New Movies and Box Office Predictions: Because I Said So, The Messengers

From last week's abundance of new films to choose from we have come to this week's absence thereof. In a bit of counter-programming we have a romantic comedy with Diane Keaton going toe to toe with a J-horror inspired horror film. Which will come out on top? I don't know, but it would not surprise me to see the comedy finish higher than the horror, although whether or not either will have the strength to come out on top of the pile is yet to be seen.

Because I Said So. (2007, 102 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) This looks like it could be enjoyable. Diane Keaton stars, playing mother to Mandy Moore, Piper Perabo, and Lauren Graham. Sounds like there are some good genes in that there pool. Anyway, Keaton's Daphne Wilder loves her daughters, and seeing how her youngest, Milly (Moore), has had some issues finding a man, so she decides to give her a hand. Of course, this goes awry with comedic results. It was directed by Michael Lehman, helmer of such hits as Airheads and Hudson Hawk.

The Messengers. (2007, 90 minutes, PG-13, horror, trailer) This one is on the fence. PG-13 rated horror films, do not have a great track record of late. Well, horror films in general don't have a great track record in general lately. I will freely admit that the trailer does look rather creepy, so I have hope. It is the story of a family that moves into a rundown home and it seems that the young son is bearing witness to the cause of strange and disturbing occurences. If you think the look bears a close resemblance to the recent J-horror remakes, that is probably due to the directing duo. It was directed by Danny and Oxide Pang, who were also behind The Eye (which they are also remaking for the US) and Bangkok Dangerous. This one stars Kristen Stewart, Dylan McDermott, and John Corbett.

Also opening this week, but not near me:

• Constellation
• Fired!
• Puccini for Beginners
• The Situation
• An Unreasonable Man

Box Office Predictions

Last week Epic Movie took the top spot, and if there is any justice in the world, it will die a quick death. That will make this week's field wide open. Will it be Diane Keaton or the Pangs? Perhaps the Smokin' Aces will do what they didn't last week and smoke the competition? Well, i guess that seems unlikely, and considering how strong the new release field is, we may have to settle for another fun of Epic Movie at the top.

Here is how I think the top ten field will play out:

Rank	Title	Box Office
1	Because I Said So	$19 million
2	The Messengers	$15 million
3	Night at the Musem	$8 million
4	Epic Movie	$7.5 million
5	Smokin' Aces	$7 million
6	Catch and Release	$4 million
7	Stomp the Yard	$3.5 million
8	Dreamgirls	$3 million
9	Pan's Labyrinth	$3 million
10	The Pursuit of Happyness	$2.5 million

What are you seeing this weekend?