Three new films each targeting a different demographic fight to install a new box office champion. Brad Pitt [BPITT] leads the pack with the WWII actioner Fury [FURY]. Marketed as an old fashioned war movie, the R-rated film should connect with adult men. The WWII drama Monuments Men starring George Clooney opened to $22 million in February. Directed by David Ayer [DAYER], Fury has garnered better reviews and its tank battles should attract younger males. However, the Sony film is unlikely to match the $38 million opening of Inglourious Basterds, which had director Quentin Tarantino. Fighting in 3155 theaters, Fury could hit $27 million.
The animated fantasy Book of Life [BOLIF] centers on the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. Fox has assembled an impressive cast that includes Channing Tatum [CTATU], Zoe Saldana [ZSALD], Diego Luna [DLUNA] and Ice Cube [ICUBE]. The PG-rated film represents a significant draw for Latino families, an often underestimated moviegoing demographic. Showing in 3069 theaters, Book of Life may tally $19 million.
Strong buzz will continue to steer moviegoers to Gone Girl [GONEG]. The thriller looks to cross the $100 million marker with another $18 million.
James Marsden [JMARS] and Michelle Monaghan [MMONA] hook up in the PG-13 rated romance Best of Me [BESME], the second Nicholas Sparks adaptation produced by Relativity. Their previous Sparks film Safe Haven opened over Valentine’s Day weekend 2013 to $21 million. The only Sparks film to open during fall was Nights in Rodanthe in 2008 with $13.4 million. Poor reviews won’t matter to the target fanbase of older women. Best of Me may take in $14 million from 2936 theaters.
As a family film, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day [ATHNG] should have a decent hold in its sophomore weekend. A 40% decline would bring in $11 million. On the otherhand, Dracula Untold [DRCYZ] may tumble more than 55% in its second weekend to about $10 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): BPITT, FURY, DAYER, BOLIF, CTATU, ZSALD, DLUNA, ICUBE, GONEG, JMARS, MMONA, BESME, ATHNG, DRCYZ