Here is the projected Top 10:
#1: The Lorax
The first major 3D animated release this year, another Dr. Suess book has been adapted, with The Lorax. Spring animated movies have always proven successful (with the exception of Mars Needs Moms), and coming from the creators of Despicable Me and Hop, which were both huge hits at the box office, and the fact that this one has seen the same intense promotional and marketing campaign, and its' already a surefire hit. On this same weekend last year, Rango, which wasn't in 3D, opened to $38 million, and about four years ago, Dr. Suess' Horton Hears A Who opened to $45 million without 3D. With only Journey 2: The Mysterious Island serving as minor competition (but families will be looking for something new to see), plus no new animated competition until The Pirates! Band of Misfits at the end of April, it could certainly see strong legs as well. But, on a slightly negative note, the book isn't nearly as popular as Horton, The Cat in the Hat or The Grinch. So the film should be able to open between Rango, How To Train Your Dragon, and Horton.
Weekend Prediction: $43 million
Estimated Final Gross: $160-$170 million
#2: Project X
From the director of The Hangover, comes this found-footage flick about crazy teenagers at a party. The genre has been popular, with the Paranormal Activity movies and last month's Chronicle. Buzz has been very relevant over the last few months, and despite the odd title, there really hasn't been much in theaters for young adults and older teenagers in the last month. Because of that, this film could really break out.
Weekend Prediction: $24 million
Estimated Final Gross: $60-$65 million
#3: Act of Valor
The war-themed flick was the latest film to overperform, and with an "A" CinemaScore and not much competition, the film is well-positioned to hold well this frame.
Weekend Prediction: $15 million (-39%)
Estimated 10-Day Gross: $46 million
#4: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
The family sequel will drop with competition from The Lorax, but, its' still well-positioned to pass the first Journey's final gross...
Weekend Prediction: $7.3 million (-46%)
Estimated 24-Day Gross: $86 million
#5: Good Deeds
Tyler Perry movies are typically very front-loaded, and even with an "A" CinemaScore, it still looks like a lot of his fanbase has already been out to see it...
Weekend Prediction: $7 million (-55%)
Estimated 10-Day Gross: $26 million
#6: Safe House
Its' about to pass the $100 million mark domestically, though based on how its' holding it probably won't pass the final gross of American Gangster. But still, its' performing way ahead of expectations...
Weekend Prediction: $6.5 million
Estimated 24-Day Gross: $107 million
#7: The Vow
Its' winding down its' run, but, with no competition for the date audience, its' drop should be under 50% this frame...
Weekend Prediction: $5.5 million (-45%)
Estimated 24-Day Gross: $111 million
#8: This Means War
It won't match its' $65 million budget stateside, but at least its' still performing in line with expectations...
Weekend Prediction: $5 million (-41%)
Estimated 17-Day Gross: $40.5 million
#9: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
Its' falling out of the Top 10 quickly, as expected, and its' not looking to save face anytime soon...
Weekend Prediction: $4.5 million (-50%)
Estimated 17-Day Gross: $44 million
#10: The Artist
Expanding into more theaters due to it winning the Oscar for Best Picture, the rare silent black-and-white film should get into the Top 10 for the first time in its' three-month run...
Weekend Prediction: $4 million.
