Seeing a lack of competition for Halloween weekend, DreamWorks Animation’s Puss in Boots [PUSNB] decided to pounce into theaters a week earlier. The popular feline voiced by Antonio Banderas [ABAND] gets spun-off from the Shrek series for a solo adventure. Although Shrek Forever After opened to $70.8 million in May 2010, it was way down from Shrek the Third showing signs of audience fatigue. DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 2 also underperformed at $47.7 million this past May in comparison to the first film. Puss in Boots is unlikely to do better since non-family moviegoers will be busy with Halloween festivities. Playing in 3952 theaters, Puss in Boots may cough up around $45 million.
Showing there is still growth in the franchise, Paranormal Activity 3 [PNAC3] topped the previous installment to set opening weekend records for horror and October. However, even without competition from Saw this year, Paranormal Activity 3 is likely headed for a big fall of more than 55% to around $23 million.
Justin Timberlake [JTIMB] and Amanda Seyfried [ASEYF] topline the sci-fi thriller In Time [NTIME]. The PG-13 rated film presents an interesting premise where people stop aging at 25, but must earn any additional time in order to continue living. With time as the new currency, the wealthy are able to live forever. Even with an attractive cast, the film is unlikely to appeal to most women. Mixed reviews are likely to turn off older adults, which leaves just the young male demographic. Showing at 3122 locations, In Time may clock in at $14 million.
Johnny Depp [JDEPP] steps away from Disney spectacle to star in the R-rated comedy The Rum Diary [RUMDI]. Based on a Hunter S. Thompson story, the edgy film set in 1950s Puerto Rico will likely only appeal to his hardcore older fans. 1998’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas earned just $10.6 million for its entire run. Opening in 2272 theaters, The Rum Diary may wake up with $7.5 million.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): PUSNB, ABAND, PNAC3, JTIMB, ASEYF, NTIME, JDEPP, RUMDI