Here we look at the upcoming month’s offerings.
July 1,2016
The BFG
Premise: From IMDb: “A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.”
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: Excellent. It’s been over 30 years since Spielberg last had a non-animated family-targeted film to please the public. That film remained in theaters for a very long time and became one of the all-time biggest blockbusters. Could that happen this time? I doubt it. The marketplace just isn’t configured for that and I’m not sure the trailers are doing the film many favors. However, it’s no doubt Spielberg is likely to have his biggest hit in years.
Oscar Prospects: Decent. The trailers don’t give the impression that the effects are all that great, but the film is sure to compete in other categories like Original Score, Production Design and Costume Design. Plus, if it’s a hit with critics, it could be a minor Best Picture contender.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Legend of Tarzan
Premise: From IMDb: “Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.”
Box Office Prospects: $85 M
Expectations: Weak. The trailer doesn’t do the film many favors and coming hot off the huge numbers of The Jungle Book, I have my doubts that audiences will rally around a film that looks as if it might be a dud with critics.
Oscar Prospects: Poor. A couple of decades ago, the lack of competition would have given this film a lot of opportunities. However, the market is flooded with similar films with similar production quality, so I doubt there will be a rush to recognise this film, especially if it isn’t that good.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Purge: Election Year
Premise: From IMDb: “Two years after choosing not to kill the man who killed his son, former police sergeant Barnes has become head of security for Senator Charlene Roan, the front runner in the next Presidential election due to her vow to eliminate the Purge.”
Box Office Prospects: $65 M
Expectations: Good. One of the few times where a sequel outperformed its predecessor was with Purge: Anarchy. I don’t think this sequel will be that lucky, but a healthy box office take is expected.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Shallows
Premise: From IMDb: “A mere 200 yards from shore, surfer Nancy is attacked by a great white shark, with her short journey to safety becoming the ultimate contest of wills.”
Box Office Prospects: $60 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The comparisons to Jaws have been sporadic, but nothing is likely to match that film’s blockbuster status. Still, the horror genre, especially with women in peril, has done well and while this isn’t a supernatural horror film, I suspect it will be a nice reprieve from the glut of such films in recent years.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 8,2016
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Premise: From IMDb: “Two brothers place an online ad to find dates for a wedding and the ad goes viral.”
Box Office Prospects: $55 M
Expectations: Weak. This looks to be a dud in the making. With films like Dirty Grandpa tanking at the box office, it’s not hard to imagine that a similar fate awaits this film. Especially with so much competition surrounding it along with the inevitable crappy reviews.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Secret Life of Pets
Premise: From IMDb: “Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.”
Box Office Prospects: $250 M
Expectations: Excellent. The teaser trailer was a huge hit and remains one of the funniest trailers for an animated film this year (or even for last year). The studio has a long track record of box office hits and I suspect this will be one of the biggest for the genre this year.
Oscar Prospects: Decent. While I wouldn’t call this film a slam dunk nominee, I’d say it’s at least a contender. The problem it faces is the massive number of big efforts still to come this year and the surprising number of critical hits so far. That’s a level of competition we don’t often see before July.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 15,2016
Ghostbusters
Premise: From IMDb: “Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world!”
Box Office Prospects: $300 M
Expectations: Excellent. Right now, there’s a lot of angry fans of the original who thinkin an all-female team will be a disaster and refuse to support it. However, I’ve seen plenty of strong support from others who want to take their daughters to see it, especially fans of the original. The biggest issue was that the first trailer wasn’t very good, nor have most of the subsequent trailers. The best trailer so far was an international one and, thanks to YouTube, can easily be seen by American audiences. Combine the talents of Paul Feig with the fantastic quartet of comediennes in the film and you have the potential for a huge hit as even naysayers might look at the reviews and put aside their sexist commentary to give the film a shot.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The original earned several nominations, but competitionw as less prohibitive then. Still, a solid reception from critics and terrific box office numbers should give the film a boost, especially if it has a new, memorable song in it…though, topping Ray Parker Jr’s theme will be nigh impossible.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Infiltrator
Premise: From IMDb: “A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.”
