Date Night opening more or less where I expected, but check out Alice in Wonderland on its way to the top 20 highest grossing films of all time (at #22 now).
4/16
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Remake of the 2007 British comedy of the same name with many more black people and exactly as many dwarves.
WILL IT SUCK?
I’m not sure if I’d feel differently if I hadn’t already seen and enjoyed the original. And even though Neil LaButte is at the helm, I haven’t been interested in his work since The Shape of Things (and haven’t been floored since Your Friends and Neighbors).
On the other hand, exact same writer. On yet another hand, completely different comedic style, given the cast: Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, and Tracy Morgan – so that could be an interesting experiment (or a total disaster).
Rest of the cast ain’t half bad: Danny Glover, Zoe Saldana, Keith David, James Marsden, Luke Wilson, Regina Hall, and Ron Glass (those of you who are Firefly fans will appreciate that casting given that Alan Tudyk was in the original). And, the aforementioned repeat casting, Peter Dinklage playing the exact same role which, in context, might be even funnier.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Rock has never been a reliable box office draw, Lawrence only occasionally fares better (usually in drag), and it’s too early to tell about Morgan. $39mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Mystery Kids. Really vulgar, bloody ones.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is sick good. Matthew Vaughan is a solid director, and co-writes with his Stardust partner Jane Goldman adapting the Mark Millar comic.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
I don’t think it’s going to be a huge breakout hit, but it will take home some coin. $72mil.
Limited
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
You know how there are people whose job it is to go into a bar a smoke a certain cigarette in front of you in order to sell that cigarette’s brand? Imagine if an entire family did that.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is pretty good. Starring David Duchovny, Demi Moore, Gary Cole, and Glenne Headly.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Marketing critique could have special punch for indie-loving crowd. $8mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Based on a true story, a little league team from Mexico tries to make it into the 1957 Little League World Series
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good, which is a good thing given that the director’s claim to fame here is Harry and the Hendersons. Also, Clifton Collins Jr.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
A strong push in Latino communities should make for a nice turnout. Don’t know if that push will happen. $2mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Retired criminal court employee writes a novel about a 30-year-old unsolved murder/rape case in which he was involved.
WILL IT SUCK?
Just won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film so, probably not.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
The Oscar win will pretty much be all it has to go on which, judging by previous winners that weren’t already well-known, ain’t much. $2mil.
Next Week: You know, after The A-Team, you’d think people would learn not to betray Special Forces units.
“Kick-Ass”: I would have also accepted “Jim Henson’s Mystery Men Babies” for the pitch.