Its set to be a busy weekend, with movies for everyone.
#1: The Martian ($23 million, -38%)
#2: Goosebumps ($20 million)
#3: Crimson Peak ($18 million)
#4: Bridge of Spies ($16 million)
#5: Hotel Transylvania 2 ($12 million, -42%)
#6: Pan ($8 milion, -48%)
#7: Woodlawn ($6 million)
#8: The Intern ($5.5 million, -37%)
#9: Sicario ($4.5 million, -39%)
#10: The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials ($3 million, -43%)
Goosebumps has been receiving surprising positive reception from critics (72% on Rotten Tomatoes), and the pre-Halloween release will help it. Sony will have itself to compete against, however, as Hotel Transylvania 2 (and to a lesser extent, Pan) will take away some audiences. Jack Black isn't a huge box office draw either. But the popularity of R.L. Stine's books and a very good marketing effort should guarantee a solid opening here.
Crimson Peak has been much-anticipated from horror fans as well as Guillermo del Toro's fanbase for a while. Reviews have been good so far (67% on Rotten Tomatoes), and there's a solid cast also (Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska). Unfortunately, R-rated horror flicks can be limited in terms of audience, as the biggest horror flicks this year (The Visit, Insidious - Chapter 3 and Poltergeist) are all rated PG-13. Look for an opening in line with Unfriended ($17 million) from earlier this year.
Bridge of Spies is playing for older adults and for potential awards season consideration. With Steven Spielberg at the helm and Tom Hanks starring, reviews have been very strong (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) towards the Cold War thriller. This one may be more of a long-player, with a lower opening and strong holds throughout its run. But still, a mid-teens millions opening seems more likely here.
I am personally hoping for Woodlawn to break out this weekend (as it is a great film). And thankfully, social media buzz has been strong enough (it has over 1 million fans on Facebook) that it should easily out-gross 90 Minutes in Heaven and Captive from the last couple of months. It probably won't catch War Room, as that one had a less-competitive release date. But, an opening in line with the Left Behind remake ($6.8 million from this same weekend last year) would be enough to make Pure Flix happy.
The Martian will definitely have a challenge in trying to hold the top spot (especially with more competition for adults), but unless one of the new releases breaks out, it probably will keep the top spot. Goosebumps will spell some trouble for Hotel Transylvania 2, Pan and The Maze Runner: Scorch Trails, but the former of the three will arguably be in much better shape. The Intern and Sicario should both hold decently, if not quite as strong as recent weeks due to extra competition.