Box Office Prospects: $30 M
Expectations: Poor. I don’t think anyone is talking about the film and, releasing wide the same weekend as Ghostbusters is a death knell if ever I heard one.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Café Society (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Set in the 1930s, a young Bronx native moves to Hollywood where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars. After returning to New York he is swept up in the vibrant world of high society nightclub life.”
Box Office Prospects: $20 M
Expectations: Decent. For a Woody Allen film, box office numbers are largely irrelevant. He’s had few unqualified hits and this film isn’t likely to win many converts. I think it could perform at the higher end of Woody’s recent box office performances, but not much better and likely a bit worse than predicted.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The film has gotten decent reviews, which might be enough to give it a boost in the, so far, seemingly narrow Best Original Screenplay category. That said, Woody’s recent efforts haven’t been very successful.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 22,2016
Ice Age: Collision Course
Premise: From IMDb: “Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.”
Box Office Prospects: $120 M
Expectations: Decent. The franchise has been consistently strong at the box office, but this film’s predecessor was the low-water mark and fatigue may finally be setting in. I suspect the film will do well, but not when compared to the prior films.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Lights Out
Premise: From IMDb: “A woman is haunted by a creature that only appears when the lights go out.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The concept is fresh and the short film on which it’s based is fantastic; however, translating a short into a feature is not an easy task and either they will achieve solid results or it will pale in comparison so much that it flops.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Star Trek: Beyond
Premise: From IMDb: “The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.”
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: Good. The franchise has been doing well with the reboot and with this being the 50th anniversary, there will be a lot of publicity. However, Into Darkness lost $30 million off its predecessor’s massive total. I suspect fatigue may cause another solid drop, but that won’t prevent it form being successful.
Oscar Prospects: Good. The prior two films were each Oscar nominees, with the first in the reboot series bringing in (unfortunately), the series’ first Oscar win. Into Darkness didn’t do as well and the third film could prove even less successful, which would mean earning nothing.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!”
Box Office Prospects: $25 M
Expectations: Uncertain. As popular as the TV show was in its time, there’s little indication that a big screen outing was warranted and it’s certainly not going to be a box office juggernaut, hence the limited release. However, if fans give it a shot at the cinema, it could prove a decent specialty hit, especially if it has solid reviews behind it.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 29,2016
Bad Moms
Premise: From IMDb: “When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Poor. Like the myriad other corny comedies this year (see Mike and Dave above), I see another potential box office bomb in the making.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Jason Bourne
Premise: From IMDb: “Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.”
Box Office Prospects: $150 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The Bourne series had a rocky downturn with its fourth outing, the lowest grossing of the franchise. Without star Matt Damon, it wasn’t likely to succeed. Now that Damon is back, it’s possible that it surges, but I doubt it will get back to the $227 million peak. Brand faith may have taken a hit, so I’m predicting it will come in under the second installment, but could very easily top it with the right bounce.
Oscar Prospects: Weak. Apart from a three nominations and wins The Bourne Ultimatum received, the rest of the films in the franchise have earned nothing. I suspect the same will be true of this film.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Nerve
Premise: From IMDb: “A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.””
Box Office Prospects: $35 M
Expectations: Uncertain. Teen-targeted films haven’t been very popular of late and while this is a fascinating and modern concept, I don’t expect very much at all from the film.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The BFG
Premise: From IMDb: “A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.”
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: Excellent. It’s been over 30 years since Spielberg last had a non-animated family-targeted film to please the public. That film remained in theaters for a very long time and became one of the all-time biggest blockbusters. Could that happen this time? I doubt it. The marketplace just isn’t configured for that and I’m not sure the trailers are doing the film many favors. However, it’s no doubt Spielberg is likely to have his biggest hit in years.
Oscar Prospects: Decent. The trailers don’t give the impression that the effects are all that great, but the film is sure to compete in other categories like Original Score, Production Design and Costume Design. Plus, if it’s a hit with critics, it could be a minor Best Picture contender.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Legend of Tarzan
Premise: From IMDb: “Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.”
