New Movies and Box Office Predictions: Shrek the Third

Rather slim pickings this weekend, with only one new film entering wide release. The only thing is that it is poised to be a monster at the box office. It is the second of three franchises to reach their third films. We have already seen Spider-Man 3 break all manner of box office records in its opening frame two weeks back, and next week will see the return of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. So, if you wish to avoid the crowds, this would be a good time to catch up on the movies you may have missed, like the excellent 28 Weeks Later or the mediocre conservative exploitation of Georgia Rule.

Shrek the Third. (2007, 93 minutes, PG, animated comedy, trailer) Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and Antonio Banderas return for the third romp through Far Far Away. When the king goes missing, Shrek and Fiona fill in until they can find a suitable replacement. A replacement is found in a high school slacker cousin named Artie. It is up to Shrek and the gang to convince him to take the crown. Now, I have been hearing some really bad things about this, some go so far as to say it is direct to video bad. I am taking this bad word into consideration, but I am still looking forward to seeing it. Despite the bad reviews, it is likely to become the second biggest opener of the year.

Waitress. (2007, 103 minutes, PG-13, romantic comedy, trailer) This film was written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, who was tragically murdered in her New York City apartment just prior to this film getting accepted to Sundance. It is a shame as the film has been very well received and, judging by the trailer it looks great. It stars Keri Russell as a waitress named Jenna who is unhappily married to Earl (Jeremy Sisto) and finds happiness in creating pies based on her mood. Whe she thinks she may be pregnant, she meets Dr. Pomatter (Serenity's Nathan Fillion) and the two find a romance in an unlikely place. I am looking forward to seeing this one.

Also opening this week, but not near me:

• Even Money
• Fay Grim
• Once
• Severance
• The Wendell Baker Story

Box Office Predictions
Shrek the Third is poised to strike it rich this weekend, and I predict that it will reach the century mark. The big question, I think, is how much the Spider-Man movie will be affected with its arrival. It took a big dive in its second week out, and it will likely continue its slide as more competition enters the fray. And, just like last week, the rest of the field is left to duke it out for the remaining places, and it is sure to be a bloody affair.

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

Rank	Title	Box Office
1	Shrek the Third	$100 million
2	Spider-Man 3	$30 million
3	28 Weeks Later	$7 million
4	Georgia Rule	$4 million
5	Disturbia	$3 million
6	Delta Farce	$2.5 million
7	Fracture	$2 million
8	The Invisible	$2 million
9	Meet the Robinsons	$1.5 million
10	Next	$1 million

What are you seeing this weekend?