|
|
|
|
Nov
23
Written by:
Bill Bonfanti
11/23/2011 12:09 AM

There are three new films opening in wide release on Wednesday, November 23rd, leading into Thanksgiving weekend, all of which are targeted at family audiences: Disney brings Jim Henson’s lovable creations back into theatres after a long hiatus with The Muppets, Sony hopes to spread a little holiday cheer with the yuletide themed Arthur Christmas and Paramount releases Martin Scorsese’s 3D adventure, Hugo. These three films are entering a marketplace that already currently has three films aimed towards families. Based on my estimates, the Top 10 will generate $147.6 million over the Friday to Sunday portion of the weekend, down about 12% from last year when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Disney’s Tangled led the overall Top 10 to a total of $167.8 million. On a side not, approximately 60% of the Top 10’s gross this weekend will come from family-centric films.
It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights, it’s time to introduce the beloved characters to a whole new generation of kids as Disney releases The Muppets, the first film starring Kermit and friends to hit theatres in over a decade. Make no mistake about it, the gang of Jim Henson’s treasured creations are going to bring in a ton of money this weekend for the Mouse House and will easily win the battle of the family films this weekend. Although the Muppets have been absent from the big screen for over a decade, the characters are still very recognizable to kids. The great thing about The Muppets is that it plays to all demographics. Young kids who are not that familiar with the characters will want to see the movie along with older kids, teens and those over the age of 25 who have fond memories of the characters from their younger days. The diverse group of characters also appeals to both genders equally which should make The Muppets a force to be reckoned with at the box office over the next few weekends. Especially with no new releases scheduled for the weekend of December 2nd.
The Muppets was written by Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek) and Jason Segel, who also stars alongside Amy Adams. Segel clearly has a strong passion and love for his subject matter and has made a film that truly embraces the energy, silliness and fun of the Muppets, something that has largely been missing since creator Jim Henson’s untimely death. The films made after Henson’s passing made very little impact at the box office as Kermit and the gang took on literary classics and even went to space. The lovable guys really crashed and burned with their final film, 1999’s Muppets From Space which managed only a dismal $16.3 million at the box office. This latest film will likely gross that amount during its first two days of release.
Aside from appealing to boys and girls of all ages, Segel’s Muppets revival has quite a few things going for it. The awareness for the film is extremely high. Disney has done a masterful job marketing the film. The Muppets have appeared on everything from Saturday Night Live to WWE: Friday Night Smackdown to Disney Channel shows. There have been countless trailers and movie posters spoofing other films ranging from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to Green Lantern to Paranormal Activity. The Muppets have even been starring in AMC’s theatre policy video, shown before every film. The little guys have been all over the social media sites with an extensive campaign on Facebook that featured different characters asking for “likes” on their Facebook page. Topping it off, the film has been receiving glowing praise from critics and currently sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with over 50 reviews submitted. This will convince any parents on the fence about the film to take their families to see it.
The one obstacle that The Muppets will have to contend with is the barrage of family-centric films in multiplexes. The Muppets have to deal with Puss In Boots, Happy Feet Two and Jack and Jill among holdovers, along with Arthur Christmas and Hugo opening the same day. Family dollars are going to be spread thin among these titles but due to crossover appeal, The Muppets seem to have the advantage. Look for The Muppets to sing and dance their way to about $52 million over five days with $36 million of that grossed over the Friday to Sunday span of the weekend.
Arriving just in time for the holidays, Sony releases PG animated, yuletide adventure, Arthur Christmas. The film is co-developed by Aardman Animation, the studio behind moderate box office hits, Chicken Run ($106.8 million total), Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit ($56.1 million total) and Flushed Away ($64.7 million). These films openings fall in a range of $16-18 million and despite the enhanced competition, Arthur Christmas should be able to fit in this range. The Christmas theme gives the film an added advantage over Aardman’s other efforts because the film should only experiences small declines in the weekends ahead as the holiday approaches. Of course the downside to this is that as soon as Christmas is over the film will quickly lose its appeal.
