Weekend Preview: 2nd Week of Aug.

Well, I think that this is the official end of the summer movie season, and what a disappointing summer it's been. Last year at was kind of similar, but at least we had the saving grace of District 9 and Inglourious Basterds. This year, the most renewal in our faith that we've gotten outside of Pixar and Nolan has been from this weekend's Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, which stands the best chance at nailing the box office this weekend. What does it have against it? The release isn't as wide as could be hoped for, and it's up against Sylvester Stallone and Julia Roberts. Still, I think the film will have enough traction with audiences to bring them back for more.

As for the opposition, the biggest threat is The Expendables, with a cast of masculine men who want nothing more than to kick peoples asses all over again. A lot of people have placed this as their top film of the weekend, but it doesn't look very interesting. Just chalk it up to every other action movie exactly like it. Even less of a threat is Julia Roberts' Eat Pray Love. I don't think this film has had any buzz going for it at all. The trailers scream schmaltz, and though I'm sorry to say it, Ryan Murphy (Glee) doesn't display the same charm on the silver screen as he does on television.

My opinion: If you're a woman who wants to see Julia Roberts cry, and suffer, and crap like that, go see Eat Pray Love (NOT a recommendation). If you're a man who wants regularly dull action and nothing more out of this weekend, go see The Expendables. If you want uniquely stylized action, perfectly timed comedy, and a sweet romance, go see Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. As a matter of fact, just go out to see Scott Pilgrim, RIGHT NOW! Or when you're not busy working or spending time with your friends, or when you actually can afford to go.

Weekend Update: 4th Week of July

Last week was nice and all, but I feel like we've been waiting all Summer for something really special. This weekend, we are awarded for our patience in the form of Ramona and Beezus. If you ask me what this film is about, I wouldn't be able to tell you, because in all honesty I don't care. I can see the film receiving about 10 millions this weekend, and maybe even less. The other film dawning this weekend is Salt, starring Angelina Jolie. From the trailers I got the impression that I wouldn't want to see this movie ever, and by now, I find my suspicions confirmed.

Now, I can see this film doing decently with about 30 million, but nowhere near the opening numbers of Despicable Me, or that other film. The other film I'm referring to is Inception, which will probably take a considerable 38% drop, and end up with around $37 million. As for Sorcerer's Apprentice, I see it taking an even bigger drop to $6.5 million. An anomaly that happened to Predators last week. And Toy Story 3 should do slightly better with $7.3 million.

Weekend Update: 3rd Week of July

As usual, nothing really extraordinary coming out this weekend. The Sorceror's Apprentice disappointed on its wednesday opening with $3.8 million, not boding well for its take this weekend, which will probably end around $15 million. I can't really see it standing a chance against Despicable Me's second weekend. I can't expect a huge drop, so we'll probably see it taking in about $37 million. I'll bet that Predators and Twilight: Eclipse will dip below Toy Story 3 this weekend, with those first two taking in about $12-14 million, while the latter rakes in a fantastic $17 million. I can only see this weekend being something of a disappointment.

On the other hand, there is this little personal peice by Christopher Nolan, the guy who made Memento and Insomnia. He's been known for making those intimate detective films, and his new film Inception seems to be keeping with that. The characters look interesting, and it looks like it may have a little bit of action to it. Reviews have been either praising it, or calling it confusing. It could be both, but that's not nescessarily a bad thing. Most people are predicting the film to take in some small bit of cash like $60 million, but I think it may be a bit of a surprise success, so I'm going to say it'll take in precisely $87,642,854‏. It's just a guess. We'll see how it works out.