As we head into Daylight Saving Time change and lose an hour on Sunday, the weekend box office looks to lose plenty of business due to lackluster new products. Sony offers Chappie [CHAPI], the latest sci-fi creation from director Neil Blomkamp [NBLOM]. He burst onto the scene in 2009 when District 9 debuted with $37.4 million, but his follow-up Elysium with Matt Damon failed to top that at $30.5 million. His fans may in for further disappointment as Chappie has received mostly negative reviews. Marketing on the R-rated film has sent mixed messages as whether it wants to be a coming-of-age story like Short Circuit or an actioner like RoboCop. Blomkamp has generated more buzz for his Alien sequel while diverting attention away from Chappie. Playing in 3201 theaters, Chappie could take in $18 million.
With Will Smith’s aging fanbase uninterested in his latest caper, Focus [FOCUZ] is likely to lose 50% of its debut to finish around $9 million.
Fox Searchlight targets the senior crowd with The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel [BEMH2]. The first film began in limited release and made $6.4 million in its wide expansion during its fourth weekend. The beloved 2012 original went on to gross $46.4 million, so fans will no doubt revisit the sequel. Judi Dench [JDENC] and Maggie Smith [MSMTH] lead the returning cast that welcomes newcomer Richard Gere [RGERE]. Booked in 1572 theaters, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel may check out with $8 million.
The raunchy comedy Unfinished Business [BSTRP] is unlikely to revive Vince Vaughn’s flagging film career. Moviegoers are fast tiring of his shtick. Sold as a Wedding Crashers reunion with Owen Wilson, Internship managed just a $18.1 million opening. His last film Delivery Man flopped worse with $7.9 million. There is little buzz for Fox’s R-rated comedy. Unfinished Business may secure $7.5 million from 2777 locations.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): CHAPI, NBLOM, FOCUZ, BEMH2, JDENC, MSMTH, RGERE, BSTRP