Three new family films fight for moviegoers over the long Thanksgiving weekend, but none are expected to overtake current box office title holder The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 [TWLI4]. Although the fanbase has crested, plenty of Twihards remain eager to visit and revisit the wedding of Bella and Edward. Breaking Dawn Part 1 looks to crack around $62 million over the 5-day holiday weekend.
After more than a decade of absence from theaters, The Muppets [MUPET] has return to the scene with the help of star and co-writer Jason Segel [JSEGE]. Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang reunite in their first film since Disney bought The Jim Henson Company in 2004. The Muppets have not been seen much since their last film Muppets From Space bombed in 1999, so Disney has spared no avenues in a marketing blitz to promote the PG-rated film. Playing on the nostalgia of those who grew up with the characters, The Muppets will appeal to adults with and without children. Opening in 3440 theaters, The Muppets could grab $44 million over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Moviegoers weren’t exactly dancing for the return of Happy Feet Two [HPYF2], which debuted at just half of the original film’s opening With families on holiday, the sequel should hold exceptional and tapped out another $21 million over the 5-day weekend.
Sony teams up with Aardman Studios for the CG-animated Arthur Christmas [ARTHC]. With a crowded marketplace for family fares, the PG-rated film is likely to only attract those with very young children. Sledding into 3367 theaters, Arthur Christmas could deliver $20 million from Wednesday through Sunday.
Director Martin Scorsese [MSCOR] has made Hugo [HUGO] his first 3D family-friendly film. Unfortunately, adults may find the PG-rated film more interesting than children. Paramount has dropped the ball in building awareness for Hugo, and has cut the initial theater locations to just 1227. Hugo has earned rave reviews, which should help the film clock in at $14 million.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): TWLI4, MUPET, JSEGE, HPYF2, ARTHC, MSCOR, HUGO