Box Office Predictions »
Box Office: Mooning the Planet of the Blind
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Box Office Predictions
Despite what the critics thought, people flocked to the end of the world epic 2012 which pulled in $230 million globally. Precious expanded into a modest 174 theaters but still managed to land the number three position. Here's the top five:
1. 2012: $65.2 million
2. A Christmas Carol: $22.3 million
3. Precious: Based on the Novel: "Push" by Sapphire: $5.8 million
4. The Men Who Stare at Goats: $5.9 million
5. Michael Jackson's This Is It: $5 million
And moviegoers have three new releases to choose from this weekend.
The Twilight Saga: The New Moon
What's It All About: Do you really need to be told? This, of course, is the hotly anticipated sequel to 2008's Twilight. Bella's life continues down a dark path after Edward leaves her for her own safety. We've also got hunky bare-chested werewolves this time.
Why It Might Do Well: The first film had a $70 million opening weekend in 3,419 theaters. I suspect owning film rights to the Twilight series is like having a license to print money.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Some folks don't like their vampires to sparkle.
Number of Theaters: 4,000
Prediction: $86 million
The Blind Side
What's It All About: A homeless teen is adopted by a conservative family and matures into a football star with the potential to turn pro.
Why It Might Do Well: From a strictly personal standpoint, sports films don't really interest me, but this grabbed my attention. Also 67% at Rottentomatoes.com ain't bad.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Well, there is that vampire movie coming out this week.
Number of Theaters: 3,100
Prediction: $16 million
1. 2012: $65.2 million
2. A Christmas Carol: $22.3 million
3. Precious: Based on the Novel: "Push" by Sapphire: $5.8 million
4. The Men Who Stare at Goats: $5.9 million
5. Michael Jackson's This Is It: $5 million
And moviegoers have three new releases to choose from this weekend.
The Twilight Saga: The New MoonWhat's It All About: Do you really need to be told? This, of course, is the hotly anticipated sequel to 2008's Twilight. Bella's life continues down a dark path after Edward leaves her for her own safety. We've also got hunky bare-chested werewolves this time.
Why It Might Do Well: The first film had a $70 million opening weekend in 3,419 theaters. I suspect owning film rights to the Twilight series is like having a license to print money.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Some folks don't like their vampires to sparkle.
Number of Theaters: 4,000
Prediction: $86 million
The Blind SideWhat's It All About: A homeless teen is adopted by a conservative family and matures into a football star with the potential to turn pro.
Why It Might Do Well: From a strictly personal standpoint, sports films don't really interest me, but this grabbed my attention. Also 67% at Rottentomatoes.com ain't bad.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Well, there is that vampire movie coming out this week.
Number of Theaters: 3,100
Prediction: $16 million
Box Office: 2012 Pirates on a Dead Man's Chest
Filed under: Action, Music & Musicals, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office Predictions
Christmas came a little early allowing the animated 3D film A Christmas Carol to lead the box office, but not by as large a margin as many had expected. The Box was the only one of last week's wide releases to miss the top five, landing in sixth place. Here's the top five:
1. A Christmas Carol: $30 million
2. Michael Jackson's This Is It: $13 million
3. The Men Who Stare at Goats: $12.67 million
4. The Fourth Kind: $12.2 million
5. Paranormal Activity: $8.2 million
We've got two new flicks fighting for your dollars this week:
2012
What's It All About: They say the world will end with not a bang but a whimper, but director Roland Emmerich seems pretty sure it will happen with several kabooms and a motherload of digital effects. John Cusack stars as a man determined to keep his family alive during a global cataclysm predicted by the Mayan calendar.
Why It Might Do Well: Emmerich has already destroyed the world in Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, so he must be getting pretty good at it by now.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Maybe Emmerich has played his apocalypse card once too often.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $54 million
Pirate Radio
What's It All About: In the 1960s eight DJ's set up shop on a ship off the coast of England and broadcast rock and roll to the masses, much to the chagrin of the British government.
