Box Office Update: Running Out Of Ideazzzz...

I don't know how I can possibly be surprised about the negative turn of events in the box office recently. When the only films you release are a poor-CG disaster film from James Cameron and The Roommate, you're going to get what you deserve. We don't have any incentive to go out to the theaters, least of all this weekend. I've seen two new films release this year, and I must say that I lucked out. No Strings Attached was mildly likable romantic comedy, just as long as expectations are kept low, and The Green Hornet may have only been worth it for Christoph Waltz's performance, but what a performance it was. Search online for every scene with him in it, and nothing else. You'll be satisfied.

The Roommate managed the top spot this weekend, much like The Rite nabbed the top spot last weekend. It was based on star power alone, and Leighton Meester is a decent draw for the right demographic. Expect a sizable drop next weekend, seeing as The Rite dropped 62.4% from its opening. The King's Speech, True Grit, and Black Swan continue to soldier on toward impressive totals. That doesn't mask the depression in the box office. So far this year, the box office is a whopping 34.8% lower than it was at this point last year. We can't blame the lack of Avatar anymore. We blame the lack of anything worth our time. I can't wait for the promises of next weekend, but not in terms of quality. A weekend with new releases from Channing Tatum, Adam Sandler, and Justin Bieber is almost guaranteed for success.

1. The Roommate (First Weekend; $15.6 million)
2. Sanctum (First Weekend; $9.2 million)
3. No Strings Attached (Third Weekend; $8.4 million)
4. The King's Speech (Eleventh Weekend; $8.3 million)
5. The Green Hornet (Fourth Weekend; $6.1 million)
6. The Rite (Second Weekend; $5.6 million)
7. The Mechanic (Second Weekend; $5.4 million)
8. True Grit (Seventh Weekend; $4.8 million)
9. The Dilemma (Fourth Weekend; $3.5 million)
10. Black Swan (Tenth Weekend; $3.4 million)

Box Office Update: In the Depths of Hell

As grim as the outlook may be for the next month, take solace in the fact that it could never be as underwhelming as January 2011 was. We have some heavy catching up to do for the rest of the year. I know that many perceive the weekend of Season of the Witch to be the lowest our year has ever sunk, but I beg to differ, offering this weekend as a substitute. I'm just so underwhelmed by the box office performances that we've endured. Obviously the Oscar prevalent contenders are doing as well as always, with Black Swan looking to be the next film to break the $100 million barrier. The new releases of this year could use some improvement.

This week's new releases were The Rite and The Mechanic, but I honestly didn't notice until I had to comment on my expectations for them this weekend. Based on reviews, you'd expect the Jason Statham vehicle to do better in the box office, but that doesn't seem to be the way the world works. Instead, Anthony Hopkins garnered a short opening of $15 million, which should be easily overtaken next weekend. At this point, I still need to see No Strings Attached, but it's been doing fine enough for itself in the paltry competition it's had thus far. The only real question I have is why Yogi Bear is still in the top ten. Is the world really that pathetic?

1. The Rite (First Weekend; $15 million)
2. No Strings Attached (Second Weekend; $13.7 million)
3. The Mechanic (First Weekend; $11.5 million)
4. The Green Hornet (Third Weekend; $11.5 million)
5. The King's Speech (Tenth Weekend; $11.1 million)
6. True Grit (Sixth Weekend; $7.6 million)
7. The Dilemma (Third Weekend; $5.5 million)
8. Black Swan (Ninth Weekend; $5.1 million)
9. The Fighter (Eighth Weekend; $4.1 million)
10. Yogi Bear (Seventh Weekend; $3.2 million)

For Your Anticipation: An Old Friend

I really need to learn appropriately which films are guaranteed failures and which films are total failures. I was right on the money saying that The Dilemma would be a complete waste, but No Strings Attached turned out to be smarter than the title, and The Rite seems to be a bit more interesting than the trailer lets on. Don't get me wrong, because I still have little to no intention of actually seeing the film. When Anthony Hopkins takes on a worthy role again, then I'll be reserving my tickets. As it is, The Rite seems like it'll be half decent, if outlandishly ridiculous. If I'm not paying for the ticket, then I might give it a shot. Probably not, though.

Dread Locks: January 2010

This year has been a largely disappointing one in terms of feature films, but I have luckily been able to steer clear of certain failures such as Killers, Sex and the City 2, and Clash of the Titans. At the same time, I count them as missed opportunities. I don't have the bravery to deliberately choose an obviously bad film to see, so this is pretty much your opportunity to deliberately inflict misery onto me. If you haven't noticed by now, in the sidebar, there's a poll where you get to vote for one of three awful films for me to see. This month includes the Ron Howard directed comedy The Dilemma, the Natalie Portman rom-com No Strings Attached, and the Anthony Hopkins horror flick The Rite. Follow the links provided see the films' trailers if you're uncertain of what they are, though be cautioned that none of these films are expected to be good. Then cast your vote in the sidebar.