Summer Box Office Challenge 2010
Last year's Challenge didn't go so well so I'm making it easier this time around. Just list what you think the Top 10 grossing movies of the Summer (May to August) will be. The list should be in order with the highest grossing being at #1. This summer is looking like the toughest in recent memory. Last year was pretty easy with The Proposal and The Hangover being the big surprises (and Terminator Salvation being a disappointment).
This year, however, there are a lot of challengers to the throne and while I think that I know what films will be in the top 5, the bottom 5 are a complete crapshoot.
Here's my 10. I'll also give a little snippet as to why I chose them but you don't need to. Just a list of 10 will suffice. For the summer release schedule, check out Box Office Mojo.
EDIT: OK, last edit but I'm bumping Toy Story up to #1.
1. Toy Story 3 - The 3D prices could push it to number one.
2. Iron Man 2 - I actually wouldn't be stunned if it made less than the original (reviews are middling so far) but I still think it's a lock for 250+ and a spot in the top 5.
3. Shrek Forever After - This franchise isn't as strong as it used to be but still strong enough for a top five finish and close to 300 million.
4. Inception - A dark horse for #1 movie of the summer, I'm just not sure that it has enough of a draw for the kids. I'd be stunned if it doesn't break the top 5 but there is a 10% chance that it disappoints.
5. Twilight: Eclipse - I still haven't seen any of these films but I don't see it expanding the fan base much from last time out.
Here's where it gets tricky and I could be 100% wrong on all of these picks.
6. The Last Airbender - Based on a popular series, big effects, kiddie friendly could be the ingredients to get M. Night back into the good graces of the box office.
7. The Karate Kid - I'm more comfortable with this than Airbender because of the built-in audience. The film opens against The A-Team in a retro-off but I think this looks better and has a much bigger draw. I can't imagine many dates going for The A-Team over this.
8. Grown Ups: I have no interest in this film but until Sandler/James don't bring in the dollars, I'm not betting against them.
9. Despicable Me: I really have no idea what this film is but it's animation and that seems to do well. I'm pretty much sure that this is going to be a miss but I'll go with it.
10: The Other Guys: A comedy should be higher on this list and it's a toss-up between this, McGruber, and Get Him To The Greek. But I like the team of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg and it opens at the end of the summer and could have more room to breathe when the releases slow down as the leaves start to fall.
This year's Terminator: Salvation is... The A-Team. Bradley Cooper's star could take a hit when this doesn't live up to expectations. There's just nothing going for this right now. Mediocre trailer, Rated R, opening against Karate Kid. I'm just not seeing it. GI Joe barely cracked the top ten and that had a much stronger fan base.
So who wants to take the challenge?! The winner gets a SoulHonky t-shirt and maybe even a 50 dollar gift card to your local movie theater (if enough people join.) Leave your guesses in the comments section or e-mail me at admin@soulhonky.com.
