Movies This Weekend! 5/9/08

Oh Hi there! How are you doing? I’m glad that the response has been so positive to the new redesign. It seems like people are really taking to the featured post page, but don’t forget about the other posts too! Feel free to browse the categories and the archives… I may have to figure out a better way to display everything. But anyway, keep the comments coming, I really appreciate it!

It’s time again for those movies this weekend! Last weekend was HUGE, with Iron Man doing really really well. Almost $100 Million according to my little widget in the footer! I think that this week will have a similar impact, but the grosses will not be nearly as high…

Redbelt - Directed by David Mamet, Rated N/A

The west side of the Los Angeles fight world is inhabited by bouncers, cage fighters, cops, and other characters. Mike Terry, however, has managed to avoid this prize fighting circuit. He opens up his own Ju-Jitsu self defense studio, and follows the Samurai code. He and his wife struggle to keep their business open. After an accident at the Academy between an off duty police officer and a distraught lawyer, Terry’s life changes. He must step into the ring for the first time in order to repay his debts and regain his honor.

Joe’s Take: I don’t know about this one. The description I found on Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t even make that much sense, and I have to admit that I’ve never heard of this movie before. I actually haven’t heard of any of the actors/actresses in the movie either, which doesn’t help it. Please, if you have heard of it, let me know what you think! Based on what little I know about this film, I’m going to predict a 4th place finish, with a meager $6 million gross.

Speed Racer - Directed by Larry Wachowski, Rated PG

Speed Racer is a young man, with natural racing instincts. His only goal in life is to win the Crucible, a cross country car race. It means so much to him because it took the life of his older brother, Rex Racer. Speed is also very loyal to the race car company run by his parents, who developed his car, the Mach 5. He even refuses a lucrative offer from Royalton Industries. Speed discovers that many of the races are being fixed for huge profits, with cheating about. After his refusal, Royalton vows to make sure that Speed doesn’t win another race. However, with the support of his family, and a new ally in his once rival Racer X, Speed will try to rescue his family’s business and the sport of Racing itself.

Joe’s Take: I think Speed Racer is going to be big, but not quite as big as Iron Man was. I can’t say that I was a huge fan of the cartoon version of this, so I’m not particularly looking forward to this, and I’m assuming others feel the same way. That being said, it’s bound to have a solid weekend, though with tough competition from Iron Man, I think that Speed falls to number 2. $25 million on the weekend. It just doesn’t scream Blockbuster to me.

What Happens in Vegas - Directed by Tom Vaughan, Rated PG13.

Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher play two opposites who end up as Bride and Groom after a crazy night in Las Vegas. However, when one of them strikes it rich after playing on the other’s coin, their marriage is suddenly legitimate. It turns out to be more of a war than love, as each one tries to get the money for themselves.

Joe’s Take: I forgot about this… was just thinking about Speed Racer as the big new release. However, What Happens in Vegas could have some legs based on all the guys that dragged their girls to Iron Man last weekend. It could be payback! Thinking about it that way, I’m tempted to move Speed Racer down to three. I’m gonna go with my gut instincts though, and say that Cameron and Ashton end up #3 this weekend, pulling in $15 Million.

There they be, the wide releases this weekend. Take a shot and let me know how you think they’re going to do. Consider it practice for when I actually start running that contest that I mention in the corner of the ol’ blog!

Images for this post were provided by Movie Poster dot com.