Weekend Preview 2015: 'Magic Mike XXL' and 'Terminator Genisys' to Capture Holiday Weekend
The summer continues with two big films kicking off Independence day weekend. "Magic Mike XXL" and "Terminator Genisys" will open and compete for first place against holdovers "Jurassic World" and "Inside Out."
"Magic Mike XXL" - Three years ago, Steven Soderbergh's first "Magic Mike" was a huge surprising making over $100 million with a $7 million budget. This time the film is bigger and sees the return of Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez, Joe Manganiello and Kevin Nash. "Magic Mike XXL" follows Mike three years after he bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game. This time he and the remaining Kings of Tampa hit the road to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance. Reviews have not been as stellar as the original film as critics have complained about the lack of a coherent script and drama. The new movie also lacks the presence of Matthew McConaughey, who was the standout in the first film. With a lot of competition at the box office, expect this film to open in the high $20 million, which would be on par with the original.
"Terminator Genisys" - The "Terminator" franchise is back and this time the film tells the story of John Connor who sends Kyle Reese back in time to protect Sarah Connor. However, things go awry when Reese arrives in 1984 and things are not what he expected it to be. The new films sees the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger alongside new cast members Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke and Jai Courtney. Reviews have not been good and while the film has gotten a huge marketing campaign, interest is low. The last 2009 film, "Terminator Salvation," was a financial disaster and this one looks to be yet another flop. Box office estimates are expecting the film to open with $28 million.
"Faith of Our Father" - Pure Flix will release yet another faith-based entry. The film tells the story of two strangers who embark on a journey to the Wall -- the Vietnam Veterans Memorial -- guided by handwritten letters from their fathers from the battlefield. The film is one that will be embraced by the Bible belt. Expect the film to open at around $1 million as it has not received a big marketing campaign and faith-based films have not been performing as well as last year.
A number of acclaimed Indie films will also open this weekend. The biggest film is A24's "Amy" documentary about the life of Amy Winehouse. The documentary screened at Cannes, where critics hailed it and made it an automatic Oscar contender.
Meanwhile, Sony Picture Classics will open "Jimmy's Hall" a year and two months after having world-premiered at Cannes. The film has received modest reviews but Sony has not really marketed it.
Strand has "Mala Mala," which should generate strong response while The Orchard will release the highly acclaimed documentary "Cartel Land. " Main Street Films will also unveil "Jesse & Ryan," starring Katherine Heigel.