Liam Neeson vs Sam Worthington vs…Katherine Heigl – Biff Bam Pop’s Box Office Predictions, Weekend of January 27th, 2012

Liam Neeson returns in another action flick, Sam Worthington tries to prove his innocence and Katherine Heigl goes brunette – it’s an interesting grouping of new film at the box office this weekend, and I’m fairly certain one of them will unseat last week’s champ from the top spot. Here are our predictions:

Is there a more unlikely hero than Liam Neeson? Sure, he was once a jedi master, but I don’t anyone expected Taken and Unknown to make him a bankable action star. But that’s the case, which should guarantee The Grey, his latest film where it’s Liam against a pack of ravenous wolves a solid showing as it debuts this weekend. I’m predicting a first place showing and $20 million gross.

Is Sam Worthington a box office draw? He didn’t bring in audiences with Terminator: Salvation and Avatar was a hit because of James Cameron, but they did flock to see the critically panned Clash of the Titans in 3D. Now comes Man On A Ledge, where he plays…a man on a ledge. There’s more to it than that, of course, as his character tries to prove his innocence after being convicted of a crime he swears he didn’t commit. Adds for Man On A Ledge have been all over the place and the concept is interesting, so I’m predicting a third place finish with $13 million.

The final wide release film is One For The Money, based on the book by Janet Evanovich and staring Katherine Heigl as a bail enforcement agent. After the success of Knocked Up and 27 Dresses, Heigl fumbled through a few lacklustre films. She’s now desperate for a hit, but I don’t think this will be it. Look for a fifth place finish with $8 million, with a return to Grey’s Anatomy to follow.

As for the rest of the top five, Underworld: Awakening has held onto the top spot throughout the week, but should drop to number 2, bringing in $14.5 million, while Red Tails should drop to number four but bring in a healthy $12.5 million.

So, to recap, here are our predictions:

1) The Grey – $20.5 million
2) Underworld: Awakening – 14.5 million
3) Man On A Ledge – $13 million
4) Red Tails – $12.5 million
5) One For The Money – $8 million 

Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out.