Killer Film’s May Box Office Predictions
Written
on 30/4/08
Studios don’t wait till end of June to have the beginning of the summer like Mother Nature does, there’s begins in the first weekend of May. So, what to see, what to see, because May is expected to be a big month because last year’s May feature 3 out of the 5 biggest money makers from last summer, “Spider-Man 3”, Shrek the Third” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, all reaching $300 million or more. Here at Killer Film, we love movies and it is the summer, meaning sunny days and popcorn and here’s the month of May at a glance of each weeks big release with advice on whether to see it or skip it and for the fantasy box office players out there, a little prediction at the money they will or won’t haul in. Enjoy.
Iron Man (May 2nd)
Plot Synopsis: When an industrialist is forced to create a life support suit to keep him alive after an accident, he decides to use the technology in his suit to fight crime. Based on the Marvel comic.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Terrance Howard
Director: Jon Favreau
Jon’s Take: The trailers have wowed just about anyone who has seen them but what’s impressed me more than the cast is within the trailer, you can see how well Favreau has treated the character. Flamboyant, cocky, intelligent, and understanding, much like the Tony Stark character we’ve read for the last 40 years. Most first films of a superhero franchise tend to focus more on the origin story and a rushed climax, but I think “Iron Man” will be constantly entertaining throughout. I’m more eager in seeing his capture by the terrorists and his first conception of the suit, than who the ‘big bad’ is, although him fighting against the people he’s made weapons for, sounds like a great twist than a standard comic book villain. Iron Man never had a good rogue’s gallery (although fighting War Machine and Captain America), so fighting the U.S. military will provide for some exciting action scenes and story. Some might call this the sleeper film this summer, but just talking to random people; I expect this to be HUGE. And Marvel needs it to be too because, “Electra”, “Blade: Trinity”, and “Ghost Rider” were bombs and fans disliked “Spider-Man 3”, X-Men 3”, and “Hulk”. (See it)
Topher’s Take: Let's kick this summer off with a bang! The film "Iron Man" not only marks the start of the summer blockbusters, but it is the first of four comic book films. I am a huge fan of (most) comic book films, and this one doesn't look like it will disappoint me, regardless of the fact that I didn't grow up an Iron Man fan! Robert Downey, Jr. is a spot-on choice for the role of Tony Stark. Jon Favreau seems to really be taking a formidable interest in the character, as to avoid the mundane cookie-cutter presentation that is so painstakingly noticeable in many summer movies (*cough*Transformers*cough*). This is this year's "300". The trailer has stirred up so much buzz that few remotely interested will fail to see it. (See it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $280mil
Speed Racer (May 9th)
Plot Synopsis: A young race car driver attempts to obtain glory with the help of his family and an advanced car created by his father, based on the anime cartoon series.
Starring: Emile Hirsh, John Goodman, and Christina Ricci
Director: The Wachowski Brothers
Jon’s Take: I’ve never been that big of fan of the cartoon and the first trailer looks like a neon nightmare on screen. I can’t imagine this on the IMAX, which it is. Reports of animal abuse and with some duds since the original “Matrix” film (because the sequels blew and their editing on “Invasion” was incomprehensible); the Wachowskis need this to be big. I think it will make money, but after the summer is over, look for “Speed Racer” to be one 2008’s bombs. I could be wrong and I’ll find out soon, but out of all of these summer ’08 films, I’m looking forward to this the least. It could be too cheesy to be liked; since the trailer features the racings more than the story or dialogues, which outside of “Matrix” aren’t the Wachowskis’ strong points. Look for this to be a CGI-fest like no other. (Skip it)
Topher’s Take: Many filmgoers don't appear to have the need for speed. I'm hearing a lot of "that looks horrible" or "it's gonna suck". But I'm going to have to disagree. It won't be a great movie. But it's sure to provide a lot of fun. Sure, it's catering to kids. But isn't that what we all need every once in a while? It's odd, though. I wasn't around when the Speed Racer cartoon was new, and I still can't seem to sit through an entire episode. But there's something about the character that intrigues me. I was even Speed Racer last year for Halloween! (See it)
Killer Film’s Office Prediction? $180mil
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (May 16th)
Plot Synopsis: The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to once again help ward off an evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian. Based on the series of books by C.W. Lewis.
