Box Office Predictions 2014: 'Gone Girl' To Top New Releases "Dracula Untold," "The Judge" & "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"
"Gone Girl" is slated to win its second box office taking out all new releases "Dracula Untold," "The Judge" and "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."
After a successful opening weekend, the David Fincher film "Gone Girl" has made $48 million in its first week and is likely to bring another $24 million. "Gone Girl" scored rave reviews and is obtaining a lot of Oscar buzz. Strong word-of-mouth should help it close at $74 million at the end of the weekend and the film will likely end its run above $100 million.
"Annabelle" will also continue strong and should make another $18 million in its second weekend. While the drop will be close to 50 percent, the film should still be over the $60 million mark at the end of the three days.
Of the new releases, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is likely to lead the pack. Opening in 3,088 theaters, the comedy starring Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner will open likely bringing in $16.5 million. The comedy scored lukewarm reviews, but it is likely to attract family audiences. Disney has also given the film a huge marketing campaign and that could help the film open better than expected. However, it could face tough competition from the well-received "The Boxtrolls," which has been a huge hit thus far.
Universal will enter the marketplace with "Dracula Untold." The horror fantasy feature will open in 2,885 theaters and is likely to debut with $15.5 million. The company has been marketing the film strongly and could benefit from a built-in brand and could draw out genre fans. However, reviews have been extremely poor and last week's breakout success from "Annabelle" could give it tough competition.
Warner Bros. will release "The Judge" which is opening in 3,003 theaters. The movie was originally intended as an Oscar contender, but reviews have been mixed and after the Toronto Film Festival, buzz has deflated. Warner Bros. is relying on the star power of Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall to market the film. However, early predictions note that it is tracking to make $13 million. That is low considering the star power of Downey Jr.
In its third weekend, "The Equalizer" will continue its successful run and likely make another $11 million. The Denzel Washington film will likely end its weekend with $81 million.
"The Boxtrolls" will also have a decent drop and make another $7.9 million to bring its total to $42 million.
Lionsgate will release "Addicted" starring William Levy in 846 theaters. The studio has not really promoted the film much, but it is targeting an under-served audience that has proven successful in the past. Expect $7.5 million by the end of the weekend.
In art house theaters, The Weinstein Company will release "St. Vincent" in four theaters starring Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy. The comedy premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival where it scored mixed reviews. The film was originally intended for awards season but based on critical reception, it is unlikely to register.
The Weinstein Company will also open "One Chance" after having released it on Yahoo Screen for free a week before. The film originally slated for 2013 awards was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Song and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2013. While reviews are mixed, it should appeal to Paul Potts fans.
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Classics will release "Whiplash" in six theaters to universal praise. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the top prize and later went on to premiere at Cannes, Toronto, Telluride, and New York Film Festivals. Starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, the feature is obtaining awards buzz and Simmons is likely to get a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal.