FlickPicks Blog

“In brightest day, in blackest night, No movie shall escape my sight.
But now Ill say in black and white, Ill skip this one - Green Lanterns shite.”

Yes folks, this ones currently making the rounds as a good indicator for what to expect of this weeks new releases. DC tries to convert another of its more popular properties (that’s not Batman), and create a successful franchise. And by way of a clever link to Penguins, our other new release sees the return of the gurn faced gimp.

#New Releases

DC property Green Lantern has long been a cult favourite in the comic world, which meant it was only a matter of time before it made the switch from page to screen. And with Ryan Reynolds as lead and Martin Campbell in the driving seat, odds leaned in its favour for a decent run out. However initial word of mouth this week suggests otherwise. Reviews have been largely negative by critics and fans alike, however the opening weekend is still likely to turn over high numbers thanks in no small part to the 3D conversion. Green Lantern flies in at 3816 theatres, and could take up to $60 million.

Next, Jim Carrey returns to the funny with Mr.Poppers Penguins. And yes, that title does indeed suck. Familiar territory here should see plenty of the younger market making up the numbers, with Jim Carrey in the Doctor Dolittle like role playing opposite the aquatic creatures.  Although expectations are certainly not high for this one, Carreys star power and kid orientated story should see an okay weekend. Waddling in at 3338 theatres, Mr Poppers Penguins (I already hate saying that) could take $18 million.

Here’s how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1)   Green Lantern (Warner Bros) NEW [3,816 Runs]
Friday $22M, Estimated Weekend $60M

2)   Mr. Popper’s Penguins (Fox) NEW [3,338 Runs]
Friday $7M, Estimated Weekend $19M

3)   Super 8 (Paramount Week 2 [3,408 Runs]
Friday $5.8M (-52%), Estimated Weekend $19.5M

4)  X-Men: First Class (Fox) Week 3 [3,375 Runs]
     Friday $3.3M, Estimated Weekend $11.5M

5) The Hangover Part II (Legendary/Warner Bros) Week 4 [3,460 Runs]
     Friday $3M, Estimated Weekend $10M

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

AND for an extra +30, tell us what your imaginery construct would be if you wielded a Lantern ring. Most inventive and/or fun gets the win, GlassesGeek to decide the favourite!

Have a good weekend!!

Happy weekend folks. Yes another set of releases are upon us, one highly anticipated in the film world and the other highly anticipated somewhere in the world..surely. This weekend sees a slow down at the box office after many big releases, big budget blockbusters and sequels, with J.J Abrams Super 8, and Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer (I know).  

#New Releases

First comes Super 8, a coming of age tale from the mind of J.J Abrams, and supposed love letter to Steven Spielberg of the 80s. This original tale tells of a group of kids who plunge head first into a government conspiracy as strange events begin to take place around their town. Super 8 will look to take advantage of the quieter weekend and lack lustre releases, but notoriety may well reduce the Box Office takings here, even though reviews have generally been glowing. Super 8 will bow in at over 3200 theatres, and may take up to $35 million.

And the final release this week is Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. And lets be fair here, whoever came up with that one was clearly screwing the pooch. (Is that the right term? Give me a break Im British.) However with no other new releases aimed squarely at the younger market, this could capitalise on that audience.  Judy Moody comes in at over 2500 theatres and could end the weekend on $6 million.

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1)   Super 8 (Bad Robot/Amblin/Paramount) NEW [3,379 Runs]
Friday $12.2M, Estimated Weekend

2)   X-Men: First Class (Fox) Week 2 [3,692 Runs]
Friday $8M (-64%), Estimated Weekend $27M

3)   The Hangover Part II (Warner Bros) Week 3 [3,644 Runs]
Friday $5.7M, Estimated Weekend $17.5M

4)   Kung Fu Panda 2 (DWA/Paramount) Week 3 [3,929 Runs]
Friday $4.6M, Estimated Weekend $17.5M

5)   Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 (Disney) Week 4 [3,433 Runs]
Friday $3.1M, Estimated Weekend $11.5M

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

X Marks The Spot?

