New Movie Releases and Box Office Predictions: The Grudge 2, Man of the Year, The Marine

This week's selections hit a few different targets, but will any be on the mark? We do not get any Oscar hopefuls this time around, the focus seems squarely on pure entertainment. There is a sequel to a hit horror film, an overblown action romp, and a comedy that targets the fans of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. I'd be lying to say I was not interested in them, but I do well in keeping my expectations in check.

The Grudge 2. (2006, 95 minutes, PG-13, horror, trailer) Two years ago director Takashi Shimizu translated his J-horror hit, Ju-on, for the American shore as The Grudge. As far as horror films go, it was a big hit, netting more than $110 million. Will this one be as big? Time will tell. I liked the first one, it was a fun roller coaster of jump scares. This sequel brings Shimizu back to his franchise, this time with Amber Tamblyn starring. To be completely honest, I do not expect much, all I hope for is an jumpy flick that entertains.

Man of the Year. (2006, 115 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) The trailer asks what if a comedian ran for president? The film looks to answer that question. It has been said that people put more trust in the "fake" news of shows like The Daily Show than in real news. This movie puts Robin Williams in a role that is not dissimilar to Jon Stewart. I am looking forward to this one, it really does look pretty funny. Actually, I just hope it is better than RV. Hopefully, that won't be hard to do.

The Marine. (2006, 93 minutes, PG-13, action, trailer) The second entry (following See No Evil) from newcomer WWE Films stars current WWE Champion John Cena. Will it be good? I tend to doubt it, but it does look like it could be a fun, if generic, action romp. Lending a little credibility to the project is Robert Patrick as the villain. The story follows Patrick and his thugs who take Cena's girlfriend hostage. Cena gets all Schwarzenegger in Commando and sets off on a one man mission to get her back. Could be fun, but my expectations are low.

One Night with the King. (2006, 122 minutes, PG, drama) This one kind of snuck up on me. It would seem to have a narrow appeal, and will not likely make a dent in the box office, especially when you consider the zero advertising it has gotten. The story follows a young Jewish girl named Hadassah who becomes a member of King Xerxes harem. She learns of a plan to exterminate her people and must stand up to save them.

Also opening this week, but not near me:

• Deliver Us from Evil
• Driving Lessons
• Infamous
• Nearing Grace
• So Much So Fast
• Tideland

Box Office Predictions

Four new entries this week. Will horror top the charts, or will the Scorsese thriller retain the top slot, or perhaps it will be by the wrestler turned actor? Time will tell, but I have my ideas. Read on for how I see the cards falling.

Rank	Title	Box Office
1	The Grudge 2	$29.5 million
2	The Departed	$19 million
3	Man of the Year	$17.5 million
4	The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning	$10.5 million
5	The Marine	$8 million
6	Open Season	$6.75 million
7	The Guardian	$6.5 million
8	Employee of the Month	$5.25 million
9	Jackass Number Two	$2.5 million
10	School for Scoundrels	$2 million

What are you seeing this weekend?