Box Office Prospects: $85 M
Expectations: Weak. The trailer doesn’t do the film many favors and coming hot off the huge numbers of The Jungle Book, I have my doubts that audiences will rally around a film that looks as if it might be a dud with critics.
Oscar Prospects: Poor. A couple of decades ago, the lack of competition would have given this film a lot of opportunities. However, the market is flooded with similar films with similar production quality, so I doubt there will be a rush to recognise this film, especially if it isn’t that good.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Purge: Election Year
Premise: From IMDb: “Two years after choosing not to kill the man who killed his son, former police sergeant Barnes has become head of security for Senator Charlene Roan, the front runner in the next Presidential election due to her vow to eliminate the Purge.”
Box Office Prospects: $65 M
Expectations: Good. One of the few times where a sequel outperformed its predecessor was with Purge: Anarchy. I don’t think this sequel will be that lucky, but a healthy box office take is expected.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Shallows
Premise: From IMDb: “A mere 200 yards from shore, surfer Nancy is attacked by a great white shark, with her short journey to safety becoming the ultimate contest of wills.”
Box Office Prospects: $60 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The comparisons to Jaws have been sporadic, but nothing is likely to match that film’s blockbuster status. Still, the horror genre, especially with women in peril, has done well and while this isn’t a supernatural horror film, I suspect it will be a nice reprieve from the glut of such films in recent years.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 8,2016
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Premise: From IMDb: “Two brothers place an online ad to find dates for a wedding and the ad goes viral.”
Box Office Prospects: $55 M
Expectations: Weak. This looks to be a dud in the making. With films like Dirty Grandpa tanking at the box office, it’s not hard to imagine that a similar fate awaits this film. Especially with so much competition surrounding it along with the inevitable crappy reviews.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Secret Life of Pets
Premise: From IMDb: “Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.”
Box Office Prospects: $250 M
Expectations: Excellent. The teaser trailer was a huge hit and remains one of the funniest trailers for an animated film this year (or even for last year). The studio has a long track record of box office hits and I suspect this will be one of the biggest for the genre this year.
Oscar Prospects: Decent. While I wouldn’t call this film a slam dunk nominee, I’d say it’s at least a contender. The problem it faces is the massive number of big efforts still to come this year and the surprising number of critical hits so far. That’s a level of competition we don’t often see before July.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 15,2016
Ghostbusters
Premise: From IMDb: “Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world!”
Box Office Prospects: $300 M
Expectations: Excellent. Right now, there’s a lot of angry fans of the original who thinkin an all-female team will be a disaster and refuse to support it. However, I’ve seen plenty of strong support from others who want to take their daughters to see it, especially fans of the original. The biggest issue was that the first trailer wasn’t very good, nor have most of the subsequent trailers. The best trailer so far was an international one and, thanks to YouTube, can easily be seen by American audiences. Combine the talents of Paul Feig with the fantastic quartet of comediennes in the film and you have the potential for a huge hit as even naysayers might look at the reviews and put aside their sexist commentary to give the film a shot.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The original earned several nominations, but competitionw as less prohibitive then. Still, a solid reception from critics and terrific box office numbers should give the film a boost, especially if it has a new, memorable song in it…though, topping Ray Parker Jr’s theme will be nigh impossible.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Infiltrator
Premise: From IMDb: “A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.”
Box Office Prospects: $30 M
Expectations: Poor. I don’t think anyone is talking about the film and, releasing wide the same weekend as Ghostbusters is a death knell if ever I heard one.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Café Society (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Set in the 1930s, a young Bronx native moves to Hollywood where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars. After returning to New York he is swept up in the vibrant world of high society nightclub life.”