Why It Might Do Well: Phillip Seymour Hoffman is joined by Nick Frost and Bill Nighy, and the classic rock soundtrack sounds amazing.
Why It Might Not Do Well: It's a smaller release, so it won't be breaking the bank.
Number of Theaters: 900
Prediction: $6 million
Here's how I think next weekend will go:
1. 2012
2. A Christmas Carol
3. Michael Jackson's This Is It
4. The Men Who Stare at Goats
5. The Fourth Kind
1. A Christmas Carol: $30 million
2. Michael Jackson's This Is It: $13 million
3. The Men Who Stare at Goats: $12.67 million
4. The Fourth Kind: $12.2 million
5. Paranormal Activity: $8.2 million
We've got two new flicks fighting for your dollars this week:
2012What's It All About: They say the world will end with not a bang but a whimper, but director Roland Emmerich seems pretty sure it will happen with several kabooms and a motherload of digital effects. John Cusack stars as a man determined to keep his family alive during a global cataclysm predicted by the Mayan calendar.
Why It Might Do Well: Emmerich has already destroyed the world in Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, so he must be getting pretty good at it by now.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Maybe Emmerich has played his apocalypse card once too often.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $54 million
Pirate RadioWhat's It All About: In the 1960s eight DJ's set up shop on a ship off the coast of England and broadcast rock and roll to the masses, much to the chagrin of the British government.
Why It Might Do Well: Phillip Seymour Hoffman is joined by Nick Frost and Bill Nighy, and the classic rock soundtrack sounds amazing.
Why It Might Not Do Well: It's a smaller release, so it won't be breaking the bank.
Number of Theaters: 900
Prediction: $6 million
Here's how I think next weekend will go:
1. 2012
2. A Christmas Carol
3. Michael Jackson's This Is It
4. The Men Who Stare at Goats
5. The Fourth Kind
Box Office: Carol Boxes With Men and Goats
Filed under: Animation, Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Thrillers, Box Office Predictions
Halloween slowed down box office figures, but Michael Jackson's This Is It still managed the top honors for the weekend. Here's the top five:
1. Michael Jackson's This Is It: $23.2 million (total of $34.4 million)
2. Paranormal Activity: $16.3 million
3. Law Abiding Citizen: $7.4 million
4. Couples Retreat: $6.4 million
5. Where the Wild Things Are: $5.9 million
With only one wide release last week studios are making up for it with four new flicks this week.
The Box:
What's It All About: A couple in a tough financial situation are given a box that will grant them riches, except every time they use it someone somewhere will die.
Why It Might Do Well: Donnie Darko director Richard Kelly is at the helm, with a script based on a Richard Matheson story.
Why It Might Not Do Well: 55% at Rottentomatoes.com.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $16 million
A Christmas Carol:
What's It All About: Jim Carey stars in several roles in this 3D animated version of the classic Dickens Christmas tale.
Why It Might Do Well: This Robert Zemeckis guy has got some decent flicks on his resume.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Good lord, how many times has this been adapted before?
Number of Theaters: 3,500
Prediction: $42 million
1. Michael Jackson's This Is It: $23.2 million (total of $34.4 million)
2. Paranormal Activity: $16.3 million
3. Law Abiding Citizen: $7.4 million
4. Couples Retreat: $6.4 million
5. Where the Wild Things Are: $5.9 million
With only one wide release last week studios are making up for it with four new flicks this week.
The Box:What's It All About: A couple in a tough financial situation are given a box that will grant them riches, except every time they use it someone somewhere will die.
Why It Might Do Well: Donnie Darko director Richard Kelly is at the helm, with a script based on a Richard Matheson story.
Why It Might Not Do Well: 55% at Rottentomatoes.com.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $16 million
A Christmas Carol:What's It All About: Jim Carey stars in several roles in this 3D animated version of the classic Dickens Christmas tale.
