Nine years after Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy became the quotable comedy classic, Will Ferrell [WFERR] has returned in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues [ANCH2]. The PG-13 rated sequel finds the former San Diego action news team reuniting to help launch a 24-hr news channel network in Atlanta. Buzz has been building ever since Paramount debut a teaser before it even entered production. Farrell has tirelessly promoted the film in character on multiple outlets near the point of over-exposure. Paul Rudd [PRUDD] and Steve Carell [SCARE] have become comedic leads in their own right, while Kristen Wiig [KWIIG] adds female power to the cast. Anchorman 2 earned $8.1 million on Wednesday, though the general audience may not be aware of the late shift in release date. Showing in 3507 theaters, Anchorman 2 could land $34 million for the weekend.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’s [HOBT2] opening was down more than 10% from The Hobbit. With competition even stronger in its second weekend, The Hobbit sequel looks to drop at least 55% to $32 million.
Based on a true story, the 1970s set American Hustle [AMBUL] reunites many of the star-studded principals behind Silver Linings Playbook. After a stellar first week in limited release, the R-rated drama expands wide into 2507 theaters. With award buzz and great reviews, American Hustle will be the first choice of moviegoers seeking a quality film. American Hustle could shuffle $17 million.
Tom Hanks [THANK] stars as Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks [SAVMB] about the making of Mary Poppins. The PG-13 rated drama has earned excellent reviews, but its limited release was less than super. With its appeal limited to older adults, Saving Mr. Banks may bag $12 million from 2110 theaters.
Fox has Americanized BBC’s CG-animated Walking with Dinosaurs [WDINO]. Although the PG-rated film will have long legs over holidays, the target audience of families with young children will be busy on the last shopping weekend before Christmas. Walking with Dinosaurs could tally $11 million from 3231 locations.
With school off for the winter break, Frozen [FROZE] could zap another $15.5 million for its fourth weekend. Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas [MADCH] hit a franchise low opening. The sequel is likely to slip 60% to about $6.5 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): WFERR, ANCH2, PRUDD, SCARE, KWIIG, HOBT2, AMBUL, THANK, SAVMB, WDINO, FROZE, MADCH