Two new films collide this weekend in a battle of the sexes as Pitch Perfect 2 [PTCP2] takes on Mad Max: Fury Road [MMAX4]. The original Pitch Perfect was a sleeper box office hit that found a long shelf life on cable and home video, propelled by the hit song “Cups”. Universal reunited the cast in the PG-13 rated sequel that sends the all-girl a cappella ensemble to the world championship. The rabid female fanbase of all ages has been buzzing for months and will be out in force opening weekend. With the benefit of having its last film coming in 2012 rather than 1985, Pitch Perfect 2 is more likely prevail at the box office with $48 million from 3472 theaters.
30 years after Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, filmmaker George Miller [GMILL] delivers Mad Max: Fury Road starring Tom Hardy [THARD] in the title role in place of Mel Gibson. Charlize Theron [CTHER] co-stars in the sequel with an action-packed, feature-length car chase set in cinema’s original dystopian wasteland and produced with $200 million worth of real stunts and little CG effects. The film has won universal praise from critics helping the buzz crescendo with its premiere at Cannes this week. Older fans have now bought into the film, but the R-rating will keep out teen boys. Mad Max: Fury Road does have the benefit of 3D ticket prices, which could pave the way towards the top with $47 million from 3702 locations.
Avengers: Age of Ultron [AVNG2] is decaying faster than not only the first Avengers, but also the woeful Iron Man 3. With Mad Max in the mix, the sequel could settle with $36 million for its third weekend.
Hot Pursuit [DMWTX] left a cold trail in its debut, which is unlikely to pick up with competition from Pitch Perfect 2. The femme-buddy comedy may find another $7 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): PTCP2, MMAX4, GMILL, THARD, CTHER, AVNG2, DMWTX