Box Office Prospects: $20 M
Expectations: Decent. For a Woody Allen film, box office numbers are largely irrelevant. He’s had few unqualified hits and this film isn’t likely to win many converts. I think it could perform at the higher end of Woody’s recent box office performances, but not much better and likely a bit worse than predicted.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The film has gotten decent reviews, which might be enough to give it a boost in the, so far, seemingly narrow Best Original Screenplay category. That said, Woody’s recent efforts haven’t been very successful.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 22,2016
Ice Age: Collision Course
Premise: From IMDb: “Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.”
Box Office Prospects: $120 M
Expectations: Decent. The franchise has been consistently strong at the box office, but this film’s predecessor was the low-water mark and fatigue may finally be setting in. I suspect the film will do well, but not when compared to the prior films.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Lights Out
Premise: From IMDb: “A woman is haunted by a creature that only appears when the lights go out.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The concept is fresh and the short film on which it’s based is fantastic; however, translating a short into a feature is not an easy task and either they will achieve solid results or it will pale in comparison so much that it flops.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Star Trek: Beyond
Premise: From IMDb: “The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.”
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: Good. The franchise has been doing well with the reboot and with this being the 50th anniversary, there will be a lot of publicity. However, Into Darkness lost $30 million off its predecessor’s massive total. I suspect fatigue may cause another solid drop, but that won’t prevent it form being successful.
Oscar Prospects: Good. The prior two films were each Oscar nominees, with the first in the reboot series bringing in (unfortunately), the series’ first Oscar win. Into Darkness didn’t do as well and the third film could prove even less successful, which would mean earning nothing.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!”
Box Office Prospects: $25 M
Expectations: Uncertain. As popular as the TV show was in its time, there’s little indication that a big screen outing was warranted and it’s certainly not going to be a box office juggernaut, hence the limited release. However, if fans give it a shot at the cinema, it could prove a decent specialty hit, especially if it has solid reviews behind it.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 29,2016
Bad Moms
Premise: From IMDb: “When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Poor. Like the myriad other corny comedies this year (see Mike and Dave above), I see another potential box office bomb in the making.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Jason Bourne
Premise: From IMDb: “Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.”
Box Office Prospects: $150 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The Bourne series had a rocky downturn with its fourth outing, the lowest grossing of the franchise. Without star Matt Damon, it wasn’t likely to succeed. Now that Damon is back, it’s possible that it surges, but I doubt it will get back to the $227 million peak. Brand faith may have taken a hit, so I’m predicting it will come in under the second installment, but could very easily top it with the right bounce.
Oscar Prospects: Weak. Apart from a three nominations and wins The Bourne Ultimatum received, the rest of the films in the franchise have earned nothing. I suspect the same will be true of this film.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Nerve
Premise: From IMDb: “A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.””
Box Office Prospects: $35 M
Expectations: Uncertain. Teen-targeted films haven’t been very popular of late and while this is a fascinating and modern concept, I don’t expect very much at all from the film.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Premise: From IMDb: “Two brothers place an online ad to find dates for a wedding and the ad goes viral.”
Box Office Prospects: $55 M
Expectations: Weak. This looks to be a dud in the making. With films like Dirty Grandpa tanking at the box office, it’s not hard to imagine that a similar fate awaits this film. Especially with so much competition surrounding it along with the inevitable crappy reviews.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Secret Life of Pets
Premise: From IMDb: “Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.”
Box Office Prospects: $250 M
Expectations: Excellent. The teaser trailer was a huge hit and remains one of the funniest trailers for an animated film this year (or even for last year). The studio has a long track record of box office hits and I suspect this will be one of the biggest for the genre this year.
Oscar Prospects: Decent. While I wouldn’t call this film a slam dunk nominee, I’d say it’s at least a contender. The problem it faces is the massive number of big efforts still to come this year and the surprising number of critical hits so far. That’s a level of competition we don’t often see before July.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 15,2016
Ghostbusters
Premise: From IMDb: “Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world!”
