Weekend Preview 2014: Zack Efron & Seth Rogan Face Off in 'Neighbors'
On May 9, a number of films will be released in theaters adding to the already crowded summer. Here's a list of what's coming out in theaters this weekend.
"Neighbors": Nick Stoller's latest raunchy comedy tells the story of a couple with a newborn baby who are faced with difficulties of living next to a frat house. The movie stars Zac Efron, Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne and Dave Franco and had a successful premiere at the SXSW Film Festival where it scored rave reviews; critics have been raving about the humor and the chemistry of the stars. Universal is slated to open the film in 3,200 theaters and it is likely to be a box office hit. However, the movie still has to compete with "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," which has already become a massive hit worldwide and in the U.S. It is also worth noting that past Stoller films have failed to become huge box office successes. His highest grossing film is currently 2008's "Forgeting Sarah Marshall," which grossed $63 million. However, it is also important to note that none of his films, except "Get Him to the Greek," were released in the summer and none of them starred Rogen. Rogen has made a number of his summer films box office successes including "This is the End," "Superbad," and "Knocked Up." The movie also has Efron, who will likely attract his female audience.
"Legend of Oz: Dorothy's Return": Every year there is an unexpected release by unknown distributor attempting to compete with the summer fare. This year, Clarius Entertainment is releasing this Oz spinoff, which tells the story of Dorothy who wakes up after a tornado only to realize she has returned to Oz. This time, she must save her old friends the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tin Man and Glinda from a devious jester. The movie has obtained absolutely no marketing campaign, yet the distributor is planning on releasing it in 2,800 theaters. There have also been no reviews released. However, Clarius is confident that the movie is likely to get some of "The Wizard of Oz's" audience. Nevertheless, based on the disappointing turn out for Disney's "Oz: the Great and Powerful," this Clarius release should easily find its way to home entertainment quickly.
"Mom's Night Out": Tristar will release the romantic comedy starring Sarah Drew, Patricia Heaton, Trace Adkins and Sean Astin. The film tells the story of Allyson and her friends trying to have a peaceful and fun night out. However, things go awry when their husbands lose a baby. The movie is being released in 1,000 theaters and, like "Legend of Oz," has received very little marketing. Tristar is attempting to gear the movie towards the female audiences that saw "Bridesmaids" and "The Other Woman." However, the film is likely to open on par with Tyler Perry's latest "Single Mom's Club."
"Chef": Jon Favreau's return to the indie film is garnering rave reviews. The film stars Favreau, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, Oliver Platt, Dustin Hoffman, and Robert Downey Jr. and tells the story of a chef who loses his restaurant job and starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise. Although the movie boasts an exceptional cast, Open Road is opening the film in only six theaters and later plans on expanding nationwide. With buzz and word of mouth, the film is likely to be one of the breakout films of the summer.
"The Double": After a critically acclaimed feature film debut from Richard Ayoade, Magnolia is releasing his second feature based on a Fyodor Dostoevsky novel. The movie starring Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska tells the story of a clerk in a government agency whose life changes when a person identical to him enters his job. The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year and received rave reviews. However, Magnolia Entertainment is being very careful with the release and only unveiling it in few theaters and putting most of its efforts toward VOD.
Other major releases including the Venice Film Festival selection "Palo Alto," which is being released by Tribeca, Radius TWC's highly acclaimed "Fed Up" and Philip Seymour Hoffman's second to last film, "God's Pocket." Image Entertainment will also release "Devil's Knot" starring Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth.
Fox Searchlight will also expand "Belle" into 50 theaters while A24 will continue its strong marketing on the Tom Hardy one person film "Locke."