Two dark films are looking for box office gold this weekend, but only one of them can claim the top spot. Which will it be? Here are our predictions:
Gone Girl is the adaptation of the bestselling Gillian Flynn book of the same, staring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as a married couple that goes terribly wrong, and directed by David Fincher, in my mind one of the greatest filmmakers of the past 25 years. With all the talent attached this, and absolutely huge buzz from both moviegoers and literary fans (yes, of course you can be both, don’t get all huffy on me), Gone Girl should be a lock for the top spot. Look for a first place debut with $35 million.
Also debuting this weekend to kick off the Halloween season is Annabelle, a prequel to last years hit horror film, The Conjuring. A doll is front and centre in this one, and I’m doubtful that it really has a huge appeal this time. However, people love their scares at this time of year and will likely take what’s offered them. Look for a second place debut with $25 million.
As for the rest of the top five, The Equalizer will fall to number three with $20 million. The Boxtrolls should hit fourth place with $10 million, while The Maze Runner will close things out in fifth with $9 million.
One movie that you won’t see in the top five is Left Behind, a reboot of the evangelical retelling of the Rapture staring Nicholas Cage. While faith based movies have certainly done well this past year, Cage currently lacks the clout to bring in a significant audience. It pains me to say this, as I love the concept of the film. I truly enjoy Nicholas Cage when he’s playing bats hit crazy, which unfortunately this film doesn’t allow for. I suppose I’ll just go back and watch The Wicker Man again.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Gone Girl – $35 million
2) Annabelle – $25 million
3) The Equalizer – $20 million
4) The Boxtrolls – $10 million
5) The Maze Runner – $9 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
Can’t wait for Gone Girl, but I think Maze Runner will do better then Boxtrolls