Google H-Planet

Box Office Notes: Will "Hulk" Beat "The Happening?"
Story reported by Brian Cantor of Headline Planet
Thursday, June 12 2008
An update on industry expectations for this weekend

Variety reports that tracking shows "The Incredible Hulk" possessing great industry awareness and in great position to win the weekend box office crown.

At the same time, its appeal with women is minimal (although that was also the case with smash hit "Iron Man" in pre-release tracking), and Universal Studios is publicly stating that it does not expect the film to top the 2003 "Hulk"'s $62.1 million opener due to disappointment related to the quality of that film.

The film's success thus appears attached to word-of-mouth. Early reviews have been solid, but it is often hard to predict how a summer blockbuster will fare over the long-term due to heavy competition each week.

Also opening this weekend is "The Happening," which, due to two consecutive critical disappointments from M. Night Shyamalan ("The Village" and "Lady in the Water"), is being promoted as the moviemaker's first R-rated endeavor, rather than as simply the next film in his franchise.

"The Happening" is tracking well with women, but Variety expects it to play out more like a hit horror film (strong opening days, little longevity) than as a blockbuster.

News Options:
Full Entertainment Newsboard
Return to Headline Planet.com


View All News:Wrestling :: MMA :: Entertainment