After last weekend’s trio of films for older adults, this weekend’s two new releases both target the male demographic from boys to men. While Sucker Punch [SUCKP] may appeal to a broader age spectrum than Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules [WIMP2], the sequel has a built-in fanbase of prepubescent boys. However, the hot babes with guns could sway the tween boys with its cool factor.
Sucker Punch wants to be a girl empowerment trip, but the anime-inspired visuals look more like a teen boy’s wet dream. The stylish special effects of director Zack Snyder [ZSNYD] is the main attraction, since none of the young female cast have drawing power. Warner Bros. has marketed the PG-13 rated film since Comic-Con, but the buzz has been flat if not negative. Critics’ reviews have been poor, though the target audience is unlikely to care. Debuting in 3033 theaters including IMAX screens, Sucker Punch could connect with about $23 million in a close race for first place.
Even though Diary of a Wimpy Kid opened to $22.1 million a year ago, the comedy ended up extremely front-loaded for a family-oriented film. That could indicate limited growth in its fanbase, some of whom may have already out-grown the PG-rated antics and show more interest in girls, such as those on display in Sucker Punch. Fox anticipated as much with the quick turnaround for the sequel. Opening in 3167 theaters, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules could collect $22 million, and may finish first if Sucker Punch falters.
Last weekend, Limitless [LMTLS] demonstrated adults still brave theaters if the movie is compelling enough. Since the two new entrants target the 25 and under crowd, Limitless should hold well at about $10 million.
The animated western Rango [RANGO] looks to round up $9 million for its fourth frame.
The Lincoln Lawyer [LNLAW] performed better than expected powered by mature moviegoers. The legal thriller should decline less than 40% to around $8 million in its second weekend.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): SUCKP, WIMP2, ZSNYD, LMTLS, RANGO, LNLAW