Why It Might Do Well: This Robert Zemeckis guy has got some decent flicks on his resume.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Good lord, how many times has this been adapted before?
Number of Theaters: 3,500
Prediction: $42 million
Box Office: Michael Jackson Hits the Big Screen
Filed under: Documentary, Music & Musicals, Box Office Predictions
Once again Paranormal Activity took everyone by surprise by not only taking top honors for the week, but by pushing Saw VI into second place where it experienced the weakest opening weekend in the history of the franchise. Last week's three other new flicks Astro Boy, Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, and Amelia all failed to hit the top five, but here are the ones that did:
1. Paranormal Activity: $21.1 million
2. Saw VI: $14.1 million
3. Where the Wild Things Are: $14 million
4. Law Abiding Citizen: $12.4 million
5. Couples Retreat: $10.6 million
Just one new flick going into wide release this week.
Michael Jackson's This is it:
What's It All About: This documentary consists of rehearsal and interview footage shot in the months prior to the King of Pop's death.
Why It Might Do Well: Jackson's following was large and loyal and this is the only major release coming out this week.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Not enough scenes with Bubbles the Chimp? No, I don't think even that will keep this one from raking it in.
Number of Theaters: 3,400
Prediction: $42 million
1. Paranormal Activity: $21.1 million
2. Saw VI: $14.1 million
3. Where the Wild Things Are: $14 million
4. Law Abiding Citizen: $12.4 million
5. Couples Retreat: $10.6 million
Just one new flick going into wide release this week.
Michael Jackson's This is it:What's It All About: This documentary consists of rehearsal and interview footage shot in the months prior to the King of Pop's death.
Why It Might Do Well: Jackson's following was large and loyal and this is the only major release coming out this week.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Not enough scenes with Bubbles the Chimp? No, I don't think even that will keep this one from raking it in.
Number of Theaters: 3,400
Prediction: $42 million
Box Office: Amelia's Astro Freaks
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Foreign Language, Gay & Lesbian, Box Office, Box Office Predictions
Things went wild this past weekend as Where the Wild Things Are took top honors. The action flick Law Abiding Citizen also premiered well and Paranormal Activity continues to astound, taking third place while only playing in 760 theaters. Here's the top five:
1. Where the Wild Things Are: $32.7 million
2. Law Abiding Citizen: $21 million
3. Paranormal Activity: $19.6 million
4. Couples Retreat: $17.2 million
5. The Stepfather: $11.6 million
Four new releases this week, three of which will be putting the Halloween spirit into people.
Amelia
What's It All About: Hilary Swank and Richard Gere star in this biopic of aviator Amelia Earhart who disappeared during an attempt to fly around the world.
Why It Might Do Well: A historical drama is a pretty good counter programmer to all the horror and fantasy movies currently in release.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Right now we're looking at 17% at Rottentomatoes.com.
Number of Theaters: 800
Prediction: $6 million
Astro Boy
What's It All About: Adaptation of the classic anime (that itself takes a page from Pinocchio) about a robot boy with incredible powers.
Why It Might Do Well: 73% at Rottentomatoes.com ain't too shabby.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Will this character that originated in the 1950s translate well in the twenty-first century?
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $16 million
1. Where the Wild Things Are: $32.7 million
2. Law Abiding Citizen: $21 million
3. Paranormal Activity: $19.6 million
4. Couples Retreat: $17.2 million
5. The Stepfather: $11.6 million
Four new releases this week, three of which will be putting the Halloween spirit into people.
AmeliaWhat's It All About: Hilary Swank and Richard Gere star in this biopic of aviator Amelia Earhart who disappeared during an attempt to fly around the world.
Why It Might Do Well: A historical drama is a pretty good counter programmer to all the horror and fantasy movies currently in release.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Right now we're looking at 17% at Rottentomatoes.com.
Number of Theaters: 800
Prediction: $6 million
Astro BoyWhat's It All About: Adaptation of the classic anime (that itself takes a page from Pinocchio) about a robot boy with incredible powers.
