We all saw it coming
There are certain signs that fall has arrived: leaves changing colors, weather turning cooler. Add to that list a Saw movie topping the box office. Saw IV rang up $31.8 million in its opening weekend, marking the third straight year a film from the franchise has topped the charts. The original Saw lost out to another horror film, The Grudge, on Halloween weekend 2004.
The up side
Bella, the little movie that has caught the attention of some big fans (including your governor), claimed an impressive $1.3 million in its debut in just 165 theaters. The winner of the 2005 Audience Award at the Toronto Film Festival has struck a chord with its pro-life message and stands a good chance at finding a wider audience with its solid opening.
Bomb Squad
It’s not uncommon for prestige movies with high hopes to open very small in an attempt to generate a little buzz. But what happens when no one comes to even the handful of theaters showing it? That’s the question that Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains must answer after earning just $1,487 per theater in seven theaters. The documentary, directed by Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme, earned praise at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, but so far it doesn’t seem to be putting it to much use.
Swami Sez
Swami is perpetually $3 million over.
Prediction: Saw IV easily slices through the competition with $34 million.
Result: Correct on the place, but $3 mil short.
Prediction: Dan in Real Life pulls in a respectable $14 million in second place.
Result: Ditto
Who’s on top?
With two huge movies out this weekend (American Gangster, Bee Movie), perhaps the box office will break its six-week lull. But which will take the title?
Prediction: Bee Movie rides its PG rating and extra 500 screens to at $42 million weekend and a victory over American Gangster.
Dynamic duo
So where does that leave American Gangster? With Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington starring, it too should be richly rewarded this weekend, right?
Prediction: Gangster seizes the second spot with $29 million.
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Comments
Posted by Kip Mooney @ 11:53 AM Wed, Oct 31, 2007
I think this could be one of those huge November weekends (and a kick-off to the holiday movie season), where the top few flicks pull in some hefty change.
And btw, Rick Perry is so NOT my governor. But that's for another time...