Three high profile new releases are looking to unseat The Lorax from the top of the box office this weekend, but will any of them be able to take the throne? Here are our predictions:
John Carter, known to sci-fi fans around the world better as John Carter of Mars, is an adaptation of the much-beloved series from Edgar Rice Burroughs. The film has been in development for decades, but it’s Disney, director Andrew Stanton and Taylor Kitsch in the lead role who have finally managed to bring the epic to the big screen. Unfortunately, all signs are pointing to a bomb of epic proportion. First of all, the budget is $250 million, which is insane for a sci-fi film based on a character that’s far from a household name, staring an actor that isn’t close to being a megastar (and I liked Kitsch as Gambit in Wolverine). Secondly, reviews have been far from kind to the film, so negative in fact that it could turn potential audiences off. I’m guessing John Carter is going to have to rely on overseas audiences to come close to making a profit. Look for a soft debut in second place with a $25.5 million gross.
Silent House is a remake of 2010 Uruguayan horror film and stars Elizabeth Olsen as a woman trapped in her family’s lakeside home. Olsen has been getting strong notices for her performance and the previews has been certifiably creepy. Put them both together and you should see a solid opening for the film. Look for Silent House to gross $15 million for a third place finish.
The final new release of the weekend is A Thousand Words, staring Eddie Murphy as a Hollywood literary agent forced to communicate to people without words. Honestly, do you know anybody who has an interest in seeing Murphy anymore? Staring in a film directed by a man whose big credit is Norbit should just about sum it up. If I was Murphy, I would do a stand-up tour, film it and put it on HBO, because his film choices continue to be duds. Look for A Thousand Words to debut outside the top five, possibly in sixth or seventh place with $3-$4 million.
As for the rest of the top five, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax should continue its stellar run, holding onto first place with a gross of $40 million. Project X will hit fourth place with $12 million, while Act of Valor will close out the top five with $10 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax – $40 million
2) John Carter – $25.5 million
3) Silent House – $15 million
4) Project X – $12 million
5) Act of Valor – $10 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
Trying not to let all the negative stuff about John Carter put me off from seeing…hopefully tonight!