Cinematical

Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Box Office: It's Time to Build Bunk Beds!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/22/box-office-its-time-to-build-bunk-beds/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/22/box-office-its-time-to-build-bunk-beds/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/22/box-office-its-time-to-build-bunk-beds/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office, Remakes and Sequels, Box Office Predictions

Last weekend, the box office exploded with The Dark Knight, which broke the opening weekend record, while Mamma Mia! did what it could in the shadow of bat wings and Space Chimps couldn't reach the top five with its $7.2 million. Matt was almost spot-on with his predictions last week, but I'll try to hold down the fort this week while he's away.

The top five totals:

1. The Dark Knight: $158,411,483 *
2. Mamma Mia!: $27,751,240
3. Hancock: $14,040,178
4. Journey to the Center of the Earth: $12,340,435
5. Hellboy II: The Golden Army: $10,117,815

There's two new wide releases this week -- one for laughs, and one for those who yearn to believe.

Step Brothers
What It's All About: It's the typical new-family scenario with a much older twist. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star as spoiled adults who live at home and are less than pleased when their parents meet and get married. Quickly, however, they become best friends who indulge in all the fun things kids do. You know, whispering after lights out, making things... But then their folks have had enough and want to kick them out, spoiling their fun.
Why It Might Do Well: It's Ferrell and Reilly acting like kids, the bunk beds scene is flipping hilarious, and the two actors have a solid following.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The duo's shtick could be getting old, and it still has to face the roaring-forward Dark Knight.
Number of Theaters: 2,800+
Prediction: $23 million

Continue reading Box Office: It's Time to Build Bunk Beds!

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]]>CinematicalStep BrothersStepBrothersThe X-Files I Want to BelieveTheX-filesIWantToBelieveMonika BartyzelTue, 22 Jul 2008 22:32:00 ESTBox Office: The Dark Knight Arriveshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/16/box-office-the-dark-knight-arrives/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/16/box-office-the-dark-knight-arrives/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/16/box-office-the-dark-knight-arrives/#commentsFiled under: Action, Animation, Comedy, Music & Musicals, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Thrillers, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

It's a good time to be a cinematic super hero, and Jules Verne proved that his work still has legs 103 years after his death, but Eddie Murphy's Meet Dave died a thousand deaths pulling in a mere $5.2 million and not even making the top five. Here are the totals:

1. Hellboy II: The Golden Army: $34.5 million
2. Hancock: $32 million
3. Journey to the Center of the Earth: $21 million
4. Wall-E: $18.7 million
5. Wanted: $11.9 million

Three new releases this week, and in the very broadest of terms we have one for the guys, one for the gals and one for the kids.

The Dark Knight
What's It All About: Do I really need to explain this one? Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman in the sequel to the series rebooting Batman Begins, with Christopher Nolan once again in the director's chair. There's a new crime boss in Gotham City and he's called The Joker (Heath Ledger). The two clash, things blow up, awesomeness ensues.
Why It Might Do Well: This will be the movie to beat this Summer. Batman is so ingrained into American pop culture that he's bonded to our collective DNA. Batman Begins grossed $205 million domestically and $371 million worldwide. The Dark Knight is scoring 88% over at Rottentomatoes.com and Cinematical's own James Rocchi had some good things to say about it.
Why It Might Not Do Well: There remains the possibility that people with a fear of bats will join forces with those with a fear of clowns and boycott the film, which of course means more popcorn for the rest of us.
Number of Theaters: 4,300
Prediction: $125 million

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]]>CinemaCinematicalMamma MiaMammaMiaMoviesSpace ChimpsSpaceChimpsThe Dark KnightTheDarkKnightMatt BradshawWed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 ESTBox Office: Hancock Arriveshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/02/box-office-hancock-arrives/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/02/box-office-hancock-arrives/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/02/box-office-hancock-arrives/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Box Office, Family Films, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Box Office Predictions

It was a good weekend at the box office for both of last week's newbies, marking the first time in history that two films opening on the same weekend pulled in over $50 million each. Here's the top five:

1. Wall-E: $63 million
2. Wanted: $50.9 million
3. Get Smart: $20.2 million
4. Kung Fu Panda: $11.7 million
5. The Incredible Hulk: $9.6 million

Only one major release this week, but we've also got one going into wider release.

