August is normally a bare month for quality movies. This is traditionally when studios decide to release all the movies they’re not confident in or don’t think have a home at the other times of the year. But, for some reason, this year is different. For the first time in a long time, August ’12 is jammed with big-budget films, many which look promising and could make some big money at the box office:
Fri Aug. 3
“Total Recall” (PG-13) – Colin Farrell stars in this remake of the 1990 Arnold Shwartzenegger action film about a man whose memory is replaced. Co-stars Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale. The effects look good. Hopefully the story isn’t too overdramatic. Opening Weekend Prediction: $45M; Total Gross Prediction: $145M
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” (PG) – Why did we need another “Wimpy Kid”? The first one was awful, the second one was a mess, and, not surprisingly, this one doesn’t look any better. With the same cast and studio I have very little hope for “Dog Days”. OWP: $25M; TGP: $65M
Wed Aug. 8
“Hope Springs” (PG-13) – Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones star in this adult romantic comedy about an older couple who wants to get the spark back in their marriage. Steve Carell co-stars as their therapist. As usual the trailer gives too much away, but it still looks predictable. And it’s surprising that it’s not R considering the subject matter. OWP: $17M (5-Day: $25M); TGP: $80M
Fri Aug. 10
“The Bourne Legacy” (PG-13) – Jeremy Renner stars not as Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), but the NEXT Jason Bourne, even tougher. Even though he’s been nominated twice for an Oscar, I don’t think Renner has the starpower yet to draw large audiences to a movie, but this one could prove me wrong. OWP: $40M; TGP: $120M
“The Campaign” (R) – Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis play two rivals in a congressional election. Ferrell’s comedies usually do very well at the box office, except for the R-rated ones. And “The Campaign” is R. OWP: $30M; TGP: $100M
Wed Aug. 15
“The Odd Life of Timothy Green” (PG) – Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton star in this Disney family drama about a couple who can’t have a child, but a boy named Timothy magically appears at their house. It’s an offbeat story, but could be emotional and inspiring. OWP: $15M (5-Day: $20M); TGP: $70M
Fri Aug. 17
“ParaNorman” (PG) – From the makers of “Coraline” comes this stop-motion animation adventure about a boy who has to save his town from zombies and an evil curse. I’ve already seen it and I expect it should do pretty well with audiences. OWP: $20M; TGP: $80M
“Sparkle” (PG-13) – Whitney Houston’s final movie is a musical remake that co-stars American Idol winner Jordan Sparks. Should be a financial success considering the circumstances, and if Houston’s performance is as good as we’re hearing, I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets some Oscar buzz. OWP: $30M; TGP: $110M
“The Expendables 2” (R) – This sequel to the 2010 surprise hit returns a veteran, all-star cast, with expanded roles for A. Shwartzenegger and B. Willis. Really enjoyed the first one. This looks like another good ol’ fun action film, and another box office smash. OWP: $40M; TGP: $120M
Also opening in August: “Premium Rush” (Aug. 24) and “Lawless” (Aug. 29) along with a couple of horror films…AHH!