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Ben Barnes, and Georgie Henley
Director: Andrew Adamson
Jon’s Take: I really enjoyed the first film and in doing so, went back and read the first book. It’s the only book out of the series I’ve read but this trailer looks impressive, so I might have to go back and read the rest. I’m sure, under Disney’s guidance, this will be a good film. I think the real question is if audiences aren’t yet burned out of the fantasy genre. “Golden Compass” bombed royally and “The Spiderwick Chronicles” came and went, so are audiences tired of getting lost in a fantasy world? We’ll see and Disney hopes not. “Narnia’s” fan base is large, more so than “Golden Compass’” and Disney is hoping they come out, which they should. If all goes right, this could be one of the summer’s biggest hits. (See it)
Topher’s Take: First off, I must note that I did not see the first film. It didn't look interesting to me, and honestly, it still doesn't. However, I have decided that I might need to sit through it, because the trailer for "Prince Caspian" has caught my attention. The normal fan boys (oxymoron?) will flood the cinema as usual, but the film definitely looks deserving of a chance from a possibly disinterested audience. (See it)
Killer Film's Box Office Prediction? $295mil
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 23rd)
Plot Synopsis: Unknown
Starring: Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, and Cate Blanchett
Director: Steven Spielberg
Jon’s Take: With an unknown plot and huge hype, here comes Indiana again. While the first films equal one great trilogy, can such a long hiatus help or hinder this (needed? unneeded?) fourth film? Harrison is well older and the first trailer seems fun but after I saw it, I just didn’t get that feeling inside I expected to have. I think, due to the hype, no matter how good the film is, it’ll suffer from the “Episode I” syndrome: too much hype leads to fan disappointment. It’s sad because many good films die under fan anticipation, but it is Spielberg, it is Harrison, and it is Lucas, but with Shia LaBeouf added and that slick look of the film (did Lucas convince Spielberg to shoot HD?), there’s some apprehension from me, but I’m there for the midnight showing, regardless. (See it)
Topher’s Take: I'll have to agree with Jon on this one. This film will probably suffer from the over-hyped-ness (yeah, I made that up). I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I don't remember the original trilogy all that well, and I'm not even sure if I've seen all three films all the way through. (See it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $305mil
The Strangers (May 30th)
Plot Synopsis: A couple relaxing at their summer home are terrorized by three unknown robbers.
Starring: Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman
Director: Bryan Bertino
Jon’s Take: In summer counter-program, here comes a horror/suspense film looking for some attention. Now horror doesn’t fair too well in the summer months, especially one in this month of “Iron Man”, “Indiana Jones”, and “Narnia”, so I don’t expect this one to last long. Whether it’s good or not, won’t matter, the other blockbusters are taking everyone’s money. It looks like a studio version of “Funny Games”, but the trailer does make it seem a tad interesting. (See it)
Topher’s Take: I can't really comment on this one. This film is part of a genre that I rarely involve myself with. It just looks like another cliché horror film to me. (Skip it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $31mil
Meet Dave (May 30th)
Plot Synopsis: Tiny aliens take over a human in attempts to have him help save their planet, only to fall in love with a female human.
Starring: Eddie Murphy
Director: Brian Robbins
Jon’s Take: Good God another Eddie Murphy “comedy” in which he plays multiple characters? It’s all he does and this will be as lame as the others. I’m sorry; I’m not much into Murphy or these types of comedies. This could either be a “Pluto Nash” type of bomb or a “Norbit” type of hit. If there’s any reason to Murphy why he didn’t win that Support Actor Oscar for “Dreamgirls” just look at the types of films you do. I say avoid. (Skip it)
Topher’s Take: Yeah, I won't be able to subject myself to this one. Not a single moment of the trailer reminded me that it is a comedy. I don't foresee too many people taking an interest. (Skip it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $55mil
Well, that does it for the month of May. There’s some good looking titles to see and a few to avoid. Hope this helped in determining where your dollar is going. Needless to say, come back here often to check out our reviews on these films and more, because we will see them all for you, our beloved reader. No seriously.
