Notable Openings: This Weekend: Elysium, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, Planes
We’re the Millers
It’s a crowded weekend to be sure, but all eyes are on Elysium, the second film from director Neill Blomkamp of District 9 fame. I guess this is sort of comparable to Pacific Rim, but there are a few reasons why Elysium will fare better then that movie. The trailers are more mainstream friendly, Blomkamp is more of a selling point right now than Guillermo del Toro, and Pacific Rim didn’t have a Matt Damon to anchor it. I think the Bourne franchise speaks for itself – with Damon, it cleaned up. Without Damon, it underperformed.
The other big opening which is already in theaters is We’re the Millers with Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston. Raunchy comedies seem to be doing well these days with Grown Ups 2 and The Heat making bank, as well as Identity Thief earlier this year. While there’s no Melissa McCarthy or Adam Sandler in We’re the Millers, it’s been well marketed and will do just fine.
There’s apparently a Percy Jackson sequel this weekend as well. Out of the 500 other “I want to be the next Harry Potter franchise” movies that have been made the last few years, this one actually got to a second film…I guess that’s something. The original made around $31 million, but is anyone really clamoring for a follow up? It will make just over $20 million I guess, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this completely tanked.
One other movie worth mentioning is Planes. I just found out this was opening ten minutes ago. Can someone please tell me if this is in the same universe as Pixar’s Cars? I have to know! I practically go to the movies every weekend, and I haven’t even seen a trailer for this. It seems like it’s getting swept under the rug, so I don’t foresee big business here, but I’m sure if it opens well there’s some guy in a Disney studio sitting in front of a giant button ready to green light Boats.
How Will It All Break Down…
For a non-franchise movie, I actually think Elysium is going to bring in some solid business. If this hits, Neill Blomkamp’s future as a bankable director is bright.
TOP 5 BOX OFFICE PREDICTION
1) Elysium – $45 Million
2) We’re the Millers – $25 Million
3) Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters – $21 Million
4) 2 Guns – $15.5 Million
5) Planes – $13 Million
