Three new wide releases enter the box office fray for a chance to defeat Megamind [MEGAM]. None of the newcomers appear to have the wide appeal of the CG animated superhero film. With no direct competition for the family audience, Megamind could hold over up to 60% of its debut and remain in first place with about $27 million.
Denzel Washington [DWASH] and director Tony Scott [TSCOT] team up once again for another action film set on train tracks. The PG-13 rated Unstoppable [USTOP] co-stars Chris Pine [CPINE], whose appearance Fox hopes would draw outside the mature audience. While reviews have been excellent, the marketing campaign seems late in catching on. Arriving in 3207 theaters, Unstoppable may hit around $24 million.
The first Skyline [SKYLN] trailer came out of nowhere and took audiences by surprise. Buzz has steadily built up on the alien invasion sci-fi film that’s heavy on special effects, and low on starpower. Targeted at young males, Skyline could hook in $20 million from 2880 theaters.
While Due Date [DUDAT] opened big, word of mouth has been less than favorable. A 50% decline would bring in about $17 million.
Rachel McAdams [RMCAD], Harrison Ford [HFORD] and Diane Keaton [DKEAT] star in the PG-13 rated comedy Morning Glory [MORNG] set around a daily TV show. The film’s appeal seems limited to women, older women who don’t usually rush out opening weekend. Paramount opened the film on Wednesday hoping to generate word of mouth, but the film grossed only $1 million. Playing in 2518 theaters, Morning Glory could score $12 million over the weekend.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): MEGAM, DWASH, TSCOT, USTOP, CPINE, SKYLN, DUDAT, RMCAD, HFORD, DKEAT, MORNG