With studios pouncing on last weekend’s lucrative MLK frame, this upcoming weekend (minus NFL playoffs) has taken a quiet turn with just one wide release, I, Frankenstein.
Starring Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), I, Frankenstein is the brainchild of Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), who penned the graphic novel of the same. This interpretation of the Shelley classic transplants the Frankenstein monster (Eckhart) to a dystopian world where gargoyles and demons are at war. Grevioux has toyed around with a similar concept before in Underworld, simply substituting two warring factions of vampires and Lycans.
Fans of the Underworld franchise aren’t a sure bet for weekend ticket sales. All four Underworld films have opened over $20 million with three opening in January. I, Frankenstein enters theaters without an established story outside of the graphic novel, making the film a tougher sell.
The film does receive a 10 p.m. head start on the weekend, which may increase the total by a few hundred thousand dollars. But higher-priced engagements should help in pulling in a opening around $14 million. A second place finish behind last week’s champion, Ride Along should be expected. I, Frankenstein awakens on Friday in 2,753 theaters with 2D, 3D and IMAX options.
With only I, Frankenstein as the sole wide release this Friday, several Best Picture nominees continue to expand into additional theaters. American Hustle, Gravity, Dallas Buyers Club, 12 Years a Slave and Nebraska will see increases between 100-700 theaters. However, the last few weeks of holdovers plus I, Frankenstein should make up the Top 5.
Box Office Projections
1. Ride Along (Universal) – $19.5 million (1)
2. I, Frankenstein (Lionsgate) – $14.1 million (NR)
3. Lone Survivor (Universal) – $13.9 million (2)
4. The Nut Job (Open Road) – $12.5 million (3)
5. Frozen (Buena Vista) – $9.7 million (5)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Marshall is a YouTube movie reviewer who hosts MNMreviews. He has a B.A. in Communications/Journalism from St. John Fisher College and resides in Rochester, NY.
