New Movies and Box Office Predictions: Featuring Final Destination 3

Closing in on Valentine's Day, surprisingly we don't have any romantic comedies opening this weekend. I would have thought this weekend would have been perfect timing for such a release. I guess I will just have to wait until Date Movie hits next week. I will have to settle for a couple of thrillers and perhaps a comedy this weekend.

Curious George. This will be the monkey's first trip to the big screen, and while it may not be marketed towards me, it looks like it could be a fun film for the kids. The animation looks to be primarily hand drawn, with touches of CG, all done in bright, bold colors. It has a refreshing look coming after a string of densely animated CG features. The film also has a nice roster of voice talent, including Drew Barrymore, Eugene Levy, Will Ferrell, David Cross and Dick Van Dyke. TRAILER

Final Destination 3. Glen Morgan and James Wong return to the series they started back in 2000. How, or if this ties into the previous films is yet to be seen. I can say that I am looking forward to seeing this to see if they can keep up the string of creative deaths that were peppered through the first two. This one starts with a roller coaster crash and hopefully doesn't let up. I predict that this will open well. TRAILER

Firewall. Harrison Ford returns to the big screen for the first time since 2003's Hollywood Homicide. This looks like it could be an exciting little thriller, but it could just as easily fall into a gaping hole of ludicrous. Ford plays the designer of a security system for the bank he works for, he is forced to rob said bank to buy back his family. Paul Bettany plays the bad guy of the piece, he has been putting together a nice resume of character work, and he may be stepping into Joker paint for a certain winged rodent film sequel. TRAILER

The Pink Panther. This much delayed remake finally hits screens. This had originally been slated for release in early 2005, but was pulled for some unknown reason. Steve Martin steps into the bumbling Inspector Clouseau role made famous by Peter Sellers, and appears to be having a goofy good time with the role. The film also features Beyonce, Kevin Kline, Jean Reno, and Jason Statham. I must admit, it looks like fun, I especially like the scene where he tries to pronounce "hamburger." TRAILER

Why We Fight. This is opening at the local arthouse (Upstate Films). It is a documentary that takes a look at the American war machine. It looks into how the will of the people has become an accessory to the trio of military contractors, the pentagon, and congress. This could prove to be an interesting film. The Sunday afternoon showing features an Q&A appearance from editor Nancy Kennedy. TRAILER

Also opening this week, but not near me:

• London
• Neil Young: Heart of Gold
• Through the Fire

Box Office Predictions

Last week I got three right, one day I will nail it.

1. Final Destination 3. Thrillers have opened well this year, I don't see this being any different, although it will be close with Firewall.
2. Firewall. This could take the top spot, Ford is always a good draw, and its been a few years.
3. Curious George. Sure to do good with families with young children. I liked George when I was young, so I wish it well.
4. The Pink Panther. Not sure where this will fall, I have a feeling that word won't be very good.
5. Brokeback Mountain. This will continue its slow and steady course of domination through the Oscars.
6. When a Stranger Calls. This is not a good movie, but I am sure that the teens will still be out to see it.
7. Big Momma's House 2. I have no interest in seeing this, but this week will mark it's slip down the charts.
8. Nanny McPhee. It did a good for a few weeks, but it will begin to falter under this week's competition.
9. Hoodwinked. Doing better than expected, this will cling to the top ten for one more week.
10. Underworld: Evolution. This continues its slide down the list, this will be its final top ten appearance.

What are you seeing this weekend?