Another weekend, and another entry into the Marvel universe tries to kick start a franchise that became sour after previous instalments. X Men First Class is the only new release so should grab a good portion of the weekends cinema goers. On another note, Spring Slam has now come to an end. Congratulations go out to Chrestomanci who topped the leaderboard, closely followed by Jeter0204 in second, Zaws third, Yesitsme in fourth and Rosalind in fifth. Well done to all.

#New Releases

Being the only new release, X Men First Class will hope to capitalise on audiences that have (for the past couple of weeks) been plagued by disappointing sequels, and in effect reboot the X-Universe after the third entry (Last Stand) and spin off (Wolverine) left quite the bitter taste in the fanboys mouth. So far reviews have been very positive, so even if opening weekend doesnt set the Box Office alight, word of mouth should keep the figures high in the weeks to come. Coming in at 3641 theatres, initial reports suggest a middling $53 million.

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1. X Men: First Class (Marvel/Fox) NEW [3,641 Theaters]
Friday $23M, Estimated Weekend $53M

2. The Hangover Part 2 (Warner Bros) Week 2 [3,615 Theaters]
Friday $10.5M (-65%), Estimated Weekend $35M

3. Kung Fu Panda 2 3D (DreamWorks Animation/Paramount) Week 2 [3,952 Theaters] Friday $6.2M (-52%), Estimated Saturday $22M

4. Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 3D (Disney) Week 3 [3,966 Theaters]
Friday $5M, Estimated Weekend $16.5M

5. Bridesmaids (Universal) Week 4 [2,919 Theaters]
Friday $3.5M, Estimated Weekend $12M

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

This Memorial weekend, two highly anticipated movie sequels lead the pack to what could be an extremely successful weekend. The more adult viewers will be looking toward The Hangover Part 2 for their movie fix, whereas children and parents will no doubt head toward Kung Fu Panda 2.

Dont forget, this is the final week for Spring Slam, with Chrestomanci leading the chase, shortly followed by Jeter0204. I shouldnt be biased, as they are both in my chain, but I am. So well done both of you.

Finally, apologies for the lateness of this weeks blog,  Im still recovering from my own Hangover Part 2.

#New Releases

You may be wondering what the blog titles all about. This would be the French translated title for this weeks first new release, The Hangover Part 2. Director Todd Phillips will try to recapture the success of the first film, by reuniting its original stars and ramping up the bachelor party madness. So far, although reviews have been been down the middle it looks to have surpassed the originals takings in a big way. No headache there then… The Hangover Part 2 comes in at 3615 theatres, and could earn $85 million for the 3 day weekend.

And finally, our second big release is Kung Fu Panda 2, another sequel to a very successful first outing. With this being the only new animated release this week coupled with the Memorial Day holiday weekend, high figures for this would be very likely. Add to that 3D screens, and this weekend looks to be pretty big.  Kung Fu Panda 2 comes in at 3925 theatres, and could take up to $47 million for the 3 days.

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1. The Hangover Part 2 (Legendary/Warner Bros) NEW [3,615 Theaters]
Thursday $31.6M, Friday $30M, Saturday $29M, 3-day Weekend $85M
Estimated 4-day Memorial Holiday $105

2. Kung Fu Panda 2 3D (DWA Animation/Paramount) NEW [3,925 Theaters]
Thursday $5.8M, Friday $13.1M, Saturday $18.5M, 3-Day Weekend $47.5M
Estimated 4-Day Memorial Holiday $62M

3. Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 3D (Disney) Week 2 [4,164 Theaters]
Friday $10.8M, Saturday $16.2M, Estimated 3-Day Weekend $42M
Estimated 4-Day Memorial Holiday $53M

4. Bridesmaids (Universal) Week 3 [2,958 Theaters]
Friday $4.6M, Saturday $6.5M, Est 3-Day Weekend $16.2M
Estimated 4-Day Memorial Holiday $21.5M

5. Thor 3D (Marvel/Disney/Paramount Week 4 [3,296 Theaters]
Friday $2.4M, Saturday $3.6M, Est 3-Day Weekend $8.5M
Estimated 4-Day Memorial Holiday $11M 

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

Marriage Sucks….

