This weekend’s box office will be a bit harder to predict with Hurricane Irene preparing to slam the east coast all weekend long, preventing many people from North Carolina up through Boston from heading out to the movies to check out this weekend’s new releases. For those not hunkering down, this weekend offers up some freaky horror, some kickass female action and a sweet, uplifting comedy from Paul Rudd. Let’s take a look …
What’s The Scoop: When Guillermo del Toro is involved (he produced and co-wrote) you should expect some freaky creatures, and that’s exactly what our unassuming family (lead by Guy Pearce and Katie Holmes) encounter when they move into a new home they think is empty.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Guillermo del Toro’s name doesn’t hurt since he brings with him a fan base full of genre nerds, and late August has been somewhat kind to horror films over the years (perhaps because kids returning to school can relate to the horror).
What’s The Scoop: Zoe Saldana plays an assassin who shoots a lot of guns and kicks even more ass. Yes please.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Female-lead films are doing well this summer (just look at Bridesmaids), so maybe it’s time they dominate in all genres. Plus who doesn’t want to look at Zoe Saldana for two hours?
What’s The Scoop: Paul Rudd stars as the world’s most lovable hippie, who is forced to move out of his girlfriend’s house and into the urban homes of his three sisters (Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel and Emily Mortimer) with hilarious and heartwarming results.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: It’s been awhile since this film was the darling of this past Sundance Film Festival, so buzz may have faded a bit. Still, the great ensemble cast may prove enticing to those looking for a light comedy minus all the big-budgeted bells and whistles.
My Prediction: It’s hard to ignore The Help, which beat all new releases last weekend. Is there a chance it could do the same this weekend? Definitely. These three newbies won’t be bringing that much power to the box office, especially with the hurricane looming. I’m going to go with Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, and give the genre flick the benefit of the doubt.
My Pick of the Week: I absolutely loved Our Idiot Brother when I saw it back at Sundance, and so I have to recommend that to you this week. It will be hard for you to be disappointed by that fun little feel-good comedy.
Now it’s your turn to sound off on which film you think will win the weekend box office.
