Yes, I imagine right about now the folks at Marvel Productions are sporting grins wide enough to swallow their own ears. Iron Man held the number one spot for two weeks in a row, taking in $177 million since its release last week, making it the top grossing film of 2008 so far. The superhero blockbuster pulled in more than last week's two new releases combined, with Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz's comedy What Happens in Vegas edging out the Wachowskis more family-friendly adaptation of Speed Racer. Here's the final tally. 1. Iron Man: $51.1 million 2. What Happens in Vegas:$20.1 million 3. Speed Racer:$18.5 million 4. Made of Honor:$8.1 million 5. Baby Mama:$6.2 million
Just one solitary new release for this week. Will it be enough to dethrone Marvel's golden avenger?
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian What's It All About: A year has passed since the events of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but when the Pevensie siblings return to the world of Narnia, they find that 1,300 years have gone by and the land is under the tyrannical rule of King Miraz, though young Prince Caspian is the rightful heir to the throne. Why It Might Do Well: Being the sequel to a successful flick ($65 million opening weekend with a total of $744 million worldwide) and the only major release hitting U.S. theaters this week, things are looking good for the Narnian economy. And the 88% fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com can't hurt. Why It Might Not Do Well: I suppose if another Grand Theft Auto game should suddenly come out... Number of Theaters: 3,800 Prediction: $65 million
I knew I was being a little conservative on my $62 million prediction for Iron Man, but HOLY JEEZ! The comic book adaptation had the tenth highest opening weekend in history, and the second biggest for a non-sequel. In addition to the $98.6 million Marvel's armored avenger made domestically, he also pulled in $96.8 million overseas, putting the $140 million budgeted film comfortably into the black. Last week's other newbie Made of Honor took second with a comparatively reserved but still respectable $14.7 million. Here's the rundown: 1. Iron Man:$98.6 million 2. Made of Honor: $14.7 million 3. Baby Mama: $10 million 4. Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay:$6.1 million 5. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: $6 million
Again, just two new ones this week: Speed Racer What's It All About: Andy and Larry Wachowski, the team behind the Matrix trilogy, adapt the classic 60's anime Speed Racer using a visual style reminiscent of Japanese animation melded with a modern video game aesthetic. Why It Might Do Well: The trailer was amazing, and Cinematical's own James Rocchi describes the film as "a blast of pure pop family fun" in his review, which you can read right here. Why It Might Not Do Well: The 40% rating on Rottentomatoes.com suggests this one may have trouble knocking Iron Man out of first place. Number of Theaters: 3,600 Prediction: $43 million
The trend of successful pregnancy comedies led by Knocked Up and Juno continued as Baby Mama took top honors. Harold and Kumar took second but still managed to pull in almost $3million over its $12 million budget. Last week's other new release, Deception, fell way behind the pack and took in only $2.3 million to finish in tenth place. Here are the final numbers:
Only two new releases this week, but one of them is a doozy.