Here we are at the weekend again, with two releases to share. Although Thor looks like it will c continue to dominate, Bridesmaids and Priest (in 3D!) will hope to corner their own side of the market and bring in the viewers. Congrats to Smellface on the caption contest win for last week, although two entries shared three votes each, I just thought Smellface’s was funnier…

#New Releases

First up, raunchy comedy Bridesmaids looks to find itself a niche in this weekends viewing, the R-rated film should pull in men and women despite the subject matter due to reviews being very good, also good word of mouth should give this a decent hold over the coming weeks. Bridesmaids comes in at 2918 theatres, and could take a very respectable $24 million.

And finally at a completely different corner of the market, is Priest, IN 3D! This vampire actioner from Paul Bettany and director Scott Stewart is their second action offering, the first being the critically derided Legion. Although Priest will undoubtedly find its market this weekend, and 3D sales will likely boost numbers considerably, expect reviews and word of mouth to be poor, until this drops off the horizon next week. Coming in at 2864 theatres, Priest may take $15 million.

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1. Thor (Marvel/Disney/Paramount) Week 2 [3,963 Theaters]
Friday $9.2M, Saturday $15M, Weekend $34M

2. Bridesmaids (Universal) NEW [2,918 Theaters]
Friday $7.8M, Saturday $10M, Weekend $24.5M

3. Fast Five (Universal) Week 3 [3,793 Theaters]
Friday $5.9M, Saturday $8.9M, Weekend $20.2M

4. Priest 3D (Screen Gems/Sony) NEW [2,864 Theaters]
Friday $5.5M, Saturday $6M, Weekend $15.5M

5. Rio (Blue Sky Studio/Fox) Week 5 [2,929 Theaters]
Friday $1.4M, Saturday $3.8M, Weekend $8M

#Caption Contest

I couldnt decide which film to caption this weekend, so I went with both. Two captions per user, one for each picture. +30 points for each caption with the most likes!

After a brief break for a stag do (or Bachelor party..) the blog is back, and this weekend the Marvel gods are unleashing their latest adaptation, Thor. As most may well know, Thor is but a piece to the Avengers puzzle, so will be hoping to introduce and flesh out a well rounded character prior to next years big ensemble movie. Also this weekend, two wedding theme movies for May, Something Borrowed and Jumping The Broom will hope to capitalise on audiences that are looking for something a little less Thor-some.

#New Releases

Thor is this weekends big earner, looking to further expand Marvels world of heroes, and continue the path that leads toward next years Avengers movie. So far buzz has been relatively high, and decent reviews are certainly helping it toward a good weekend. However with Fast Five still bringing in many viewers, it remains to be seen whether Thor will be worth the three screen dip. Coming in  at 3955 theatres, could well take up to $65 million.

Next up, Kate Hudson continues the domination and annihilation of the romantic comedy genre, with a tale about a woman in love with her best friends fiance. (Havent we already done this before??) The target audience rests heavily on women and those wedding minded, who are looking to get away from comic book heroes. Showing at 2904 theatres, Something Borrowed may end up with a take of $13 million.

Finally, rounding out the wedding weekend is Jumping The Broom, targeting couples (or rather women dragging in the men kicking and screaming) and those not interested in Kate Hudson. Buzz is fairly limited here but no doubt this will find an audience over the weekend. Coming in at 2304 theatres, Jumping The Broom could take up to $13 million.

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1. Thor (Marvel/Disney/Paramount) NEW [3,955 Theaters]
Friday $25.5M, Estimated Weekend $65M 

2. Fast Five (Universal) Week 2 [3,644 Theaters]
Friday $10.5M (-69%), Estimated Weekend $34.1M

3. Something Borrowed (Alcon/Warner Bros) NEW [2,904 Theaters]
Friday $4.8M, Estimated Weekend $13.4M

4. Jumping The Broom (TriStar/Sony) NEW [2,034 Theaters]
Friday $4.1M, Estimated Weekend $13M

5. Rio (Blue Sky Studio/Fox) Week 4 [3,708 Theaters]
Friday $1.9M, Estimated Weekend $10.5M

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

This Easter weekend we have three new releases coming in, Madeas Big Happy Family, African Cats and Water For Elephants. Cinema attendance should be quite high due to the holidays, although expect last weeks animated releases to perform well with the kids out in force.

