to a few weeks ago, this weekend appeared an easy win for “Beauty And The Beast 3D.” This is in light of the success “Lion King 3D” had last year. Things have now changed. With the success of “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” leading the way, action audiences are more likely to see “Contraband.” It also helps to have actor Mark Wahlberg star, which may attract audiences nostalgic for “The Italian Job” and hence lead to this surprise finish.

2. Beauty And The Beast ($20 million) – Sensei did very well predicting “Lion King 3D”’s run at the top, and the addition of the new short film “Tangled Ever After” will help this film be the prime draw for families throughout the weekend. “Contraband” will open very strong early though, making it tough to catch. “Beast” will close the gap, but we predict “Contraband” holds for the win.

3. Joyful Noise ($15.7 million) – Dolly Parton’s latest project is fun and lively, and the film’s musical pedigree will help its box office tremendously. Queen Latifah is a very good box office draw, and as long as this film stays positive (no political or controversial sucker punches), it will do very well this weekend.

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Sensei again did very well on predictions over the holiday weekend. His streak at calling the correct #1 film currently sits at seven straight weeks. This time around the question is simple; can anyone end “Mission: Impossible”’s run at the top?

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. The Devil Inside ($18 Million) – From the film’s marketing, it’s clear the producers are hoping for “Paranormal Activity”-like success. Sensei disagrees and feels the film is more like “The Last Exorcism” and “The Rite.” Because of this, look for a mid-range opening that just fights off the “Mission.”

2. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol ($16 Million) – Despite being knocked off the top spot, Brad Bird’s actioner still controls enough of an audience to post this healthy drop. Whether Tom Cruise is a bankable star again is another story. (more…)

Interesting analysis below, but what’s most glaring is that neither Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid nor House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi received enough attention from our brave Late Night gang to even rank on this list. However! Two years-plus out of office, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney got hit 36 and 66 times respectively.

Takes an awful lot of guts to Speak! Truth! To! The! Out! Of! Power!

U.S. News and World Report:

Republicans were joked about by a margin of 3 to 1 over Democrats on late-night talk shows last year, but the biggest joke for Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon was President Obama, according to a new George Mason University study provided to Whispers.

Republicans took the top title because so many of them were speared by Fallon, Leno, and David Letterman, according to Robert Lichter, president of the school’s Center for Media and Public Affairs. …

But when it came to the top target of the 2011, Obama and shamed former New York Rep. Anthony Weiner came in first and second. Obama was gored by 342 jokes, Weiner 220. Third was former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain, followed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry at 186 and Osama bin Laden at 172.

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Sensei did very well on predictions last week. He now currently holds a six-week streak calling the correct #1 film, the longest in the nation.

This week in box office business is always an interesting one. You’ll find small drops and even increases in a film’s box office compared to the previous week. Rarely do weekends like these happen during the box office year.

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol ($28 million) – With no new major releases this week, it all comes down to who can hold their audience the best. This one has the full inside track with its high screen count as well as high audience ratings to fuel word of mouth.

2. Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows ($19 million) – The film long thought to be dominating the box office right now will again have to settle for the runner-up position.

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Last week, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” and the third “Chipmunks” film opened much lower than expected. Their combined result all but destroyed Sensei’s prediction calls. Not all was lost. Sensei’s streak in calling the correct top opener did extend to five straight weeks. This week, a host of newcomers hope for the top box office spot.

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows.

1. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol – ($28 million, Fri-Sun) ($42 million, Wed-Sun) – Last weekend confirmed analyst fears about the current box office outlook. Things are very weak right now. This film’s healthy opening on only 425 theaters (300 IMAX) was the only bright spot. With solid reviews and high audience ratings, the film will power ahead to beat the new “Sherlock Holmes” film.

2. Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows – ($19 million, Fri-Sun) ($28 million, Wed-Sun) – After its low opening, this one will struggle to equal the gross of the first “Sherlock Holmes” ($209 million domestic). The film also loses a large portion of its target audience to “MI4’s” theater expansion this week. Still, it will pull in respectable numbers over the holiday. Whether it will be enough for a second sequel is another story. (more…)

Now this is an epic weekend. Just like that, Sensei now holds the nation’s longest #1 call streak at 4 weeks (along with only two other prediction sites). The rest got tripped up by “The Muppet’s” recent box office troubles. Look for Batman, Robert Downey, Jr., and a return to 2009 to showcase this time around.