Box Office Prospects: $300 M
Expectations: Excellent. Right now, there’s a lot of angry fans of the original who thinkin an all-female team will be a disaster and refuse to support it. However, I’ve seen plenty of strong support from others who want to take their daughters to see it, especially fans of the original. The biggest issue was that the first trailer wasn’t very good, nor have most of the subsequent trailers. The best trailer so far was an international one and, thanks to YouTube, can easily be seen by American audiences. Combine the talents of Paul Feig with the fantastic quartet of comediennes in the film and you have the potential for a huge hit as even naysayers might look at the reviews and put aside their sexist commentary to give the film a shot.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The original earned several nominations, but competitionw as less prohibitive then. Still, a solid reception from critics and terrific box office numbers should give the film a boost, especially if it has a new, memorable song in it…though, topping Ray Parker Jr’s theme will be nigh impossible.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Infiltrator
Premise: From IMDb: “A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.”
Box Office Prospects: $30 M
Expectations: Poor. I don’t think anyone is talking about the film and, releasing wide the same weekend as Ghostbusters is a death knell if ever I heard one.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Café Society (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Set in the 1930s, a young Bronx native moves to Hollywood where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars. After returning to New York he is swept up in the vibrant world of high society nightclub life.”
Box Office Prospects: $20 M
Expectations: Decent. For a Woody Allen film, box office numbers are largely irrelevant. He’s had few unqualified hits and this film isn’t likely to win many converts. I think it could perform at the higher end of Woody’s recent box office performances, but not much better and likely a bit worse than predicted.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The film has gotten decent reviews, which might be enough to give it a boost in the, so far, seemingly narrow Best Original Screenplay category. That said, Woody’s recent efforts haven’t been very successful.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 22,2016
Ice Age: Collision Course
Premise: From IMDb: “Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.”
Box Office Prospects: $120 M
Expectations: Decent. The franchise has been consistently strong at the box office, but this film’s predecessor was the low-water mark and fatigue may finally be setting in. I suspect the film will do well, but not when compared to the prior films.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Lights Out
Premise: From IMDb: “A woman is haunted by a creature that only appears when the lights go out.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The concept is fresh and the short film on which it’s based is fantastic; however, translating a short into a feature is not an easy task and either they will achieve solid results or it will pale in comparison so much that it flops.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Star Trek: Beyond
Premise: From IMDb: “The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.”
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: Good. The franchise has been doing well with the reboot and with this being the 50th anniversary, there will be a lot of publicity. However, Into Darkness lost $30 million off its predecessor’s massive total. I suspect fatigue may cause another solid drop, but that won’t prevent it form being successful.
Oscar Prospects: Good. The prior two films were each Oscar nominees, with the first in the reboot series bringing in (unfortunately), the series’ first Oscar win. Into Darkness didn’t do as well and the third film could prove even less successful, which would mean earning nothing.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!”
Box Office Prospects: $25 M
Expectations: Uncertain. As popular as the TV show was in its time, there’s little indication that a big screen outing was warranted and it’s certainly not going to be a box office juggernaut, hence the limited release. However, if fans give it a shot at the cinema, it could prove a decent specialty hit, especially if it has solid reviews behind it.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 29,2016
Bad Moms
Premise: From IMDb: “When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Poor. Like the myriad other corny comedies this year (see Mike and Dave above), I see another potential box office bomb in the making.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Jason Bourne
Premise: From IMDb: “Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.”
Box Office Prospects: $150 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The Bourne series had a rocky downturn with its fourth outing, the lowest grossing of the franchise. Without star Matt Damon, it wasn’t likely to succeed. Now that Damon is back, it’s possible that it surges, but I doubt it will get back to the $227 million peak. Brand faith may have taken a hit, so I’m predicting it will come in under the second installment, but could very easily top it with the right bounce.
Oscar Prospects: Weak. Apart from a three nominations and wins The Bourne Ultimatum received, the rest of the films in the franchise have earned nothing. I suspect the same will be true of this film.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Nerve
Premise: From IMDb: “A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.””
Box Office Prospects: $35 M
Expectations: Uncertain. Teen-targeted films haven’t been very popular of late and while this is a fascinating and modern concept, I don’t expect very much at all from the film.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Ghostbusters
Premise: From IMDb: “Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world!”
