Here is the projected Top 10:
#1: Beauty and the Beast (3D)
Yes! Following the enormous success of The Lion King's 3D re-release back last September ($30 million opening, $94 million finish), Disney is back to re-releasing their animated classics, this time converting their most acclaimed classic to the extra dimension, and just in time for its' 20th anniversary (which was back in November). The film currently is the only hand-drawn animated flick to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and was the start of the peak of Disney's Renaissance. This time around, it may be a challenge for this re-release to succeed. Unlike Lion King, which was in theaters a few weeks prior to its' Blu-ray release, Beauty is already in stores and a lot of families may choose just to buy it for themselves rather pay an expensive price for a 3D showing. That makes its' opening weekend a bit difficult to predict. But, it is the only release aimed at the family audience this month, and that should at least help it turn in respectable numbers, and will add on to its' impressive $380 million worldwide total during its' first theatrical run. It does have the potential to gross bigger numbers, but on the other hand, it also has the potential to gross lower numbers.
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $13 million
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $17 million
Estimated Final Gross: $40-$45 million
#2: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
The impressive hold last weekend is certainly going to keep it playing through the rest of the month, and it has a strong chance at beating II's $215 million domestic total. It might drop a little harder this weekend though as there is more competition...
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $12.5 million (-37%)
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $15.5 million
Estimated 32-Day Total: $191 million
#3: The Devil Inside
Its' debut last weekend was undoubtedly smashing, but unfortunately, audiences are throwing their popcorn and soda at the screen, so that means that its' going to drop very hard this time around. But still, its' doing much better than what analysts were expecting.
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $11.8 million (-65%)
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $14.2 million
Estimated 11-Day Total: $53.2 million
#4: Joyful Noise
Dolly Parton is back and is joined by Queen Latifah and young stars Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan in this new choir-themed musical. Anticipation isn't very high for this film despite good promotion on Nickelodeon and other channels, but, it still is the only real choice for females (unless if they have to take their children to Beauty). Critical reception has been mixed, and while musicals have been a solid draw in the last few years, there have been a few misfires as well. Perhaps the best comparison would be the star-studded Burlesque from the Thanksgiving period in 2010, and opening to that films' same three-day start would be a safer bet.
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $11 million
4-Day Weekend Prediciton: $14 million
Estimated Final Gross: $35-$40 million
#5: Contraband
Mark Wahlburg returns to theaters after a one-year absence with the new crime thriller. Anticipation has gone up over the past two weeks, but its' going to be a challenge for it to succeed as it has a still going Mission: Impossible to compete against. Plus, with football season at its' peak, a lot of males might not have time to catch this. I think an opening closer to Drive might suit this one better.
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $9.5 million
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $12.5 million
Estimated Final Gross: $35-$40 million
#6: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Its' showing much better sustainability than its' predecessor, and should also see good business over the extended frame. Though it will drop a bit harder this time due to more competition...
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $8.7 million (-37%)
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $12 million
Estimated 32-Day Total: $169 million
#7: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
With the Golden Globes approaching on Sunday, this dark thriller should also see strong business over the extended weekend...
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $8 million (-29%)
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $11 million
Estimated 27-Day Total: $91 million
#8: Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Its' going to drop a bit harder this frame with Beauty and the Beast around, but, with it being an extended weekend and Sunday's business being a bit stronger than normal, it should still do fine with kids out of school.
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $6.5 million (-32%)
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $10 million
Estimated 32-Day Total: $122 million
#9: War Horse
With the Golden Globes coming up (its' nominated for Best Picture-Drama), this is also expected to continue seeing great sustainability...
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $5.5 million (-36%)
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $7.5 million
Estimated 23-Day Total: $67 million
#10: We Bought A Zoo
Positive word-of-mouth is going to keep this film going as well, though more competition (especially for the family audience) will make it drop harder than what audience reception suggests...
3-Day Weekend Prediction: $5 million (-40%)
4-Day Weekend Prediction: $7 million
Estimated 26-Day Total: $65 million
