With all the big budgeted summer blockbusters out of the way, Universal drops the musical biopic Straight Outta Compton [SOCMP] about the rise of the original gangsta rap group N.W.A.. Though set in the late 1980s, the depiction of social injustice and police brutality faced by young black men are still relevant and making headlines today. Dr. Dre and Ice Cube have worked tirelessly to promote the movie, even coming out with a new record. Just like N.W.A.’s music, the R-rated film will not just connect with African-Americans, but crossover to white suburban neighborhoods. Straight Outta Compton looks to hit $46 million from 2755 locations.
Henry Cavill [HCAVI] and Armie Hammer [AHAMM] topline The Man from UNCLE [UNCLE] based on the 1960s TV series. Warner Bros. hopes Guy Ritchie’s [GRITC] success with Sherlock Holmes can rub off on the PG-13 rated espionage thriller. However, with a plethora of spy movies including Mission: Impossible, one set during the Cold War may limit the audience to older moviegoers. Coming in 3658 theaters, The Man from UNCLE could walk away with $17 million.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation [MISS5] held extremely well for a fifth film in a franchise. Tom Cruise could give UNCLE a run at second place with $16 million.
Fantastic Four [FANT4] takes the unfortunate title of 'bomb of the summer'. With more bad news and negative buzz piling on, Fox’s failed superheroes may tumble to $9 million.
On the other hand, The Gift [WERDO] will ride positive word of mouth about its twist ending to $6.5 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): SOCMP, HCAVI, AHAMM, UNCLE, GRITC, MISS5, FANT4, WERDO