Hollywood offers three new tributes to battle reigning box office champion The Hunger Games [HGAME]. However, none appears to have the buzz to prevent the Lionsgate release from being the first film to stay atop the weekend box office for a fourth time since Avatar. Even if The Hunger Games declines 45% to $18 million, it should be enough to extend its win streak to a fourth consecutive weekend.
After sitting on the shelf for a couple of years due to MGM’s bankruptcy, Cabin in the Woods [CBNWD] finally reaches theaters through Lionsgate. The delay may have actually help its potential as Chris Hemsworth [CHEMS] has become a recognized star from Thor. Since premiering at the SXSW festival, the R-rated horror film has earned excellent reviews. Fans of producer Joss Whedon should be attracted to what’s promised to be a twisty film that turns horror conventions upside down. Opening in 2811 theaters, Cabin in the Woods could uncover about $15.5 million
The Farrelly brothers [FARRE] have finally brought The Three Stooges [3STOG] to the big screen, albeit without Jim Carrey, Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn. The Fox comedy instead features non-stars who do a fair impression of Moe, Larry and Curly. The PG-rated film features many of their classic antics set to the requisite sound effects that will be familiar to any Stooges fan. The slapstick comedy hopes to appeal to boys and their dads. Debuting in 3476 theaters, The Three Stooges may poke around $12 million.
Fourth place looks to be a toss-up between the two sophomore releases. Already front-loaded last weekend, American Reunion [AMPI4] looks headed for a 60% fall. Titanic 3D [TTN3D] should hold better with its older female audience. Both films should wind up around $9 million.
Guy Pearce [GPEAR] and Maggie Grace [MGRAC] star in the sci-fi actioner Lockout [LCKOT]. FilmDistrict has marketed the PG-13 rated film as a space-bound Taken, which makes sense since both are produced by Luc Besson. The French filmmaker should appeal to the male target demographic that has made his previous production efforts minor hits. Lockout may lock down $8.5 million from 2308 locations.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): HGAME, CBNWD, CHEMS, FARRE, 3STOG, AMPI4, TTN3D, GPEAR, MGRAC, LCKOT