It’s going to be a very interesting weekend at the box office, that’s for sure. We’ve got two new releases looking to make a big noise, while last week’s champ will hope to hold onto the top spot. Of that, I have little doubt. So the question is – just how well will Wrath of the Titans and Mirror Mirror fare going against The Hunger Games. Here are our predictions:
Wrath of the Titans is the sequel to the much maligned but financially succesful 2010 film Clash of the Titans (itself a remake of the early 80’s geek favourite). One of the reasons Clash of the Titans was a letdown for so many was the fact that though it was in 3D, it was actually converted post-production. By all accounts it showed, and has been used since as an example of why converting films to 3D is not well-regarded in the industry. On the plus side, Wrath of the Titans has been shot in 3D and looks spectacular in the 3D trailers I’ve seen. Any other weekend I’d say you’d have a number one film here. But, as you know, this is no average weekend – this is the second weekend that The Hunger Games is in theatres. That means Wrath of the Titans is going to have to settle for second place. I’m predicting a $45 million gross for the weekend.
Mirror Mirror is the first of two films based on Snow White that is opening this year (Snow White and the Huntsman being the other). Of the two, it’s this first offering that has the least amount of hype. To be honest, I haven’t seen one single ad for this film, even though it stars Julia Roberts as the Queen and is directed by Tarsem Singh, who has an amazing visual sense. I don’t think that’s going to matter, though. Mirror Mirror may play to families (unlike it’s themed rival, which appears quite dark), but I think it’s going to be an underwhelming debut at the box office for the film. Look for a third place debut with $23 million.
Which brings us to the rest of the top five. There’s no question that after it’s stellar opening of $152 million last weekend (the third largest opening weekend in history), The Hunger Games is poised to hold onto the top spot once again. And while there will be a significant drop-off (how can there not be?), I think the film is going to hold up reasonably well week to week. I’m predicting The Hunger Games will bring in $73 million in it’s second week.
Meanwhile, 21 Jump Street will continue its solid run by bringing in $12 million for fourth place while Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax should close things out in fifth with $5 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) The Hunger Games – $73 million
2) Wrath of the Titans – $45 million
3) Mirror Mirror – $23 million
4) 21 Jump Street – $12 million
5) Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax – $5 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
My older grandsons want me to take them to see Wrath of the Titans, while my granddaughters want me to take them to see Mirror Mirror. So I’m taking them all to the movies and while they’re watching their shows, I’ll be seeing the Hunger games. I’ve seen the previews for the Huntsman, it looks good.