This weekend sees the release of four new movies, all of which go one way or the other: semi-emotional story or action picture. The film that has teenage girls (and that's it) talking is Abduction with Taylor Lautner (Twilight), Alfred Molina (The Da Vinci Code) and Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter). It is opening in 3,118 theaters, the third highest overall and second highest for new releases, and is in store for $13-15 million dollars total. However, since Abduction has been hated by critics (only 7% on Rotten Tomatoes), it will be difficult to get a majority of the public interested.The only other film that stands a chance of getting that much (which would be a miracle) is Moneyball with Brad Pitt (Mr. And Mrs. Smith), Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Along Came Polly), Jonah Hill (Get him to the Greek) and Robin Wright (Forrest Gump). It is opening in 2,993 theaters, which is ok, and third highest for new releases (fourth overall). Unlike Abduction, it is getting massive critical acclaim (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) that are equal to Oscar talk. They are praising both Pitt and Hill's performances (possible nominations) and Aaron Sorkin's Oscar-level screenplay. This is my personal reccomendation.Killer Elite is also opening this weekend, starring Jason Statham (Crank), Clive Owen (Sin City), and Robert De Nero (Meet the Parents). It is opening in 2,750 theaters, fourth for the weekend and 6th overall. It is only aiming for $13-15 million dollars, which could be enough for third or fourth, depending on Abduction as well. With only 26% of critical approval on Rotten Tomatoes, and low advertising and releases, it could be hard for it to even reach the top five if Lion King 3D holds well.And finally, Dolphin Tale 3D starring Morgan Freeman (Bruce Almighty) is opening in 3,507 theaters, which is the widest release of the weekend and overall, and is getting a good chunk of approval from critics (currently at 84% on Rotten Tomatoes). With the range of $16-18 million, it should easy grab second place, as long as it stays in line with audiences and expectations.We are in the middle of Oscar season, where the films with the most chance of being nominated for Academy Awards are being release and acclaimed, good or bad, for their chances. Meanwhile, low rent and low costing action, thriller, and comedy films are stinking away the competition with bad reviews and very high counts with teenagers, so the days when the big budget movie come back is fast approaching.
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