Overall business isn't looking too incredibly promising. Despite one possible solid opener, overall business looks fairly quiet. Look for overall business to trail last year, which featured the debuts of Kingsman: The Golden Circle ($39 million) and The LEGO Ninjago Movie ($20 million).
Here is the predicted Top 10:
#1: The House with a Clock in its Walls ($23 million)
Based on the popular children's book, House will mark the first real PG offering in wide release since Christopher Robin last month. Families with older children may very well flock to see this. Adults, in the meantime, will be enticed by notorious horror director Eli Roth being involved, as well as stars Jack Black and Cate Blanchett. While buzz hasn't really stood out, the marketing has, and this seems like the right time to launch a family-friendly (of sorts) Halloween flick.
#2: Life Itself ($11 million)
Amazon Studios is hoping to court adults for this dramedy. With some grassroots buzz spreading thanks to director Dan Fogelman's work on the immensely popular drama This is Us, I would not be surprised to see this hit double-digits. The only thing working against it is that it is an R-rated film, which may prevent it from really bringing in the younger crowds required for a breakout.
#3: A Simple Favor ($10 million, -38%)
With little options for its female fanbase, look for this movie to have one of the weekend's better holds.
#4: The Predator ($9.5 million, -60%)
With poor word-of-mouth and not much excitement, this reboot looks likely to fall fast at the box office.
#5: The Nun ($9 million, -50%)
While it should hold better than last weekend, a lack of any real positive word-of-mouth will probably keep it from having strong holds.
#6: Crazy Rich Asians ($5.5 million, -37%)
Look for this book adaptation to continue to be a strong player in its sixth weekend.
#7: White Boy Rick ($4.5 million, -46%)
This seems like one of those films that will probably get lost in the midst of all the options for adults. A lack of real awards season conversation will not help it either.
#8: Farenheight 11/9 ($3.5 million)
This political documentary aims for blue states. While it will probably get a boost from inner cities, a lack of appealing content for the entire country will hold it back (as will the 1,500 location count).
#9: Peppermint ($3 million, -50%)
As I expected last week, Jennifer Garner's flick has gotten lost in the midst of other appealing options for adults. I do not expect that to change this week, as this R-rated thriller looks to continue fading quickly.
#10 (tie): Searching ($2.3 million, -29%)
The technological thriller should continue to play strong on the basis of strong word-of-mouth.
#10 (tie): The Meg ($2.3 million, -40%)
No PG-13 competition means that the shark thriller should continue to level off solidly, as it crawls to $150 million stateside.
