Well don't I feel stupid. Everything about me knew that "The Hangover" would repeat as #1 at the weekend box office. Yet I allowed myself to be conned by the silly "Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3" - with its aging stars and bloviating title. This one hurts worse than an all-nighter at Ghostbar.Another major gaffe last week came with Eddie Murphy's "Imagine That," of which I said "I have a feeling this is either going to do great or absolutely tank." Guess what? It ABSOLUTELY TANKED! Failing to crack even the Top 5. This proves my age old theory - unless Eddie Murphy is in a fat suit, he's box office poison. Here's how last weekend's Top 5 broke down:
1. "The Hangover" - $33 million
2. "Up" - $30 million
3. "The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3" - $25 million
4. "Night at the Museum 2" - $9.6 million
5. "Land of the Lost" - $9.1 million
But enough of the negative. Like every compulsive box office gambler, we'll shake off our losses and look forward to next week....
This weekend we have a couple newcomers - Sandra Bullock's romantic comedy "The Proposal" (which is tracking well with Leshock wives), and the Jack Black prehistoric comedy "Year One." Let's think this one through.
The box office is currently devoid of any type of chick flick, so even if "The Proposal" reeks of lame physical comedy and Ryan Reynolds, let's assume it can attract most of the female/date-going audience. Judging from the non-success of "Land of the Lost," I'm hereby declaring prehistoric-themed comedy to be D.O.A. But now that I've said that I'm sure it will outperform and blow away all expectations. Harold Ramis, Jack Black and company can thank me in advance.
So here's how I'm predicting the Top 5 to shake out:
1. "The Hangover" - too much good buzz and repeat business. People want to see what everyone is talking about.
2. "The Proposal" - four of Sandra Bullocks last five romantic comedies have finished #2 on opening weekend. She's destined for second best despite her one-finger-salute above.
3. "Up" - 3D novelty and great word of mouth keeps it in the Top 5.
4. "Year One" - people love the stars and talent, but it looks a little too cheesy to dominate on opening weekend.
5. "The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3" - Still the only action/suspense fare out there.
Next week we'll debate whether or not "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" will break "The Dark Knight's" opening weekend record. See you then!
The box office is currently devoid of any type of chick flick, so even if "The Proposal" reeks of lame physical comedy and Ryan Reynolds, let's assume it can attract most of the female/date-going audience. Judging from the non-success of "Land of the Lost," I'm hereby declaring prehistoric-themed comedy to be D.O.A. But now that I've said that I'm sure it will outperform and blow away all expectations. Harold Ramis, Jack Black and company can thank me in advance.So here's how I'm predicting the Top 5 to shake out:
1. "The Hangover" - too much good buzz and repeat business. People want to see what everyone is talking about.
2. "The Proposal" - four of Sandra Bullocks last five romantic comedies have finished #2 on opening weekend. She's destined for second best despite her one-finger-salute above.
3. "Up" - 3D novelty and great word of mouth keeps it in the Top 5.
4. "Year One" - people love the stars and talent, but it looks a little too cheesy to dominate on opening weekend.
5. "The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3" - Still the only action/suspense fare out there.
Next week we'll debate whether or not "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" will break "The Dark Knight's" opening weekend record. See you then!
