It’s going to be a big battle at the box office this weekend, as three diverse new releases are looking to make an impact. Which will be number one? Here’s our prediction:
The LEGO Batman Movie stars Will Arnett as the voice of the Caped Crusader, a part he played to outstanding effect in The LEGO Movie back in 2014. This standalone film is absolutely outstanding (the Princess and I battled a cough and migraine respectively and took in an early evening Thursday screening), and is arguably the best film featuring Batman since The Dark Knight. The characterization is spot on and, though done with tongue somewhat in cheek, captures both the heart and the darkness that makes the character so iconic. For longtime fans, there are also some hidden and some not-so-hidden easter eggs that will definitely make you laugh out loud. The film should appeal to older and younger audiences alike, and will no doubt be the pick for families heading out to theatres this weekend. Look for The LEGO Batman Movie to debut in first place with $75 million.
Also out this weekend is Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to the critically lambasted but commercially successful Fifty Shade of Grey. There’s certainly an audience for the series, and the film’s pre-Valentine’s Day opening is smart marketing, but considering how poorly regarded the original 2015 film was, the movie wont deliver the $80 + opening the first one did. Look for a second place showing with $43 million.
The third and final new release for the weekend is John Wick: Chapter 2, starring Keanu Reeves in the sequel to the 2014 original that did well at the box office, but which has taken on a new life via Netflix and home video. Reviews have been glowing for this second instalment, which should exceed by far the original film’s opening weekend take of $14 million. Look for John Wick: Chapter 2 to debut in third place with $26 million.
As for the rest of the top five, Split will drop to fourth place with $9 million, while Hidden Figures will close things out in fifth with $8.5 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) The LEGO Batman Movie – $75 million
2) Fifty Shades Darker – $43 million
3) John Wick: Chapter 2 – $26 million
4) Split – $9 million
5) Hidden Figures – $8.5 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
