The kids continue to flood the theaters and rule the box office with another PG-rated film that will definitely top this weekend’s box office. Remember those zoo animals who broke out and ended up in Madagascar? Well they’re BACK!
The title is, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa… though Mr. Ebert made it clear that they’re actually trying to escape “from” Africa. I guess that’s not important. What is important is how much money this film will make… and I can assure you it will be a lot.
There are two other R-rated comedies that are being released this weekend. Role Models stars Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott who have to mentor two kids in order to avoid prison. Oh, and McLovin’s one of the kids. For some reason, I don’t see myself paying any money to watch this seemingly painful formulaic comedy… but the R-rating does surprise me a bit. There has to be more than the trailer has shown for it to be rated R.
And then there’s Soul Men, which features the late Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes. This movie should make a decent amount from its African American demographic, but the studio is really banking on Samuel L. Jackson’s star power to carry them pass an adequate opening.
Let’s take a look at our predictions.
My Predictions:
1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – $55 million
2. Role Models – $12 million
3. High School Musical – $10 million
4. Soul Men – $10 million
5. Zack and Miri Make a Porno – $6 million
Dan’s Predictions:
1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – $60 million
2. Role Models – $14 million
3. Soul Men – $10 million
4. High School Musical 3 – $9 million
5. Changeling – $7 million
Phil’s Predictions:
1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – $40 million
2. Soul Men – $25 million
3. Role Models – $17 million
4. High School Musical – $8 million
5. Zack and Miri Make a Porno – $5 million
So we all agreed that Madagascar will top the box office, though our range is from $40 to $60 million. Nonetheless, it’ll probably out-gross the total of #2 through #5. We all then have Role Models and Soul Men ranking behind Madagascar. And to finish off the Top 5, Phil and I list Zack and Miri in the #5 spot while Dan has Changeling.
Let’s see how our predictions hold up.
Posted by Rob Eng 
