One word can sum up this month's selections - Whoa! This month is sure to go down as one of the largest box office takes in movie history. We have some highly anticipated sequels, remakes, and some original features. Let's get right to my top ten.
1. The Matrix Reloaded
This is a no-brainer as far as picking a number one film for this month. The original film was a huge success. It has spawned one of the top selling DVDs of all time in more than one release. It made giant leaps forward in movie making technology. And this sequel has continued on with the marketing juggernaut. We have seen TV commercials, trailers, video games, a new DVD release, and so much more. Hard to believe, but we should see even bigger things from the third movie being released later this year.
2. X2: X-Men United
Personally, I was a little disappointed with the first film. They had to do too much "intro the characters" and not enough "develop a story. “ But these popular characters still brought in the audiences to the theaters and to stores. We saw two major DVD releases of the first film and countless other products. Again, we have seen a lot of marketing for the sequel, especially in the two weeks before release. This film should see big numbers opening weekend.
3. Finding Nemo
It's been awhile since Pixar's last outing (Monsters, Inc.), but the audiences haven't forgotten what a quality product the staff over at the animation studios puts out. They have a large talent pool in all aspects of film production - writers, directors, animators, etc. They know how to effectively use these individuals to put together a movie that the viewing public wants to see. Look for another big hit from Pixar.
4. Bruce Almighty
Jim Carrey is back to doing what he does best - improvising and acting wacky. He has quite a following and they will turn out in droves to see the "classic Carrey". When I heard about this film, I couldn't imagine anyone more perfect for this role. It should prove that Jim Carrey still has that box office magic. As far as marketing, the commercials for this film are getting better as the time draws near for release. I think the studio has grabbed the public's attention effectively.
5. Daddy Day Care
I think the big media blitz with this one should help it out at the box office. Yes, people get sick seeing commercials over and over and over and...well, you get the idea. But these commercials can have a big impact. And that look of horror on Eddie Murphy's face when he looks at the ceiling of the bathroom is great.
6. Down with Love
This throwback to the romantic comedies of the 1960s starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor should do pretty well. It has been placed against Matrix Reloaded, but I don't think that's going to be the death of this film. I think we'll see it do decent business in its first weekend, but it should have great legs in the following weeks.
7. The Lizzie McGuire Movie
The multi-talented Hillary Duff is a big hit with the early teen crowd. I think this release should see the same pattern as Down with Love. It should open fairly well against X2: X-Men United, but the big receipts will come in the following weeks. This film should firmly plant Miss Duff as a major star of the future.
8. Wrong Turn
The plot to this one sounds pretty creepy, but that should bring the fans of the horror genre out of the woodwork. Having Eliza Dushku in the cast doesn't hurt, either.
9. The Italian Job
Some of today's bright young stars are brought together for this heist film, which ironically doesn't take place in Italy. Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, and Seth Green are just some of the stars in this wonderful cast. It should split the moviegoer dollars with Wrong Turn as they open the same weekend.
10. The In-Laws
I'm sure the studio has some high hopes for this movie (as a studio always should), but I think this one will fall a little short of expectations. It has a strong cast with Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks as the soon-to-be "In-Laws", but the story just doesn't grab my attention. The two gentlemen team up for a wacky adventure in South America just before their kids' wedding. I don't see this one wowing audiences.