Box Office Preview: 'Lucy' To Beat Out 'Hercules,' 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' and 'And So It Goes'
"Lucy" is slated to win the box office, beating out "Hercules" and holdover "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes."
The Scarlett Johansson film will likely open with $36 million, making it one of the weakest box office winners of the summer. The film has scored mixed reviews, and the fact that it is rated R could hurt the film's box office. Additionally science fiction flicks usually have mixed results. "Edge of Tomorrow" and "Transcendence" are among the sci-fi films that lagged behind despite their star wattage.
Given the impressive box office totals generated by female-driven films such as "Maleficent" and "The Fault in Our Stars," "Lucy" could surprise. Johansson has also become a box office draw especially after establishing a fan base as the Black Widow. The actress has had three successful box office hits this year, and this new movie is likely to continue her winning streak. Universal will open "Lucy" in 3,172 theaters.
Brett Ratner's "Hercules" is likely to land in second place with $24 million.
The myth-based flick will likely do better than "The Legend of Hercules," which only took in $18.8 million in January. Dwayne Johnson is a bigger star than Kellan Lutz, who was in "Legend of Hercules," and Johnson has generated a number of box office hits. Promotion has been geared toward Johnson, and with reviews being generally positive, the film will likely play to the crowds of "300" and "Wrath of the Titans."
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" will likely drop another 40 percent and make another $20 million. That would bring its gross to $176 million. With strong word-of-mouth, the film will likely hit the $200 million mark in the next few weeks.
"The Purge: Anarchy" is likely to bring in another $11 million and drop 60 percent. That would bring its gross to $53 million, and it would also be an improvement from last year's film, which fell 75 percent in its second weekend.
"And So It Goes" will also open in wide release. Clarius Entertainment has made a light marketing effort, and reviews have been terrible. Additionally, Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton have not been big box office draws for a while. The movie is expected to draw older audiences to theaters and will probably not hit the $5 million mark.
Meanwhile, Open Road will open "The Fluffy Movie" in 432 locations. Like "Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain," "The Fluffy Movie" will appeal to fans of Gabriel Iglesias, the famous comedian. However, marketing has been very light, and the lack of theaters will most likely bring its opening weekend gross to $2 million.
Focus Features will expand Zach Braff's Kickstarter-funded project into 600 more theaters. The movie had a mediocre opening in limited release last weekend and has only made $662,000 in its first five days. The movie scored bad reviews, and word-of-mouth has been low. As a result, it is unlikely the film will earn more than $2 million.
In art house theaters, Roadside Attractions will open the critically acclaimed feature "A Most Wanted Man" in 361 theaters. The aggressive push is an indication that there is interest in the movie especially since it marks Philip Seymour Hoffman's final leading role. Reviews have been solid, and with good word-of-mouth, this could be a surprise hit.
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Classics will open Woody Allen's "Magic in the Moonlight." Allen is usually a hit or a miss at the box office, and it mostly depends on how well received the picture is. For instance, last year "Blue Jasmine" had a successful run because of its rave reviews, while 2012's "To Rome with Love" did not meet the same standard. Reviews for this one have been mixed. But Emma Stone is a huge draw, and that could easily make up for the reviews.
IFC Films will continue to expand "Boyhood," especially after its first two successful weekends. The movie, which has already made $2 million, will expand into 73 more theaters and bring its theater count to 107. Based on how well the film has performed, this week's expansion looks very promising.
Fox Searchlight will expand "I Origins" into 72 theaters in hopes of improving upon its initial weekend. The feature did not meet expectations, but Fox hopes it will generate buzz among science fiction film lovers.
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