Iron Man What's It All About: At this point I doubt this film needs any introduction, but here goes. Based on the long running Marvel comic, Iron Man stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a wealthy arms manufacturer (because an impoverished arms manufacturer would just be silly). When Stark is captured and forced to build a dangerous weapon, he instead makes a high tech suit of armor and uses it to escape. He further refines the suit and uses it to stop a conspiracy that threatens the world. Why It Might Do Well: Well, we're talking one of the widest releases we've seen in awhile, a 90% fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com, and some kickass trailers and clips that have been generating a lot of buzz. Also, we've got a lead actor with some serious star power, and a supporting cast that includes Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. Obviously this is next week's number one flick, the question is just how much will it rake in? Why It Might Not Do Well: If every single person involved with this film went on network television tomorrow and shot a puppy, people would still flock to this one. Number of Theaters: 3,800 Prediction: $62 million
Made of Honor What's It All About: When Tom's (Patrick Dempsey) best friend Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) leaves for a six week business trip he sees how empty his life is without her. He resolves to propose when she returns, but Hannah surprises Tom with the announcement of her engagement to someone else, and a request that he be her "maid" of honor. Why It Might Do Well: This romantic comedy is different enough from Iron Man to snap up the remainder of the audience that's not into the super hero stuff. Why It Might Not Do Well: The fact that this is the only other film being released the same weekend as what will probably be one of the biggest movies of the year seems to indicate a film the studio has little faith in. Number of Theaters: 2,700 Prediction: $14 million
This seems like the most straightforward prediction we've had in a long while, which is a sure fire sign we're heading into the Summer blockbuster season. Here's how I see things working out: 1. Iron Man 2. Made of Honor 3. Baby Mama 4. Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay 5. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Still no perfect scores this week, but our group average is up over last week. Here's how everyone did in our weekly box office prediction competition. 1. Ray: 13 1. Mario: 13 1. Brent Todd: 13 1. kevin: 13 2. Erin: 11 3. Matt: 9 3. matt: 9 3. AJ Wiley: 9 3. Chris: 9 4. cubitfox: 8 4. zach: 8 4. Mike: 6 4. Sam: 6 4. plinstrot: 6 5. Matthew: 4 5. I Eat Robots: 4 5. DarkAgair: 4 5. Aaron: 4 5. Awesomepants: 4 5. Prateek S: 4
Will the latest feature film from Marvel rule with an iron fist? Yeah, probably, but what about the rest of the top five? Join in on the fun. Post your predictions for the top five movies in the comments section below before 5:00PM Eastern Time on Friday. One point for every top five movie correctly named, two points for every correct placement, and one extra point for the top movie.
Everyone who took part in last week's competition, myself included, failed to foresee The Forbidden Kingdom outdoing Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but the martial arts actioner was the clear winner. Prom Night held on to third place, content in the knowledge that it had already earned back its $20 million budget last week. Here's the rundown: 1. The Forbidden Kingdom: $20.9 million 2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: $17.3 million 3. Prom Night: $9.1 million 4. 88 Minutes: $6.8 million 5. Nim's Island: $5.7 million
What's It All About: Tina Fey plays an executive dying to be a mother, and when she finds out she's unable to conceive, she must turn to a flaky but fertile Amy Poehler Why It Might Do Well: Fey is awesome on 30 Rock, and though I usually get flack for saying this, I thought the Fey/Poehler Weekend Update team on SNL was one of the best in the show's history. And with a supporting cast that includes Sigourney Weaver,Steve Martin and Maura Tierney, I am so there. The 88% fresh rating from Rottentomatoes.com is icing on the cake. Why It Might Not Do Well: The poster is so darn zany I could just puke. Number of Theaters: 2,500 Prediction: $18 million
It was a tough race to call, but looking back and realizing that if I had just swapped Prom Night and Street Kings I would have had a perfect prediction, all I can say is "D'oh!" The slasher reimagining took the lead by quite a margin, with the Keanu Reeves cop drama taking the silver. Say what you will about PG-13 horror and/or horror remakes, but Prom Night made back its $20 million budget in a single weekend, so we can probably expect more of the same. Smart People, last week's third new release, came in seventh. Here's the top five:
88 Minutes What's It All About: Al Pacino plays a university professor and an expert in forensic psychiatry, and he's just been informed via an anonymous phone call that he has only 88 minutes left to live. Kind of a cross between DOA and 24. Why It Might Do Well: Pacino is still the man ... Why It Might Not Do Well: ...however, his star power may not carry much weight with younger ticket buyers, and a 22% rating from Rottentomatoes.com does not bode well. Also, of this week's new flicks, this one is hitting the smallest number of theaters. Number of Theaters: 2,000 Prediction: $9 million
21 held a winning hand for two weeks in a row, taking the number one spot for the second time and Nim's Island led last week's new releases by taking second. Here's how the weekend went: 1. 21:$15.3 million 2. Nim's Island: $13.2 million 3. Leatherheads: $12.6 million 4. Horton Hears A Who: $9.1 million 5. The Ruins: $8 million
Here are this week's newbies:
Prom Night What's It All About: Loosely based on the 1980 film of the same name which starred Jamie Lee Curtis. In this new version, a young woman named Donna and her friends are stalked by an obsessed killer on, you guessed it, prom night. Why It Might Do Well: The trailer shows a bunch of teenage characters consistent with what you see on the CW Network, so if that's your bag you may enjoy this. Why It Might Not Do Well: A PG-13 slasher film? That's like washing your feet without taking off your socks. Number of Theaters: 2,400 Prediction: $11 million
I had predicted Horton Hears a Who would hold onto the number one spot for another week, but that honor went to the blackjack drama 21, and as much bad word of mouth spoof movies get Superhero Movie still managed to take third. Here are the weekend totals: 1. 21: $24.1 million
This weekend will see three new major releases representing the romantic comedy, family, and horror genres.
