Box Office Predictions 10/9/09

Only one movie opens wide this week despite it being a holiday weekend. Columbus Day does not traditionally bring out huge audiences to theaters but it is still out of the ordinary to see just one film come out over any weekend let alone an extended one. There will be some screens picked up by Paranormal Activity but that remains in very limited release.

Couples Retreat has been getting a strong marketing push based primarily around the well liked ensemble cast. Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman, and Kristen Davis star in the movie which was co-written by Vaughn and Favreau. The plot revolves around the couples and their trip to an island resort where they are required to take part in couples counseling.

Reviews have been absolutely brutal as it currently sits at only 6% on RottenTomatoes. The commercials and trailers haven’t been particularly funny either. However a comedy in this mold, that could be appealing as a date movie to both males and females, has been lacking. The big names should be able to draw people especially with the lack of competition. Zombieland provides some but it isn’t the traditional comedy. One other thing to consider is the MLB Playoffs are now underway which could keep some people home. Look for Couples Retreat to come in slightly below industry expectations which are in the mid-20s.

A review of Couples Retreat will be posted late Friday or on Saturday.

Opening Predictions
Couples Retreat: 21 million