Four new films vie for the attention of moviegoers as we spring forward into daylight savings time this weekend. None will challenge the record-breaking Zootopia [ZOOTP] for the top spot. With excellent word of mouth, Zootopia could hold 60% of its opening for a sophomore session around $45 million.
John Goodman [JGOOD] and Mary Elizabeth Winstead [MEWIN] star in the PG-13 rated thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane [CELAR]. The mysterious film appeared only two months earlier when Paramount quietly placed the trailer in front of 13 Hours with a title that recalled Cloverfield, the 2008 monster film that opened to a massive $40 million. Despite producer J.J. Abrams’ proclamation that the film is not a direct sequel, will fans be disappointed that the film is mostly set in a cellar? Prepping in 3391 theaters, 10 Cloverfield Lane may accumulate $25 million.
London Has Fallen [HFAL2] didn’t come close to its predecessor Olympus Has Fallen. The sequel is likely to tumble 55% in its second weekend to around $9.5 million.
Sacha Baron Cohen [SBCOH] is back to offend in The Brothers Grimsby [GRMSB] co-starring Mark Strong [MSTRO]. Cohen has been ubiquitous in promoting the R-rated comedy with a campaign focusing on audience reactions to a particular outrageous sequence involving elephants. However, the film did not break out during its debut in Cohen’s native Britain, and the buzz doesn’t appear to have caught on stateside either. The Brothers Grimsby may end up with $9 million from 2235 locations.
One week after Risen explored the resurrection of Jesus, The Young Messiah [CHRST] examines the early life of Jesus. Focus Features neglects to mention that the PG-13 rated film is based on a novel by Anne Rice, a name more liktle to repel than draw Christian churchgoers. Showing in 1761 theaters, The Young Messiah could deliver $7 million.
Lionsgate targets African-Americans with the R-rated romantic comedy The Perfect Match [TPMTC] starring Terrence J. Codeblack Films’ last production Addicted opened to $7.5 million in 2014. However, Addicted with its female lead holds more appeal to women than The Perfect Match with its male playboy. The Perfect Match could swipe $4.5 million from 925 theaters.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): ZOOTP, JGOOD, MEWIN, CELAR, HFAL2, SBCOH, GRMSB, MSTRO, CHRST, TPMTC