Leatherheads What's It All About: George Clooney stars in and directs this romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the rise of professional football in the 1920s. Why It Might Do Well: Well, it's directed by Clooney, and despite the fact that every time his name comes up I feel obliged to make a crack about Batman and Robin (those wounds have yet to fully heal), his last directorial effort was the excellent Good Night and Good Luck. That film had a $7 million budget and pulled in $54.6 million worldwide. Why It Might Not Do Well: This one should do well enough, but based on the number of theaters, I don't see this one hitting number one. Number of Theaters: 2,700 Prediction: $19 million
The Seuss-abration continued as Horton Hears a Who held onto number one for the second consecutive week. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns took second, but held the highest per screen average of the top five films ($10,011). The caveman spectacle 10,000 B.C. took fifth, clinging to the top five for the third week in a row. Here are the totals: 1. Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who:$24.5 million 2. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns: $20 million 3. Shutter: $10.4 million 4. Drillbit Taylor:$10.3 million 5. 10,000 B.C.: $8.9 million
Four new flicks going into wide release, with the movies being divided equally between comedy and drama.
21 What's It All About: A young man in dire need of money to pay for his education at M.I.T. takes part in a well-organized card counting ring with a fool-proof method for winning at blackjack. Based on a true story. Why It Might Do Well: The combined cool factor of having Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne in the same movie may make some people curious. Why It Might Not Do Well: Rottentomatoes.com is giving this one a lackluster 54%, and personally watching people play cards bores me to tears. Number of Theaters: 2,500 Prediction: $17 million
The ability to sustain a sense of Seuss in a CGI scenario (I can't rhyme like the good doctor, but I can alliterate with the best of them) worked in the favor of Horton Hears a Who, last week's number one flick by a country mile, giving it the biggest opening weekend of 2008 so far. Like many of the folks taking part in our weekly box office competition (see the bottom of this post for details) I underestimated the tale of teen angst and kickboxing that is Never Back Down while overestimating the drawing power of the apocalypse with Doomsday, which finished seventh for the week with a mere $4.9 million. 10,000 B.C. dropped only as far as second place for its second week, though its total so far of $61.5 million has a ways to go before exceeding the film's $105 million budget. Here are the numbers for last weekend: 1. Horton Hears a Who: $45 million 2. 10,000 B.C.: $16.7 million 3. Never Back Down: $8.6 million 4. College Road Trip: $7.8 million 5. Vantage Point: $5.5 million
If you're determined to see something new this week, you have your choice of laughs, screams, and family drama. Here are this week's newbies: Drillbit Taylor What's It All About: A comedy in which a group of high school nerds search the ads in Soldier of Fortune magazine for a body guard to protect them from the school bully. They hire a homeless guy named Drillbit Taylor (it never pays to go with the lowest bidder) played by Owen Wilson. Why It Might Do Well: Wilson, of course, has many comedic credits to his name, including Wedding Crashers which pulled in $209 million domestically. Also, Seth Rogen seems to have the midas touch and he co-wrote the screenplay. Why It Might Not Do Well: Based on the TV spots I keep seeing, people who aren't comfortable with nerd on nerd violence may stay away. Number of Theaters: 2,700 Prediction: $12 million
Despite a putrescent score of 7% over at Rottentomatoes.com, Roland Emmerich's 10,000 B.C. took the saber tooth tiger by the tail and raked in some respectable cash, pulling in more than twice as much as its closest competitor. Last week's two other big releases, College Road Trip and The Bank Job, took second and fourth place respectively. Vantage Point enjoyed its third week in the top five, with sales already exceeding the film's $40 million budget by more than $10 million. Here are last weekend's totals: 1. 10,000 B.C.: $35.7 million. 2. College Road Trip:$14 million. 3. Vantage Point: $7.5 million. 4. The Bank Job: $5.7 million. 5. Semi-Pro: $5.8 million.
