Can “The Expendables” do it again? I’m betting on it. Considering the sequel has an even bigger cast than the original, “The Expendables 2” could trump the first film’s $34.8 million opening with $37 million. “ParaNorman” is the more attractive kid-friendly fare, so the stop motion animated film could bury “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” Should “ParaNorman” open with something similar to “Monster House,” it’ll start with $22 million as compared to “Timothy Green’s” “Ramona and Beezus”-sized haul of about $7 million. As for “Sparkle,” even with Whitney Houston on the roster, it probably won’t make more than “Joyful Noise,” likely wrapping its first weekend out with about $10 million.
After a solid start, “The Bourne Legacy” could be on its way to a moderate 40% drop, similar to February’s “Safe House.” Should that be the case, “The Bourne Legacy” will take another $22 million. With no new comedy competition entering the race, “The Campaign” could be in good shape as well, possibly only losing 40% of its opening profits for a $15 million second weekend out. “The Dark Knight Rises” is about to lose 533 theaters, so it could see its biggest drop since its week one to two fall. Should its weekend four earnings get slashed in half, it’ll take $9 million in weekend five.
After a notably strong start, “Hope Spring” should see a limited fall thanks to positive word of mouth. In fact, it might only drop 35% and take another $9 million to the bank, giving it a shot at stealing the 6th spot from “The Dark Knight Rises.” After a lackluster start and a dismal second weekend, “Total Recall” could be in for another rough one, losing 1,167 theaters and half of its weekend two profits for just $4 million in weekend three. Even though “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” will have to wave goodbye to 664 theaters, there’s still a good chance it’ll hold on stronger, edging out “Total Recall” for the 9th spot with $5 million.
Shockya.com Predictions
1. The Expendables
2. ParaNorman
3. The Bourne Legacy
4. The Campaign
5. Sparkle
6. The Dark Knight Rises
7. Hope Springs
8. The Odd Life of Timothy Green
9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
10. Total Recall
By Perri Nemiroff (via Box Office Mojo)