#New Releases

Tyler Perry will attempt to bring in the numbers once again with Madeas Big Happy Family, trying to capitalise on previous Madea outings and a growing fan base. Numbers will be fairly solid for this release as always with a Tyler Perry, and to quote another Box Office prediction website; As usual, whites will contribute very little but the grosses for the PG-13 film will be powerful anyway. LOL. Madea comes in at 2288 theatres and could take up to $26 million.

Next up, Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson will try to pull together his extensive fan base to make up the numbers for Water For Elephants. Based on a bestselling novel, this will play heavily toward a female fan base (not forgetting twilight-moms) and will come in at 2817 theatres, and potentially take up to $18 million.

Finally, African Cats rounds out the new releases, a Disney nature documentary for Earth Day. This release will generally appeal to the environmentally conscious movie-goer. Although takings wont be significant here, it should still see a return for the Easter break. Coming in at 1220 theatres, and potentially taking up to $7 million.

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1. Rio 3D (Blue Sky Studio/Fox) Week 2 [3,842 Theaters]
Friday $11.6M (+12%), Estimated Easter Weekend $28M

2. Madeas Big Happy Family (Tyler Perry/Lionsgate) NEW [2,288 Theaters]
Friday $11M, Estimated Easter Weekend $26.5M

3. Water For Elephants (Fox 2000/Fox) NEW [2,817 Theaters]
Friday $7M, Estimated Easter Weekend $18M

4. Hop (Illumination Entertainment/Universal) Week 4 [3,616 Theaters]
Friday $4.2M, Estimated Easter Weekend $10M, Estimated Cume $105M 

5. African Cats (Disneynature/Walt Disney Studios) NEW [1,220 Theaters]
Friday $3.2M, Estimated Easter Weekend $7.8M

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

This week, although only two releases are scheduled, we should see a fairly sizeable impact at the box office. Scream 4 and Rio are set to battle it out for the top spot, and together should return one of the better opening weekends so far this year.

#New Releases

First up, Scream 4 returns after an 11 year hiatus. Bringing with it the original cast members (or at least those that survived) as well as original director Wes Craven. Reviews so far have been fairly cold, however faithful fans to the legacy will no doubt boost the numbers here. Coming in at 3305 theatres. Initial estimates put Scream 4 at $19 million.

Aimed at a very different target audience, Rio has been marketing heavily over the last few weeks, and will no doubt gain the majority of the younger audience. Add to that the 3D prices, and we have a fairly high opener for Rio. Rio comes in at a whopping 3826 theatres, with estimates in the region of $36 million.

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1)   Rio 3D (Fox) NEW [3,826 Theaters]
Friday $10.2M, Estimated Weekend $36M

2)   Scream 4 (Miramax/Dimension/Weinstein Co) NEW [3,305 Theaters]
Friday: $8M, Estimated Weekend $19M

3)   Hop (Universal) Week 3 [3,608 Theaters] 
Friday $2.2M, Estimated Weekend $9.1M, Estimated Cume $80.6M

4)   Soul Surfer (FilmDistrict/Sony) Week 2 [2,214 Theaters]
Friday $2.1M (-42%), Estimated Weekend $7M, Estimated Cume $19.5M

5)   Insidious (FilmDistrict) Week 3 [2,233 Theaters]
Friday $2.3M, Estimated Weekend $6.8M, Estimated Cume $35.8M

Expect a fair old battle for 5^th place, Insidious, Hanna and Arthur are all in the running.

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

This week, we have 4 new releases to check out. Arthur, Hanna, Your Highness and Soul Surfer all attempting to steal pole position from last week’s Hop. Although looking at the latest results it’s not all that likely.

#New Releases

Arthur is the latest in a long line of remakes, starring Russell Brand in the title role as a drunken playboy who stands to lose wealthy inheritance when he falls for a woman his family doesn’t like. The jury is out on whether this remake is even necessary, especially for those familiar with the Dudley Moore original. Reviews so far have been fairly negative, but those loyal to Brand may bring the box office takings. Coming in at 3276 theatres initial estimates put Arthur at $13 million.