Last week's prehistoric adventure is counter-balanced by a post apocalyptic (sort of) romp, a classic children's book brought to the big screen, and teens kicking the living crap out of each other. Doomsday What's It All About: In the wake of a devastating plague, an entire country is walled off to prevent the disease from spreading. Thirty years later when the plague resurfaces, a military team is dispatched into the now barbaric quarantine zone in search of a cure. Why It Might Do Well: Director Neil Marshall has The Descentand Dog Soldiers to his credit, two very cool flicks that have me curious about his latest. Why It Might Not Do Well: The unimpressive trailer indicates a hodge podge collection of influences including The Road Warrior, Escape From New York and Underworld. Number of Theaters: 1,800 Prediction: $9.5 million
Will Ferrell's 70s basketball comedy came in first for the weekend, but pulled in a lot less loot than most people had expected. The Other Boleyn Girl's modest success pushed the flick to fourth place, with the rest of the top five filling out with holdovers from previous weeks. Last week's other new release, Penelope, took in only $3.8 million which earned it the ninth place spot. Here's the rundown: 1. Semi Pro:$15 million 2. Vantage Point:$12.8 million 3. The Spiderwick Chronicles:$8.7 million 4. The Other Boleyn Girl:$8.2 million 5. Jumper:$7.5 million
The political thriller Vantage Point took top honors last weekend, being the only new film to take a spot in the top five. Be Kind Rewind took ninth with Witless Protection and Charlie Bartlett coming in 13th and 14th respectively. Fool's Gold is getting to be an old-timer, clinging tenaciously to the top five for the third week in a row. Here's the rundown:
We've got three major releases this week, each with some considerable star power, including an historical drama, a modern fairytale, and an ode to 70s basketball. The Other Boleyn Girl What's It All About: Based on a novel by Philippa Gregory, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson play sisters vying for the affections of the King of England. Eric Bana also stars as the leanest Henry VIII in film history. Why It Might Do Well: It's got a dynamite cast, cool period costumes and lush set design combined with a story of love and lust at the highest levels of power. Why It Might Not Do Well: Rottentomatoes.com is giving this one an underwhelming 43% rating Number of Theaters: 1,000 Prediction: $4.5 million Penelope What's It All About: Christina Ricci plays against type as a girl stricken by a family curse that gives her the face of a pig, and only the love of someone who can accept her for who she is can break the curse. Why It Might Do Well: The trailer for this modern fairy tale is charming as hell, and Reese Witherspoon looks great as Penelope's rough around the edges friend. Why It Might Not Do Well: With all the bigger films in current release, this one may get lost in the shuffle. Number of Theaters: 1,200 Prediction: $6 million $4 million
Fool's Gold held up reasonably well, taking the number four spot in its second week, with the rest of the top five filled out by the newbies. Jumper and The Spiderwick Chronicles made some coin, but they still have a ways to go before making back their $85 million and $90 million budgets respectively, and the sequel Step Up 2 the Streets managed to take the number three spot without the benefit of star power. Here's the rundown:
We have three films playing it for laughs this week, two of which appear to be smarter than your average comedy and one that is, to be kind, less so. And if you're not in the mood for a chuckle, we've also got a tale of assassination and deception at the presidential level.
