Kevin Smith vs. Crazy People
Scorsese has his biggest open of all time. The Departed’s $132 million, his highest gross to date, seems attainable.
2/26
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
All toxin and no antidote makes the townsfolk something something. Go crazy? Don’t mind if they do!
WILL IT SUCK?
Wasn’t expecting this as the next project of the guy who directed Sahara. On the other hand, also didn’t expect him to remake Flash Gordon as his next project. This remake of a 1973 George Romero film comes from writers behind such remakes as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Amityville Horror, and Pulse as well as the original (and thoroughly despised) Case 39, so I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
But at least the residents of Lenox, Iowa will be pleased.
Early buzz isn’t all that bad.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Shutter Island mildly counts as competition, but not really. The real problem is horror remakes not being nearly as safe a bet as they used to be. $21mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Kevin Smith does the buddy cop thing.
WILL IT SUCK?
Smith promises that in spite of an unfunny trailer and less-funny title (orig. was A Couple of Dicks) the movie is funny. I believe him, but I’m a Smith fan. I even listen to his podcast. And I refuse to believe he’d yell, “Cut!” until he was laughing his ass off. Especially given that he’s working, for the first time, with material not his own. Which is where I get nervous, since these writers really only have stuff like Las Vegas to their credit. Good cast: Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, Sean William Scott, Jason Lee, Adam Brody, Kevin Pollack.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
It’s not about Kevin Smith (his name hardly appears in the trailer) so much as Bruce Willis, who opens in the middle these days. $39mil.
Limited
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Road trip! Ex-con (William Hurt) picks up two hitchhikers (Kristen Stewart and Eddie Redmayne) on the way to see his estranged wife (Maria Bello).
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. Should add nicely to Stewart’s non-Twilight indie cred (Adventureland, Into the Wild).
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
While Stewart’s popularity probably aided in this years-old flick getting distribution, I don’t think that will translate into art house sales. $3mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
The Arab Godfather
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is sick. Has already accumulated a number of nods and wins (including the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes) on the road to a Best Foreign nod – and perhaps a spoiler for The White Ribbon in that category.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
With its nod (and possible win), should do well. $6mil.
Next Week: Wait a minute. You’re telling me Tim Burton made a movie with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter? Get the fuck outta here!