Some people love Adam Sandler, others not so much. You can count me firmly in that camp. So I ask you, what could be worse than an Adam Sandler film? The answer, my friend, is simple:
Adam Sandler in drag.
That’s what we’re getting this weekend, along with Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar and Mickey Rourke as an Immortal. Here’s how I see the weekend playing out.
Let’s get Sandler out of the way. There’s no question that he has a stellar track record at the box office, but I have serious doubts about any film where the lead actor plays his twin sister, which is the selling point of Jack and Jill. It certainly doesn’t seem like a concept for someone many perceive of as an A-list actor. Well, maybe high-B’s. Either way, I don’t think Jack and Jill stands much of a chance to top the box office this weekend, though Sandler fans will still turn out strong, if not in droves. Look for a third place showing with $20 million.
I do expect Immortals, the Tarsem Singh directed film starring Mickey Rourke and future-Superman Henry Cavill to do very well. It has got some serious buzz going for it, with many citing it as the next 300. Tarsem is a stylish director to be sure, and audiences could use a strong action film right now. The fact that it’s being shown in 3D should actually help Immortals at the box office, as will its storyline weaving in Greek mythology. Some pundits are predicting a first place showing for Puss In Boots this weekend, but I’m going out on a bit of a limb here, predicting Immortals will land at number one with $25 million.
The other big release out this weekend is J. Edgar, staring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Clint Eastwood. It tells the story of the man who started the F.B.I. and his rumoured private life as a closeted homosexual. The cast is strong, featuring not only DiCpaprio but Armie Hammer and Naomi Watts, and Eastwood never makes an outright bad film. However, reviews have been mixed and with other, less cerebral films out this weekend, I don’t think we’ll see an overly strong debut for J. Edgar. I’m predicting a fifth place finish with $11 million.
As for the rest of the top five, look for Puss In Boots to have another solid weekend, landing at number two with $23 million, while Tower Heist suffers from the fallout of Brett Ratner’s homophobic comments and Eddie Murphy quitting the Oscars to land at number four with $13 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Immortals – $25 million
2) Puss In Boots – $23 million
3) Jack and Jill – $20 million
4) Tower Heist – $13 million
5) J. Edgar – $11 million
Be sure to check back Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
