Advanced primates are set to take over the weekend box office from the sentient robots. Like the latest Transformers, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes [APES2] brings back the CG characters with Andy Serkis [ASERK] motion-capturing Caesar, while featuring an all-new human cast led by Jason Clarke [JCLAR]. Taking place 10 years after Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the PG-13 rated sequel shows humans and apes taking up arms against each other in a post-apocalyptic world. Fox has mounted a very effective marketing campaign in building up buzz. Reviews from critics have been overwhelmingly positive, which should help entice adult moviegoers in a summer lacking quality blockbuster films. Fandango reported that advance ticket sales are ahead of the first film that debuted to $54.8 million in 2011, and on pace with World War Z, which opened to $66.4 million last year. Dawn also has the advantage of higher 3D ticket prices. Playing in 3967 theaters, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes could crack $68 million.
With direct competition in its third weekend, Transformers: Age of Extinction [TFRM4] looks to drop more than 50% again to about $18 million.
Despite a decent opening over the holiday weekend, Tammy [TAMMY] received poor marks from its audience. The comedy may tumble more than 50% to $10 million.
The other two films heading into their sophomore weekend, Deliver Us From Evil [BWRNT] and Earth to Echo [ECHO] are likely to duel at around $5 million.
After earning $2 million in 2 weeks of limited release, Begin Again [CSSYL] expands wide into 939 theaters. Keira Knightley [KKNIG] and Mark Ruffalo [MRUFF] star in the music-based romance, which has scored favorable reviews. Musicians Adam Levine and Ceelo Green [CLGRE] lend their starpower to the R-rated film from The Weinstein Co. Begin Again could sing to the tune of $3 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): APES2, ASERK, JCLAR, TFRM4, TAMMY, BWRNT, ECHO, CSSYL, KKNIG, MRUFF, CLGRE