The Morning Fix: 'Kick-Ass' disappoints. More on Conan's move. Comcast-NBC Universal review kicks into low gear.

After the coffee. Before the invigorating morning commute.

"Kick-Ass" doesn't: The foul-mouthed crime-fighters who were the toast of last year's Comic-Con failed to deliver the kind of box-office wallop some had expected, based on early fanboy buzz. Lionsgate's "Kick-Ass" brought in $19.75 million in its opening weekend, in a virtual tie for No. 1 with the youthful vikings of DreamWorks Animation's "How to Train Your Dragon." Los Angeles Times.

Deconstructing Coco's late-night moves: Why oh why would talk show host Conan O'Brien make the leap from broadcast to cable? (Hint: it's where more of the coveted 18 to 34-year-old viewers hang out). The New York Times explores the topic again, for those who missed it the first 10 times. 

Could we have fries with our "Whiplash Whopper?"  Even before Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment's "Iron Man 2" hits the big screen on May 7, brands from Audi to Oracle are lining up to cash in on the anticipated summer blockbuster.  AdAge values the marketing spend at $100 million.

Comcast-NBC Universal review moves into slow lane: The Federal Communications Commission has extended the period for comment on the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger in response to pressure from advocacy groups and politicians, Variety and Broadcasting & Cable report. 

-- Dawn C. Chmielewski

Comments

[Maxwell]

Actually Kick Ass is doing quite well at the box office it's total budget was 28 million with UK tax breaks and has a total worldwide take of about 40 million after it's first weekend. Also word of mouth is extremely positive.

[The Bell]

Judging by gross-only, instead of per-screen average which is actually what matters, is a gross distortion of any movie's viability. Actually, not taking this salient factor into account is audaciously remiss.

Me-Too Detractors of Kick Ass are making absolute fools of themselves with every cheap shot they fire off, but nobody can argue with the fact that the movie has already proven itself to exhibitors and open-minded audiences alike.