Why It Might Do Well: 73% at Rottentomatoes.com ain't too shabby.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Will this character that originated in the 1950s translate well in the twenty-first century?
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $16 million
Box Office: The Couples Are Retreating
Filed under: Comedy, Box Office Predictions
This being Halloween month it does my heart good to see that the walking dead rule the box office. The horror comedy Zombieland took top honors, finally pushing Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs to number two after the animated comedy had enjoyed two weeks at number one. Here's the top five:
1. Zombieland: $24.7 million
2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: $15.8 million
3. Toy Story / Toy Story 2: $12.5 million
4. Surrogates: $7.2 million
5. The Invention of Lying: $7 million
Just the one film going into wide release this week:
Couples Retreat
What's It All About: A comedy about four couples heading to a tropical paradise for sun, sand and surf. Unbeknownst to most of them, however, is that participation in the resort's couples therapy is mandatory.
Why It Might Do Well: The cast includes Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, and Kristen Bell, all of whom I have found entertaining at one point or another.
Why It Might Not Do Well: There are only three reviews posted so far so this isn't very scientific, but Rottentomatoes.com is giving this 0%.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $22 million
1. Zombieland: $24.7 million
2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: $15.8 million
3. Toy Story / Toy Story 2: $12.5 million
4. Surrogates: $7.2 million
5. The Invention of Lying: $7 million
Just the one film going into wide release this week:
Couples RetreatWhat's It All About: A comedy about four couples heading to a tropical paradise for sun, sand and surf. Unbeknownst to most of them, however, is that participation in the resort's couples therapy is mandatory.
Why It Might Do Well: The cast includes Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, and Kristen Bell, all of whom I have found entertaining at one point or another.
Why It Might Not Do Well: There are only three reviews posted so far so this isn't very scientific, but Rottentomatoes.com is giving this 0%.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $22 million
Box Office: Pandora's Famous Surrogates
Filed under: Action, Drama, Music & Musicals, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office Predictions
3D animation was the way to go this weekend, with Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs taking a wide lead over the three other new releases. Tyler Perry's latest flick surrendered the number one spot but still managed to hang on to third place. Here's the top five:
1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: $30.3 million
2. The Informant!: $10.4 million
3. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself: $9.8 million
4. Love Happens: $8 million
5. Jennifer's Body: $6.9 million
Three new releases this week, including a teen dance flick and two -- count 'em, two -- science fiction movies.
Fame
What's It All About: Remake of the 1980 classic about a group of young people attending a high school for the performing arts.
Why It Might Do Well: This will appeal to a younger crowd that has probably never seen the original, so for them at least it won't carry the stigma of a remake.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The Fame TV series got pretty dopey in the later seasons and I might not be the only one who remembers that.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $22 million
Pandorum
What's It All About: Two astronauts awaken from hyper-sleep on a ship in deep space with no memory of who they are or what their mission is.
Why It Might Do Well: Looks like a good rollicking creep-fest set in space.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Might two science fiction movies in one week be pushing it?
Number of Theaters: 2,400
Prediction: $9 million
1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: $30.3 million
2. The Informant!: $10.4 million
3. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself: $9.8 million
4. Love Happens: $8 million
5. Jennifer's Body: $6.9 million
Three new releases this week, including a teen dance flick and two -- count 'em, two -- science fiction movies.
FameWhat's It All About: Remake of the 1980 classic about a group of young people attending a high school for the performing arts.
Why It Might Do Well: This will appeal to a younger crowd that has probably never seen the original, so for them at least it won't carry the stigma of a remake.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The Fame TV series got pretty dopey in the later seasons and I might not be the only one who remembers that.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $22 million
PandorumWhat's It All About: Two astronauts awaken from hyper-sleep on a ship in deep space with no memory of who they are or what their mission is.
