The first two new wide releases of 2011 appear to offer little competition for the last two or three hits of 2010. After finishing in second place for the last two weekends, True Grit [TGRIT] has been topping this week’s daily box office. The western remake has great word of mouth and award buzz. A decline around 40% decline would bring in $15 million, which should be enough for True Grit to ascend to the top spot.
With the holidays over, Little Fockers [MPRN3] looks to drop more than 50% to $13 million in its third weekend. That should be enough for the comedy sequel to finish in second place.
Relativity stakes the weekend with Season of the Witch [SEWTC] starring Nicholas Cage [NCAGE]. Original set for release almost a year ago, the period supernatural horror was pushed back to pump up the action with battle scenes. That should attract more males to the PG-13 rated film. Opening in 2816 theaters, Season of the Witch could stir up $11 million.
Sony targets women as well as country music fans with the musical drama Country Strong [CSTRN] starring Gwyneth Paltrow [GPLAT]. Although reviews have been mixed, the film has performed well in limited release in Nashville and Los Angeles. Country Strong could strum $8 million in its wide expansion to 1424 theaters.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): TGRIT, MPRN3, SEWTC, NCAGE, CSTRN