Overall business is hoping to surge back to normal, following a surprisingly weak frame last week. Unfortunately, however, overall business will likely not even come close to last year, which was led by the record-breaking debut of Black Panther ($240 million 4-day launch).
Here is the predicted Top 10:
#1: The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part ($25 million 3-day [-27%], $35 million 4-day)
With all three new releases' tracking in mind, I think the weekend will still likely go to this animated sequel. However, even if it matches last weekend's opening over the 4-day stretch, its' still underperforming considerably.
#2: Happy Death Day 2U ($19 million 3-day, $26 million 4-day, $32 million since Wednesday)
With Prodigy underperforming and the goodwill of the original Happy Death Day in its corner, I wouldn't be surprised if the sequel matched its' predecessors' opening over the 4-day stretch. A PG-13 rating will also help pull in a wide crowd. The budgets are small for these films, so distributor Universal will see major profit here.
#3: Alita: Battle Angel ($16 million 3-day, $21 million 4-day)
Fox is really trying to get this video game adaptation to work. They've delayed it a couple of times trying to find the right release date. After a Super Bowl spot and some buzz online, the hope is that it will click with teenagers and action movie fans. A high $200 million budget also begs for strong overseas numbers also. I think it will get above $20 million for the 4-day stretch, but its' going to need more than that to be a success.
#4: Isn't It Romantic? ($14 million 3-day, $17.5 million 4-day, $25.5 million since Wednesday)
Warner Bros. has also played the marketing hard on this unique comedy starring Rebel Wilson. The good news is its' getting some buzz. The bad news is that it will likely be a bit front-loaded through the weekend as a good chunk of the crowd will come out more on Valentine's Day (hence the Wednesday opening). That being said, being rated PG-13 will really help bring in a younger and broader audience.
#5: What Men Want ($11 million 3-day [-42%], $13.5 million 4-day)
Added competition from another romantic comedy (Isn't It Romantic?) and Valentine's Day being on Thursday won't help matters for this date night laugh-fest. However, being the only R-rated comedy in the marketplace will help things a little bit.
#6: Cold Pursuit ($6.5 million 3-day [-40%], $8 million 4-day)
Thankfully for Liam Neeson, there's no new real competition this weekend for the older male audience. In that case, Cold Pursuit should have a decent hold this weekend.
#7: The Upside ($5.5 million 3-day [-24%], $7 million 4-day)
Once again, older audiences will be looking for a more gentler option, like this leggy hit.
#8: Glass ($3.5 million 3-day [-45%], $4.5 million 4-day)
With more options for teens and young adults, Glass probably will get a little lost this weekend.
#9: Green Book ($3 million 3-day [-14%], $3.75 million 4-day)
With the Oscars approaching, this crowd-pleaser should continue to play well in its 14th week.
#10: The Prodigy ($2.7 million 3-day [-55%], $3.3 million 4-day)
Happy Death Day 2U spells a quick run for this horror flick, but it should still make enough to stay in the Top 10.