Why It Might Do Well: Looks like a good rollicking creep-fest set in space.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Might two science fiction movies in one week be pushing it?
Number of Theaters: 2,400
Prediction: $9 million
Box Office: Cloudy Informants Happening
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Horror, Romance, Box Office, Family Films, Box Office Predictions
For the fifth time Tyler Perry scored a number one opener which was followed by the animated science fiction flick 9 in second place. Last week's other new releases, Sorority Row and Whiteout, missed the top five, landing in sixth and seventh place respectively. Here's the top five:
1. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself: $23.4 million
2. 9: $10.7 million
3. Inglourious Basterds: $6.1 million
4. All About Steve: $5.6 million
5. The Final Destination: $5.5 million
Another four new releases this week:
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
What's It All About: In this animated feature a young inventor builds a machine that causes food to rain from the sky.
Why It Might Do Well: It's based on a beloved kid's book and presented in 3D. The presence of Bruce Campbell in the voice cast is icing on the cake.
Why It Might Not Do Well: People with food allergies may be leery of this one.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $32 million
The Informant
What's It All About: A corporate whistle-blower thinks his cooperation with the FBI will make him a hero to the people, but it only serves to expose his own impropriety.
Why It Might Do Well: Steven Soderbergh, the director of Oceans 11 -13 is behind the camera, with Matt Damon adding star power in front of it. Also, Rottentomatoes.com gives it a 75% Fresh rating.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The mustache and glasses give Damon a kind of creepy uncle look.
Number of Theaters: 2,400
Prediction: $15 million
1. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself: $23.4 million
2. 9: $10.7 million
3. Inglourious Basterds: $6.1 million
4. All About Steve: $5.6 million
5. The Final Destination: $5.5 million
Another four new releases this week:
Cloudy With a Chance of MeatballsWhat's It All About: In this animated feature a young inventor builds a machine that causes food to rain from the sky.
Why It Might Do Well: It's based on a beloved kid's book and presented in 3D. The presence of Bruce Campbell in the voice cast is icing on the cake.
Why It Might Not Do Well: People with food allergies may be leery of this one.
Number of Theaters: 3,000
Prediction: $32 million
The InformantWhat's It All About: A corporate whistle-blower thinks his cooperation with the FBI will make him a hero to the people, but it only serves to expose his own impropriety.
Why It Might Do Well: Steven Soderbergh, the director of Oceans 11 -13 is behind the camera, with Matt Damon adding star power in front of it. Also, Rottentomatoes.com gives it a 75% Fresh rating.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The mustache and glasses give Damon a kind of creepy uncle look.
Number of Theaters: 2,400
Prediction: $15 million
Box Office: Whiting Out Nine Bad Sororities
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Horror, Box Office Predictions
Last week's new releases took a pummeling from the holdovers from the previous weeks. None of last week's newbies did better than third, with Mike Judge's new comedy Extract landing way back in ninth place. Here's the top five:
1. The Final Destination: $15.3 million
2. Inglourious Basterds: $14.9 million
3. All About Steve: $14 million
4. Gamer: $11.2 million
5. District 9: $9.1 million
Four new ones this week.
9
What's It All About: Animated feature based on director Shane Acker's short film of the same name. In a post-apocalyptic future where humanity seemingly no longer exists, a group of rag doll-like creatures band together to survive the onslaught of machines intent on their destruction.
Why It Might Do Well: Based on the trailer this looks like an imaginative and beautifully designed film and it doesn't hurt that one of the producers is Tim Burton.
Why It Might Not Do Well: 59% at Rottentomatoes.com is a little discouraging.
Number of Theaters: 1,638
Prediction: $9 million
Sorority Row
What's It All About: A crazed killer is messily dispatching college students who were responsible for the death of a schoolmate.
Why It Might Do Well: Maybe the folks who went to see Halloween 2 are still in the mood for some slice 'em dice 'em action.