Also, be sure to come back prior to the first weekend in June to see Killer Film’s take on the month of June as well as more fun predictions and takes on the summer films through August. Keep it here.
Iron Man (May 2nd)
Plot Synopsis: When an industrialist is forced to create a life support suit to keep him alive after an accident, he decides to use the technology in his suit to fight crime. Based on the Marvel comic.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Terrance Howard
Director: Jon Favreau
Jon’s Take: The trailers have wowed just about anyone who has seen them but what’s impressed me more than the cast is within the trailer, you can see how well Favreau has treated the character. Flamboyant, cocky, intelligent, and understanding, much like the Tony Stark character we’ve read for the last 40 years. Most first films of a superhero franchise tend to focus more on the origin story and a rushed climax, but I think “Iron Man” will be constantly entertaining throughout. I’m more eager in seeing his capture by the terrorists and his first conception of the suit, than who the ‘big bad’ is, although him fighting against the people he’s made weapons for, sounds like a great twist than a standard comic book villain. Iron Man never had a good rogue’s gallery (although fighting War Machine and Captain America), so fighting the U.S. military will provide for some exciting action scenes and story. Some might call this the sleeper film this summer, but just talking to random people; I expect this to be HUGE. And Marvel needs it to be too because, “Electra”, “Blade: Trinity”, and “Ghost Rider” were bombs and fans disliked “Spider-Man 3”, X-Men 3”, and “Hulk”. (See it)
Topher’s Take: Let's kick this summer off with a bang! The film "Iron Man" not only marks the start of the summer blockbusters, but it is the first of four comic book films. I am a huge fan of (most) comic book films, and this one doesn't look like it will disappoint me, regardless of the fact that I didn't grow up an Iron Man fan! Robert Downey, Jr. is a spot-on choice for the role of Tony Stark. Jon Favreau seems to really be taking a formidable interest in the character, as to avoid the mundane cookie-cutter presentation that is so painstakingly noticeable in many summer movies (*cough*Transformers*cough*). This is this year's "300". The trailer has stirred up so much buzz that few remotely interested will fail to see it. (See it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $280mil
Speed Racer (May 9th)
Plot Synopsis: A young race car driver attempts to obtain glory with the help of his family and an advanced car created by his father, based on the anime cartoon series.
Starring: Emile Hirsh, John Goodman, and Christina Ricci
Director: The Wachowski Brothers
Jon’s Take: I’ve never been that big of fan of the cartoon and the first trailer looks like a neon nightmare on screen. I can’t imagine this on the IMAX, which it is. Reports of animal abuse and with some duds since the original “Matrix” film (because the sequels blew and their editing on “Invasion” was incomprehensible); the Wachowskis need this to be big. I think it will make money, but after the summer is over, look for “Speed Racer” to be one 2008’s bombs. I could be wrong and I’ll find out soon, but out of all of these summer ’08 films, I’m looking forward to this the least. It could be too cheesy to be liked; since the trailer features the racings more than the story or dialogues, which outside of “Matrix” aren’t the Wachowskis’ strong points. Look for this to be a CGI-fest like no other. (Skip it)
Topher’s Take: Many filmgoers don't appear to have the need for speed. I'm hearing a lot of "that looks horrible" or "it's gonna suck". But I'm going to have to disagree. It won't be a great movie. But it's sure to provide a lot of fun. Sure, it's catering to kids. But isn't that what we all need every once in a while? It's odd, though. I wasn't around when the Speed Racer cartoon was new, and I still can't seem to sit through an entire episode. But there's something about the character that intrigues me. I was even Speed Racer last year for Halloween! (See it)
Killer Film’s Office Prediction? $180mil
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (May 16th)
Plot Synopsis: The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to once again help ward off an evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian. Based on the series of books by C.W. Lewis.
