Though some interns are still unaccounted for, we’ve finally recovered from our one-year anniversary bash. In case you missed anything, catch up on all the essays and special items here. Now that we’ve located our home computers (turns out they were buried under what remains of the Green Zone pinata), we are back in business.
Our predicted box-office and revenue rankings:
1. Contagion ($25 million) – Outside of a precious few, almost every other film out this weekend is either tanking or disappointing. That gives “Contagion” a solid chance on its 3100+ screens to overcome actor Matt Damon’s recent box office troubles and take the top spot. Let’s be clear though, if “Warrior” was on as many screens it would win the weekend.
2. The Help ($10.7 million) – Oscar buzz? Don’t bet on it. This film isn’t close to enough Academy voters’ personal politics to generate serious interest. “The Help” will, however, pull out another impressive weekend.
3. Warrior ($10.2 million) – Thanks to solid reviews using the word “Rocky” and audience interest in actor Tom Hardy, look for this one to soar over expectations. We predict this will surprise Hollywood much like “Soul Surfer” did earlier this year. Additional screens would’ve allowed “Warrior” to do a lot more damage.
4. The Debt ($5.5 million) – Needs to find a solid marketplace footing. Currently the film is prospering due to a lack of interest in the other films surrounding it. That will not be the case this week as “Warrior” and “Contagion” will dominate audience interest.
5. Colombiana ($4.2 million) – The good news is that this actioner’s box office will leave the dreaded “Machete” in the dust. The bad news? “Columbiana” still has to fight off “Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes” to stay alive in the top five.
The weekend’s other new releases, “Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star” and “Creature,” will open outside the top five.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.