Why It Might Not Do Well: No star power and a story that looks even less original than most slasher films.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $8 million
1. The Final Destination: $15.3 million
2. Inglourious Basterds: $14.9 million
3. All About Steve: $14 million
4. Gamer: $11.2 million
5. District 9: $9.1 million
Four new ones this week.
9 What's It All About: Animated feature based on director Shane Acker's short film of the same name. In a post-apocalyptic future where humanity seemingly no longer exists, a group of rag doll-like creatures band together to survive the onslaught of machines intent on their destruction.
Why It Might Do Well: Based on the trailer this looks like an imaginative and beautifully designed film and it doesn't hurt that one of the producers is Tim Burton.
Why It Might Not Do Well: 59% at Rottentomatoes.com is a little discouraging.
Number of Theaters: 1,638
Prediction: $9 million
Sorority RowWhat's It All About: A crazed killer is messily dispatching college students who were responsible for the death of a schoolmate.
Why It Might Do Well: Maybe the folks who went to see Halloween 2 are still in the mood for some slice 'em dice 'em action.
Why It Might Not Do Well: No star power and a story that looks even less original than most slasher films.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $8 million
Box Office: Gaming With Steve
Filed under: Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office Predictions
Last week's scream-off finished with the new Final Destination flick beating out Rob Zombie's Halloween sequel by about $11 million. Here's the top five:
1. The Final Destination: $27.4 million
2. Inglourious Basterds: $19.3 million
3. Halloween II: $16.3 million
4. District 9: $10.3 million
5. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: $7.7 million
Three new releases this week, two looking for laughs and another providing futuristic thrills.
All About Steve
What's It All About: Sandra Bullock stars as a love-struck crossword puzzle designer who falls obsessively in love with with a news camera man played by Bradley Cooper.
Why It Might Do Well: The film gets points for having Thomas Haden Church in the cast.
Why It Might Not Do Well: I'm sorry, but this looks just dreadful.
Number of Theaters: 2,000
Prediction: $12 million
Extract
What's It All About: Jason Bateman plays the owner of a flower extract plant whose life begins going to hell when an injured employee sues the company.
Why It Might Do Well: Mike Judge of Beavis and Butthead and Office Space is behind the camera. Bateman is joined by Ben Affleck (who still rocks despite some career killing over exposure) and the lovely Mila Kunis.
Why It Might Not Do Well: People seem to either love or hate Judge's Idiocracy. Might this new film have the same polarizing effect?
Number of Theaters: 1,600
Prediction: $8 million
1. The Final Destination: $27.4 million
2. Inglourious Basterds: $19.3 million
3. Halloween II: $16.3 million
4. District 9: $10.3 million
5. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: $7.7 million
Three new releases this week, two looking for laughs and another providing futuristic thrills.
All About SteveWhat's It All About: Sandra Bullock stars as a love-struck crossword puzzle designer who falls obsessively in love with with a news camera man played by Bradley Cooper.
Why It Might Do Well: The film gets points for having Thomas Haden Church in the cast.
Why It Might Not Do Well: I'm sorry, but this looks just dreadful.
Number of Theaters: 2,000
Prediction: $12 million
ExtractWhat's It All About: Jason Bateman plays the owner of a flower extract plant whose life begins going to hell when an injured employee sues the company.
Why It Might Do Well: Mike Judge of Beavis and Butthead and Office Space is behind the camera. Bateman is joined by Ben Affleck (who still rocks despite some career killing over exposure) and the lovely Mila Kunis.
Why It Might Not Do Well: People seem to either love or hate Judge's Idiocracy. Might this new film have the same polarizing effect?
Number of Theaters: 1,600
Prediction: $8 million
Black Friday Movie Deals: Best Buy
Sex and Nudity Don't Draw You to the Movies?
What Makes a Real Vampire?
Robert Downey Jr. Wants to Retire?
Jaycee Dugard's Horrific Story to Get a Sleazy Adaptation
_thumbnail.jpg)
