SIX TIPS, OR HOW TO PLEASE YOUR SLATE – THE FILMS OF 12/25-9
Posted: December 23rd, 2017, 7:34 am
MERRY CHRISTMAS, folks. Enjoy those words, because it’s only a matter of time before a certain entertainment company, who has made a major expansion this year, will be forcing the citizens of the world to yell “DELIGHTFUL DISNEY DAY TO ALL”. Yes, Disney are laughing all the way to the bank, out the other door, and into the company that prints money, now with The Last Jedi ending the year on a high (despite some woman-hating alt-righters trying to post fake reviews). And they’re acquiring Fox on top of that. Disney are the Blob of corporations.
Anywhoo, as we come to terms with this weekend’s estimates (with no real surprises: Star Wars is on top with Jumanji 2 and Pitch Perfect 3 following behind), it’s already time to think of next week, with 3 films coming out on Christmas Day and another on Friday. Let’s get to the final week of 2017.
The only wide release is probably less value than some of the limited ones. All the Money in the World (Sony) is Ridley “2 Good Flicks And Then I’m Hacking it” Scott’s latest, a crime thriller about a kidnapped teen and his mother’s attempt to get her father, a billionaire, to foot up the bill. The film is more famous for replacing a rather gropey Kevin Spacey with Chris Plummer 6 weeks before release. But that won’t save the film, which is getting average reviews and a release amongst much stronger titles. At best it’ll play to adults the way The Gambler did and make around 30m. But it could also only muster up 10m for the 7 days and 20-25 max. That’s zero PTA, T5, and a middling IMDB score. Even if you offered me all the money in the world (see what I did there) I wouldn’t pick up this dud.
On the limited side, however, there’s hope. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Thread (Focus) sees Daniel Day Lewis in his possible final role, playing a young Anakin Skywalker as he learns the way of the Force, utilising his skilled needlework to make the ultimate 1950s dress. Or something. The film is up for multiple awards already, with DDL guaranteed an Oscar nom, and possible win. Reviews are strong.
It’s out on 4 screens, and apparently planning to expand slowly across Jan, so expect this to be a PTA goldmine. 12 PTA points minimum, and a great IMDB score. But T5 and BO? That’s a tough call. (The appropriately titled director) PTA failed to make money from his last two flicks, despite the goodwill from critics. This should outperform Inherent Vice and maybe The Master, but this will be no There Will Be Blood. Maybe 20m if it’s lucky. Nab it in Ultimate, but be wary in BO (where it’s $5).
Molly’s Game (STX) was expected to be this generation’s Erin Brokovich. It too features a strong, sassy female protagonist, this time Molly Bloom, the professional skier who became a professional casino owner who became a professional crimefighter. Only someone thought Aaron Sorkin can direct as well as he can write. In fact he can’t write that well, so no wonder the response has been muted. STX are opening this in 271 screens, with a wide expansion planned for next week. But I can’t see it cracking the Top 5, or making much beyond $15m, and that’s if the planets align. Fold on this one.
Finally, on Friday we see the release of Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (SPC), a period drama about aged actor Gloria Grahame and her romance with a younger man. There was some talk of an Oscar nom for Annette Benning (4 noms, no wins), and this kind of film will appeal to an older audience in the right way. It could even get a few PTA points, so consider your $3 or $4 in Ultimate.
My predictions for the weekend
1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi - $65m
2. Jumanji 2 - $35m
3. Pitch Perfect 3 - $26m
4. Coco - $11m
5. The Great Showman - $10m
PTA: Phantom Thread, The Post, Star Wars 8: The Last Time Anyone Ever does anything Contentious With This Cashcow, Jumanji, Film Stars
And that, dear folks, is the end of 2017. Thanks to Shryke for ensuring this rickety old website stays together, and here’s to a 2018 where I might finally win something.
Next week sees Walleye set his sights on horror sequel Insidious: The Last Key, as well as limited releases In Between and Blame. And I’ll post a thread for our most anticipated films of the season.
Anywhoo, as we come to terms with this weekend’s estimates (with no real surprises: Star Wars is on top with Jumanji 2 and Pitch Perfect 3 following behind), it’s already time to think of next week, with 3 films coming out on Christmas Day and another on Friday. Let’s get to the final week of 2017.
The only wide release is probably less value than some of the limited ones. All the Money in the World (Sony) is Ridley “2 Good Flicks And Then I’m Hacking it” Scott’s latest, a crime thriller about a kidnapped teen and his mother’s attempt to get her father, a billionaire, to foot up the bill. The film is more famous for replacing a rather gropey Kevin Spacey with Chris Plummer 6 weeks before release. But that won’t save the film, which is getting average reviews and a release amongst much stronger titles. At best it’ll play to adults the way The Gambler did and make around 30m. But it could also only muster up 10m for the 7 days and 20-25 max. That’s zero PTA, T5, and a middling IMDB score. Even if you offered me all the money in the world (see what I did there) I wouldn’t pick up this dud.
On the limited side, however, there’s hope. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Thread (Focus) sees Daniel Day Lewis in his possible final role, playing a young Anakin Skywalker as he learns the way of the Force, utilising his skilled needlework to make the ultimate 1950s dress. Or something. The film is up for multiple awards already, with DDL guaranteed an Oscar nom, and possible win. Reviews are strong.
It’s out on 4 screens, and apparently planning to expand slowly across Jan, so expect this to be a PTA goldmine. 12 PTA points minimum, and a great IMDB score. But T5 and BO? That’s a tough call. (The appropriately titled director) PTA failed to make money from his last two flicks, despite the goodwill from critics. This should outperform Inherent Vice and maybe The Master, but this will be no There Will Be Blood. Maybe 20m if it’s lucky. Nab it in Ultimate, but be wary in BO (where it’s $5).
Molly’s Game (STX) was expected to be this generation’s Erin Brokovich. It too features a strong, sassy female protagonist, this time Molly Bloom, the professional skier who became a professional casino owner who became a professional crimefighter. Only someone thought Aaron Sorkin can direct as well as he can write. In fact he can’t write that well, so no wonder the response has been muted. STX are opening this in 271 screens, with a wide expansion planned for next week. But I can’t see it cracking the Top 5, or making much beyond $15m, and that’s if the planets align. Fold on this one.
Finally, on Friday we see the release of Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (SPC), a period drama about aged actor Gloria Grahame and her romance with a younger man. There was some talk of an Oscar nom for Annette Benning (4 noms, no wins), and this kind of film will appeal to an older audience in the right way. It could even get a few PTA points, so consider your $3 or $4 in Ultimate.
My predictions for the weekend
1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi - $65m
2. Jumanji 2 - $35m
3. Pitch Perfect 3 - $26m
4. Coco - $11m
5. The Great Showman - $10m
PTA: Phantom Thread, The Post, Star Wars 8: The Last Time Anyone Ever does anything Contentious With This Cashcow, Jumanji, Film Stars
And that, dear folks, is the end of 2017. Thanks to Shryke for ensuring this rickety old website stays together, and here’s to a 2018 where I might finally win something.
Next week sees Walleye set his sights on horror sequel Insidious: The Last Key, as well as limited releases In Between and Blame. And I’ll post a thread for our most anticipated films of the season.