Your Highness is a ‘stoner’ comedy given a medieval spin, starring Danny McBride, James Franco and Natalie Portman. Although the premise is generally good, recent trailers are light on laughs and reviews decidedly mixed. However decent star power (given Franco and Portman’s Oscar nom and win) may aid the weekend’s results. Your Highness comes in at 2769 theatres, estimates at $10.1 million.

Next, Hanna, starring Saoirse Ronan (yes, I googled the spelling) and Eric Bana, is the tale of a 16 year old sheltered daughter, raised by her ex-CIA father to be a ruthless assassin. Initial reports are generally in favour, reviews fairly positive across the board. It could well be a two horse race to grab #2 for the weekend. Hanna is showing at 2535 theatres, giving an estimate of $12.7 million.

Finally, family drama Soul Surfer rounds out the new releases. A true tale of a teen surfer who fights to get her life back on track after a shark bites her arm off. True story – lost an arm. Sound familiar?? Female teen audiences are likely to bring in the money for this one, although the challenge for second place is likely to prove ‘armless’. (I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it).

Heres how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1. Hop (Universal) Week 2 [3,636 Theaters]
Friday $5.4M (-52%), Estimated Weekend $20.2M, Estimated Cume $66.6M

2. Arthur (Warner Bros) NEW [3,276 Theaters]
Friday $4.5M, Estimated Weekend $13M

3. Hanna (Focus) NEW [2,535 Theaters]
Friday $4.1M, Estimated Weekend $12.7M

4. Soul Surfer (Sony) NEW [2,214 Theaters]
Friday $3.6M, Estimated Weekend $11M

5. Your Highness (Universal) NEW [2,769 Theaters] 
Friday $3.7M, Estimated Weekend $10.1M

#Caption Contest

Congrats to Spam for winning last week’s +30 points. This week there’s another chance to grab +30 for most likes on a caption for the above photo.

And once again, what else would you like to see in the blog?

Have a good weekend everyone!

Good news folks! The blog is back. Here to give a little insight into the weekend so far, and look at what’s to come on FP. Made some pretty bad choices this week? Don’t panic just yet, we’ll also be giving you the chance to net yourself some extra points.

#New Releases

Duncan Jones follows cult favourite ‘Moon’ with Source Code, a sci-fi actioner with elements of Quantum Leap and Groundhog Day thrown into the mix. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the hero, finding himself reliving a train explosion over and over until he can find the terrorist responsible. Source Code has been generating relatively good levels of online interest, coming in at 2961 theatres. Initial estimates put Source Code at $14.5 million.

Hop brings a mix of computer animation and live action to the Easter genre, where jobless slacker Fred agrees to nurse the Easter Bunny back to health after accidentally injuring the rabbit. Naturally Hop leans heavily toward a family audience, and should come out on top after the weekend. Hop comes in at 3579 theatres, estimates put Hop at the top of the pile with an egg-tremely good $38 million (sorry).

Finally, a PG-13 horror from director James Wan (Saw) , sees a young family make the terrifying discovery that the body of their comatose boy has become a magnet for malevolent entities. Insidious has seen a decent level of online interest and is showing at 2408 theatres, giving an estimate of $12 million.

Here’s how the weekend is shaping up so far (subject to change)

1) Hop[3,579Theaters]
Friday $11.4M, Estimated Weekend $38M

2) SourceCode[2,961Theaters]
Friday $5.2M, Estimated Weekend $14.5M

3) Insidious[2,408Theaters]
Friday $5M, Estimated Weekend $12M

4) Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules [3,169 Theaters]
Friday $3M (-58%), Estimated Weekend $11M, Estimated Cume $39.1M

5) Limitless[2,838Theaters]
Friday $3.1M, Estimated $10.5M, Estimated Cume $56.7M

#Caption Contest

Need some extra points? Give the photo above a funny caption, most likes will grab the winner +30 points.

And while you’re commenting, what else would you like to see in the blog? Midweek predictions? Theatre counts? More competitions? Let us know!