Two new releases are looking for a piece of the box office pie, while last week’s big hits are hoping to extend their audiences. Which film will…take…the number one spot? Here are our predictions:
Taken 2 is the sequel to the hugely popular film from 2009 with Liam Neeson as a badass former spy whose daughter is kidnapped. Things are switched up a bit for the sequel, as it’s Neeson ex-wife who is taken this time out, and it’s up to him and his daughter to get her back. Neeson has become an unexpected action hero in the last few years, and Taken has been a significant home video success as well. All this should add up to a strong debut for the film this weekend. Look for Taken 2 to debut in the top spot with $35 million.
Find out what else is in theatres this weekend after the jump!
Frankenweenie is a stop-motion animation film from the mind of Tim Burton, with a concept that originated with the director thirty-odd years ago. Though it looks like a children’s film (with a youngster resurrecting his dead dog a la Frankenstein), this is definitely not a pure kids flick. While Burton fanatics (and there’s a fair amount of them) are completely stoked for Frankenweenie, I’m sceptical how big an audience the film will bring in, even with Disney footing the bill. With Hotel Transylvania coming off a stellar opening weekend, more animated horror might just be too much, too soon for audiences. Look for a third place debut for Frankenweenie with $15 million gross.
As for the rest of the weekend, Hotel Transylvania will drop to second place with $24 million. Looper, critically and commercially well received, should grab fourth spot with $14 million, while the Anna Kendrick starring Pitch Perfect should take fifth with 13.5 million as it moves into wide release.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Taken 2 – $35 million
2) Hotel Transylvania – $24 million
3) Frankenweenie – $15 million
4) Looper – $14 million
5) Pitch Perfect – $13.5 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
