Inception holding strong and Kids Are All Right looking like it’ll be this summer’s (500) Days of Summer. And then there’s the overreaction to Cats and Dogs‘ craptactular numbers as a death knell for 3D, as if Despicable Me hadn’t just hoovered cash less than a month ago (not to mention Pixar’s highest grossing film of all time being only their 2nd foray into the 3rd dimension). Let’s wait for, say, five 3D films in a row to flop before we start making empty promises, mmm’kay?
8/6
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Bumbling cops (Will Ferrell, Mark Whalberg) live in the shadow of supercops (Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson) until they stumble upon a big case.
WILL IT SUCK?
More often than not, Adam McKay proves to be good writing/directing mojo for Ferrell (Step Brothers vs. Anchorman and Talladega Nights). Not happy that a Land of the Lost writer is also up in here, tho. Early buzz is mixed.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
If Dinner for Schmucks can’t provide a decent challenge, I doubt Scott Pilgrim will next week, either. $101mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
More dancing. Oh, and to look at the trailer, some of those kids are from Tron.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz can probably be summed up by this quote: “It’s not good, but it’s a lot of fun.”
By the way, if you’re looking for a movie with amazing dance sequences and a lack of suck, check out Planet B-Boy.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
This is a fairly solid franchise. $47mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Internet Porn Begins
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good, which is encouraging since writer/director George Gallo’s track record isn’t consistent (Local Color on one end and Trapped in Paradise on the other). Stars Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, James Caan, Kelsey Grammer, Kevin Pollak, and Robert Forster.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Not sure why they’re releasing this wide. This seems like early fall indie art house fodder. $18mil.
Limited
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Rich white kids deal drugs on the Upper East Side.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is not so good, but Roger Ebert likes it.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Chace Crawford could draw some teens, if teens generally went to art house films. $4mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
When Little Harry Met Little Sally
WILL IT SUCK?
From the formerly awesome Rob Reiner, who is writing again for the first time since Spinal Tap, but his writing partner did North, Bait, and a Kangaroo Jack sequel. Early buzz is not so good.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Without stars, it’s very hard for a kid’s film to get traction, especially an indie kid’s film. $7mil.
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Woman (Gemma Arterton) gets kidnapped. Woman fights back.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. And who doesn’t wanna see Eddie Marsan kidnap somebody?
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
This weekend is getting way too crowded. $2mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
John Hurt and Elijah Wood play a professor and a grad student trying to solve a code-laced killing spree at Oxford University.
WILL IT SUCK?
From Ferpect Crime writer/director Alex de la Iglesia. This one’s not getting nearly the reception of his Spanish-language work. To wit, “…makes The Da Vinci Code look like a masterpiece.”
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
On a weekend this crowded, without good reviews, even Frodo won’t help. $1mil.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig hang out in Cairo. Clarkson’s married to someone else, but, dude, it’s Alexander Siddig!
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is pretty good. I’d expect more outstanding raves from a Siddig/Clarkson combo, however.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Again, not a good weekend to be a movie. $2mil.
Next Week: The movie that J.J. Abrams called “awesome” at Comic-Con. Hint: Not Eat Pray Love.
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