Three new films open in wide release this Veteran’s Day weekend, though the unusually strong holdover Puss in Boots [PUSNB] is likely to remain in first place for a third weekend. The animated kitty dipped a scant 3% from its opening. With little competition for the family audience, Puss in Boots should retain the top spot with around $25 million.
The 3D action epic Immortals [IMRTL] stars Henry Cavill [HCAVI] as Theseus from Greek mythology. The stylistic, R-rated film unabashedly imitates 300, which shares the same producers. Relativity clearly hopes to approximate 300’s box office take, however, the trailers have not generated the same excitement. Moviegoers sense a pale imitation, rather than a fresh original. Opening in 3112 theaters, Immortals may conquer $22 million.
The comedy Jack and Jill [JAJIL] stars Adam Sandler [ASAND] in dual roles as brother and sister twins. Sandler has been one of the most reliable bankable stars, but going drag may be too silly for even his hardcore fans. Adult moviegoers won’t even need terrible reviews to tell them avoid the film, though the PG-rating could convince some parents to bring their kids. Going up 3438 theaters, Jack and Jill could fetch $21 million.
Despite the starpower or perhaps due to the diminished starpower, Tower Heist [TWRHS] didn’t pull off much bank in its debut. Older moviegoers could keep the film from dropping more than 45% to about $14 million.
Leonardo DiCaprio [LDCAP] stars as the longtime FBI director Hoover in the biopic J. Edgar [HOOVR]. The decades-spanning period film looks to appeal to the much older crowd that are fans of director Clint Eastwood [CEAST]. The target audience is likely to gauge reviews, which are mixed and have dulled its awards prospects. Playing at 1911 locations, J. Edgar could tally $12 million.
With heavy competition for the male audience from the new films, A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas [HAKU3] looks to drop more than 50% to $6 million.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): PUSNB, IMRTL, HCAVI, JAJIL, ASAND, TWRHS, LDCAP, HOOVR, CEAST, HAKU3