Hancock
What's It All About: Will Smith plays Hancock, a hard drinking anti-social superhero, and a PR agent played by Jason Bateman sets out to repair Hancock's public image.
Why It Might Do Well: Will Smith may not always have the Midas touch (I Am Legend left me cold) but he's got quite a few successful blockbusters under his belt, and people are loving the superhero flicks these days. I've liked Bateman's work a lot since Arrested Development, and I'm always glad to see him. Also, Cinematical's own Kim Voynar has given the film her seal of approval.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Unlike most big-budget superhero movies, this one doesn't originate from another media like comic books, so it doesn't come with the core fanbase of an Iron Man or an Incredible Hulk. Also, the 36% fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com is not encouraging.
Number of Theaters: 3,900
Prediction: $45 million

And going into wider release this week...

Continue reading Box Office: Hancock Arrives

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]]>Abigail BreslinAbigailBreslinCinemaCinematicalHancockJulia RobertsJuliaRobertsKit Kittredge An American GirlKitKittredgeAnAmericanGirlMoviesWill SmithWillSmithMatt BradshawWed, 02 Jul 2008 16:02:00 ESTBox Office: Who Wants WALL-E?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/25/box-office-who-wants-wall-e/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/25/box-office-who-wants-wall-e/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/25/box-office-who-wants-wall-e/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Box Office, Angelina Jolie, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Box Office Predictions

Steve Carell scored big this week recreating the role of Agent Maxwell Smart in Get Smart, providing the best opening weekend ever for a film with Carell in the lead. The Incredible Hulk fell into second place for its second week but Hulk and Kung Fu Panda both outdid last week's other new release The Love Guru. Here are the totals:

1. Get Smart: $38.6 million
2. The Incredible Hulk: $22.1 million
3. Kung Fu Panda: $21.9 million
4. The Love Guru: $13.9 million
5. The Happening: $10.5 million

Two wide releases this week, a heartwarming comedy for the whole family and a stylized action adventure shoot-em-up for the older crowd.

WALL-E
What's It All About: Disney/Pixar is back with the tale of a lovable sentient trash compactor. WALL-E has been alone on the abandoned Planet Earth for hundreds of years, but he discovers a new purpose when he meets a robot named EVE. Apparently WALL-E has stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, a solution which the human race eagerly awaits.
Why It Might Do Well: The trailers look promising and WALL-E is written and directed by Andrew Stanton, who served in the same capacity on Finding Nemo, Pixar's most financially successful film to date. Plus, our star has the cute going on.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov described a condition called The Frankenstein Complex, which is a fear of robots -- but look at the little guy. Did I mention he's cute? This is easily next week's number one flick.
Number of Theaters: 3,900
Prediction: $70 million

Continue reading Box Office: Who Wants WALL-E?

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]]>CinemaCinematicalMoviesWall-EWantedMatt BradshawWed, 25 Jun 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: Love Smartshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/18/box-office-love-smarts/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/18/box-office-love-smarts/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/18/box-office-love-smarts/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

The Incredible Hulk took first place last weekend, but notably pulled in about $6.5 million less than Ang Lee's 2004 Hulk. M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening took third but still exceeded expectations. Here's last weekend's top five:

1. The Incredible Hulk: $55.4 million
2. Kung Fu Panda: $33.6 million
3. The Happening: $30.5 million
4. You Don't Mess with the Zohan: $16.4 million
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: $14.7 million

Both of this week's new releases are comedies, putting them in direct competition with one another, so this should be interesting.

Get Smart
What's It All About: Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway star in this adaptation of the classic 60's spy comedy. Carell is Maxwell Smart, an eager but inexperienced analyst for an espionage agency called CONTROL. Max is suddenly promoted to field agent when the evil organization KAOS learns the identity of nearly every Control agent in the world, and he is teamed with the lovely agent 99 played by Hathaway.
Why It Might Do Well: There's nostalgia appeal at work here, plus Steve Carell's presence will stir up memories of hits like The 40 Year Old Virgin and he's still got plenty of fans from NBC's The Office.
Why It Might Not Do Well: How well a spy caper created during the Cold War translates to the 21st century remains to be seen. Also, the 58% rating at rottentomatoes.com isn't thrilling me.
Number of Theaters: 3,700
Prediction: $40 million

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]]>CinemaCinematiaclfeaturedGet SmartGetSmartMoviesThe Love GuruTheLoveGuruMatt BradshawWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:02:00 ESTBox Office: The Hulk is Happeninghttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/11/box-office-the-hulk-is-happening/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/11/box-office-the-hulk-is-happening/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/11/box-office-the-hulk-is-happening/#commentsFiled under: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Box Office Predictions

The animated family film Kung Fu Panda proved to be the favorite last week, though the Adam Sandler comedy You Don't Mess With the Zohan didn't do too shabby either. The two films led the way for the second biggest June weekend in box office history.

