I have to be honest. This is a pretty boring weekend to predict. There are a total of seven new movies entering the fray (with only 2 having box office potential) and Ed Harris’ western epic Appaloosa expands to about 800 theatres.   First up, is Disney’s talking animal comedy, Beverly Hills Chihuahua. This movie is a lock for the number one spot this weekend as awareness is high and the only competition comes from Igor which is entering its third weekend and probably its last in the top ten. Look for Beverly Hills Chihuahua to make $28M this weekend. 

Michael Cera’s new romantic teen comedy, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, should enjoy a good first weekend. Cera starred in two of last year’s biggest hits, Juno and Superbad, and has built up a solid fan base.  Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist should open up to the tune of $13M. 

Also opening this weekend, Blindness, starring Danny Glover, Mark Ruffalo and Julianne Moore. This film had the honor of being the opening night selection at this year’s Cannes Film Festival but has generated lukewarm reviews at best. My guess is that most moviegoers will turn a blind eye to Blindness and it will open with $2M. 

Simon Pegg’s latest comedy offering, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, will do just that this weekend and gross $1.5M. Greg Kinnear stars in Flash of Genius, the true story of the man who invented the intermittent windshield wiper and his uphill battle with the automotive industry for the recognition he deserves. I’m sure this is a good movie that deserves an audience and it will probably get one on DVD and cable, but its box office chances are slim. Look for Flash of Genius to make $2M this weekend. The man behind classic comedies, Airplane and The Naked Gun, David Zucker is back, with An American Carol, a movie that spoofs Michael Moore and liberal America. Carol will gross $3.3M this weekend. As noted before, Ed Harris’ well reviewed western, Appaloosa expands to 800 theatres this weekend and should see $4.5M. Opening in just 500 theatres, Bill Maher’s documentary, Religulous, will gross $3.5M this weekend. For the rest of my predictions, see the chart below.