March 2007 Forecast
By Marty Doskins
March 3, 2007
BoxOfficeProphets.com
And now on to my top ten for March 2007.
1. 300
Here's one of the films that has been talked about for a long time. This looks like one of those epic war battle movies. The main cast isn't made of the big superstar names, but I think this will be good. There aren't as many expectations from the actors and I think audiences will be easier to please. I think this film could benefit greatly from word-of-mouth advertising.
2. Blades of Glory
Will Ferrell is one of the few Saturday Night Live alums that has been successful in their post-television career. He has chosen films that play to his strengths – goofiness. This time Ferrell takes on the world of professional figure skating. And it almost sounds like the classic SNL skit about synchronized swimming with Harry Shearer, Martin Short, and Christopher Guest. This looks like a surefire combination to me.
3. Wild Hogs
What an interesting combination of actors – John Travolta, Tim Allen, William H. Macy, and Martin Lawrence. I don't think moviegoers would have expected this group to be in the same movie, especially all having lead roles. This unusual casting will definitely be a big draw. Plus, the commercials show serious actors Travolta and Macy really shining with their comedic talents. They've caught the attention of many people with their commercials and I think a lot of those people will make the trip to the theaters.
4. Meet the Robinsons
This is the last of the March films that I believe has the potential to earn over $100 million in revenue. This film kind of sounds like a Jimmy Neutron storyline. A genius travels in time and must use his talents to save people. While this is an adaptation of a book, it doesn't have a book feel to it. I think this helped A Bridge to Terabithia and it should help out a lot for this one.
5. TMNT
It's been 14 years since the last Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film was released. There has been a resurgence lately of interest in the characters, but I don't think this film will do that well. I don't think the popularity is up to where it once was back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. But with that said, the film should still open up at number one when it is released. However, I'm afraid it won't hold on for long unless this is some solid entertainment.
6. Shooter
Mark Wahlberg definitely has the potential to become a big action star in Hollywood. Playing an assassin who's being set up by someone is definitely the way to go if you want action. Fear and trying to prove your innocence causes many car, helicopter, and foot chases on the silver screen. And action-filled chases = $$$.
7. Zodiac
The Zodiac Killer terrorized people in California for a long time. While younger people may not remember this period of time, this film gives them a chance to be part of that scene. It helps quite a bit if the audience has at least some familiarity with the subject, but that doesn't make or break a film. However, in this case, that lack of familiarity brings down this film quite a bit in the Top Ten. I don't think it had the potential to be number one, but it definitely could've been much higher.
8. Premonition
This film's plot sounds very interesting and I think Sandra Bullock is a good choice for the lead role. The movie's quality goes up because you have Bullock as the main character. Plus, people are generally drawn to her. She seems to be down-to-earth and people really respond well to that. I think that her variety in roles also helps keep her fresh with audiences.
9. Reign Over Me
This film has Adam Sandler taking a step away from comedy to make a serious acting bid. Sandler's character loses his family in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I put this pretty far down the list because I overestimated how well United 93 would do. I think the seriousness of that day still hasn't faded from people's memories and they aren't comfortable reliving it.
10. The Hills Have Eyes 2
This film has several factors working against its long-term success. First, I seem to say this all the time, but horror films do well the first week with the hardcore fans coming out. Once that audience has been exhausted, the drop-off is rather steep. Second, there will be quite a bit of competition for the box office dollar when this is released. Finally, this is a sequel. Very rarely do sequels do that well. I think the one thing that keeps it in the running at all is that it's a horror film. The hardcore base consistently turns out so there is some money guaranteed.
Michael Bentley's March 2007 Forecast