1. Kung Fu Panda: $60.2 million
2. You Don't Mess with the Zohan: $38.5 million
3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: $22.7 million
4. Sex and the City: $21.2 million
5. The Strangers: $8.9 million

Two huge releases this week, each of which represents a comeback of sorts.

The Incredible Hulk
What's It All About: In the wake of Ang Lee's not so well received 2003 The Hulk, the franchise gets a reboot and the character gets back the adjective that all the 60s Marvel characters had (The Uncanny X-Men, The Amazing Spider-man, etc.). Edward Norton plays the over-irradiated Dr. Bruce Banner who, when angered, turns green around the gills and starts throwing tanks around. He is being pursued by the military which is led by General "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt) and he does battle with another gamma powered mutation called The Abomination (Tim Roth).
Why It Might Do Well: There appears to be more action in this Hulk movie than the last, and as Iron Man proved not that long ago, an exciting, well produced comic book movie can be a license to print money.
Why It Might Not Do Well: While this is a more satisfyingly ferocious looking Hulk, the fact that he's a CGI creation (albeit a pretty good one) is obvious to the point of distraction. Will audiences be able to get past this?
Number of Theaters: 3,400
Prediction: $65 million

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]]>CinemaCinematicalMoviesThe HappeningThe Incredible HulkTheHappeningTheIncredibleHulkMatt BradshawWed, 11 Jun 2008 21:02:00 ESTBox Office: Panda Vs. The Zohanhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/04/box-office-panda-vs-the-zohan/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/04/box-office-panda-vs-the-zohan/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/04/box-office-panda-vs-the-zohan/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

Sex and the City surprised a lot of people, not by doing well, but by doing extremely well, pushing Indiana Jones back to the number two spot for its second week of release. Last week's other new release, The Strangers, starring Liv Tyler, scared the American public out of a respectable amount of cash as well. Here are the numbers:

1. Sex and the City: $56.8 million
2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: $44.7 million
3. The Strangers: $20.9 million
4. Iron Man: $13.5 million
5. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: $12.7 million

We've got two more new releases this week, both of which are going for the laughs.

Kung Fu Panda

What's It All About: A Kung Fu loving panda (voiced by Jack Black) must put work in the family noodle shop on hold when he is chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Now he studies alongside martial arts experts Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu.
Why It Might Do Well: With all the big releases lately, there haven't been many geared toward the little ones, so I can see this one filling a void and Rottentomatoes.com gives it a 92% fresh rating.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Come on, he's a panda. What are you, some kind of panda hater? Heck, I suspect this will be next week's number one movie.
Number of Theaters: 3,600
Prediction: $56 million

Continue reading Box Office: Panda Vs. The Zohan

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]]>CinemaCinematicalKung Fu PandaKungFuPandaMoviesYou Dont Mess With the ZohanYouDontMessWithTheZohanMatt BradshawWed, 04 Jun 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: Sex With a Strangerhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/28/box-office-sex-with-a-stranger/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/28/box-office-sex-with-a-stranger/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/28/box-office-sex-with-a-stranger/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Horror, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

To absolutely no one's surprise, the return of Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones made some serious cash this past weekend, achieving the tenth best opening weekend in history. Including Memorial Day receipts, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull pulled in $125 million. Prince Caspian slipped into second place, but in doing so tumbled 58% from the previous week. This summer's first blockbuster, Iron Man, took third place for its fourth week of release and has taken in a total of $252.6 million so far. Here's how the top five looked:

1. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: $100.1 million
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: $22.7 million
3. Iron Man: $20.4 million
4. What Happens in Vegas: $9.1 million
5. Speed Racer: $3.9

Two new releases this week, and between the two of them America should get its recommended daily allowance of sex and violence:

Sex and the City
What's It All About: Yes, they're back. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her cohorts continue their escapades from the successful HBO series.
Why It Might Do Well: A 67% rating at Rottentomatoes.com isn't earth shattering, but it is respectable, and the show has a massive built-in cult following.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The movie will need to bring in more than just the show's fans, and this will be a tough sell for men.
Number of Theaters: 3,100
Prediction: $35 million

