I feel like we're at that point where all the other films are cautiously sneaking out from their hiding spots, whispering "Is it over yet?" in regards to Avatar and its massive box office takeover. Unfortunately for them, it's not over yet, as Avatar continues to rake in the cash (earlier this week it slid past Titanic in domestic grosses, and is now the highest grossing film of all time here at home, too). And while a lot of folks think that Valentine's Day (the movie, not the actual day) will be the film that finally topples Avatar, I have a feeling that Dear John may just have a shot at squashing those blue aliens once and for all. Let's take a look at this weekend's offerings …
What's the Scoop: Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried star in this film based on the book by Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook) about a soldier who keeps sane by writing letters back and forth to the girl he fell in love with back home.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: It's another story from the dude who gave us The Notebook, and you know all the ladies in the house love to get their cry on at the movies. Plus our Fandango computers tell us that Dear John is beating Avatar in advance ticket sales this week, which means it may just have a shot to win the weekend.
What's the Scoop: A weird buddy action flick from the director of last year's Taken, From Paris with Love stars a wacky (and bald) John Travolta as an over-the-top American spy who teams with a young employee from the US Ambassador's office in an attempt to stop a terrorist attack.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Films that feature John Travolta going absolutely nuts normally don't do that well at the box office, though people really loved Taken and they may also turn out in droves to see what director Pierre Morel is up to next.
What's the Scoop: In the spirit of films like Open Water, Adam Green's latest horror flick finds three snowboarders get stuck way up on a ski left after the mountain closes for the week.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Okay, since it's not opening on that many screens, there's a very good chance it's not going to win the weekend – but, still, if you're desperately in the mood to get your freak on, you'll want to check out this flick. It brings just enough thrills and chills to keep you off a ski lift for a good while.
My Prediction: Ya know what – in honor of crazy John Travolta, I'm going to go out on a limb and predict Dear John to beat Avatar at the box office this weekend. Anyone else wanna get crazy with me?
