Williams set to drive “RV” to box office peak
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – On the last weekend before the first big guns of May reach the silver screen, led by “Mission: Impossible III,” four new wide releases hope to pull in some respectable numbers.
The Robin Williams family comedy “RV” is the front-runner to take the top spot from reigning champ “Silent Hill,” but it could be pipped by the September 11 drama “United 93.”
Sony’s PG-rated “RV,” the widest release among the weekend’s new contenders with 3,639 venues, stars Williams as a father who takes his dysfunctional family on a two-week vacation to the Colorado Rockies in the titular vehicle. Barry Sonnenfeld directed; Jeff Daniels and Cheryl Hines co-star.
Universal Pictures’ “United 93” debuts in 1,795 locations — the fewest theaters among the weekend’s new wide openings. Paul Greengrass directed the R-rated film, which centers on the fourth plane hijacked on September 11, 2001, which didn’t reach its intended target because of the courage of the passengers.
“United 93” is moviegoers’ first choice among the new films this weekend, according to industry observers, but it remains to be seen whether that will translate into ticket sales. Most observers have the film finishing second, but a few said there was an outside chance it could pull a surprise upset.
Reviews for “United 93” have been overwhelmingly positive, and the picture is skewing slightly older, which is to be expected considering its rating and subject matter.
Another wild card is Lionsgate’s “Akeelah and the Bee,” an inspirational drama starring Keke Palmer as a precocious 11-year-old girl from South Central Los Angeles who earns a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne also star. Early tracking has the film landing in the third slot.
The film also is the first out of the gate in Starbucks’ national film promotion deal with Lionsgate. The coffee purveyor has been running an extensive marketing campaign in its 8,300 stores in North America, including sales of the film’s soundtrack. “Akeelah” is bowing in 2,195 venues and carries a family-friendly PG rating. Doug Atchison wrote and directed the film.
Disney’s “Stick It,” starring Missy Peregrym as a troubled girl who imports the idea of rebellion into the regimented world of competitive gymnastics, is tracking poorly.
The PG-13 film, which is opening in 2,038 sites, is aimed primarily at young females. It was directed and written by Jessica Bendinger, who also wrote “Bring It On,” the cheerleading comedy that turned into a sleeper hit with an opening of $17.4 million, finishing with $68.4 million.
Categories