Box Office Preview: 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Will Lead Labor Day weekend; 'Cantinflas' Opens to Mixed Reviews
"Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are expected to beat out all competition over the Labor Day weekend.
In its fifth weekend, the Marvel film is likely to make $20 million over the four-day weekend and is likely to land in first for the third time this summer. Having already made $257 million, the comic book adaptation will likely end the weekend with $279 million. That would make it the highest grossing film of the year, and it will likely become the first film of the year to top the $300 million mark by the end of its run.
In second place, "TMNT" is predicted to make another $18.5 million. The reboot has been one of the biggest surprises of the summer and has helped revive the slumping season. The action flick is expected to end the weekend with $169 million.
In third place, the police comedy "Let's Be Cops" is expected to bring in another $11 million. Even though the film has received negative reviews, the feature has over-performed and could end the weekend with $61 million.
"As Above/So Below" is expected to open in fifth place in 2,500 theaters with $11.5 million. The horror movie has scored bad reviews and does not have any A-list actors. Additionally, the horror genre has been on a decline this past year, with the majority of releases flopping. However, this film could surprise, as horror films usually open to good results on Labor Day weekend. Three of the top five Labor Day openers have come from the horror genre.
The Chloe Grace Moretz romance drama "If I Stay" could make an estimated $10.3 million. That would bring its gross to $30 million.
Meanwhile, Pierce Brosnan's "The November Man" will open to $8.8 million in 2,774 theaters. Relativity unveiled the film on Wednesday to get a head start for the weekend. However, the actioner has not delivered great results. Negative reviews have harmed the film, and Brosnan has not been a box office draw for a number of years. Given how lackluster actioners have performed during the summer, it is not expected this film will surprise.
Lionsgate and Pantelion will open "Cantinflas" in 382 theaters, expecting to obtain the same success as last year's "Instructions not Included." That movie opened to $7.8 million in the same amount of theaters during Labor Day weekend last year. However, enthusiasm has not been as great, and there are no reviews for the film. "Cantinflas" is mainly a Mexican icon, and while he crossed over to the U.S., his films are mainly known to older Latin American audiences. The film also has less recognizable faces, and the story isn't as universal. Mexico has announced that the film is being considered for Oscars, but the announcement will not be made until two weeks from now.
Sony will celebrate Ghostbuster's 30th anniversary by releasing it in 775 theaters. Back in 1984 when the film was released, the movie grossed over $229 million. A year later it was reissued and made $9.3 million. The movie remains a classic gem and continues to have a large fan base.
In arthouse cinemas, Roadside Attractions will open "Life of Crime." The feature premiered at the Toronto Film Festival to mixed reviews. Marketing has been limited, even though it stars Jennifer Aniston, Will Forte, Tim Robbins, John Hawkes, and Isla Fisher. Opening in 33 theaters, it is unlikely the film will be a breakout.
In two theaters, Sony Pictures Classics will debut "The Notebook." The Hungarian film was the official submission for Hungary last year for the Academy Awards. Even though the drama made it to the nine finalists, it has received very little marketing and reviews have been mixed.
Tribeca Films will open "Starred Up" to critical acclaim. The movie has received some of the best reviews of the year and features a breakout performance from its star Jack O'Connell. It is already being considered an awards contender, and Tribeca is making it available on-demand and in theaters.
Open Road's "Chef" will reopen nationwide in 757 theaters. The comedy became the specialty hit of the summer after making $29.5 million at the box office. With buzz still high and strong word-of-mouth, the film is likely to finally reach the $30 million mark.
The Weinstein Company's "Begin Again" will also reopen nationwide in 335 theaters after a successful run this past summer. The movie has earned $14 million thus far, and the Weinstein Company is starting to promote the film for awards season. With strong word-of-mouth, expect the film to make another $1 million this weekend.
After a successful opening last weekend, Sony Pictures Classics will expand "Love is Strange" into 22 theaters for a total count of 27 venues. The film has performed strongly throughout the week, and with awards buzz, the LGBT drama will likely continue its success.