By Chris Kavan - 07/05/12 at 01:46 PM CT
Thanks to the 4th of July holiday, we already know one of these movies will be a smashing success and it just goes to prove that a big name franchise doesn't need to sit around for years to get an impressive reboot.
1) The Amazing Spider-Man already crushed the best Tuesday opening record with a $35 million opening bow, and added another $23.4 million on the 4th itself and will probably finished somewhere in the $125 -$140 range at the end of the weekend. That's good news for star Andrew Garfileld (best known for a supporting role in The Social Network) and continues the successful run for Emma Stone. In fact, the news was so good, the studio has already made plans for a new trilogy. I myself found the film to be decent, if not spectacular, but I truly do think Garfield makes a more interesting Spider-Man and Stone is a good match. These origin stories are always the weakest of the films - more so since we've seen it once before. There is not doubt this will be the top film over the weekend.
2) Concert movies can be hit or miss. It all depends on if fans show up for their favorite artist. Katy Perry has a big following, but how many will show up for Katy Perry: Part of Me? Unlike other concert films, this documentary actually seems to focus on the artist's life, rather than the straight-up concert aspect. The movie isn't exactly lighting up the critics, but concert films aren't about reaching a wide audience, but rather making sure the target audience shows up - hopefully again and again. It will also compete with Spider-Man for 3D screens, but I can say with certainty that the super hero will come out on top.
3) Finally, will Taylor Kitsch finally be able to shake off the bad taste from John Carter and Battleship? Maybe adding in director like Oliver Stone will help as Savages takes on the timely story of Mexican drug cartels. Two brothers run a homegrown business with their mutual girlfriend but things take a dangerous turn when said cartels take an interest in their business. Their girlfriend gets kidnapped, vengeance is sworn and I'm sure there are plenty of violent deaths. The critics are being kinder to this film, but aren't exactly jumping up and down with excitement. I just don't know if there's enough here to make this film stand out (even though the cast seems fantastic - Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek and even a serious John Travolta back in action). I wish it all the luck, but I have a feeling it's only going to make a slight impact at the box office.
With the 4th of July fervor out of everyone's system, we'll see if the weekend translates to big number or if everyone is just going to take it easy. One thing I am certain is that you will see The Amazing Spider-Man at the top of the list come Sunday. I'll be back then with the details.
