Weekend Preview - June 10-12, 2011

While I'm not sure this week's new releases will compete with last years, I think the summer box office has enough life in it to compete with it's box office total.  Last year, The Karate Kid and The A-Team lead the weekend to a $144 million weekend.  It probably won't be on the strength of this year's releases, but I think there are some good films at the box office that might pull audiences in.

Super 8 (Rated PG-13) - While filming their own movie, a group of 1970s kids witness a train crash and then start to notice odd happenings in their small town.  Elle Fanning leads a relatively unknown cast in the mysterious sci-fi drama, written and directed by JJ Abrams.  I'm really looking forward to this movie.  Abrams rarely disappoints, and I love nostalgia films.

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Rated PG) - A young girl sets out to have a thrilling summer despite being left home while her friends travel to exotic locations.  A rare independent family movie, Judy Moody is based on a popular series of books by Megan McDonald.  While this one isn't high on my list of "must see" movies, I'm taking my son and a friend to see it, so I'm curious to see their reaction.

If X-Men and Pirates can continue to do well, along with The Hangover Part II and Bridesmaids, this should be an okay weekend at the box office.  So far this year though, only The Hangover Part II and Bridesmaids have exceeded their box office expectations.  There is a lot of hype around Super 8, but advanced ticket sales are pretty light in my area.  Could be another less than expected box office opening for this film.

See you at the theater!