18 years after it became the biggest traditional animated film of all times, The Lion King 3D [TLK3D] gets a re-release with an extra dimension added. Advance tickets have been brisk which indicate many parents are eager to bring their kids to experience one of their favorite movies on the big screen. A lack of competing family films should also benefit Simba and friends. The 3D re-release of Toy Story/Toy Story 2 as a double featured tallied $12.5 million in 2009. Showing in 2330 theaters, The Lion King 3D could rule once again with $15 million.
Desipte great reviews, the thriller Contagion [CONTG] found mixed word of mouth from the paying public. Contagion should still draw sophisticated older adults and retain 60% of its debut at around $13 million.
Ryan Gosling [RGOSL] toplines the R-rated drama Drive [DRIVE], an artistic, stylish film that’s been marketed like a Jason Statham-type action thriller. FilmDistrict had a hit with its first release Insidious, but underperformed with its second Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. While the violent, slow-paced film has won critics, Drive may not meet the expectation of moviegoers looking for a popcorn movie. Hitting 2886 locations, Drive may get away with $10 million.
The classic 1971 film Straw Dogs [STRAW] has been remade with James Marsden [JMARS], Kate Bosworth [KBOSW] and Alexander Skarsgard [ASKAR]. The violent, R-rated thriller is in direct competition with Drive and looks to split the audience. Straw Dogs appears to be the more commercial film, which could play in its favor. Breaking into 2408 theaters, Straw Dogs could take in $9.0 million.
The Weinstein Co. targets older women with the PG-13 comedy I Don't Know How She Does It [IDKHS]. The film looks to only appeal to readers of the source novel, while Sarah Jessica Parker [SJPAR] is unlikely to bring out the legion of Sex and the City fans. Juggling 2476 theaters, I Don't Know How She Does It may earn $7.5 million.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): TLK3D, CONTG, RGOSL, DRIVE, STRAW, JMARS, KBOSW, ASKAR, IDKHS, SJPAR