Weekly Over/Under: Can Scorsese’s big cast drama “Depart” for a winning weekend?
Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 4, 2006
Last week’s box office reminded me of the movie Fight Club when Ed Norton beats the crap out of himself; it was Ashton Kutcher v. Ashton Kutcher. And guess what, they both won! Kutcher’s animated foley, Open Season hit hard at number 1, raking in a very solid $23.6 million and The Guardian, in which he stars with the ever elder Kevin Costner, brought in $18 million. The Guardian was the subject of last week’s Over/Under as it went over the target of $15 million. A solid week all around for the box office, let’s look at how the rest of the Top 5 shaped up:
1. Open Season - $23.6 million
2. The Guardian - $18 million
3. Jackass Number Two - $14.6 million
4. School for Scoundrels - $8.6 million
5. Jet Li’s Fearless - $4.9 million
Last Week’s Bids (current records):
Neil Miller, Over (3-2)
Brian Gibson, Under (3-2)
Chris Beaumont, Over (4-1)
BobbyQuickDraw, DNP (3-1)
Cole Abaius, Under (1-4)
Matthew Alexander, Over (3-0)
Wow, I get two wins to finish the month and I tie Brian!! Yay! It looks like Matt Alexander finishes September as the only person to pick 100%, but he only participated 3 of 5 weeks. Chris Beaumont showed the most skill of those who participated every week; and Cole, well, let’s just say his math is entertaining. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in October.
Speaking of October, let’s get things rolling…
This Week’s Over/Under: Will The Departed top the $15 million mark on opening weekend?
The Analysis: From the initial comments that Brian Gibson made about the film after seeing a screening, I can tell that this may play out to be one of the best films of the year. Jack Nicholson is a badass like no other, and the rest of the cast is A+. But all that aside, the question still remains: Will people go see it? The kiddies will be out seeing Open Season, or Jackass if they can find their fake IDs; action junkies will still be somewhat interested in The Guardian; and there is a little bit of humor in School for Scoundrels. Then you add in the other releases this week…
The Queen is getting buzz from the political circles, as it deals with the death of Princess Diana. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning is a great draw for anyone who is into horror flicks, especially due to the fact that there have been 0 good horror movies out since The Descent. And last but not least, the biggest contender: Employee of the Month. Dane Cook’s popularity is at an all-time high, something of which the marketing team of this film is very aware. Add in Jessica Simpson’s “talentsâ€, and you’ve got yourself a party. It may not take away The Departed’s entire demographic, but it may force some 18-25 males to go see it based on the date movie factor. That may lead to a lower week 1 for Scorsese and Co., and a rockin’ week 2. Just a theory - it is probably wrong, but it may be right on some level. All of these things stand to ruin opening weekend for this sure-fire winner, but how can you resist that cast?
My Bid: The Departed will do well. I think enough people have been waiting for this one all summer to push it over the $15 million mark. Theater counts have not been released this week, but that may come into play here. I say it goes over the mark, but just barely… Like $15.1 million or so.
Feel free to post your bid below! And for more in-depth conversation around this and any other film related topic, don’t forget to visit the Film School Rejects Forum.
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