Three new films debut this Friday for moviegoers looking for a diversion during Super Bowl weekend. The top spot looks to be a closely fought contest between Chronicle [CHRNC] and The Woman in Black [WMBLK]. Fox’s Chronicle gives the superhero genre the found footage treatment. The PG-13 rated film focuses on three high school students who capture themselves using their newfound superpowers. By the nature of concept, stars are nowhere to be seen in found footage films and success depends on the believability of the execution. As seen in its effective trailers, Chronicle brings a fresh take by adding special effects, which should appeal to young males. Further fueling the buzz are better than expected reviews. Opening in 2907 theaters, Chronicle may zap around $17 million.
CBS Films takes the field with The Woman in Black starring Daniel Radcliffe [DRADC] in his first post-Harry Potter role. Trailers for the PG-13 rated supernatural thriller have been spooky enough to attract female horror fans. The film has been tracking well and has the potential to break out like previous horror surprises. Haunting 2855 theaters, The Woman in Black could scare up $16 million and contend for first place.
The solid opening of The Grey [TGREY] cemented Liam Neeson’s status as an action star. With a controversial ending that’s causing mixed word of mouth as well as losing viewers to the Super Bowl, The Grey looks to drop more than 50% to $9 million.
Universal counters football’s biggest weekend with the PG-rated Big Miracle [BMRCL]. The inspirational tale of trapped whales starring Drew Barrymore [DBARR] and John Krasinski [JKRAS] hopes to attract families looking for wholesome entertainment. Headng into 2128 theaters, Big Miracle may bring in $8.5 million.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): CHRNC, WMBLK, DRADC, TGREY, BMRCL, DBARR, JKRAS