Sony Pictures love Valentine’s Day and vice versa! For the second year in a row, they dominate the box office this time of year. While last year’s “50 First Dates” saw a phenomenal weekend opening of around $40 million, this year’s love doctor romantic “Hitch” sailed smoothly, earning $45.3 million in its opening weekend. And February 14 is still knocking!

Sony’s cake added a double layer with its “Boogeyman” coming second with $10 million dollar weekend. According to trade reports, in the two weeks since its release the movie has grossed more than $33 million, a great figure for a movie that cost approximately $7 million to make.

The icing on the cake was provided by yet another Sony venture, “Are We There Yet?” This Ice Cube starrer at no. 3 has made about $61.5 million since its release four weeks ago.

Staying Connected: MSNBC’s new daytime talk show “Connected: Coast to Coast” premieres tomorrow at noon EST. Political analyst and TV host Ron Reagan and foreign policy specialist Monica Crowley will bring this informative, debate style show to your homes.

The show has two telecasts. The first, from noon to 1 p.m., will talk about the day’s news and events, providing analysis and debate. The second hour at 5 p.m. EST will include viewer interactivity, where “Connected” will give direct responses to viewers’ questions. Ms. Crowley will present from MSNBC headquarters in Secaucus, N.J., while Mr. Reagan hosts from MSNBC.com headquarters in Redmond, Wash. The show’s site, www.connected.msnbc.com, will include guest blogs, video blogs, and citizen journalists featured on-air and on the site.

Indie News: Independent film company Lions Gate Entertainment added another controversial movie to their shelf, which includes the likes of “Fahrenheit 9/11.” The company reportedly paid $4 million for Sundance film “Hard Candy,” a shocking drama about a 32-year-old man who takes home a 14-year-old girl. The film, directed by David Slade, stars Patrick Wilson and Ellen Page.

Lions Gate posted a third-quarter profit of $3.4 million compared to a loss of $37 million during same time last year. As of December 31, 2004, the total revenue was up by 170% at $190.4 million. Horror hit “Saw” and DVD releases of “Open Water” and “The Punisher” were key contributors.

The entertainment industry just keeps bringing Hollywood and New York closer. The glamour may be in California, but the power of money is definitely in Manhattan.

Here’s case in point for the connection: the premiere of Gurinder Chadha’s musical, colorful, and spiced up platter “Bride and Prejudice” in New York City last week. The city’s warm welcome to stars descending from Hollywood and Bollywood just goes to prove the cultural landscape of New York has more colors now than ever before!

Ms. Parikh was “Miss India” in 1999. E-mail: shivangi.parikh@gmail.com.