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It may look strange, but this column is the same old “Weekend Warrior”, just with a slightly different name. The Reject Report is the updated version, the new and improved Box Office column with all the same attitude and flair. Are you ready?

Up until now, Spider-Man 3 has been giving a relative free pass. In week 1, it faced zero competition on its way to a record-breaking opening weekend. In week 2, it faced 28 Weeks Later and the rage virus. Week 2 turned out to be a bit of a disappointment for Spidey, dropping 62% to $58 million. It was a huge, $60 million dollar disappointment alright. This week, Spider-Man 3 finally gets what is coming to it, with the release of an Ogre sized family film: Shrek the Third.

Let’s take a look at Shrek the Third…

Shrek the Third
[PG, 93 minutes, View Trailer]
Shrek is back. So are Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, Pinocchio, Prince Charming and all of the other fun-loving characters of Far, Far Away. While not as innovative as its predecessors, Shrek the Third brings great animation, memorable characters and a short enough run-time to keep everyone interested. Mike Myers and crew are on their game once again. And with some welcomed additions (Justin Timberlake and John Krasinski), the well animated characters of Shrek the Third put on what will become one of the summer’s better kid’s flicks. There is also enough laughs for the bigger kids, leaving Shrek on the “not to be missed” list.

Risk Factor: None. This one was funny, familiar and ultimately satisfying.

Financial Outlook
Thats right, only one major release this weekend. But then again, it is Shrek. Thanks to entertainment starved families and little kids who watch Nickelodeon, Shrek is going to, as Kevin Carr said “Print money.” Let’s look at how the Box Office numbers should look when the sun rises on Monday:

1. Shrek the Third (Paramount) – $110 million
2. Spider-Man 3 (Sony) – $32 million
3. 28 Weeks Later (Fox Atomic) – $7 million
4. Disturbia (Dreamworks) – $4.1 million
5. Georgia Rule (Universal) – $3.8 million
6. Fracture (New Line) – $2.5 million
7. Delta Farce (Lions Gate) – $2 million
8. Hot Fuzz (Warner Bros.) – $1.5 million
9. The Invisible (BV) – $1.2 million
10. Next (Paramount) – $1 million

Once again, I am holding on to the pipe dream that has Hot Fuzz staying in the top 10. If you haven’t seen it, go see it. If you have seen it, then you know what I mean. As for Shrek the Third, things are going to be green and only get greener. That is, until Pirates hits theaters next week. Then we will have a real fight on our hands. Until then, we shall see…