Fox's upcoming "Fantastic Four" will be opening this weekend initiating the final month of the summer film season. The film will compete with "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" and the new Meryl Streep film "Ricki and the Flash" to reign the box office.

Weekend Highlights

"Fantastic Four" - Eight years after the release of "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," Fox is rebooting the franchise with a new cast that includes Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell. The new film tells the story of four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate universe that alters their physical form and gives them super powers. With the use of their new powers they are sent on a mission to save the world from a powerful enemy, Dr. Doom.

The film is directed by Josh Trank and is expected to restart the franchise and be as successful as the "X-Men" franchise. Early tracking suggests a $46 million opening, which would be lower than the original 2005 film and its 2007 sequel. This does not look good for the reboot and its opening could be affected by the fact that early reviews are extremely negative and even worse than the 2005 and 2007 movies. Critics are now suggesting that Fox should hand over the rights to the characters and give them to Marvel. It will be interesting to see if this ends up happening especially if the film underperforms.

"Ricki and the Flash" - Meryl Streep is back and this time she brings her singing chops to Jonathan Demme's latest film. The drama tells the story of Ricki Rendazzo, who returns home to make things right with her family. The film marks the latest collaboration between Streep and Demme as they worked together on "The Manchurian Candidate" in 2004. Reviews have been strong for Streep if a bit mixed for the film. However, buzz is very strong as many pundits are predicting Streep could land a number of awards for her portrayal.

Sony has given "Ricki and the Flash" a formidable marketing campaign. With Streep's popularity, the movie should easily open with at least $10 million.

Other Releases

For those not interested in a comic book movie or in a Meryl Streep film, Lionsgate will release the animated "Shaun the Sheep Movie." Reviews are incredible for the film and it now ranks as one of the best reviews animated films of the year.

For those interested in a horror film, Joel Edgerton's "The Gift" is receiving great reviews. Newly formed STX Entertainment is in charge of distribution and is hoping to appeal to genre fans.

Outside of the wide releases, "Dark Places" starring Charlize Theron will make its debut. The thriller also starring Nicholas Hoult is being released by A24 and Direct TV.

Sony Pictures Classics will release the Sundance hit "The Diary of a Teenage Girl" starring Kristen Wiig. Meanwhile Focus Features will release "Cop Car" starring Kevin Bacon.

FUNimation films will release "Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection of 'F'" while Cinedigm will take on "The Falling."

Other releases include "Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet" for GKids, "Metropolitan" for Rialto and "Sneakerheadz" for Submarine Deluxe

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