Let’s preview this weekend’s new releases in theatres.
- Soul Men: Everyone knows by now about the passing of Bernie Mac and this was his last on screen performance. To be honest the trailer left me feeling very disappointed as nothing great should be expected here. However, I am a Mac fan so I will probably end up seeing this eventually as a way to pay my respects and see him one last time. People who aren’t fans of his would probably be wise to pass on this one.
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: The success of the first Madagascar movie is undeniable. It had a $47 million opening weekend and grossed over $190 million. The reviews so far have been quite good as well indicating that this might even been an upgrade over the original. Seems to me like it’s a must see for the younger crowd.
- Repo! The Genetic Opera: Here we have a rock opera about an organ-financing program that helps during an epidemic. And apparently the Repo Man takes care of those who don’t pay or something. I watched the trailer and the music seems good but the rest appears to be quite bizarre. The film comes from the producer of Saw and will be sure to have its violence and grittyness. There is also a role for Paris Hilton here to add to the bizarro level.
- Role Models: Here is one comedy I have been looking forward to seeing and I’m sure I’ve seen the trailer 968 times by now. Good comedies are hard to find these days but I just get the sense that this is going to be one of the better ones of the year. Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott appear to be a good comedy tag team. The reviews have been quite good so far so I would imagine this is one everyone should check out if you are looking for some laughs.
- House: Here is this week’s horror release and I don’t think it should be worth anyone’s time judging from the trailer. To me it just seems like a knockoff combination of 1408 and Seven. I’d rather watch the originals than take a risk on this. It is based on a best selling novel but the cliches will run wild here. Fans of Michael Madsen might want to check it out but I’ll pass. I might pop in my Zodiac DVD instead this weekend.
- Boy in the Striped Pajamas: Here is a limited release that has been getting good reviews (71% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes). It is a powerful family drama that is set in the times of the Holocaust. After seeing the trailer I am somewhat intrigued. Drama fans might want to seek this one out in case it turns out to be a gem.
Box Office Top 10 Projections:
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – $60 million
- Role Models – $14 million
- Soul Men – $10 million
- High School Musical 3 – $9 million
- Changeling – $7 million
- Saw V – $5 million
- Zack and Miri Make a Porno – $4 million
- Beverly Hills Chihuahua – $4 million
- Eagle Eye – $3 million
- Secret Life of Bees – $3 million
