Three new films hit the multiplexes this week joined by three wide expansion of films already in limited releases. None are likely to dethrone Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [TMNT1]. Even with a 55% dropoff in its second weekend, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would still bank $30 million, which should be enough to hold off the newcomers.
Sylvester Stallone [SSTAL] has added more old stars to the action sequel The Expendables 3 [XPND3]. After a couple of R-rated outings, the third film has gone PG-13 rated in hopes of capturing a younger audience. However, an untimely leak of the finished film on the internet has threatened its box office potential, despite the best efforts of Lionsgate marketing. While the first film debuted at $34.8 million, the second dropped to $28.6 million and the trend is likely to continue. Attacking 3221 theaters, The Expendables 3 may blow up $23 million.
R-rated buddy comedies have performed well this year and Let’s Be Cops [LBCOP] hopes to be latest to succeed. Although the film lacks starpower, the premise is easy enough to explain and sell. The trailers have been funny, and Fox got the word of mouth going with a Wednesday opening that grossed an impressive $5.2 million. Serving 2936 theaters, Let’s Be Cops should be able to arrest $22 million from Friday through Sunday.
One of the original dystopian sci-fi novel for young adults, The Giver [GIVER] finally gets a PG-13 rated adaptation from The Weinstein Co.. Brenton Thwaites [BTHWA] takes the lead role as a boy who learns the truth about his perfect society. Jeff Bridges [JBRID] and Meryl Streep [MSTRE] star in supporting roles to attract moviegoers who read the 1993 novel when they were younger. Aside from The Hunger Games and Divergent, other YA sci-fi adaptations have mostly missed. The Giver could take in $18 million from 3003 locations.
After 3 weeks of limited release, Magic in the Moonlight [MGCML] expands wide into 964 theaters. Woody Allen fans should contribute about $3 million.
After earning more than $10.5 million in 5 weeks, Boyhood [GROWN] ups its theater count to 711. With rave reviews and award buzz, Boyhood looks to grow another $2 million.
The romantic comedy What If [FWORD] also expands wide into 786 theaters and Daniel Radcliffe [DRADC] could attract $2 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): TMNT1, SSTAL, XPND3, LBCOP, GIVER, BTHWA, JBRID, MSTRE, MGCML, GROWN, FWORD, DRADC