Despite the obvious lameness of the family comedy sequel, audiences shuffled in two by two to see Steve Carell build an ark in "Evan Almighty," which topped the box office this weekend with $32.1 million. A few asterisks, though: *The movie cost more than $175 million. *It was expected to make upwards of $40 million over the weekend. *"Bruce Almighty" raked in $68 million in its first weekend in 2003, more than double the take for "Evan." Well, it just goes to show that $175 million may be a bit much to spend on CGI animals and an over-the-top and borderline offensive flood finale.

An unqualified success was John Cusack's "1408," which took second with $20.2 million and reversed the recent cold streak for horror flicks like "Hostel: Part II," which brought in less than $10 million in its opening weekend two weeks ago. Did you help Cusack turn things around for the horror genre? Will you see Steve Carell in anything, even "Evan"? Which are you more excited for this week: Bruce Willis' sequel "Live Free or Die Hard," Pixar's "Ratatouille" or Michael Moore's "Sicko"?

Tonight, Tyra Banks will crown another beauty America’s Next Top Model. Will you be watching? (I’ll wait to be sucked into the complete marathon whenever that airs.) That said, I definitely watched Cycle 7, when bubbly blonde CariDee English took home the top prize.

Let me tell you, she is one friendly, down-to-earth model. At least that’s my impression after casually chatting with her for a few minutes at Friday’s opening bash at new late-night hot spot, Crescendo (To get more info on the club, check my New on the Scene column.) CariDee was dancing with her friends, chatting, and was happy to pose photos while joking, "I have to approve the picture first."

She kicked off a fashion show at the "ultra lounge" in a striking red dress from Giambattista Valli’s fall collection. The Top Model and other Elite beauties also wore the designs of Oscar de la Renta, Jill Sander and others.

So, if you are watching ANTM, do you think hometown hottie Jaslene has what it takes?

It looks like the knives are already sharpening for the new season of "Top Chef." As we reported in New on the Scene, Chef Dale Levitski (who has cooked and consulted everywhere, from Orange to Trio Atelier to La Tache to Stone Lotus) is ready for battle. This is the official bio that Bravo sent to the media:

DALE
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Ill.
PROFESSION: Chef/Consultant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
SIGNATURE DISH/CUISINE: Croque Monsieur
Chicago native Dale has been a chef for six years, with plans underway to open his own restaurant. Whether he’s cooking four-star meals, diving, or doing gymnastics, Dale’s competitive edge is undeniable. He has created something he calls “flavor math,” where the right number of spices can bring the perfect flavor and taste. He uses French American cultural influences in his cooking, and is serious about putting his skills to the ultimate test. He loves the fact that the other contestants could be “out-cooked by a queer.” Dale will say what everyone else is thinking.

You go, grill!

Of course, Levitski won't exactly be breaking any kitchen barriers: The Hearty Boys (a.k.a. Steve McDonough and Dan Smith) already have that distinction--the catering domestic partners, after all, were the first winners of "The Next Food Network Star." And, oh yeah, famed Queer Eye foodie (and Chicago native) Ted Allen ? He'll be a judge on the show.

When we asked Smith about Levitski's comment, Smith said: "I just think it's funny that the queer celebrity chefs are taking over Chicago!"

Speaking of the Hearty Boys, look for HBTV -- think cooking karaoke -- to open mid-summer at 3819 N. Broadway.

So, how was your Monday? We don't know about you, but we could use a big laugh right about now. Good thing the Chicago Improv Fest starts this week with a kickoff tonight at the Chicago Cultural Center (OK, so it's not Zanies, but we'll take it.)

But this just in: SNL's Amy Poehler will rejoin Upright Citizens Brigade on Saturday at the Park West, according to the CIF's site.  (Looks like tix are still available, too!) You can also catch her Weekend Update co-host Seth Meyers Thursday at the Athenaeum. Get more details about CIF here.

We’ve all heard the chatter about Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz saying he’d kiss boys, well, now The Advocate has an interview with the local rocker talking about his “big gay following.”

Wentz even gives his home town a shout-out: “…I have a couple friends from New York and Chicago that are gay.”

We bet we know just where they like to hang, too. We’ve been to Lakeview Broadcasting Company on at least two or three occasions (the spot celebrates its first anniversary this month, by the way) and spotted the bassist hanging out with his crew and/or DJing at this rock lounge, which draws a decent-sized gay crowd thanks to its Boystown location. It's a refuge to the rocker kids who'd rather rip out their piercings than camp it up to Ethel Merman videos down at Sidetrack.

In fact, the staff at LBC is outfitted with threads from the rocker’s Clandestine clothing line.

OK, this isn't really Chicago-related news, but we couldn't resist posting it. We already knew Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was off his rocker, but this is just too much.

From the AP: "Keith Richards: I snorted my father."

4/5/07 UPDATE: Richards: Geez, I was only joking.