Be Kind, Rewind What's It All About: Jack Black becomes magentized and accidentally erases every tape in the video store where his friend (played by Mos Def) works. To appease a faithful but elderly customer whose mind is slipping, the pair set out to re-enact several Hollywood classics. Why It Might Do Well: I've been looking forward to this one ever since the trailer first hit the net, and while the 64% fresh rating at rottentomatoes.com isn't overwhelming, it does give cause for hope. Why It Might Not Do Well: As promising as this one looks, the relatively small release will keep this out of the top five. I suspect this one may have to wait for DVD tor find its true audience. Number of Theaters: 800 Prediction: $7 million Charlie Bartlett What's It All About: The new kid in school finds his own way of fitting in by dispensing psychiatric advice to his classmates from a bathroom stall. Why It Might Do Well: The trailer conjures up fond memories of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Charlie is running a big 79% on the Tomatometer. Why It Might Not Do Well: As with Be Kind, Rewind, the small release will keep this one from doing huge numbers. Number of Theaters: 1,000 Prediction: $5 million
Kate Hudson and Matthew McConnaughey's Fool's Gold took first place, despite being panned by critics, and Martin Lawrence's comedy Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins did a respectable amount of business and placed second. Hannah Montana fell 67% into third place, but still did extremely well for a movie playing on only 687 screens. By contrast, Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show played on 962 screens but failed to crack even a half million and landed in 24th place. Here's the rundown.
We've got four new releases this week, with me personally looking forward to Jumper the most.
Definitely, Maybe What's It All About: Ryan Reynolds and Abigail Breslin star in a story about a man recounting how he came to meet his daughter's mother. Why It Might Do Well: Breslin is cute as a button and she was great in Little Miss Sunshine. With the world basking in the glow of Valentine's Day, a romantic comedy stands a pretty good chance. Besides, rottentomatoes.com is giving this one an encouraging 83% fresh rating. Why It Might Not Do Well: Have you no heart, people? I said she's cute. Number of Theaters: 2,200 Prediction: $11 million Jumper What's It All About: Hayden Christensen plays a young man with the power to teleport and he finds himself hunted by a society sworn to kill people with his abilitiy. Samuel L. Jackson is in there too. Why It Might Do Well: The trailers look cool, and a film about super human powers starring two former Jedi Knights seems like a natural. I think this will be our number one movie. Why It Might Not Do Well: Film goers looking for a fantasy fix may opt for The Spiderwick Chronicles instead. Number of Theaters: 3,350 Prediction: $29 million
If you had told be last week that we'd be seeing Meet the Spartans at the top of this week's list I'd have laughed heartily and perhaps have made a rude gesture or two. Judging by most of the entries in last week's box office competition I'm not the only one surprised. Rambo came in a close second and Cloverfield, which I predicted would hold the top spot for another week, dropped a surprising 68% after a $40 million opening weekend. Here are the final numbers: 1. Meet the Spartans: 18.7 million 2. Rambo: $18.2 million 3. 27 Dresses: $13.6 million 4. Cloverfield: $12.7 million 5. Untraceable: $11.2 million
This week sees the release of two new comedies (one for the boys and one for the girls) a scare flick and a concert movie for an act whose demographic is so far removed from me they might as well be appealing to extraterrestrials. The Eye What's It All About: This remake of a Japanese Chinese horror film stars Jessica Alba as the recipient of a cornea transplant who begins having horrific visions and premonitions of deadly events which spur her to find out just whose eyes she been given. Why It Might Do Well: If you're looking for a good creep-fest, this may fit the bill. Why It Might Not Do Well: While I've enjoyed a handful of the Asian horror remakes, most of them leave me cold. Number of Theaters: 2,200 Prediction: $14 million Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour What's It All About: The young pop star and her character from her successful Disney Channel series appear in a concert film shot during a 69-city U.S. tour and shown in 3-D. Why It Might Do Well: Not destined for the top five, but given the ridiculous prices Hanna Montana concert tickets are fetching, this should do brisk business within its niche market. Why It Might Not Do Well: Only if every kid in America between 10 and 14 is grounded this weekend. Number of Theaters: 680 Prediction: $5 million
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Speed Racer
Iron Man
Made of Honor
21
Will Ferrell's 70s basketball comedy came in first for the weekend, but pulled in a lot less loot than most people had expected. The Other Boleyn Girl's modest success pushed the flick to fourth place, with the rest of the top five filling out with holdovers from previous weeks. Last week's other new release, Penelope, took in only $3.8 million which earned it the ninth place spot. Here's the rundown:
Be Kind, Rewind
