Weekend Preview 2015: 'Minions' to Break Records; 'Self/Less' Also Opens
This weekend, three studio films will be released and attempt to revive the box office, which was disappointing during the July 4 weekend. The titles this week will including an animated film, a horror film and a science fiction flick.
“The Gallows” -- The horror genre has struggled throughout the year and Warner Bros. hopes the tides will turn with its latest entry. The new flick tells the story of students at a school who resurrect a failed show that led to a horrific accident 20 years before in a small town. In a misguided attempt to honor the anniversary of the tragedy, the students soon discover that some things are better left alone. The movie has received a modest marketing campaign and should open around $10 million to $15 million. However, if word-of-mouth is strong, it could always surprise.
“Minions” -- The spin-off to “Despicable Me” finally hits theaters after an intensive marketing campaign that has proven quite strong. The new film tells the story of Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob, who are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who hatches a plot to take over the world. Reviews for the animated film have been good, if not great. Family audiences will turn out for it as there are limited options for kids. With “Inside Out” already a month old this film will definitely top the box office.
According to early estimates, the movie should easily make north of $90 million on opening weekend. However, it will be interesting to see if the spin-off is as successful as the “Despicable Me” films.
“Self/Less” -- Tarsem Singh is back with another visually arresting film. This movie tells the story of an extremely wealthy man, dying from cancer, who decides to undergo a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the body of a healthy young man. Things go awry when he starts to uncover the mystery of the body's origin and the organization that will kill to protect its cause.
“Self/Less” stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Kingsley but reviews have not been favorable. Most critics have noted that the film is confusing and hard to follow. Marketing has been strong but, based on Singh's recent films, “Self/Less” is unlikely to be a box office juggernaut. It also does not help that Reynolds and Kingsley have not headlined a box office hit in years.
“Tangerine” -- The iPhone movie will finally be released after a big festival run. Sean Baker’s latest film tells the story of a girl who tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve searching for her boyfriend who cheated on her. The movie received its world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it surprised. The movie is being promoted as revolutionary since it is the first iPhone movie and reviews have been quite strong. Magnolia is releasing “Tangerine” in limited release before expanding it.
Other films being released this week include “Do I Sound Gay,” a documentary exploring the stereotype of the "gay voice," and “Nowitzki” by Magnolia.
Freestyle will release “The Suicide Theory” about a suicidal man who decides to hire a demented killer to assist him in suicide.
Broad Green will release its second film, “10,000 KM,” a film exploring a couple and how their relationship develops from long distance.