Box Office Predictions 10/16/09
by 
Last weekend Couples Retreat was the only wide release. The movie was disappointing but it was able to pull in 34 million showing the draw of a simple comedy with a well-liked cast. This weekend though brings a wildly unique film along with action and suspense offerings.
Where the Wild Things Are, the adaptation so famous short children’s book, will certainly top the charts this weekend. While this is by no means a traditional kids movie it does have expanded appeal across all demos. The trailers and commercials have been outstanding and reviews have been generally positive. Where the Wild Things Are should open with about 36 million.
Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler headline Law Abiding Citizen. As an R rated action revenge movie it does not have any direct competition and there hasn’t been a movie like it out in quite some time. Reviews have not been good which isn’t all that unexpected but the ads have promised action packed fare which is all the crowd would be looking for. Law Abiding Citizen is directed by F. Gary Gray who has done some entertaining films in the past such as Friday, The Negotiator, A Man Apart, and The Italian Job. Look for it to make about 15 million.
The Stepfather is the remake of the 1986 film and has not been screened to critics which is always a bad sign. Neither the cast nor concept of the movie makes for much of a draw. The Stepfather could finish up with only 5 million.
Paranormal Activity will expand to 760 screens after having just 160 last week and 12 the week before. While that doesn’t qualify as a full wide release it will provide much more opportunity for people to see it. The movie made near 8 million last weekend, a remarkable achievement for so few screens. The buzz remains strong but it is difficult to determine just how that will translate as the supply becomes less constrained. Paranormal Activity could come out of the weekend with about 16 million.
Look for reviews of Law Abiding Citizen and Where the Wild Things Are over the weekend!
Opening Predictions
Where the Wild Things Are: 36 million
Paranormal Activity: 16 million
Law Abiding Citizen: 15 million
The Stepfather: 5 million