In terms of movie seasons, Alice in Wonderland kicked off what I like to call the Prelude to the Summer – that two-month span before May where the films are big, yes, but not monstrous. This is a time to prepare for summer; like spring training, but for movies. Alice blew the box office wide open last week with a whopping $116 million, but that was with no competition. This week sees four new wide releases, and each title has real potential to put a stop to Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter.
What's the Scoop: Your choice for funny this weekend, Jay Baruchel stars as a skinny nerd who does a favor for a girl way out of his league and somehow winds up wooing her, much to the dismay of his baffled friends.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Judd Apatow recruits wrapped up in what looks like a funny teen sex comedy is always a recipe for success. And with the Oscars last weekend, perhaps folks are looking for a fun escape.
What's the Scoop: Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass reunite for the first time since those Bourne films for another fast-paced, shaky-cam action-thriller about a military official who goes rogue and in search of weapons of mass destruction after discovering some shady intelligence info.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Folks thinking this is somehow related to the Bourne franchise will flock to theaters, then stay because Matt Damon is always fun to watch.
What's the Scoop: Two weeks in the life of a couple trying to survive the pre-marital madness while each of their fathers looks to rectify an ongoing dispute.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Ensemble comedies with ethnic flavor always make a killing at the box office because they target an audience that loves to have a good time.
What's the Scoop: Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin play lovers in this romantic drama that finds two young kids falling in love following tragic events in both their lives.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: C'mon, it's a Robert Pattinson romance film from the studio who put out Twilight. But does R-Patz have what it takes to rule the box office without his Twilight co-stars? That's the big question.
My Prediction: It's hard to bet against Alice in Wonderland and its $116 million opening, so I'm definitely going to go with that film. It should be interesting to see which one of these four feels the sting; don't be mad, but I wouldn't be surprised if R-Patz opens small.
Which do you think will win the weekend?
