Even though much of the film world will be focused on the 2011 SXSW Film Festival (which opens Friday night with the premiere of Source Code), there’s still some new releases at the box office to keep those of you not in Austin, Texas busy for the next couple of days. Let’s take a look …
What’s The Scoop: Alien invasion film starring Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez as soldiers tasked with defending their city (and planet) from an alien invasion.
Why It Might Win The Weekend: Big effects-heavy alien movies tend to do well as people begin craving that summer blockbuster itch. This looks like Black Hawn Down with aliens, and that authenticity is what should help pack theaters.
What’s The Scoop: Animated feature about a kid who gains more appreciation for his mother after she’s kidnapped by martians.
Why It Might Win The Weekend: We’re on a bit of an animated kick with Rango taking the box office this weekend. Assuming Johnny Depp can’t figure out a way to make movie magic two weekends in a row, this could have a good shot at keeping the animated run going.
What’s The Scoop: A re-telling of the classic fairytale in post-Twilight times starring Amanda Seyfried as Red Riding Hood, who, this time around, is caught up in a relationship with a woodcutter, though her family disapproves. And yes, the wolf shows up too.
Why It Might Win The Weekend: It’s the first of the coming onslaught of reimagined fairy-tale movies, so it’ll be interesting to see if the film’s Twilight-ish, angsty vibe attracts the same sort of audience.
My Prediction: Hard to bet against a giant, effects-heavy alien invasion movie with big movie stars, so I’m going with Battle: Los Angeles for the win.
Now it’s your turn to toss in a prediction. Sound off in our poll below and let us know which film you think will win the weekend box office.
