New Movies and Box Office Predictions: 12/18

This week's wide releases -
Avatar
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Up in the Air

This weekend has been in the works for many years. Technology has been developed, new techniques created, a tale written, casted, and shot, and now the time has come for the unveiling. Now it is our turn to sit in judgment and determine if the wait was worth it. This big ticket opening film comes with a one other wide release. A trifle of counterprogramming that will seek to pick up the overflow and the dating couples without a taste for science fiction.

Avatar. (2009, 150 minutes, PG-13, science fiction) It has been a dozen years since we have seen the name "James Cameron" attached to a big time feature film. One has to wonder if he still "has it" and if early word tells us anything it is that he does indeed. I really hope the movie pays off as the trailers have not exactly wowed me. That said, I still hold out hope. The film is an epic adventure with science fiction trappings that centers on a single hero who journeys into a strange new world where he reluctantly becomes their hero. Here's to hoping....



Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009, 103 minutes, PG-13, romantic comedy) This movie holds no interest for me. It does happen once in awhile. It is the story of a couple whose marriage is on the rocks. While trying to rekindle their love they witness a murder. This gets them into witness relocation where they are forced to live in the sticks protected by the small town sheriff and his wife, creating a mash-up of romcom and fish out of water story. The cast includes Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliott, and Mary Steenburgen.



Up in the Air. (2009, 109 minutes, G, drama/comedy) Jason Reitman's follow up to his Oscar nominated Juno. It stars George Clooney as a corporate downsizing expert who lives a solitary life on the road, a life that he loves. His life on the road and frequent flier miles are threatened when he is pulled off the road. I have heard some good things about this one. I am looking forward to this one.



Also opening this week, but not near me:

• Crazy Heart
• Nine
• Ricky
• The Young Victoria

Box Office Predictions
Is there any doubt about what movie will come out on top this weekend? Didn't think so. The question is just how high will it fly. It is expected to open big and I suspect it will. I do not think it will top the century mark, but I would not be surprised. I am sure the earlyu positive buzz will help get people in as the trailers have been less than stellar in my opinion. The rest of the list will be left on its own to catch the leftovers.

Here is how I think it could play out:

Rank	Title	Box Office
1	Avatar	$95 million
2	Did You Hear About the Morgans?	$18 million
3	The Princess and the Frog	$17 million
4	The Blind Side	$9 million
5	Invictus	$6 million
6	A Christmas Carol 3D	$5 million
7	The Twilight Saga: New Moon	$4 million
8	Old Dogs	$3.5 million
9	Brothers	$2.5 million
10	2012	$2.5 million