This weekend finds Hollywood dropping five wide releases into the dog days of summer. None appears to have the buzz to overtake the top two films from last weekend. While The Expendables [XPNDB] beat Eat Pray Love [ETPLV] by more than $10 million in their debut, the rematch looks to be a closer fight. Male-oriented action films are typical front-loaded and Sly and co. won’t be an exception. The Expendables is likely to drop 55% to around $15 million. On the other hand, the older female-targeted Eat Pray Love may hold up to 60% of its audience. The spiritual romance could make a run for first place with at least $14 million.
Among the five new contenders, Piranha 3D [PIRAN] looks to have the best shot at claiming an upset victory. The R-rated horror update finds monstrous prehistoric fish preying upon college spring breakers. The Weinstein Co. film does have a cast of recognizable actors, but the real attraction will be the promise of bloody mayhem and naked babes in 3D. Opening in 2470 theaters, Piranha could consume $13 million.
Four years after the first Nanny McPhee opened to $14.5 million. Nanny McPhee Returns [MCPH2] hope to recapture the magic. The PG-rated family film should appeal to those who have not outgrown the original. The sequel could bring in $11 million from 2783 locations.
The Twilight Saga gets the spoof treatment in Vampires Suck [VAMPM]. The PG-13 rated comedy grossed $4 million on its opening day Wednesday and should suck in another $9 million for the weekend fromt 3233 theaters.
Bow Wow [BWOW] and Ice Cube [ICUBE] star in the PG-13 rated comedy Lottery Ticket [LOTKT]. Targeted at the urban markets, Lottery Ticket could cash in $9 million from 1973 theaters.
The Switch [SWITC] stars Jennifer Aniston [JANIS] as an unmarried woman who opts for a baby through artificial insemination. Opening in 2012 theaters, the romantic comedy has hardly been marketed by Miramax. With competition from Eat Pray Love, The Switch would be lucky to deliver $7 million.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): XPNDB, ETPLV, PIRAN, MCPH2, VAMPM, BWOW, ICUBE, LOTKT, SWITC, JANIS