Arthur Christmas features a first-rate cast that includes James McAvoy (as the title character), Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent and Laura Linney to name but a few. The reviews have been quite positive for the film and this will help matters quite a bit. Just like The Muppets, Arthur Christmas’ biggest obstacle is all the films families have to choose from currently. This will stifle its potential quite a bit. Premium tickets sold for 3D showings should soften the blow somewhat but if not for all the competition, the film would probably have been able to gross north of $30 million over the five day span. Expect Arthur Christmas to jingle its way to a five day total of $21.5 million with about $15 million of that coming from the Friday to Sunday span.
Also entering into the family movie fray is Paramount’s Hugo from director Martin Scorsese. The PG rated film is based on the acclaimed novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. The film stars Asa Butterfield (Nanny McPhee Returns) as a boy who is an orphan living within the walls of a Paris train station in the 1930’s. When he discovers a broken automaton and meets an eccentric girl, he is soon whisked away on a fantastic adventure that involves a mystery surrounding his deceased father. Butterfield is joined by an excellent cast that includes Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass), Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley and Jude Law to name but a few.
The PG rated film has been shot in 3D and according to the reviews, Scorsese (true artist that he is), has done wonders with the format. The reviews have been terrific and the film seems to be packing some award season heat as well. Hugo does have its work cut out for it at the box office. The film is opening in about 1200 theatres whereas both The Muppets and Arthur Christmas are launching in over 3300 theatres each. The biggest problem the film faces is it may not be all that appealing to kids. It is doubtful that there are many eight-year olds out there that would choose to see Hugo over either of the two films opening this weekend or Happy Feet Two and the other family film holdovers for that matter. The film will likely appeal to cinephiles and Scorsese’s diehard fans, but beyond that, it probably won’t have that much reach. If the film does receive major award buzz, it may be able to sustain itself over the next few weeks, but short of that, the outlook for this films box office potential isn’t looking very good. Look for Hugo to collect about $11 million over five days with about $7.5 million of that collected over Friday to Sunday.
To see the rest of my predictions for the weekend, check out the chart below.
Weekend Release Schedule, 2011 vs. 2010
All debuting titles for the weekend are in red.
NOVEMBER 25-27 2011
|
RANK
|
TITLE
|
GENRE
|
DISTRIBUTOR/STUDIO
|
FILMGO’S PREDICTION
|
|
1
|
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
|
Horror/Romance
|
Summit Entertainment
|
$44.2M
-68%
|
|
2
|
The Muppets
|
Family Comedy
|
Disney
|
$36.0M (Fri-Sun)
$52.0M (Wed-Sun)
|
|
3
|
Arthur Christmas
|
Animated Adventure
|
Sony
|
$15.0M (Fri-Sun)
$21.5M (Wed-Sun)
|
|
4
|
Happy Feet Two
|
Animated Adventure
|
Warner Bros.
|
$14.8M
-30%
|
|
5
|
Hugo
|
Adventure
|
Paramount
|
$7.5M (Fri-Sun)
$11.0M (Wed-Sun)
|
|
6
|
Jack and Jill
|
Comedy
|
Sony
|
$7.0M
-40%
|
|
7
|
Immortals
|
Action
|
Relativity Media
|
$6.8M
-45%
|
|
8
|
Puss In Boots
|
Animated Adventure
|
DreamWorks
|
$6.5M
-40%
|
|
9
|
The Descendants
|
Drama
|
Fox Searchlight
|
$5.0M
+315%
|
|
10
|
Tower Heist
|
Comedy
|
Universal
|
$4.8M
-32%
|
TOTAL $147.6M (Fri-Sun)
NOVEMBER 26-28 2010
|
RANK
|
TITLE
|
GENRE
|
DISTRIBUTOR/STUDIO
|
WEEKEND GROSS
|
|
1
|
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
|
Adventure
|
Warner Bros.
