Second frame of Iron Man 2 beats first frame of Robin Hood. In other news, sky still blue, water still wet.
5/21
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
It’s a Wonderful Shrek
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is split, with audiences more in love than critics. This is not surprising, as it comes from the director of Surviving Christmas and Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (and, to be fair, Sky High) and co-writers that span Date Night, Lost, and Shrek the Third. Keep an ear out for Jon Hamm and Jane Lynch.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
While Shrek the Third saw diminished returns, this one’s in 3D. $382mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Clearly an SNL skit that works best in 30 second installments should be a feature-length film. Any child knows this.
WILL IT SUCK?
Here’s the shocker. Early buzz is actually really good. Cast looks fun: Will Forte, Val Kilmer, Ryan Phillipe, Kristen Wiig, and Powers Boothe.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
I think it’s been long enough since we’ve had an SNL movie that this won’t necessarily suffer from that curse. Plus it’s a nice R-rated alternative to Shrek. $56mil.
Limited
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Jewish Orthodox drug dealers. True story.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is mixed. Nice to see Jesse Eisenberg working with Justin Bartha, tho. Q-Tip doesn’t hurt, either.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Fairly slim pickings in Inidieville. But not huge stars. $8mil.
Next Week: The return of Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
I was a bit surprised to see MacGruber opening against Shrek – it feels like it would have been better counterprogramming against Sex in the City – but I guess they wanted to stay clear of Prince of Persia…?