Out of the three new releases, 3D concert flick One Direction: This is Us has the best chance of topping the extended weekend. And why not? Its' a theatrical flick on a very popular music act, much like Justin Bieber (who's 3D flick earned nearly $80 million), Michael Jackson, and Hannah Montana (which earned around $60 million apiece). The 3D concert genre has had its' stumbles though, as Katy Perry and the Jonas Brothers had mediocre performances with their 3D concerts. But with strong international appeal, One Direction should be able to outdo those two, and perhaps get in the upper echelon of the 3D concert genre. Buzz is strong enough. I think these guys will pull in around $16 million over the three-day stretch and $21 million over the four-day frame, on its' way to $45-$50 million domestically.
Also opening Friday is action thriller Getaway, starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez. The flick has been promoted well over the past few weeks, but early reviews haven't been good. The pic does look different enough that action fans will come out, but Hawke has yet to really be a box office draw. Gomez only has her Disney fans, and they probably won't show up for this. I think this will do decently with a $6 million (sixth place) 3-day take and a $9 million 4-day take. It should then close with above $20 million stateside.Finally, opening in around 900 locations today is British thriller Closed Circuit, from the studio who released last week's decent-sized hit The World's End. Buzz is hardly relevant for this, and there's no real recognizable starpower here. Reviews have been mixed. It seems like this crime thriller is set to not even reach the Top 10. But I'll give it $2.5 million over the three-day stretch and $3.5 million over the four-day stretch, for a $4.5 million gross since Wednesday and a final gross short of $10 million.
The Butler will likely lose first place, but it should still remain a factor this weekend. A 30% dip on the three-day stretch would give it $11.5 million for the weekend and $14.5 million including Monday for a 17-day gross of $71 million. We're The Millers will likely take third with another strong hold, off 35% to $9 million over the weekend, and $12 million including Monday. Its' near one-month gross will stand at $108 million. With Getaway likely to take sixth place, Disney's Planes will round out the Top 5 with family audiences catching up to it. A 15% dip over the three-day would give it $7 million over the three-day and $10 million over the four-day for a $73 million 24-day tally.
Here is the rest of the Top 10:
#7: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones ($5 million, -47% 3-day, $7.5 million 4-day)
#8: Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters ($4 million, -23% 3-day, $6 million 4-day)
#9: Elysium ($3.5 million, -50% 3-day, $5 million 4-day)
#10: Blue Jasmine ($3 million, -25% 3-day, $4 million 4-day)
