A batch of new films pulls up to the starting line, but none are likely to overtake Furious 7 [FAST7]. Even on its third lap, the action sequel should have enough gas in the tank to stay of the new competition with around $28 million.
Five years after bursting onto the scene and at the seams, Kevin James [KJAME] returns in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 [MALC2]. The original film opened to $31.8 million, but has Sony waited too long to produce the sequel? James’ last solo effort Here Comes the Boom debuted with just $11.8 million. Still, the rotund character may have some goodwill left. The PG-rated comedy seems like a safe bet for family moviegoers. Advance ticket sales are pacing ahead of Zookeeper, which opened at $20.1 million. Checking into 3626 theaters, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 could bank $23 million.
Universal releases the micro-budget horror film Unfriended [CYBRN] about cyberbullying. The “found footage” is comprised entirely of various teenagers using social media on their computers and cell phones. The unique concept is fresh enough to attract horror fans, though the R-rating may keep some teenagers away. Displaying in 2739 theaters, Unfriended may click through $16 million.
Monkey Kingdom [MNKNG] is the latest Disneynature documentary to coincide with Earth Day. Last year, Bears opened at $4.8 million. Monkey Kingdom could collect $5 million from 2012 locations.
Jonah Hill [JHILL] and James Franco [JAFRA] get dramatic in True Story [TRUES] based on real events. Fox Searchlight has done little to promote the R-rated film and the reviews necessary to attract an audience have been mixed. Running in 831 theaters, True Story may uncover $3 million.
The thriller Child 44 [CHI44] set in Soviet Union has even less buzz. Despite boasting a star-studded cast, the R-rated film’s marketing is almost non-existent as Summit dumps it into just 510 theaters. Child 44 may find less than $1.5 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): FAST7, KJAME, MALC2, CYBRN, MNKNG, JHILL, JAFRA, TRUES, CHI44