After years in the making, the highly-anticipated Where the Wild Things Are [WILD] finally arrives in theaters. The famous children’s picture book has been expanded into a live-action film by Spike Jonze [SJONZ]. The process proved more difficult than expected resulting in well-publicized delays and reshoots. While Warner Bros. may have preferred a cute talking creatures feature for kiddies, the PG-rated family film is likely to appeal to a broader and older audience. Generations of children who grew up on the book are now teenagers and adults, many hip to Jonze’s sensibility. Romping through 3735 theaters, Where the Wild Things Are should be crowned king with about $36 million.
Many films have come and gone hoping to be the next The Blair Witch Project, but Paranormal Activity [PNACT] could actually live up to the hype. Shot for $10,000, the R-rated horror film presents the home video of a couple who recorded their sleep to figure out what's causing those bumps in the night. Paramount built up buzz by first screening the film only at midnight in select cities, while promoting a website for audiences to “Demand It” for other cities. Last weekend Paranormal Activity racked up an amazing $7.9 million from just 160 theaters. How high can Paranormal Activity go with 760 theaters? Ten years ago, Blair shocked the industry with $29 million in its wide expansion. With similar buzz, Paranormal Activity should scare up at least $22 million.
Couples Retreat [CPLRT] benefited from being the lone wide release last weekend. With only decent buzz and more competition, the relationship comedy is likely to drop 50% in its second weekend to $17 million.
Jamie Foxx [JFOXX] and Gerard Butler [GBUTL] team up on the R-rated action drama Law Abiding Citizen [LACTZ]. Overture has highlighted the vigilante storyline that’s always popular with moviegoers. Playing in 2889 theaters, Law Abiding Citizen could pay back around $13 million.
The Stepfather [STPFT] is the latest PG-13 rated horror remake featuring a star from the CW, Penn Badgley [PBADG]. Unfortunately, the Sony release has been overshadowed by the emergence of Paranormal Activity. Opening in 2734 locations, The Stepfather may scare up just $6 million from teens.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): WILD, SJONZ, PNACT, CPLRT, JFOXX, GBUTL, LACTZ, STPFT, PBADG