Our weekend predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows ($68 million) – It’s deja-vu back to the Christmas opening weekend 2009. There you had “Sherlock Holmes” and “Chipmunks 2″ taking shots at “Avatar.” Amazing how all three found success and “Avatar” became film’s all-time leading grosser. That kind of pedigree will not be lost this weekend. Film can do “Fast Five”-like opening numbers but the sub-par frame will hold it back considerably. Still, expect quite a box office boost to the overall box office market.

2. Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked ($36 million) – Animated films are drastically under-performing across the board right now. The most notable being “Happy Feet Two” which was also an animated franchise sequel. Despite the current lackluster results around animation, this one will still pull very good numbers. Not franchise best, but still a very high opening nonetheless.

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Sensei. Sensei. Last week he predicted a “Twilight” win while the vast majority of other prediction sites picked “The Muppets.” We jokingly refer to this as “Sensei clearing the field,” and he’s had more than his fair share of those experiences. This week, it seems “New Year’s Eve” is in a race to cram as many actors possible into a single film while “The Sitter” tests Jonah Hill’s box office potential.

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. New Year’s Eve ($24 million) – The sub-par frame will hold it back from a “Valentine’s Day”-like opening, but it will still conquer the weekend easily. The biggest boost will come from those seeking glimpses of Sofia Vergara.

2. The Sitter ($10.5 million) – Jonah Hill’s films benefit greatly when he’s surrounded by other stars and not when he’s on his own. He’s basically on an island here as the lead. Most family audiences will hold off this one to wait for next week’s “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” (more…)

Last week saw Sensei correctly predicted a “Twilight” win while many went with “Muppets” for the top spot. This week the two return to face one another again.

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part One ($15.6 million) – Again the film will drop in line with previous “Twilight” entries. With no new major new releases to challenge it, we predict this one pulls out another top finish.

2. The Muppets ($14.5 million) - The film is dropping behind a “Smurfs” and “Tangled”-like box office pace. It’s instead looking at more of standard drop for family friendly fare. Also take into account that weather is starting to get more frigid around the country. This will affect “The Muppets”‘ audience more as families tend to stay indoors to remain comfortable in large groups. “Twilight,” on the other hand, still draws smaller and more individual moviegoers to its side. Still, the numbers will be close, and this one could pull a weekend win if “Twilight” falters. (more…)

Last weekend saw “Immortals” take the crown to help improve the box office gross. This weekend marks the beginning of the end for the enormously successful “Twilight” franchise with part one of its “Breaking Dawn” finale.

As with all “Twilight” films, the conversation quickly changes from “will it be successful” to “how many records can it break?”

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part One ($140 million) – This one’s concept is more directly focused on personal drama than overall events. Because of this, it will not play like previous entries which had broader appeal and even lured in some of those hard-to-get action audiences. Still, an impressive opening is expected. Look for a trial run here as the next one will have the best opportunity to challenge all-time box office records.

2. Happy Feet Two ($38 million) – This children’s film is hoping for a “Puss In Boots”-like opening. Compared to the “Kung Fu Panda”s and Pixar classics of the world, this one never really felt like a huge franchise player. The characters are not household names or carry much interest in storyline. Will draw the much younger audiences but was very expensive to produce. It also carries the burden that its predecessor was released five years ago. That’s a long time to hold audience interest. Film will boil down to the film’s music choices. If the tunes come off great, it will fuel enough positive word of mouth to over perform. If the music comes off bland, then the film could fall very quickly.

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With overall box office as low as it is right now, Hollywood is looking for value wherever they can get it. “Immortals” will be the big draw to return crucial audience numbers to theaters, but the production faces other problems beyond its control.

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. Puss In Boots ($27 million) – The film will hold in its default position since the overall box office frame is not strong. Just like “The Help” showed in its run, when overall box office is down, go with the film that currently sits at the top and has the most positive buzz. That would be “Puss In Boots” currently.