Box Office Prospects: $300 M
Expectations: Excellent. Right now, there’s a lot of angry fans of the original who thinkin an all-female team will be a disaster and refuse to support it. However, I’ve seen plenty of strong support from others who want to take their daughters to see it, especially fans of the original. The biggest issue was that the first trailer wasn’t very good, nor have most of the subsequent trailers. The best trailer so far was an international one and, thanks to YouTube, can easily be seen by American audiences. Combine the talents of Paul Feig with the fantastic quartet of comediennes in the film and you have the potential for a huge hit as even naysayers might look at the reviews and put aside their sexist commentary to give the film a shot.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The original earned several nominations, but competitionw as less prohibitive then. Still, a solid reception from critics and terrific box office numbers should give the film a boost, especially if it has a new, memorable song in it…though, topping Ray Parker Jr’s theme will be nigh impossible.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
The Infiltrator
Premise: From IMDb: “A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.”
Box Office Prospects: $30 M
Expectations: Poor. I don’t think anyone is talking about the film and, releasing wide the same weekend as Ghostbusters is a death knell if ever I heard one.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Café Society (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Set in the 1930s, a young Bronx native moves to Hollywood where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars. After returning to New York he is swept up in the vibrant world of high society nightclub life.”
Box Office Prospects: $20 M
Expectations: Decent. For a Woody Allen film, box office numbers are largely irrelevant. He’s had few unqualified hits and this film isn’t likely to win many converts. I think it could perform at the higher end of Woody’s recent box office performances, but not much better and likely a bit worse than predicted.
Oscar Prospects: Uncertain. The film has gotten decent reviews, which might be enough to give it a boost in the, so far, seemingly narrow Best Original Screenplay category. That said, Woody’s recent efforts haven’t been very successful.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 22,2016
Ice Age: Collision Course
Premise: From IMDb: “Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.”
Box Office Prospects: $120 M
Expectations: Decent. The franchise has been consistently strong at the box office, but this film’s predecessor was the low-water mark and fatigue may finally be setting in. I suspect the film will do well, but not when compared to the prior films.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Lights Out
Premise: From IMDb: “A woman is haunted by a creature that only appears when the lights go out.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The concept is fresh and the short film on which it’s based is fantastic; however, translating a short into a feature is not an easy task and either they will achieve solid results or it will pale in comparison so much that it flops.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Star Trek: Beyond
Premise: From IMDb: “The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.”
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: Good. The franchise has been doing well with the reboot and with this being the 50th anniversary, there will be a lot of publicity. However, Into Darkness lost $30 million off its predecessor’s massive total. I suspect fatigue may cause another solid drop, but that won’t prevent it form being successful.
Oscar Prospects: Good. The prior two films were each Oscar nominees, with the first in the reboot series bringing in (unfortunately), the series’ first Oscar win. Into Darkness didn’t do as well and the third film could prove even less successful, which would mean earning nothing.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!”
Box Office Prospects: $25 M
Expectations: Uncertain. As popular as the TV show was in its time, there’s little indication that a big screen outing was warranted and it’s certainly not going to be a box office juggernaut, hence the limited release. However, if fans give it a shot at the cinema, it could prove a decent specialty hit, especially if it has solid reviews behind it.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 29,2016
Bad Moms
Premise: From IMDb: “When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Poor. Like the myriad other corny comedies this year (see Mike and Dave above), I see another potential box office bomb in the making.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Jason Bourne
Premise: From IMDb: “Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.”
Box Office Prospects: $150 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The Bourne series had a rocky downturn with its fourth outing, the lowest grossing of the franchise. Without star Matt Damon, it wasn’t likely to succeed. Now that Damon is back, it’s possible that it surges, but I doubt it will get back to the $227 million peak. Brand faith may have taken a hit, so I’m predicting it will come in under the second installment, but could very easily top it with the right bounce.
Oscar Prospects: Weak. Apart from a three nominations and wins The Bourne Ultimatum received, the rest of the films in the franchise have earned nothing. I suspect the same will be true of this film.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Nerve
Premise: From IMDb: “A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.””
