An October packed with starpower blasts off with the 3D space thriller Gravity [GRVTY]. Sandara Bullock [SBULL] and George Clooney [GCLOO] play astronauts working on the International Space Station when disaster struck, sending them adrift. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron [ACUAR], the special effects laden film has earned rave reviews since its world premiere in Venice late August. Positive buzz has only built up as Gravity screen at other festivals through September. Warner Bros. and the rest of the industry are hoping the PG-13 rated film will get moviegoers back to spending more for 3D tickets. Launching in 3575 theaters, Gravity may pull in $38 million.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 [CWCM2] remains the only animated comedy for families at the multiplex. While the original Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs slipped only 17% in its second weekend, the sequel is likely to drop closer to 35%. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 looks to collect about $22 million.
The Fox thriller Runner Runner [RUNER] stars Justin Timberlake [JTIMB] as a gambling math whiz who gets sucked into the shady but moneyed world of online poker. Ben Affleck [BAFFL] plays the villainous gambling mogul in his first commercial wide release since Argo. Timberlake just released a new album this week, but his younger fans won’t be interested in the R-rated film. Two years ago, the PG-13 rated In Time debuted at $12 million. Affleck will help bring in some adults, but the mostly negative reviews will deter others at the same time. Going in 3024 theaters, Runner Runner may turn in $14 million.
Roadside Attractions targets Christians with the PG-rated drama Grace Unplugged [GRCUN] about a young singer trying to stay true to her faith in the music industry. Grace Unplugged could strum up $3 million from 511 theaters.
After a one-week exclusive run in IMAX 3D, Metallica: Through the Never [MET3D] more than doubles its theaters to 650. However, the box office is unlikely to follow suit due to cheaper regular admission price. The concert film could tally another $2 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): GRVTY, SBULL, GCLOO, ACUAR, CWCM2, RUNER, JTIMB, BAFFL, GRCUN, MET3D