Can Tom Cruise Return To The Top – Biff Bam Pop’s Box Office Predictions

Can one of the greatest box office draws of all time rebound from a failed attempt at a new franchise? If Xenu has his way, he will. Here’s our prediction.

This weekend sees the release of the new science fiction film Oblivion. On the surface, it has a lot going for it – visionary director Joseph Kosinski, Morgan Freeman and the one and only Tom Cruise. However, it has to be recognized that Cruise’s last film, Jack Reacher, bombed at the box office this past Christmas. Does it mean Cruise isn’t the star he once was? Yes and no. Clearly, everything Tom touches doesn’t turn to gold anymore. However, put him in the right film and audiences will come (witness the last Mission: Impossible). That being said, is Oblivion the right film? The numbers won’t lie, but I’m guessing that nobody will be satisfied with whatever Oblivion delivers. Look for a first place showing with $45 million.

Check out the rest of our predictions after the jump!
As for the rest of the top five, 42 will drop to second place with $20 million. The Croods will hit third place with $10 million, while G.I. Joe: Retaliation will claim the fourth spot with $5.5 million. Look for Scary Movie 5 to close things out with $5 million.

Meanwhile, if you’re wondering where I think The Lords of Salem will debut this weekend, seeing as how it’s only being released on 300 screens at the moment, it will definitely be outside the top 10.

So, to recap, here are our predictions:

1) Oblivion – $45 million
2) 42 – $20 million
3) The Croods – $10 million
4) G.I. Joe: Retaliation – $5.5 million
5) Scary Movie 5 – $5 million

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