Three new films hit theatres this weekend – a romance, a thriller, a family adventure – alongside a 3D rerelease of a not-so-classic. Which of the four will the force be strong with? Here are our predictions:
Gentleman, we’re just days away from Valentine’s, which means your significant other likely has your movie plans locked up with The Vow, staring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams as couple whose life is shattered after a car accident leaves the wife without her memories. Consider this a not funny 50 First Dates, but one that actually screams date night. The film should do big business this weekend. Look for The Vow to hit number one with $34 million.
It may not be a romance, but Safe House does have the draw of both Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington, in this thriller about a rogue CIA agent. The trailers for the film have been solid, and even though Reynolds’ drawing power is low after the failure of Green Lantern and The Change-Up, it’s rare that Denzel Washington ever dissapoints. Look for a second place showing for Safe House and a gross of $30 million.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the follow-up to the 2008 film Journey To The Centre of The Earth. This time out, the hero is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, stepping into the shoes formerly filled by Brendan Frasier. The buzz on this film is particular tepid, and even though The Rock is well-regarded by critics and fans alike, I don’t think he’s going to be enough to bring in audiences to this particular film. Look for a fourth place showing and a $16 gross for Journey 2.
The final new release this weekend is Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 3D. Safe to say, this is probably the least loved film in the entire Star Wars franchise, but that won’t stop legions of fans from checking out the souped up version (including me), especially for the pod race sequence. There should be enough die hards out there to send the film to the third spot with $21 million.
As for the rest of the top five, look for last week’s number one, Chronicle, to close things out with $13 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) The Vow – $34 million
2) Safe House – $30 million
3) Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 3D – $21 million
4) Journey 2: The Mysterious Island – $16 million
5) Chronicle – $13 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out.
