The Scorecard Review

View Original

Box Office Preview - May 21 - 'Shrek' and 'MacGruber' take on 'Iron Man 2'

Hitting the screens this week… MacGruber Bayer's SXSW review Allen's TSR - 6/10

Shrek Forever After Bayer's TSR - 8/10

It Came From Kuchar (limited) Lehar's TSR - 7/10

The Square (limited) Bayer's TSR - 5/10

Mother and Child (limited) Allen's TSR - 7/10

The Exploding Girl Lehar's TSR - 6/10

Well, it’s that time again and that means time for the weekend box office preview. After last week’s outing, I have no shame in admitting that nailing the top five may not be my strong suit, but I’ll give it my best anyway.

This weekend’s releases are the SNL comedy MacGruber and the latest installment from Dreamworks, Shrek Forever After.

Let me start off by saying, Iron Man 2 is the horse to beat in this game. Despite having a sharp drop in its second weekend, it still managed to claim the number one spot, beating out Robin Hood by over $15,000,000. I doubt even the likes of Shrek can topple this giant.

Then again, Shrek Forever After does have its distinct advantages that I think will lead it to take the number two spot. Considering How to Train Your Dragon seems to be on its deathbed, Dreamworks couldn’t have timed it better to bring in the green guy. Family movies mean tickets for the whole family and considering there isn’t much family fare this weekend, that may be just enough for it to take second place.

Unfortunately, MacGruber may not deliver the returns that Universal had been hoping for, but it may be too soon to tell. Despite being a new release, it has the distinct disadvantage of fewer theaters showing it and also that R rating may prevent its target audience from being able to see the flick. Looks like the positive buzz, even from Bayer, may not be able to save this one, which is why I’m predicting a number three spot.

In fourth, folks don’t seem to be sick of Nottingham yet, despite primarily negative or mediocre reviews. Robin Hood has held pretty steady each day since its opening weekend and there’s no reason to think that’ll stop any time soon. Still, it’s never easy to compete with newcomers, so I’m thinking it’ll sink down to number four on this weekend’s list.

Finally, there’s not a whole lot of fare aimed towards the female demographic and I guess Hollywood’s best solution for the time being is Letters to Juliet. Still, I doubt this movie will be making many more appearances on the top five after a mediocre opening weekend. The number five spot is my best guess for this one.

Each week we’ll take a look at the box office and see if we can’t nail the Top 5 films (in correct order).

It’s harder than you think. If you don’t believe, let’s see what your answers are.

My prediction for the weekend of May 7 – May 9 …

1. Iron Man 2

2. Shrek Forever After

3. MacGruber

4. Robin Hood

5. Letters to Juliet

So what are your Top 5 at the box office this weekend?