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]]>CinemaCinematicalMoviesSex and the CitySexAndTheCityThe StrangersTheStrangersMatt BradshawWed, 28 May 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: Jonesing For Indianahttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/box-office-jonesing-for-indiana/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/box-office-jonesing-for-indiana/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/box-office-jonesing-for-indiana/#commentsFiled under: Action, Box Office, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Remakes and Sequels, Box Office Predictions

Well, the Prince is certainly no pauper, but some expected the latest installment in The Chronicles of Narnia to have a more auspicious debut. Prince Caspian fell about $10 million short of the opening weekend figures for 2005's The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Still, the fantasy adventure was enough to knock Iron Man down a peg after two weeks in the number one spot. Here's the top five:

1. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: $55 million
2. Iron Man: $31.8 million
3. What Happens in Vegas: $13.8 million
4. Speed Racer: $8.1 million
5. Made of Honor: $4.7 million

Just one movie coming out this week, people, but it's going to be a doozy.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
What's It All About: Indiana who? I kid, I kid. Nearly twenty years after the last installment in the series, Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas join forces once again to regale the world with an adventure from the character who may damn well be the ass-kickingest action hero to ever grace the silver screen. Karen Allen also returns as Marion Ravenwood, a character we haven't seen since 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Indy's young sidekick is played by Shia LaBeouf.
Why It Might Do Well: The film scored 79% at Rottentomatoes.com, Cinematical's own Scott Weinberg gave the film his seal of approval, and this is Indiana Freakin' Jones, people! I don't know about you, but last weekend's Indiana Jones marathon on the Sci-Fi Channel got me pumped and I am DYING to see this one.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The Connecticut Cadre of Kate Capshaw Kibitzers are threatening to boycott the film because Ms. Capshaw will not be reprising her role from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but aside from them I think everyone's going.
Number of Theaters: 3,900
Prediction: $105 million

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]]>CinemaCinematicalIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal SkullIndiana Jones and the Temple of DoomIndianaJonesAndTheKingdomOfTheCrystalSkullIndianaJonesAndTheTempleOfDoomMoviesRaiders of the Lost ArkRaidersOfTheLostArkMatt BradshawWed, 21 May 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: Prince Caspian Arriveshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/14/box-office-prince-caspian-arrives/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/14/box-office-prince-caspian-arrives/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/14/box-office-prince-caspian-arrives/#commentsFiled under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office, Family Films, Box Office Predictions

Yes, I imagine right about now the folks at Marvel Productions are sporting grins wide enough to swallow their own ears. Iron Man held the number one spot for two weeks in a row, taking in $177 million since its release last week, making it the top grossing film of 2008 so far. The superhero blockbuster pulled in more than last week's two new releases combined, with Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz's comedy What Happens in Vegas edging out the Wachowskis more family-friendly adaptation of Speed Racer. Here's the final tally.

1. Iron Man: $51.1 million
2. What Happens in Vegas: $20.1 million
3. Speed Racer: $18.5 million
4. Made of Honor: $8.1 million
5. Baby Mama: $6.2 million

Just one solitary new release for this week. Will it be enough to dethrone Marvel's golden avenger?

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
What's It All About: A year has passed since the events of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but when the Pevensie siblings return to the world of Narnia, they find that 1,300 years have gone by and the land is under the tyrannical rule of King Miraz, though young Prince Caspian is the rightful heir to the throne.
Why It Might Do Well: Being the sequel to a successful flick ($65 million opening weekend with a total of $744 million worldwide) and the only major release hitting U.S. theaters this week, things are looking good for the Narnian economy. And the 88% fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com can't hurt.
Why It Might Not Do Well: I suppose if another Grand Theft Auto game should suddenly come out...
Number of Theaters: 3,800
Prediction: $65 million

Continue reading Box Office: Prince Caspian Arrives

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]]>CinemaCinematicalMoviesThe Chronicles of Narnia Prince CaspianTheChroniclesOfNarniaPrinceCaspianMatt BradshawWed, 14 May 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: Go, Speed Racer, Gohttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/box-office-go-speed-racer-go/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/box-office-go-speed-racer-go/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/07/box-office-go-speed-racer-go/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

I knew I was being a little conservative on my $62 million prediction for Iron Man, but HOLY JEEZ! The comic book adaptation had the tenth highest opening weekend in history, and the second biggest for a non-sequel. In addition to the $98.6 million Marvel's armored avenger made domestically, he also pulled in $96.8 million overseas, putting the $140 million budgeted film comfortably into the black. Last week's other newbie Made of Honor took second with a comparatively reserved but still respectable $14.7 million. Here's the rundown:

