Three new films descend upon the marketplace to try to knock off reigning titleholder Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs [CWCMB] from the top of the box office. However, each film target specific audience demographic, which may not have enough to overtake the 3D animated film that appeals a wide general audience. With great word of mouth, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is likely to dissipate less than 40% and measure $19 million in its second weekend.
Sci-Fi actioner Surrogates [SUROG] may have the best shot at overtaking Meatballs. Bruce Willis [BWILL] stars in the futuristic film where people have robotic duplicates. The PG-13 rated film should appeal to young adults who’ve enjoyed films like I Robot, The Island and The Matrix. Opening in 2951 theaters, Surrogates could deliver $18 million for its debut.
Fame [FAME] is the first title from MGM’s recent foray into its vault for remake material. The 1980s musical drama about a NYC school for dancers and artists has been updated for the Internet generation. However, the name Fame means nothing to teens who grew up on Step Up and TV's You Think You Can Dance. Serving 3096 locations, the PG-rated film could score maybe $14 million.
The weekend’s third new wide release is the R-rated horror Pandorum [PNDRM]. The Overture release targets adults looking for another Alien-clone about people trapped in a spaceship terrorize by unknown creatures. Pandorum could take away $7 million from 2506 theaters.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): CWCMB, SUROG, BWILL, FAME, PNDRM