2. Immortals ($25 million) – This picture faces a huge hurdle in that the overall box office frame is really weak right now. Generating audience support will not be easy, but as we noted in a new film essay this week, this one has the advantage of tapping into the audience pool that made “300″ an enormous success. This audience is very loyal when the film’s concept is right. Therefore, we predict a higher-than-expected opening and a close battle with “Puss In Boots” that will last until at least Saturday evening. The film may not win the weekend but will develop strong box legs to do very well overall. (more…)

Sensei did very well on predictions last week, easily beating the other prediction sites again. Sensei also revealed a new film essay (involving Batman and Tom Cruise, no less). This week, we have another battle for the top spot. Ben Stiller teams with Eddie Murphy in “Tower Heist” in hopes of slowing down “Puss In Boots.” Also opening is the latest “Harold and Kumar,” which just hopes to save face.

This weekend’s predictions and revenue results go as follows:

1. Tower Heist ($28 million) – No film has its future connected to positive word of mouth more than this one. Film will need to receive high ratings from weekend audiences, otherwise, “Puss In Boots” will win. Currently critical reviews are favorable but overall buzz on “Tower” feels right around where “Tropic Thunder” opened.

2. Puss In Boots ($25 million) - The film will benefit greatly from family audiences who didn’t see it Halloween weekend. Those audiences are now free of holiday obligations and will bring very healthy numbers to “Boots.” Look for a small drop and even another weekend win if “Tower Heist” falters. (more…)

As predicted, Real Steel issued a vicious take down of Ides of March last week. This time around, it’s a battle of remakes as George Clooney faces yet another formidable foe in A Dolphin Tale.

This weekend’s predictions and projected revenue results go as follows:

1. Footloose ($20 million) – The film has all the right pieces in play: solid critical reviews, high theater count, and the Step Up audience eager for something new. It will open well if it doesn’t disappoint weekend audiences, remains upbeat, and doesn’t feature any mocking of a particular demographic or group. To put it another way, no “sucker punches.”

2. Real Steel ($15 million) – Faced with stronger competition this time around, Steel will see a large chunk of its target audience flock to other releases this weekend. Footloose especially will draw the stronger, younger teenage base, which will be tough to knock out this round.

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Robots guided by Hugh Jackman take on George Clooney’s latest political offering this week. One will prevail while the other is left with yet another box office disappointment.

This weekend’s predictions and projected revenue results go as follows:

1. Real Steel ($26 million) – The sci-fi action is its big sell, but the film’s focus on its father and son relationship will help fuel word of mouth. The flick will easily venture past openings posted by Contagion and other recent original IPs.

2. The Ides Of March ($12 million) – The major film critics may support them, but overall audience disenchantment is a long-established fact with these political message films. These productions have become so clichéd anyway, most viewers feel they can predict their entire plots; where’s the excitement in that? Add to this the lackluster box office results the genre has consistently pulled over the past few years, and the film will definitely struggle to find an audience. Look for, at best, only sub-par results here. (more…)

Morgan Freeman may want to hold his tongue the next time he thinks about calling the Tea Party ‘racist.’

Freeman, currently co-starring in ‘Dolphin Tale,’ made that accusation last month in the run up to his film’s release. And while the movie is performing well at the box office, it’s clear it could be doing even better, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The entertainment outlet just posted the results of a new study tracking how actors’ political comments affect the public’s willingness to buy their products.

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Once the announcement came this week that Lion King 3D would extend its run, you just had a feeling it would challenge for the top position at the box office again. Time has proven Disney wise.

This weekend’s predictions and projected revenue results go as follows:

1. The Lion King 3D ($14.5 million) - Film is continuing to hold strong through the week, outperforming A Dolphin Tale by an almost two-to-one margin. That gap will close quickly this weekend, but Lion King still holds just enough of an edge to win.

2. A Dolphin Tale ($13 million) - An epic rematch with Lion King 3D begins. Positive word of mouth and overall momentum are an advantage for Dolphin right now, but Lion King is still a event film that audiences are seeing more than once. Will be a close match-up.

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