Box Office Weekend Preview: Brad Pitt's "Fury" to Win Box Office, "Birdman" Set for Art House Audiences
"Fury" is set to win the box office while "The Book of Life" and "The Best of Me" will also debut.
The Brad Pitt film, directed by David Ayer, tells the story of a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy who commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Out-numbered, out-gunned and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.
The film has scored positive reviews and currently holds a 79 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics are raving about the fine acting and the visceral action sequences. Awards buzz is high and pundits are predicting it will open around $27 million. That would give Ayer one of his best openings. The Sony picture is opening in 3,000 theaters and it also stars Logan Lerman, Shia LeBeouf, Michael Pena, Jason Isaacs, and Jon Bernthal.
In second place, "Gone Girl" is likely to drop 30 percent and make an estimated $19 million. The film will likely hit $108 million by the end of the week, especially with great word-of-mouth.
Fox's "The Book of Life" will also open in 3,000 theaters and is expected to make $16 million. The feature is being aimed at Latin audiences and stars Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman, Kate del Castillo, Ice Cube, and Danny Trejo. The animated film tells the story of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. As a result, he embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Reviews have been positive and marketing has been incredibly strong especially to Latin Americans. There is also a lack of animated films and family friendly movies in the marketplace. Additionally there is a Halloween element to the movie that will definitely put viewers in the spirit of the holiday. However, it will likely face competition from "The Boxtrolls," which has become a box office hit.
"Dracula Untold" will likely fall 50 percent and will make $11.7 million. That would bring the total to $42.6 million. Meanwhile, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is predicted to bring in another $11.5 million and bring its total to $36 million.
Relativity is set to debut "The Best of Me" in 2,600 theaters. Starring James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan, the film tells the story of a pair of former high school sweethearts who reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.
With no reviews and a lack of buzz, the film is likely to only open with $11 million. Relativity is targeting women, but that demographic is currently wrapped up in "Gone Girl," which has been a huge success.
In art house audiences, "Men Women and Children is expected to wide. Two weekends in the film has only made $141,000 and is currently becoming one of the worst grossing films of the year.
Meanwhile, Fox Searchlight will open "Birdman" in four theaters. The new movie, directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, stars Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone and Zach Galifianakis. It tells the story of a washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero and must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory.
The movie opened at the Telluride and New York Film Festival, where it scored rave reviews. The film has obtained a lot of buzz and is one of the front-runners for the Oscars. Fox Searchlight has mounted a major marketing campaign and that should make it a huge box office success.
Also opening this weekend are IFC Films' "Camp X-Ray," starring Kristen Stewart, and Roadside Attraction's film "Dear White People." Tribeca Films will debut the festival hit "Listen Up Philip" and Rialto will re-release the classic masterpiece "Hiroshima Mon Amour."
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