1. Iron Man: $98.6 million
2. Made of Honor: $14.7 million
3. Baby Mama: $10 million
4. Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay: $6.1 million
5. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: $6 million

Again, just two new ones this week:

Speed Racer
What's It All About: Andy and Larry Wachowski, the team behind the Matrix trilogy, adapt the classic 60's anime Speed Racer using a visual style reminiscent of Japanese animation melded with a modern video game aesthetic.
Why It Might Do Well: The trailer was amazing, and Cinematical's own James Rocchi describes the film as "a blast of pure pop family fun" in his review, which you can read right here.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The 40% rating on Rottentomatoes.com suggests this one may have trouble knocking Iron Man out of first place.
Number of Theaters: 3,600
Prediction: $43 million

Continue reading Box Office: Go, Speed Racer, Go

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]]>CinemaCinematicalMoviesSpeed RacerSpeedRacerWhat Happens In VegasWhatHappensInVegasMatt BradshawWed, 07 May 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: At last... Iron Man!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/30/box-office-at-last-iron-man/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/30/box-office-at-last-iron-man/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/30/box-office-at-last-iron-man/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Box Office Predictions

The trend of successful pregnancy comedies led by Knocked Up and Juno continued as Baby Mama took top honors. Harold and Kumar took second but still managed to pull in almost $3million over its $12 million budget. Last week's other new release, Deception, fell way behind the pack and took in only $2.3 million to finish in tenth place. Here are the final numbers:

1. Baby Mama: $17.4 million
2. Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay: $14.9 million
3. The Forbidden Kingdom: $11.2 million
4. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: $11 million
5. Nim's Island: $4.5 million

Only two new releases this week, but one of them is a doozy.

Iron Man
What's It All About: At this point I doubt this film needs any introduction, but here goes. Based on the long running Marvel comic, Iron Man stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a wealthy arms manufacturer (because an impoverished arms manufacturer would just be silly). When Stark is captured and forced to build a dangerous weapon, he instead makes a high tech suit of armor and uses it to escape. He further refines the suit and uses it to stop a conspiracy that threatens the world.
Why It Might Do Well: Well, we're talking one of the widest releases we've seen in awhile, a 90% fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com, and some kickass trailers and clips that have been generating a lot of buzz. Also, we've got a lead actor with some serious star power, and a supporting cast that includes Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. Obviously this is next week's number one flick, the question is just how much will it rake in?
Why It Might Not Do Well: If every single person involved with this film went on network television tomorrow and shot a puppy, people would still flock to this one.
Number of Theaters: 3,800
Prediction: $62 million

Made of Honor
What's It All About: When Tom's (Patrick Dempsey) best friend Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) leaves for a six week business trip he sees how empty his life is without her. He resolves to propose when she returns, but Hannah surprises Tom with the announcement of her engagement to someone else, and a request that he be her "maid" of honor.
Why It Might Do Well: This romantic comedy is different enough from Iron Man to snap up the remainder of the audience that's not into the super hero stuff.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The fact that this is the only other film being released the same weekend as what will probably be one of the biggest movies of the year seems to indicate a film the studio has little faith in.
Number of Theaters: 2,700
Prediction: $14 million

This seems like the most straightforward prediction we've had in a long while, which is a sure fire sign we're heading into the Summer blockbuster season. Here's how I see things working out:
1. Iron Man
2. Made of Honor
3. Baby Mama
4. Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay
5. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Still no perfect scores this week, but our group average is up over last week. Here's how everyone did in our weekly box office prediction competition.
1. Ray: 13
1. Mario: 13
1. Brent Todd: 13
1. kevin: 13
2. Erin: 11
3. Matt: 9
3. matt: 9
3. AJ Wiley: 9
3. Chris: 9
4. cubitfox: 8
4. zach: 8
4. Mike: 6
4. Sam: 6
4. plinstrot: 6
5. Matthew: 4
5. I Eat Robots: 4
5. DarkAgair: 4
5. Aaron: 4
5. Awesomepants: 4
5. Prateek S: 4

Will the latest feature film from Marvel rule with an iron fist? Yeah, probably, but what about the rest of the top five? Join in on the fun. Post your predictions for the top five movies in the comments section below before 5:00PM Eastern Time on Friday. One point for every top five movie correctly named, two points for every correct placement, and one extra point for the top movie.