|
$49.1M
-61%
|
|
2
|
Tangled
|
Animated Adventure
|
Disney
|
$48.8M
New
|
|
3
|
MegaMind
|
Animated Adventure
|
Paramount
|
$12.6M
-21%
|
|
4
|
Burlesque
|
Musical/Drama
|
Sony
|
$11.9M
New
|
|
5
|
Unstoppable
|
Action
|
20th Century Fox
|
$11.4M
-12%
|
|
6
|
Love & Other Drugs
|
Drama
|
20th Century Fox
|
$9.7M
New
|
|
7
|
Faster
|
Action
|
CBS Films
|
$8.5M
New
|
|
8
|
Due Date
|
Comedy
|
Warner Bros.
|
$7.2M
-20%
|
|
9
|
The Next Three Days
|
Thriller/Suspense
|
Lionsgate
|
$4.7M
-28%
|
|
10
|
Morning Glory
|
Comedy
|
Paramount
|
$3.9M
-25%
|
TOTAL $167.8M
Based on my estimates for the Friday to Sunday period, total box office will be down about 12% from 2010.
Tags:
1 comment(s) so far...
Re: Family Films Face-Off Over Thanksgiving
For anybody who is hoping to trial period to run should a Ugg Bailey Button tall sheepskin Ugg Bailey Button Boots boots 5815 Replica Ugg Boots argyle knit ” booties ” is Replica Ugg Boots Sale certainly phony, Ugg Tall Boots it’s most of the well-known details Ugg Classic Tall Boots it is important to gaze Ugg Classic Boots released meant Ugg Classic Short Boots for, when Ugg Short Boots using the Ugg Men Boots thoughts shifting, it’s Ugg Glove even more Ugg Slipper related UGG Classic Tall Boots Flower to in need of Ugg Mens Classic Short Boots Black realistic Ugg Short Leopard Boots valuation during Ugg Classic Boots Blue Patchwork the features and also Ugg Bailey Button Boots Chestnut valuation for manufacturewith the lowest UGG Classic Tall Metallic Boots Gold price. Pretty christian louboutin daffodile girl must christian louboutin daffodile shoes have five louboutin daffodile shoes pairs of high louboutin daffodile heels, every christian louboutin leopard pretty girl christian louboutin leopard shoes must have Christian Louboutin Spiked this shoe Christian Louboutin Spikes in 5 pairs Christian Louboutin Outlet of shoes, Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots just enough to make their own on different Christian Louboutin Daffodile 160mm Aurora Boreale Pumps occasions Christian Louboutin Daffodile 160mm Leather Black Pumps are “enough” enough Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Platform Mary Jane Pumps beautiful! Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Platform Mary Jane Pumps Black First double:Christian Louboutin Daf Booty 160mm Ankle Boots Leopard dark blue Christian Louboutin Big Lips Booty 120 Leopard Print bow high Christian Louboutin Booties Bridget's Back Spiked Gold heels, for occasions: christian louboutin sale Christian Louboutin Lady Peep Spikes 150mm Pumps it is a good Christian Louboutin Very Mix Peep Toe Pumps modification Christian Louboutin Boots Babel Platform Leather Black legs, make you look sedate and sweet, the best friends to wear to go to you, let your old friends always sweet to you as a goddess. Second pair: White glossy evening shoes, suitable for occasions: Since it is evening shoes, of course, the most suitable to participate in a variety of friends to wear more formal occasions, such as to a good friend as maid of honor, to participate in the company year-end party, christian louboutin online and so on. The third double: leather knot fish head shoes, suitable for occasions: of course office friends. Into the workplace, the heels should be your essential items in a wardrobe. Shoes at work should not be too unconventional, but also to wear clothing with their own personality, the election it is correct. The fourth double: solid patent leather high heels, for occasions: going out on business when the more able the better of course, this style is simple and engaging and high heels is the preferred color. Fifth double: round white bow shoes, christian louboutin sale online suitable for occasions: the experience of white, I believe you are going to be amazing; he’s the most suitable for wearing to date friends. Burberry designer Burberry handbags outlet handbags are Burberry outlet the ultimate replica burberry outlet accessory burberry scarves for burberry shawl outlet any outfit, burberry sunglasses outlet and can be burberry jackets outlet used as burberry shirts outlet fashion important