Does it sting that Avatar made only half of what New Moon did in its opening weekend and got topped by I Am Legend for biggest December open? Probably not. It made $232 million worldwide which should grow to a healthy half billion at least before we’re done, and besides, it did snow just a touch.
12/25
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Divorcee (Meryl Streep) meets someone new (Steve Martin) but starts sleeping with her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) again.
WILL IT SUCK?
I usually give writer/director Nancy Meyers (What Women Want, Something’s Gotta Give) the benefit of the doubt. And the cast doesn’t exactly suck. John Krasinski is up in here, too.
Early buzz is mixed.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
While there’s no direct competition, it’s going to be hard to get noticed. $64mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Maybe. Depending upon the critical reception, any of the stars could be looking at a nod.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Kicky-punchy-bawdy take on the classic detective.
WILL IT SUCK?
Guy Ritchie directs, and while Rocknrolla was good, I’m still wary after Revolver (not to mention Swept Away). On the other hand, he only directs, so it’ll look great. Writers are a mixed bag and, on their best day, have stuff like Mr. and Mrs. Smith to their credit which, while not exactly brilliant, was at least entertaining, which is kind of what I expect here. Plus, it’s Robert Downey Jr., so I’d be hard pressed not to watch.
Early buzz is good.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
This has been marketed almost as well as Avatar. Mabye better. $111mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Downey’s Golden Globe nod is unlikely to show up later.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKUEL
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Chipmunks go back to school and meet their female counterparts, the Chipettes.
WILL IT SUCK?
They brought on a couple of writers from Monsters vs. Aliens and Kung Fu Panda, so it might be a little better. And while I’m happy to see Zachary Levi (Chuck) get some work, sigh.
Early buzz is awful, but is creating some hilarious quotes.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
However much money you think the first one made, it made more. $162mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
There will probably be five nominees this year, not twenty.
Limited
(12/23)
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Police officer is reluctant to bust a kid he’s been tailing for offering weed to a couple of other kids.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. From 12:08 East of Bucharest writer/director Corneliu Porumboiu. Like that film, this is supposed to be fairly Jarmusch-y. Took home the FIPRESCI and Jury Un Certain Regard prizes at Cannes.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Has a little more buzz going for it than 12:08 did. $1mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Romania’s official submission for Best Foreign. I can see it making the final five.
THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Guy makes deal with the Devil, then tries to keep his daughter from paying the price.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. The last work of Heath Ledger, supplemented by Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, and Jude Law who each took over his role after he died. Visually, writer/director Terry Gilliam appears to be in full-on Dali mode here.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
One of the most anticipated indie titles of the year. $18mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Hard to say. Academy probably feels it’s already given Heath his due, so unless he shows them something completely different here… On the other hand, Christopher Plummer has the lead as Parnassus, and could be up for a career Oscar.
Next Week: Nobody releases movies New Year’s week. Well, unless they win the Palme D’Or or something.
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