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]]>CinemaCinematicalIron ManIronManMade of HonorMadeOfHonorMoviesRobert Downey Jr.RobertDowneyJr.Matt BradshawWed, 30 Apr 2008 15:31:00 ESTBox Office: Deception at Guantanamo Bayhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/23/box-office-deception-at-guantanamo-bay/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/23/box-office-deception-at-guantanamo-bay/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/23/box-office-deception-at-guantanamo-bay/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Thrillers, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

Everyone who took part in last week's competition, myself included, failed to foresee The Forbidden Kingdom outdoing Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but the martial arts actioner was the clear winner. Prom Night held on to third place, content in the knowledge that it had already earned back its $20 million budget last week. Here's the rundown:

1. The Forbidden Kingdom: $20.9 million
2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: $17.3 million
3. Prom Night: $9.1 million
4. 88 Minutes: $6.8 million
5. Nim's Island: $5.7 million

Opening this week, we have:

Baby Mama

What's It All About: Tina Fey plays an executive dying to be a mother, and when she finds out she's unable to conceive, she must turn to a flaky but fertile Amy Poehler
Why It Might Do Well: Fey is awesome on 30 Rock, and though I usually get flack for saying this, I thought the Fey/Poehler Weekend Update team on SNL was one of the best in the show's history. And with a supporting cast that includes Sigourney Weaver, Steve Martin and Maura Tierney, I am so there. The 88% fresh rating from Rottentomatoes.com is icing on the cake.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The poster is so darn zany I could just puke.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $18 million

Continue reading Box Office: Deception at Guantanamo Bay

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]]>amy poehlerAmyPoehlerBaby MamaBabyMamaCinemaCinematicalDeceptionEwan McGregorEwanMcgregorHarold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo BayHaroldAndKumarEscapeFromGuantanamoBayHugh JackmanHughJackmanMoviesNeil Patrick HarrisNeilPatrickHarrisTina FeyTinaFeyMatt BradshawWed, 23 Apr 2008 16:02:00 ESTBox Office: Forgetting the Forbiddenhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/16/box-office-forgetting-the-forbidden/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/16/box-office-forgetting-the-forbidden/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/16/box-office-forgetting-the-forbidden/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Drama, Thrillers, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

It was a tough race to call, but looking back and realizing that if I had just swapped Prom Night and Street Kings I would have had a perfect prediction, all I can say is "D'oh!" The slasher reimagining took the lead by quite a margin, with the Keanu Reeves cop drama taking the silver. Say what you will about PG-13 horror and/or horror remakes, but Prom Night made back its $20 million budget in a single weekend, so we can probably expect more of the same. Smart People, last week's third new release, came in seventh. Here's the top five:

1. Prom Night: $20.8 million
2. Street Kings: $12.4 million
3. 21: $10.4 million
4. Nim's Island: $9.1 million
5. Leatherheads: $6.2 million

What's new for this week? Glad you asked:

88 Minutes
What's It All About: Al Pacino plays a university professor and an expert in forensic psychiatry, and he's just been informed via an anonymous phone call that he has only 88 minutes left to live. Kind of a cross between DOA and 24.
Why It Might Do Well: Pacino is still the man ...
Why It Might Not Do Well: ...however, his star power may not carry much weight with younger ticket buyers, and a 22% rating from Rottentomatoes.com does not bode well. Also, of this week's new flicks, this one is hitting the smallest number of theaters.
Number of Theaters: 2,000
Prediction: $9 million

Continue reading Box Office: Forgetting the Forbidden

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]]>88 Minutes88MinutesCinemaCinematicalForgetting Sarah MarshallForgettingSarahMarshallMoviesThe Forbidden KingdomTheForbiddenKingdomMatt BradshawWed, 16 Apr 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: Smart Prom Kinghttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/09/box-office-smart-prom-king/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/09/box-office-smart-prom-king/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/09/box-office-smart-prom-king/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

21 held a winning hand for two weeks in a row, taking the number one spot for the second time and Nim's Island led last week's new releases by taking second. Here's how the weekend went:

1. 21: $15.3 million
2. Nim's Island: $13.2 million
3. Leatherheads: $12.6 million
4. Horton Hears A Who: $9.1 million
5. The Ruins: $8 million

Here are this week's newbies:

Prom Night
What's It All About: Loosely based on the 1980 film of the same name which starred Jamie Lee Curtis. In this new version, a young woman named Donna and her friends are stalked by an obsessed killer on, you guessed it, prom night.
Why It Might Do Well: The trailer shows a bunch of teenage characters consistent with what you see on the CW Network, so if that's your bag you may enjoy this.
Why It Might Not Do Well: A PG-13 slasher film? That's like washing your feet without taking off your socks.
Number of Theaters: 2,400
Prediction: $11 million