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Ben Barnes, and Georgie Henley
Director: Andrew Adamson
Jon’s Take: I really enjoyed the first film and in doing so, went back and read the first book. It’s the only book out of the series I’ve read but this trailer looks impressive, so I might have to go back and read the rest. I’m sure, under Disney’s guidance, this will be a good film. I think the real question is if audiences aren’t yet burned out of the fantasy genre. “Golden Compass” bombed royally and “The Spiderwick Chronicles” came and went, so are audiences tired of getting lost in a fantasy world? We’ll see and Disney hopes not. “Narnia’s” fan base is large, more so than “Golden Compass’” and Disney is hoping they come out, which they should. If all goes right, this could be one of the summer’s biggest hits. (See it)
Topher’s Take: First off, I must note that I did not see the first film. It didn't look interesting to me, and honestly, it still doesn't. However, I have decided that I might need to sit through it, because the trailer for "Prince Caspian" has caught my attention. The normal fan boys (oxymoron?) will flood the cinema as usual, but the film definitely looks deserving of a chance from a possibly disinterested audience. (See it)
Killer Film's Box Office Prediction? $295mil
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 23rd)
Plot Synopsis: Unknown
Starring: Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, and Cate Blanchett
Director: Steven Spielberg
Jon’s Take: With an unknown plot and huge hype, here comes Indiana again. While the first films equal one great trilogy, can such a long hiatus help or hinder this (needed? unneeded?) fourth film? Harrison is well older and the first trailer seems fun but after I saw it, I just didn’t get that feeling inside I expected to have. I think, due to the hype, no matter how good the film is, it’ll suffer from the “Episode I” syndrome: too much hype leads to fan disappointment. It’s sad because many good films die under fan anticipation, but it is Spielberg, it is Harrison, and it is Lucas, but with Shia LaBeouf added and that slick look of the film (did Lucas convince Spielberg to shoot HD?), there’s some apprehension from me, but I’m there for the midnight showing, regardless. (See it)
Topher’s Take: I'll have to agree with Jon on this one. This film will probably suffer from the over-hyped-ness (yeah, I made that up). I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I don't remember the original trilogy all that well, and I'm not even sure if I've seen all three films all the way through. (See it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $305mil
The Strangers (May 30th)
Plot Synopsis: A couple relaxing at their summer home are terrorized by three unknown robbers.
Starring: Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman
Director: Bryan Bertino
Jon’s Take: In summer counter-program, here comes a horror/suspense film looking for some attention. Now horror doesn’t fair too well in the summer months, especially one in this month of “Iron Man”, “Indiana Jones”, and “Narnia”, so I don’t expect this one to last long. Whether it’s good or not, won’t matter, the other blockbusters are taking everyone’s money. It looks like a studio version of “Funny Games”, but the trailer does make it seem a tad interesting. (See it)
Topher’s Take: I can't really comment on this one. This film is part of a genre that I rarely involve myself with. It just looks like another cliché horror film to me. (Skip it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $31mil
Meet Dave (May 30th)
Plot Synopsis: Tiny aliens take over a human in attempts to have him help save their planet, only to fall in love with a female human.
Starring: Eddie Murphy
Director: Brian Robbins
Jon’s Take: Good God another Eddie Murphy “comedy” in which he plays multiple characters? It’s all he does and this will be as lame as the others. I’m sorry; I’m not much into Murphy or these types of comedies. This could either be a “Pluto Nash” type of bomb or a “Norbit” type of hit. If there’s any reason to Murphy why he didn’t win that Support Actor Oscar for “Dreamgirls” just look at the types of films you do. I say avoid. (Skip it)
Topher’s Take: Yeah, I won't be able to subject myself to this one. Not a single moment of the trailer reminded me that it is a comedy. I don't foresee too many people taking an interest. (Skip it)
Killer Film’s Box Office Prediction? $55mil
Well, that does it for the month of May. There’s some good looking titles to see and a few to avoid. Hope this helped in determining where your dollar is going. Needless to say, come back here often to check out our reviews on these films and more, because we will see them all for you, our beloved reader. No seriously.
Also, be sure to come back prior to the first weekend in June to see Killer Film’s take on the month of June as well as more fun predictions and takes on the summer films through August. Keep it here.
