Weekend Preview 2015: 'The Age of Adaline' and 'Little Boy' Premiere; 'Ex Machina' To Expand Nationwide
Two mid-sized studio films will be released this weekend and they will aim to take advantage of the last few weeks of spring. Additionally, "Furious 7" will continue to dominate while the Indie breakout "Ex Machina" will expand nationwide.
"Little Boy" - Eduardo Verastegui is back in cinemas with the faith-based film about an eight-year-old boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so he can bring his father home. The movie, which was produced by Verastegui and was directed by his producing partner Alejandro Monteverde, is said to be the most expensive production ever filmed in Mexico. "Little Boy" is currently under review embargo but audiences who have seen the film have responded well to it. Open Road will open the film that also stars Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson and Kevin James in 1,000 theaters.
"The Age of Adaline" - The new drama by Lionsgate tells the story of a young woman, born at the turn of 20th century, who is rendered ageless after an accident. After years of a solitary life, she meets a man who might be worth losing her immortality for. The film boasts a remarkable cast that includes Blake Lively, Harrison Ford and Ellen Burstyn. "The Age of Adaline" has garnered good reviews with critics raving about Lively's performance. After a modest marketing campaign, Lionsgate will open the film in 2,900 theaters.
"Adult Beginners" - In limited and VOD, Radius TWC will release the highly acclaimed Sundance comedy starring Bobby Cannavle and Rose Byrne. The film tells the story of a young, narcissistic entrepreneur who crashes and burns on the eve of his company's big launch. With his entire life in total disarray, he leaves Manhattan to move in with his estranged pregnant sister and her family. The movie has scored good reviews and Radius will leverage the festival buzz with its VOD release.
"The Water Diviner" - Opening in 300 theaters, Warner Bros. will release Russell Crowe's feature directorial debut. The film tells the story of an Australian man who travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try and locate his three missing sons. Warner Bros. is marketing the film as the Best Picture winner at the Australian Academy Awards, something which is odd given the fact that American audiences are not aware of these awards. The film has scored rave reviews but marketing has been limited. Unless "The Water Diviner" overperforms, this may be a quick theatrical run.
In art house theaters, Freestyle will unveil "After the Ball" and "Brotherly Love." Music Box will unveil "Emptying the Skies" while Tribeca films will release "Misery Loves Comedy."
Other limited releases include Argot Pictures' "Don't Think I've Forgotten: Cambodia's Lost Rock and Roll," Rialto's "Forbidden Games" and Mousetrap's "Road to Juarez."
A24's indie breakout "Ex Machina" will also expand nationwide. The film has scored the highest indie opening of the year and has already made $1.1 million in 39 theaters in its first two weeks. A24 hopes to follow in the footsteps as its breakout hits "The Spectacular Now" and "Spring Breakers."
"Furious 7" will continue strong as well as "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2." "Unfriended," "Home" and "Woman in Gold" will also continue in theaters