Weekend Preview 2015: Jennifer Lopez Returns with 'The Boy Next Door'; 'Mortdecal' & 'Cake' Among Other Films to Debut
This week one of the most popular Latina actresses returns to the box office after a two-year absence and will face off against some Hollywood's biggest stars.
"The Boy Next Door" - Jennifer Lopez returns to cinemas with her latest thriller "The Boy Next Door." The movie, also starring rising star Ryan Guzman, tells the story of a woman who falls for a younger man who just moved in across the street. When their torrid affair takes an obsessive, dangerous turn, the woman must fight back. The film is directed by Rob Cohen and currently has no reviews.
In recent times, Lopez has not been a significant box office draw as her movies have been panned by critics and have had the same comedic tone. This upcoming film is more in line with her 2002 thriller "Enough," where Lopez is on the run from an abusive husband. That film opened to $14 million and went on to gross $40 million over the course of its U.S. release. Based on early tracking, the film looks to open with $13 million in 2,500 theaters. It will be a huge sell for woman audiences as well as Latin American audiences.
"Mortdecai"- Johnny Depp is back with his latest film by David Koepp. The new comedy also starring Ewan McGregor and Gwyneth Paltrow tells the story of the British MI5, and an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part time rogue Charlie Mortdecai who race to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain a code that leads to lost Nazi gold. The film is among the most anticipated films this year and while reviews are not out, Koepp has directed two solidly reviewed films. Lionsgate is opening the movie in 2,600 theaters and hopes to open with $10 million after a strong marketing push.
"Strange Magic" - With a lack of new animated films in the market, George Lucas' latest film is likely to respond to younger audiences. The new film tells the story of Goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. The movie is voice by Evan Rachel Wood, Elijah Kelley and Kristin Chenoweth. Marketing has not been as strong on this film even though Lucas has done the press rounds. It also does not help that film has not been reviewed and that "Big Hero 6" is still going strong at the box office. Expect the movie to open with $6 million.
"Cake" - In art house theaters, Jennifer Aniston's Oscar snubbed film will finally be released after having received an Oscar qualifying round. The movie tells the story of Claire who becomes fascinated by the suicide of a woman in her chronic pain support group while grappling with her own, very raw personal tragedy. The film stars Academy Award nominee Adriana Barraza, Anna Kendrick and Sam Worthington. While reviews have been terrible, the film still managed to be nominated for a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice nomination. Cinelou is releasing the movie in limited release and will expand it depending on how well it performs opening weekend.
"Black Sea" - Starring Jude Law, Kevin Macdonald's latest film tells the story of a submarine captain who takes a job with a shadowy backer to search the depths of the Black Sea for a submarine rumored to be loaded with gold in order to make good with his former employers. Macdonald is one of the most respected directors of his generation and this new film has received outstanding reviews for his direction and for Law's performance. Focus Features plans releasing the film in limited release before expanding it into wide release next month.
Other indie films that will be released include Sony Pictures New York Film Festival hit "Red Army," Archstone's "Americons," Monterey Media's "Big Muddy" and IFC's critically acclaimed erotic sex thriller "The Duke of Burgundy."
Well Go USA will release "Killers" and First Run will unveil "Miss Hill: Making Dance Matters." Meanwhile, Roadside Attractions will release Xavier Dolan's "Mommy," which is nominated for the Indie Spirit Awards. Drafthouse will release "R100" and Starnd will offer "Salvation Army."
If none of these releases are of interest, a number Oscar nominees will continue to expand, including "The Imitation Game," "American Sniper," "Selma," "Foxcatcher," The Theory of Everything" and "Birdman." Oscar snubbed film "A Most Violent Year" will also expand into more theaters.
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