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CL's Tournament of Summer Movie Blockbusters Round 1: Star Wars vs. Mission: Impossible II

By Joe Bardi on Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 3:32 pm

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Star Wars holds at least two major distinctions in film history. 1. It's been the highest grossing film in history twice! Once after it's initial release (subsequently dethroned by E.T.) and again after its mid-'90s Special Edition re-release (later trounced by Titanic). 2. Star Wars is often pointed to as a major turning point in film history for it's technical achievements in special effects and sound editing. It's also an incredible good time at the movies.

Final Box Office Gross: $460,998,077.00

Rank on AFI's "100 Years … 100 Movies" list: 15

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Mission:Impossible II is the second of three M:I films starring noted Scientologist and closet-dweller Tom Cruise. John Woo directed, and the film has plenty of his trademark gun fights and explosions. Unfortunately, there is little to distinguish M:I II from most other action flicks, save the enormous box office gross. I'm not biased, I swear!

Final Box Office Gross: $215,409,889.00

Rank on AFI's "100 Years … 100 Movies" list: N/A

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Note: This is our first Tournament of Summer Movie Blockbuster. In case you missed it, here's the skinny on the tourney and a full list of competing films. And for news and reviews of this summer's blockbusters, be sure and check CL's Movies & TV site.

In last week's inaugural match-up, #1-ranked Jaws put the bite on #8 seed Beverly Hills Cop 2 and advanced to the second round. This week, I plan three matches (check back Wednesday and Friday for the other two), leading off with #1 ranked Star Wars vs. #8 seed Mission:Impossible II.

Voting and details on the films after the jump …