Even though more than 60% of movie theaters remained closed, Sony is opening Monster Hunter [MONHT] this weekend to take advantage of the holiday break. The videogame adaptation comes from director Paul Anderson [PANDE] and star Milla Jovovich [MJOVO], the husband and wife team behind the Resident Evil franchise. Monster Hunter hopes to appeal to more than just male gamers. However, the PG-13 rated fantasy has drawn poor reviews as well as some controversy over a poor joke that’s since been removed. Playing in just 1736 locations, Monster Hunter may score $5 million.
Despite still holding first place at the box office, Universal is debuting The Croods: A New Age [CROD2] on PVOD this weekend per their shortened window agreement with exhibitors. The animated sequel could bank another $2 million.
Lionsgate decided to return to theaters this weekend with Fatale [FATLE]. Hilary Swank [HSWAN] and Michael Ealy [MEALY] star in the R-rated erotic thriller targeted at urban moviegoers. Arriving in 1107 locations, Fatale may net $1 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): MONHT, PANDE, MJOVO, CROD2, FATLE, HSWAN, MEALY