Burberry Outlet accessories. Burberry nova check gives a very stylish and personality and it makes this design Burberry Outlet one of the most burberry belts popular brands in designer handbags. Burberry purses of various sizes, shapes, colors and prices. In addition, you can find a lot of great designer Burberry purses. This requires different to suit different tastes. You can use your own imagination and additional extra features and beautiful Burberry purses.The buying and selling price tag just merely coordinate options gals of every solo one age bracket critically need to acquire its Burberry Handbags to acquire acceptable even now reduce decrease you spend for together. Layout Burberry graphic designers are in actuality producing soil breaking recommendations to type fretting hand baggage trendier by method of the prompt. I’m just consistently undoubtedly as a whole lot as day pertaining to advertisings expresses you in actuality celebrated types and extremely stars carrying all-around example Burberry purses and handbags gals from all of colors building. LV and Hermes hermes outlet Picotin hermes outlet online opposite. In the hermes handbags eyes of hermes handbags outlet LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault, the luxury hermes bags outlet is just a business; but Dumai there, elegance is a hermes bags power.A perfect hermes purses ambush! Recovered hermes wallets at all before, LVMH Moet Hennessy (LVMH) chairman Bernard Arnault (BernardArnault) has hermes belts been tearing down the 17.1% of Hermes Plume shares, has become one In addition to the Hermes family, the largest outside shareholder. And until he announced the news before the Hermes family has been kept in the dark.Clearly, hermes belt Hermes Wallets CEO Patrick Thomas (PatrickThomas) eyes, so that the acquisition “is not friendly.” He choked back anger, please Arnault “self-exit”, and has repeatedly stressed the Hermes family, the internal “absolute unity and desire the same,” holds more than 70% of the shares, as well as anti-takeover strategy and many of the poison pill plan And Arnold, but calmly told the media, LVMH will not seek a hostile takeover, it will not seek seat on the board of Hermes, “We will respect the independence of the Hermes Handbags family, the family and the French to preserve its character to contribute to … ”How these words sound familiar. He has repeatedly said the same thing, almost no one spared from Arnott’s palm. Independent brand that was he who restrained the pride of the ruthless crushing one by one, and eventually labeled Arnott type symbol to show off the label, reduced his profit tool. To approve the Miu Miu outlet caliber of pre-owned Miu miu drop miu miu bags This year , try buying from a seller that you are already familiar with. If you think about yourself to be a Miu Miu bags outlet beginner in miu miu purses handbag purchasing,miu miu outlet online miu miu purse sale miu miu wallets your very best miu miu sunglasses choice is always to miu miu heels discover sellers on reputableonline retailers or sites. When looking for on the internet gently used Miu miu handbags retailers make sure to check out their own background information. Attempt to choose a vendor that's been in the commercial not less than more than a year if at all miu miu flats possible. Whenever you buy Miu miu handbags for that garments accessory line miu miu borse, retain in ideas which conventional as well as cool Miu miu purses in your purse product line are just as vitally important as custom brand Miu miu handbags. particular developments miu miu totes outlet, miu miu wristlet onlinethis kind of because leather-based Miu miu handbags and traditional leather-based wallets possess withstood the design and style trends of your time. Operating an on the net shop that carries a garments item collection this kind of because Miu miu handbags requirements maintaining check of fashion trends as well as lifestyles. Miu Miu bags aren't simply fashionable but elegant and exceptional as well. But you can find high quality custom miu miu bags in Luxebagsale.
By bruce-leo on
12/16/2011 8:55 PM
|

|
|
|