Author Archives: Andy Burns
‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ looking to knock off the competition
Two new movies are looking for an audience this weekend, but with summer coming to a close, will either of them make waves at the box office? Here’s our prediction:
The Hitman’s Bodyguard is an action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson. The trailers have been entertaining but, while both actors are well known and popular, neither one of them are capable of opening movies to large numbers (Reynolds as Deadpool is the obvious exception). Review have been unkind to The Hitman’s Bodyguard as well, so while we’re predicting a first place debut for the film, it will be with a less than stellar $16 million.
‘Annabelle: Creation’ overperforms, tops the box office
On Friday I mentioned that it was the dog days of summer at the box office, but someone forgot to tell audiences that, as the week’s biggest new release had a solid debut. Here’s what went down:
With a combination of strong reviews and its place as the first horror film in theatres in a while, Annabelle: Creation had an outstanding debut at the box office, bringing in an estimated $35 million. Though it will likely drop off in its second weekend as most horror films do, Annabelle: Creation has already more than doubled its production budget of $15 million, so the studio is definitely celebrating. How long until a third film is announced?
‘Annabelle: Creation’ looks to scare up the top spot at the box office
As always around this time, I start referring to the dog days of summer at the box office, which is exactly what we’re going to start experiencing this weekend, with only one film expected to make an impact. Here’s our prediction:
Annabelle: Creation is the second in the spin-off series from The Conjuring. The previous instalment in the doll-centric film was released back in 2014, and ended its run with $84 million. Seeing as how the summer has been pretty much dry when it comes to horror films, it’s likely audiences will turn out for Annabelle: Creation (the positive reviews so far will certainly help as well). Look for a first place debut with $32 million.
‘The Dark Tower’ debuts on top with a familiar number for fans
It was a lacklustre weekend at the box office, with the highest profile debut performing below even the many low expectations. Here’s what went down:
Stephen King’s The Dark Tower debut in first place at the box office with a disappointing $19.6 million (though with the number 19 significant in the novels, maybe this isn’t so bad?). Prior to reviews, estimates were that the film, which Sony hoped would be the debut of a new franchise, would hit in the mid-20’s, but the crushing reviews and fan backlash wound up giving The Dark Tower an underwhelming opening. The fact that neither of its stars can actually open a film didn’t help either. There’s just nothing good about that number, no spin that anyone can really use. The likelihood of the movie getting a cinematic sequel is virtually nil, unless it manages to perform well overseas. There is hope with the announced prequel television series, though, as many believe that tv was where this series should have been in the first place
I had really debated about not writing anything personal about The Dark Tower. I’m so close to it, as a fan, and there’s part of me that figured that if I liked it, I’d be writing to defend what showed up on screen. However, the truth is, I did like the movie. Very much, even with all of its obvious flaws. Having followed the film’s journey to the big screen, I knew very well that what would eventually arrive would be quite different from the books that left an indelible impact on me. This wasn’t going to be an obvious adaptation, verbatim. And fans, mostly those with little imagination, couldn’t accept that Roland would be portrayed by Iris Elba, regardless of his acting chops. Read the rest of this entry
The Road to #1 Will be Hard for ‘The Dark Tower’
Will an adaptation of a cult favourite series from one of the most popular writers on the planet be able to stave off fan skepticism and critical blows to debut at the top of the box office? Here’s our prediction:
Let’s just get this out of the way: I loved The Dark Tower books. I’m a massive Stephen King fan. I am predisposed to enjoy the film that arrives in theaters this weekend, regardless of its quality. But, realistically, this is a hard road for The Dark Tower, based on the scathing reviews its receiving and a fan base that feels let down by many of the decisions that surrounded bringing Roland and the Man in Black to life. There was so much working against this film prior to the horrible reviews, and it appears so many fears are actually being realized. Regardless of how good or bad the performances from stars Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey are, neither actor can open a film, let alone one that was supposed to be the beginnings of a brand new franchise. While there are die-hard fans of The Dark Tower who will venture out this weekend to see the film, reviews be damned, the crossover appeal is going to be limited, and unless there’s a severe difference between critical and audience response a la Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Dark Tower is going to underperform below even the initial light projections. Look for a first place debut with $26 million.
Trailer Time: ‘Death Wish’
It’s pretty rare that a trailer leaves me with my mouth wide open.
The trailer for Eli Roth’s remake of Death Wish, starring Bruce Willis is one such trailer.
Check it out and let us know if you’ll be seeing this one when it arrives in November.
The Path to The Dark Tower is Near
To say that reading The Dark Tower changed my life is far from an understatement. It’s a fact. I never read Lord of the Rings. I haven’t gotten into Game of Thrones. No, for me, it’s only been Roland Deschain and his quest to get to the tower that holds all worlds together.
Seven years ago, I was commuting from my home in Toronto to a crappy job about 90 minutes via subway away. What kept me going through the first few months of 2010 was reading The Dark Tower on my little Sony e-reader. While I had picked up the original trade paperback edition of The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger when it was released back in 1988 (and I was just 11 years old), and read subsequent instalments including The Drawing of the Three and The Waste Lands, the wait time between novels had killed my interest in the series, and it lay unfinished. However, in that winter of 2010, I was determined to read the books I’d already started, and finish the series.
It was a war for first place at the box office, and ‘Dunkirk’ won
It was a bit of a race for the top spot at the box office this weekend, but a holdover managed to remain on top, even as a new family friendly film tried to take its place. Here’s what went down:
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk remained at the top of the box office for a second weekend in a row, bringing in an estimated $28.1 million. The film has already grossed over $100 million, and dropped less than 44% week to week. It will likely give up the top spot next weekend, when Stephen King’s The Dark Tower arrives.
‘The Emoji Movie’ vs ‘Atomic Blonde’ at the box office
There are a lot of emotions heading into the weekend, and when they’re unleashed? Well, they could be atomic. What movie will win the hearts of audiences? Here’s our prediction:
While on paper The Emoji Movie, a film based on emojis sounds like an absolutely horrible idea, that hasn’t stopped Sony Pictures from releasing a film based on them. Unfortunately for parents, what will be a must see film for kids this weekend is currently sitting at 0% at Rotten Tomatoes. Yes, Z-E-R-O. Good luck sitting through this one, folks. I’ll feel for everyone who helps make The Emoji Movie number one at the box office. Look for it to debut there with $32 million.
Trailer time: IT
You’ll float too, in the new trailer for Stephen King’s IT, which is due in theaters September 8th. And yes, it looks damn frightening.