Box Office Prospects: $35 M
Expectations: Uncertain. Teen-targeted films haven’t been very popular of late and while this is a fascinating and modern concept, I don’t expect very much at all from the film.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Ice Age: Collision Course
Premise: From IMDb: “Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.”
Box Office Prospects: $120 M
Expectations: Decent. The franchise has been consistently strong at the box office, but this film’s predecessor was the low-water mark and fatigue may finally be setting in. I suspect the film will do well, but not when compared to the prior films.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Lights Out
Premise: From IMDb: “A woman is haunted by a creature that only appears when the lights go out.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The concept is fresh and the short film on which it’s based is fantastic; however, translating a short into a feature is not an easy task and either they will achieve solid results or it will pale in comparison so much that it flops.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Star Trek: Beyond
Premise: From IMDb: “The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.”
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: Good. The franchise has been doing well with the reboot and with this being the 50th anniversary, there will be a lot of publicity. However, Into Darkness lost $30 million off its predecessor’s massive total. I suspect fatigue may cause another solid drop, but that won’t prevent it form being successful.
Oscar Prospects: Good. The prior two films were each Oscar nominees, with the first in the reboot series bringing in (unfortunately), the series’ first Oscar win. Into Darkness didn’t do as well and the third film could prove even less successful, which would mean earning nothing.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (Limited)
Premise: From IMDb: “Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!”
Box Office Prospects: $25 M
Expectations: Uncertain. As popular as the TV show was in its time, there’s little indication that a big screen outing was warranted and it’s certainly not going to be a box office juggernaut, hence the limited release. However, if fans give it a shot at the cinema, it could prove a decent specialty hit, especially if it has solid reviews behind it.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
July 29,2016
Bad Moms
Premise: From IMDb: “When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Poor. Like the myriad other corny comedies this year (see Mike and Dave above), I see another potential box office bomb in the making.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Jason Bourne
Premise: From IMDb: “Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.”
Box Office Prospects: $150 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The Bourne series had a rocky downturn with its fourth outing, the lowest grossing of the franchise. Without star Matt Damon, it wasn’t likely to succeed. Now that Damon is back, it’s possible that it surges, but I doubt it will get back to the $227 million peak. Brand faith may have taken a hit, so I’m predicting it will come in under the second installment, but could very easily top it with the right bounce.
Oscar Prospects: Weak. Apart from a three nominations and wins The Bourne Ultimatum received, the rest of the films in the franchise have earned nothing. I suspect the same will be true of this film.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Nerve
Premise: From IMDb: “A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.””
Box Office Prospects: $35 M
Expectations: Uncertain. Teen-targeted films haven’t been very popular of late and while this is a fascinating and modern concept, I don’t expect very much at all from the film.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Bad Moms
Premise: From IMDb: “When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence.”
Box Office Prospects: $50 M
Expectations: Poor. Like the myriad other corny comedies this year (see Mike and Dave above), I see another potential box office bomb in the making.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Jason Bourne
Premise: From IMDb: “Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.”
Box Office Prospects: $150 M
Expectations: Uncertain. The Bourne series had a rocky downturn with its fourth outing, the lowest grossing of the franchise. Without star Matt Damon, it wasn’t likely to succeed. Now that Damon is back, it’s possible that it surges, but I doubt it will get back to the $227 million peak. Brand faith may have taken a hit, so I’m predicting it will come in under the second installment, but could very easily top it with the right bounce.
Oscar Prospects: Weak. Apart from a three nominations and wins The Bourne Ultimatum received, the rest of the films in the franchise have earned nothing. I suspect the same will be true of this film.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
Nerve
Premise: From IMDb: “A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.””
Box Office Prospects: $35 M
Expectations: Uncertain. Teen-targeted films haven’t been very popular of late and while this is a fascinating and modern concept, I don’t expect very much at all from the film.
Oscar Prospects: None.
Cinema Sight Preview: See my preview of this title here.
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