I owe another apology. My family had an emergency this past weekend which prevented me from having much time for hobbies. Things should clear back up this weekend for things to (finally) swing back into a normal routine.
This coming weekend looks to be a quiet one, as overall business looks to fall a little bit short of last year, which had a strong hold for Split at #1, while A Dog's Purpose debuted a solid #2.
Here is the projected Top 10 for this weekend:
#1: Maze Runner: The Death Cure ($23 million)
Taking nearly two and a half years to arrive (mostly because of an unfortunate major injury for the film's lead, Dylan O'Brien), the final installment in this trilogy of films looks to pull in respectable, if not spectacular numbers. The previous two Maze Runner films opened around $30 million, this one looks to come down a little bit. Even if it opens lower, overseas potential should be very good, however.
#2: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ($11.5 million, -41%)
The first real competition for this movie arrives tomorrow, as Jumanji's three week reign as box office champ comes to an end. However, Sony is still unbelievably thrilled with the results here, with the worldwide take approaching $800 million.
#3: 12 Strong ($9 million, -44%)
This wartime thriller should manage a decent hold in the face of an "A" CinemaScore. (It managed to match expectations last weekend).
#4 (tie): Den of Thieves ($8 million, -47%)
This movie surprisingly debuted way ahead of where I expected. It should play fairly decently over the next few weeks.
#4 (tie): The Post ($8 million, -32%)
Benefiting from a Best Picture Oscar nomination, Steven Spielberg's latest should have a very good hold this weekend.
#6: The Greatest Showman ($7.5 million, -29%)
Continuing to benefit from strong word-of-mouth, this family musical should continue to hold strong.
#7: Hostiles ($7 million)
Expanding after a solid start in limited release, I'm not sure how this will play nationwide. Reviews are solid, but overall buzz is fairly soft. Look for a meh start.
#8: Paddington 2 ($6 million, -25%)
A lack of any real family competition will keep this one afloat.
#9: Star Wars: The Last Jedi ($4.5 million, -32%)
This one could have stronger legs heading into the late end of its' run. This weekend and next weekend's holds will be key to determining if it manages to eclipse The Avengers' $623 million gross.
#10: The Commuter ($3.5 million, -47%)
Mixed buzz and word-of-mouth indicate another sharp decline for the Liam Neeson thriller.
A few major Oscar contenders are re-expanding nationwide due to pulling in Oscar nominations. In that case, there's a pretty good chance The Shape of Water and/or Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri breaks into the Top 10. But we will have to wait and see.
