New Movies and Box Office Predictions: 10,000 BC, The Bank Job, College Road Trip, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Last weel was a rather lackluster one at the box office. Semi-Pro did succeed in taking the top spot, although its take was about half of what was expected. Will this week see better success? I am sure the studios hope so. Anyway, the slate includes three films heading into wide release, and one more with a moderate release that could go wider if it proves successful. The film casting the widest net is an epic set long, long ago. Next up is a family friendly entry from Disney that is sure to bring a crowd. The remaining films have smaller ambitions, yet should still prove to decent. The biggest thing that I hope is that these new films are watchable and worth spending some valuable time with.

10,000 BC. (2008, 109 minutes, PG-13, action, trailer) This epic action film comes from director Roland Emmerich, who co-wrote the script with Harold Kloser. It is the story of a young man heading into uncharted territory to help secure the future of his tribe. It sounds like Apocalypto run through a cliche factory, but it still looks like fun. Steven Strait (Undiscovered) and Camille Bell (When a Stranger Calls) star amidst a sea of special effects.

The Bank Job. (2008, 110 minutes, R, thriller, trailer) Looking for a good heist film? Hopefully this will fill the bill. The Bank Job tells the story of an actual heist that was never solved. Jason Statham stars as a low-level criminal, approached by co-star Saffrom Burrows to undertake a bank robbery. Together with a few associates, they plan to rob a particular bank. He recognizes it as a great opportunity and off they go. However, not everything goes according to plan. I like Statham's acting and I hope he handles himself well her.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. (2008, 92 minutes, PG-13 comedy, trailer) The trailers for this comedy make the film look like a lot of fun (in other words, it does its job). It is the story of a nanny, fired from her job with no hope for another post. So, she seizes the day by taking a stolen opportunity as a social secretary for a socialite played by Amy Adams (Enchanted). Sure, it sounds a bit dry, but I bet it is goung to be a fun, lighthearted romp. It is directed by Bharat Nalluri, whose work I have seen in the past in the assassin flick Killing Time, and the decent Crow sequel, Salvation. Considerably different in tone than this film, it will be interesting to see how he handles himself here.

College Road Trip. (2008, 83 minutes, G, comedy, trailer) Would you believe me if I told you I had zero interest in seeing thise? Well, believe it or not, it's true. It holds no appeal to me. Still, I am sure it has an audience and will do quiote well. It stars Martin Lawrence as a police chief with a pet pig who goes on a trip to visit potential colleges with his daughter, Raven-Symone, and end up joining Donny Osmond for some wild good times.

Also opening this week, but not near me:

• CJ7
• Married Life
• Paranoid Park
• Snow Angels

Box Office Predictions
Last week, Semi-Pro won the box office crown, but it was not nearly as commanding as it was expected to be. Will 10,000 BC live up to expectations? Well, it doesn't have nearly the polarizing effect that Will Ferrell commands, for that matter, it doesn't havbe any star effect, the selling point is the setting and the effects. I think it will open well and hold a commanding lead once the dust settles. College Road Trip will likely be a strong second

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

Rank	Title	Box Office
1	10,000 BC	$25 million
2	College Road Trip	$17 million
3	Semi-Pro	$8.5 million
4	The Bank Job	$7 million
5	Vantage Point	$6 million
6	The Spiderwick Chronicles	$5 million
7	The Other Boleyn Girl	$4 million
8	Jumper	$3.5 million
9	Step Up 2: The Streets	$3 million
10	Miss Perrigrew Lives for a Day	$2.5 million