The summer box office season is going by, and after a weak July, can things turn around in August? Maybe.
Here is the Top 10:
#1: Guardians of the Galaxy ($75 million)
#2: Lucy ($20 million, -55%)
#3: Get On Up ($18 million)
#4: Hercules ($13 million, -57%)
#5: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ($9 million, -47%)
#6: Planes: Fire and Rescue ($6.5 million, -32%)
#7: The Purge: Anarchy ($5 million, -52%)
#8: A Most Wanted Man ($4 million, +33%)
#9: S** Tape ($3 million, -50%)
And So it Goes ($3 million, -35%)
Guardians of the Galaxy seems like a safe bet to clear the August record (based on tracking/buzz). The film should be a hit, especially considering Marvel's strong track record. Whether or not its the biggest film of the summer rests squarely on legs, but based on early critical acclaim (89% Rotten Tomatoes), its not out of the question.
Get On Up could succeed, but more in the long run. Its tracking is similar to that of The Butler, which would hold well to finish around $100 million. Look for similar results, albeit slightly smaller since its opening on a more competitive weekend. Reviews have been great for this as well (chances for Oscar season pretty decent).
As for holdovers, many may fall hard. Competition and mixed word-of-mouth will hurt Lucy and Hercules. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes likewise. The Purge: Anarchy, Planes: Fire and Rescue and And So it Goes will have lighter drops due to less new competition. Meanwhile, A Most Wanted Man will perk up a little due to expanding its theater count, and S** Tape will continue to fade.
