The ‘Bucket’ does the kicking
After three weeks at the top of the charts, National Treasure: Book of Secrets was finally taken down by a couple of old guys. The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeeman as terminal cancer patients, won the weekend with $19.3 million in it first week in wide release.
The up side
Plenty of ink has been spilled praising Juno. And here’s some more. The little indie that could earned another $13.6 mil. in week six, pulling it within $1 million of 2004’s Sidways, the top grosser ever for Fox Searchlight. No doubt Juno will hold that distinction at this time next week.
Bomb Squad
In the Name of the King holds the distinction of being 2008’s first true bomb. The adventure tale earned just $3 million in more than 1,600 theaters, good for a 14th place finish. What color ribbons do they hand out for 14th place again?
Swami Sez
At least everyone lined up correctly.
Prediction: The Bucket List wins the weekend with $13 million.
Result: A win yes, plus an extra $6 mil.
Prediction: First Sunday edges out In the Name of the King in a tight battle for the highest finish of the new releases.
Result: If by “edge” you mean “12 places ahead,” then yes.
The path less traveled
This week’s two biggest releases are taking totally different paths in their quest for the top. In one corner, 27 Dresses is banking on Katherine Heigl’s ever-growing stardom to lead to money in the bank. In the other, Cloverfield forgoes star power on screen for star power off it, with Lost creator J.J. Abrams producing. So which strategy will win out?
Prediction: Cloverfield is an easy No. 1 with $38 million.
The bridesmaid again
So where does that leave 27 Dresses? The reviews have been less than kind, but it’s been a while since a big romantic comedy has hit the screen.
Prediction: 27 Dresses finishes second with $18 million.
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