Charlie Rewind
Wouldn’t that be a cool name for a show where a guy lives his life backwards like Merlin? Anyway…
Ironically, the one wide release to not do well over the Valentine’s/President’s weekend was the one that seemed best suited to the romantic holiday - Definitely, Maybe.
2/22
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
An attempt on the President’s life, Rashomon-style.
WILL IT SUCK?
The writer’s a friend of a friend, so I’m going to say it’s the best film in the history of films that were written. I’ve never heard of the director, but let’s say he’s good, too.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Some stiff competition, but awareness is pretty high. $44mil.
(Delayed from lots of months)
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Kid starts handing out psychiatric advice (and meds) in his high school.
WILL IT SUCK?
Not bad. I wouldn’t put it in the pantheon of great teen smart-ass flicks, but it’s decent.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
On this crowded a weekend, I think indie platform would be a better strategy for this type of fare. $16mil.
(Delayed from January)
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Two video store clerks (Jack Black, Mos Def) set out to remake classic films that one of them accidentally erased.
WILL IT SUCK?
Written and directed by Michel Gondry, so already it’s good times. And judging by the trailer, they’ll make the most of a terrific premise.
Early buzz is good.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Moving into a position where a wide release would be more advantageous was probably a good move, but it’s still a crowded weekend and Jack Black hasn’t been as big of a draw for his last few movies. $32mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Larry the Cable Guy does some stuff. Probably says “Git-R-Done.”
WILL IT SUCK?
Finally, the guy who wrote Gymkata has made another film. Yaphet Kotto, what happened? You were in Midnight Run, man. Midnight Run.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Semi-Pro comes out next week as the relatively highbrow comedy alternative. $9mil.
Limited
(Delayed from October)
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
A mysterious signal is broadcast over all airwaves that basically says “you go kill now.”
WILL IT SUCK?
Three writer/directors tackle the three acts of the film. The concept works, according to early buzz.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Better against the second frame of Diary of the Dead than the first of Saw IV, which was its original competition. $2mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
True story of a WWII-era counterfeiter recruited by his Nazi captors to produce fake foreign currency.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is great. Manged to navigate this year’s unusually turbulent waters of Best Foreign Oscar selection to make it into the final five.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
The Oscar nod will help, if anyone ever hears about it. $2mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Married 1820’s woman toys with passions of an increasingly impatient adventurer. I’m sure that works out well for both of them. Based on the novel by Balzac.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. Stars Gerard Depardieu’s son Guillaume. From acclaimed French director Jacques Rivette.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Rivette. $750,000.
Next Week: Natalite Portman/Scarlet Johansson catfight.