Continue reading Box Office: Smart Prom King

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]]>CinemaCinematicalMoviesProm NightPromNightSmart PeopleSmartPeopleStreet KingsStreetKingsMatt BradshawWed, 09 Apr 2008 16:02:00 ESTBox Office: Nim's Leathery Ruinshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/02/box-office-nims-leathery-ruins/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/02/box-office-nims-leathery-ruins/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/02/box-office-nims-leathery-ruins/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office, Family Films, Box Office Predictions

I had predicted Horton Hears a Who would hold onto the number one spot for another week, but that honor went to the blackjack drama 21, and as much bad word of mouth spoof movies get Superhero Movie still managed to take third. Here are the weekend totals:

1. 21: $24.1 million

2. Horton Hears a Who: $17.7 million

3. Superhero Movie: $9.5 million

4. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns: $7.4 million

5. Drillbit Taylor: $5.7 million

This weekend will see three new major releases representing the romantic comedy, family, and horror genres.

Leatherheads
What's It All About: George Clooney stars in and directs this romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the rise of professional football in the 1920s.
Why It Might Do Well: Well, it's directed by Clooney, and despite the fact that every time his name comes up I feel obliged to make a crack about Batman and Robin (those wounds have yet to fully heal), his last directorial effort was the excellent Good Night and Good Luck. That film had a $7 million budget and pulled in $54.6 million worldwide.
Why It Might Not Do Well: This one should do well enough, but based on the number of theaters, I don't see this one hitting number one.
Number of Theaters: 2,700
Prediction: $19 million

Continue reading Box Office: Nim's Leathery Ruins

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]]>CinemaCinematicalLeatherheadsMoviesNim's IslandNim'sIslandThe RuinsTheRuinsMatt BradshawWed, 02 Apr 2008 18:15:00 ESTBox Office: 21 Fatboys and a Superherohttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/26/box-office-21-fatboys-and-a-superhero/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/26/box-office-21-fatboys-and-a-superhero/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/26/box-office-21-fatboys-and-a-superhero/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Thrillers, Box Office, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Box Office Predictions, War

The Seuss-abration continued as Horton Hears a Who held onto number one for the second consecutive week. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns took second, but held the highest per screen average of the top five films ($10,011). The caveman spectacle 10,000 B.C. took fifth, clinging to the top five for the third week in a row. Here are the totals:

1. Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who: $24.5 million
2. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns: $20 million
3. Shutter: $10.4 million
4. Drillbit Taylor: $10.3 million
5. 10,000 B.C.: $8.9 million

Four new flicks going into wide release, with the movies being divided equally between comedy and drama.

21
What's It All About: A young man in dire need of money to pay for his education at M.I.T. takes part in a well-organized card counting ring with a fool-proof method for winning at blackjack. Based on a true story.
Why It Might Do Well: The combined cool factor of having Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne in the same movie may make some people curious.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Rottentomatoes.com is giving this one a lackluster 54%, and personally watching people play cards bores me to tears.
Number of Theaters: 2,500
Prediction: $17 million

Continue reading Box Office: 21 Fatboys and a Superhero

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]]>21CinemaCinematicalMoviesRun Fatboy RunRunFatboyRunStop-LossSuperhero MovieSuperheroMovieMatt BradshawWed, 26 Mar 2008 18:02:00 ESTBox Office: Shutter at the Thoughthttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/19/box-office-shutter-at-the-thought/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/19/box-office-shutter-at-the-thought/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/19/box-office-shutter-at-the-thought/#commentsFiled under: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Box Office, Best/Worst, Box Office Predictions

The ability to sustain a sense of Seuss in a CGI scenario (I can't rhyme like the good doctor, but I can alliterate with the best of them) worked in the favor of Horton Hears a Who, last week's number one flick by a country mile, giving it the biggest opening weekend of 2008 so far. Like many of the folks taking part in our weekly box office competition (see the bottom of this post for details) I underestimated the tale of teen angst and kickboxing that is Never Back Down while overestimating the drawing power of the apocalypse with Doomsday, which finished seventh for the week with a mere $4.9 million. 10,000 B.C. dropped only as far as second place for its second week, though its total so far of $61.5 million has a ways to go before exceeding the film's $105 million budget. Here are the numbers for last weekend:

1. Horton Hears a Who: $45 million
2. 10,000 B.C.: $16.7 million
3. Never Back Down: $8.6 million
4. College Road Trip: $7.8 million
5. Vantage Point: $5.5 million

If you're determined to see something new this week, you have your choice of laughs, screams, and family drama. Here are this week's newbies:

Drillbit Taylor
What's It All About: A comedy in which a group of high school nerds search the ads in Soldier of Fortune magazine for a body guard to protect them from the school bully. They hire a homeless guy named Drillbit Taylor (it never pays to go with the lowest bidder) played by Owen Wilson.
Why It Might Do Well: Wilson, of course, has many comedic credits to his name, including Wedding Crashers which pulled in $209 million domestically. Also, Seth Rogen seems to have the midas touch and he co-wrote the screenplay.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Based on the TV spots I keep seeing, people who aren't comfortable with nerd on nerd violence may stay away.
Number of Theaters: 2,700
Prediction: $12 million

Continue reading Box Office: Shutter at the Thought

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]]>CinemaCinematicalDrillbit TaylorDrillbitTaylorMoviesOwen WilsonOwenWilsonShutterTyler Perry's Meet the BrownsTylerPerry'sMeetTheBrownsMatt BradshawWed, 19 Mar 2008 19:02:00 ESTBox Office: Horton Hears the Approach of Doomsdayhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/12/box-office-horton-hears-the-approach-of-doomsday/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/12/box-office-horton-hears-the-approach-of-doomsday/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/12/box-office-horton-hears-the-approach-of-doomsday/#commentsFiled under: Action, Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Box Office, Family Films, Box Office Predictions

Despite a putrescent score of 7% over at Rottentomatoes.com, Roland Emmerich's 10,000 B.C. took the saber tooth tiger by the tail and raked in some respectable cash, pulling in more than twice as much as its closest competitor. Last week's two other big releases, College Road Trip and The Bank Job, took second and fourth place respectively. Vantage Point enjoyed its third week in the top five, with sales already exceeding the film's $40 million budget by more than $10 million. Here are last weekend's totals:

1. 10,000 B.C.: $35.7 million.
2. College Road Trip: $14 million.
3. Vantage Point: $7.5 million.
4. The Bank Job: $5.7 million.
5. Semi-Pro: $5.8 million.

Last week's prehistoric adventure is counter-balanced by a post apocalyptic (sort of) romp, a classic children's book brought to the big screen, and teens kicking the living crap out of each other.

Doomsday
What's It All About: In the wake of a devastating plague, an entire country is walled off to prevent the disease from spreading. Thirty years later when the plague resurfaces, a military team is dispatched into the now barbaric quarantine zone in search of a cure.
Why It Might Do Well: Director Neil Marshall has The Descent and Dog Soldiers to his credit, two very cool flicks that have me curious about his latest.
Why It Might Not Do Well: The unimpressive trailer indicates a hodge podge collection of influences including The Road Warrior, Escape From New York and Underworld.
Number of Theaters: 1,800
Prediction: $9.5 million

Continue reading Box Office: Horton Hears the Approach of Doomsday

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]]>CinemaCinematicalDoomsdayHorton Hears a WhoHortonHearsAWhoMoviesNever Back DownNeverBackDownMatt BradshawWed, 12 Mar 2008 20:32:00 ESTBox Office: Mammoths - the Wooly Kindhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/05/box-office-mammoths-the-wooly-kind/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/05/box-office-mammoths-the-wooly-kind/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/05/box-office-mammoths-the-wooly-kind/#commentsFiled under: Action, Comedy, Drama, Box Office, Box Office Predictions

Will Ferrell's 70s basketball comedy came in first for the weekend, but pulled in a lot less loot than most people had expected. The Other Boleyn Girl's modest success pushed the flick to fourth place, with the rest of the top five filling out with holdovers from previous weeks. Last week's other new release, Penelope, took in only $3.8 million which earned it the ninth place spot. Here's the rundown:

1. Semi Pro: $15 million
2. Vantage Point: $12.8 million
3. The Spiderwick Chronicles: $8.7 million
4. The Other Boleyn Girl: $8.2 million
5. Jumper: $7.5 million

More after the jump ...

Continue reading Box Office: Mammoths - the Wooly Kind

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]]>10,000 B.C.10,000B.c.CinemaCinematicalCollege Road TripCollegeRoadTripMoviesThe Bank JobTheBankJobMatt BradshawWed, 05 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EST