Weekend Preview and Trailers 2014: 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', 'Into the Storm' To Lead Big Movie Weekend
On Aug. 8, a number of new films will enter into the marketplace attempting to reach their audience.
While the month of August is never filled with many blockbusters, this week showcases two potential box office hits:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
It has been seven years since the last TMNT film came out and this year Michael Bay has produced the latest live action version. The new film, starring Megan Fox, tells the story of four unlikely outcast brothers who rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as heroes. When darkness settles over New York City, the Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O'Neil (Fox) and her cameraman Vern Fenwick to save the city and unravel the evil Shredder's plan. The movie has received mixed reviews, with a lot of critics stating that it isn't a bad movie but it lacks originality. Early box office estimates show that feature will open in the mid $40 million range and that could help the slumping box office. Paramount has high hopes that the action flick will reboot the franchise and, as a result, is it releasing it in 3,700 theaters.
Into the Storm
The disaster movie genre is back in Warner Bros' latest flick. The movie tells the story of storm trackers, thrill-seekers and everyday townspeople who document an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes touching down in the town of Silverton. "Into the Storm" is directed by Steven Quale and stars Richard Armitage from "The Hobbit" series. The movie currently has no reviews and, according to Box Office.com, audiences are not very interested. For a big budget special effects-driven feature, it is only tracking to open with $11 million. "Into the Storm" is unlikely to surprise this upcoming weekend and could ultimately have a short theatrical run.
Step Up: All In
Lionsgate will release the fifth installment in the dance franchise. This new feature, starring Ryan Guzman, Briana Evigan and Adam Sevani, brings back all-stars from the previous "Step Up" installments. This time they come together in Las Vegas battling for a victory that could define their dreams and their careers. The "Step Up" franchise has been popular for seven years, but each film has consistently grossed less than the predecessor. Interest is lowering, and it is expected that this new installment will only open with $11 million. Reviews have been mixed, with the criticism being on the plot and the 3D.
As a result, younger audiences will most likely appreciate this installment, while older film-goers will stay away.
The Hundred-Foot Journey
The new film by Lasse Hallstrom tells the story of the Kadam family who clashes with Madame Mallory, a proprietress of a celebrated French restaurant. The film was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey, and stars Helen Mirren. The drama has been garnering mixed reviews, with many stating that it is too sentimental. However, Mirren is obtaining rave reviews for her portrayal. While it isn't the type of movie one expects from the summer, "The Hundred-Foot Journey" is likely to drive female audiences to the multiplexes. Back in 2009, "Julie & Julia" opened in the same time period and ended its run with an outstanding $94 million. Buena Vista hopes it can find the same audience to rejuvenate the summer drama.
What If
CBS Films will release the new feature starring Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan and Adam Driver. The romantic comedy tells the story of Wallace, who is burned out from a string of failed relationships. When he forms an instant bond with Chantry, who lives with her longtime boyfriend, together they must figure out what it means if your best friend is also the love of your life.
The feature opened at the Toronto International Film Festival where it scored rave reviews. However, rather than releasing it in wide release, CBS is only unveiling it in a few cities to see how well it performs. Depending on the opening the company is planning on expanding it nationwide.
Other features coming out this week include the Drafthouse documentary "The Dog," Screen Media's comedy "About Alex" and Cinema Guild's "What Now? Remind Me."
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