July 21, 2006

New Movie Releases and Box Office Predictions: Clerks II, Lady in the Water, Monster House, My Super Ex-Girlfriend

Bucking the trends, this weekend brings four new films going into wide release this week. After a smattering of one and two movie release weeks, we get dumped upon. Four movies all vying for your attention. All of which could be potential hits, but I think that Captain Jack will be able to hold them at bay. Could be interesting, I hope the movies are actually good.

Clerks II. (2006, 97 minutes, R, comedy, trailer) Kevin Smith returns to the characters that brought him fame and fortune, and a world of haters. Dante and Randall are no longer at the Quick Stop and video store, now they have moved up to flipping burgers for Mooby's. Now, whether or not there is a story has yet to be seen. I loved the original film, and have guarded hopes that this will also be very funny, even if it isn't for everybody.

Lady in the Water. (2006, 110 minutes, PG-13, suspense, trailer) M. Night Shyamalan attempts to rebound from the disappointing The Village with this fairy tale. Paul Giammatti and Bryce Dallas Howard co-star in this film where the characters discover they are a part of a fairy tale. The trailer looks good, but I am keeping my expectations in check. Shyamalan is a talented director, but he is in a rut, I hope he can make other types of movies without the need for a twist, or else his career will sink fast.

Monster House. (2006, 91 minutes, PG, animated, trailer) Every street has that one house, the one that no one goes near and the kids say is haunted. This animated adventure is that story. A trio of kids have to find a way to destroy the haunted house before hapless trick or treaters meet a ghoulish surprise. I have heard nothing but good things about this one, a real crowd pleasure.

My Super Ex-Girlfriend. (2006, 95 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) I guess it was only a matter of time before the romcom met the superhero flick. Uma Thurman plays the heroine looking for love, and the latest interest is Luke Wilson. Wilson starts dating her alter-ego, never suspecting that his subdued love is something more than see appears. Of course, the truth comes out when he decides to break up with her. This looks like it could be fun, but I'm not holding my breath.

Heading South. (2005, 105 minutes, NR, documentary, trailer, in French with English subtitles) I'd never heard of this before, and it honestly does not appeal to me on the surface. It concerns three middle aged women who travel to Haiti for sun, fun, and the attentions of the young men. Unfortunately, the one who catches the women's eye happens to be entangled in something more.

Yang Ban Xi: The Eight Model Works. (2005, 90 minutes, NR, documentary-musical, trailer, in Mandarin with English subtitles) A musical documentary from the Netherlands, in Mandarin, from a Chinese director? Sounds like a weird nation of origin, but so be it. The film takes a look at the Cultural Revolution in China where government sanctioned plays were the order of the day. Director Yan Ting Yuen interviews former artists who were involved in the plays and those who were inspired by them.

Also opening this week, but not near me:

  • The Amatuers
  • Been Rich All My Life
  • Boy's Briefs 4
  • Shadowboxer
  • Time to Leave

Box Office Predictions

With four new wide release all looking for a piece of the pie, the finish could be interesting as they all carve themselves a piece. I think Pirates may be able to hang on to the top spot, but it may not be easy. Here is my shot in the dark for the finish:

RankTitleBox Office
1Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest$30 million
2Monster House$27 million
3Lady in the Water$24 million
4My Super Ex-Girlfriend$16 million
5You, Me, and Dupree$13.5 million
6Clerks II$13 million
7The Devil Wears Prada$8 million
8Superman Returns$7 million
9Little Man$6.5 million
10Click$3.5 million

What are you seeing this weekend?

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