Weekend Preview 2014: Clint Eastwood Returns With 'Jersey Boys' and Robert Pattinson Has 'The Rover'
On June 20 a number of films will enter the marketplace in attempt to reach their targeted audiences and score high box office receipts. The following are the movies opening nationwide and in limited release.
"Jersey Boys" - The biggest release of the week is undoubtedly Clint Eastwood's "Jersey Boys." The movie, which is based on the musical, tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The film had its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival where it scored mixed reviews. Critics have been raving about the performances but have complained about the cliché plotline and incoherent editing. Eastwood has not directed a film since 2012 but his last few directorial efforts have all received mixed reception. The movies have also failed to capture strong audiences. However, this new movie is unlikely to be hurt by reviews as it will likely attract all fans of the musical and The Four Seasons. Back in 2008 "Mama Mia" was marred by mixed reviews but its summer release and fandom helped it become a box office success. The movie grossed $143 million and ended up getting nominated for Golden Globes. "Jersey Boys" is likely to create the same business throughout the summer but it can be hurt by the "Transformers" release the next weekend. Warner Bros plans on releasing the film in 3,000 theaters.
"Think Like a Man Too" - Two years ago, Sony released "Think Like a Man" and surprised at the box office, making $91 million. As a result, this year Sony decided on making a second installment. This time the movie tells the story of a number of couples who go to Las Vegas for a wedding. However, plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event. The film has not been screened for critics at the moment and will likely receive negative reviews. Nevertheless, fans of the original film will probably return to see this new one. However, do not expect the same $33 million opening the 2012 film had.
"The Rover" - A24 will release the Robert Pattinson film in wide release after a solid showing last weekend. The movie opened in five theaters last weekend and grossed $69,302. The company's release strategy for this post-apocalyptic film is different from the company's recent release. Instead of unrolling the movie slowly, the company will bring it to hundreds of theaters. A24 has only done that once in its one-year-old history. The company did a wide release for "Spring Breakers" and that movie ended up making $14 million. "The Rover" is unlikely to reach $14 million based on other post-apocalyptic films. Back in 2009, "The Road" only made $8 million despite its $25 million budget while "Children Men" failed miserably, only scoring $35 million on a $90 million budget. However, Robert Pattinson fans are likely to turn up for the movie and with solid reviews, this A24 film could easily surprise.
"Venus in Fur" - A Roman Polanski film returns to the marketplace. His new two-person film starring Mathieu Amalric and Emanuelle Seigner tells the story of an actress who attempts to convince a director how she's perfect for a role in his upcoming production. IFC Films' release strategy marks the first time a Polanski film is released both on VOD and in theaters. "Venus in Fur" has received rave reviews and currently has a 97 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have raved about the performances and the hilarious tone. The Polanski picture has already opened in Europe where it won the Cesar for Best Director as well as the Lumiere awards. IFC Films will release the film in two theaters and will likely expand it later on this month.
"Third Person" - After having won the Oscar for his work on "Crash," it was assumed Paul Haggis would have a prosperous career. However, his follow up works were greeted with mixed reviews. This year Haggis returns with "Third Person," a hyperlink movie about three interlocking love stories involving three couples in three cities: Rome, Paris, and New York. The film, which stars Mila Kunis, Liam Neeson, Adrien Brody, James Franco, Maria Bello and Olivia Wilde, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival but scored horrible reviews. The hyperlink currently has a 33 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes and critics have complained about the running time and the confusing plotlines. Sony Pictures Classics will release the picture, but based on the lack of buzz, the company is unlikely to ever expand it nationwide.
Other major releases in art house theaters include the Philippine epic "Norte, the End of History," which played at the New York Film Festival, and Cohen Media Group's "Le Chef" starring Jean Reno.