Three new wide releases enter the frame for the President’s Day long weekend. DreamWorks’ I am Number Four [IMNO4] appears most likely to attract the widest audience demographics. The PG-13 rated sci-fi actioner stars Alex Pettyfer [APETT] as an alien hiding on earth as a high schooler with his real-life girlfriend Dianna Agron [DAGRO] playing his love interest. While the special effects should attract males, the romance angle should appeal to females. The similar themed Jumper opened to $32 million over the same weekend in 2008. Opening in 3154 theaters including 228 IMAX screens, I am Number Four could bank $32 million over the 4-day holiday weekend.
Unknown [UWMAL] returns Liam Neeson [LNEES] to a PG-13 thriller similar to his 2009’s Taken. Warner Bros. has been unabashed in marketing Unknown as in the same vein. Instead of his daughter, he is fighting to get his identity back. Targeted at older adults, Unknown may take in $24 million from 3043 locations.
Martin Lawrence [MLAWR] puts on the fat suit for the third time in Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son [BMOM3]. While the last sequel opened at $27.7 million in 2006, fans weren’t exactly clamoring for another outing. Fox hopes the college setting and the introduction of Brandon T. Jackson [BTJAC] would attract new fans from younger moviegoers. Opening in 2821, Big Mommas could bring in $22 million in four days.
Although Gnomeo & Juliet [GNOME] finished third last weekend, the animated film should peform best amongst the holdovers. The family audience should provide $20 million over the holiday weekend.
Adam Sandler [ASAND] barely held off Justin Bieber last weekend, but the spread should be wider the second time around. The romantic comedy Just Go With It [JGWIT] looks to fall to $17 million over the 4-day weekend. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never [JBI3D] will tumble further down to $14 million.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): IMNO4, APETT, DAGRO, UWMAL, LNEES, MLAWR, BMOM3, BTJAC, GNOME, ASAND, JGWIT, JBI3D
