PREVIEW: 21, Fat Boy, Stop-Loss, Superhero

By Connect Mason Reporter Matthew Todd

Four films will attempt to gamble, run, battle and laugh their way to the top. But is there any one film with true potential? Here's a look at this week's potential blockbuster hits.

But first...

Last Weekend’s Recap

As the children’s critically acclaimed CG comedy adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s famous book Horton Hears A Who! topped the charts, pulling in another $24.5 million to bring its total tally to $86 million, Tyler Perry’s high-status name was able to bring Meet the Browns to a close second with an impressive $20 million opening. Meanwhile, the critically-lambasted Shutter, another remake to a Japanese horror hit, and Owen Wilson’s failed comeback Drillbit Taylor tanked at the box office with $10.4 and $10.3 million, respectively.

Now on to...

This weekend features another moderately weak line-up of films that prove March is not a time of quality cinema (but who am I kidding since the Oscar craze doesn’t happen come November and December).

21 (Columbia, PG-13)

Inspired by a true story, Ben Campbell, a shy but brilliant and intelligent MIT student, is in need of money to pay his tuition; therefore he attempts to gamble for it. As he wipes a Vegas casino almost clean, the hotel’s menacing enforcer will be his greatest challenge.

The previews suggest a slick thriller about going great (and dangerous) distances to get what you need before getting sucked into the world of gambling. Unfortunately, 21 looks like a more serious, less crafty rehash of the Ocean’s Eleven series. Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne are commanding actors that provide as much grit as the film can possibly hold, but the lead actors Jim Sturgess and Kate Bosworth come off unforgivably dull. Sturgess’s character says at one point, “We don’t need him,” referring to Spacey. This couldn't be more wrong.

Run, Fat Boy, Run (Picturehouse, PG-13)

A charming and overweight single father leaves his pregnant wife at the altar on their wedding day. Now he’s determined to win her back by running a 26-mile marathon.

Simon Pegg, the amiable comedian from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, looks like the glue holding this rather predictable film together. Parts funny, parts serious (somewhat copying the tradition of the pattern of films such as About A Boy and In Good Company) will be interesting to see for David Schwimmer’s (Friends) feature film debut. Plus, who can resist Hank Azaria?

Stop-Loss (Paramount/MTV, R)

A decorated war hero returns home to his small Texas town and gets reacquainted with his simple and comfortable life. But in the midst of being at peace of it all, the Army orders him back to Iraq.

This film looks interesting for numerous reasons.

• The film is directed by the gifted filmmaker that turned Boys Don’t Cry into the under-appreciated classic it was.
• Gorgeous faces such as Ryan Phillippe and Channing Tatum have a chance to really utilize their acting abilities.
• The film appears to be making a strong statement about an unpopular war.

This is a chance for a war film to really reach out to our twenty-something generation. One rough spot though, no film about the Iraq war has been a hit as of yet. Jarhead and In the Valley of Elah proved wildly unsuccessful.

Superhero Movie (MGM, PG-13)

I think it’s safe to say Leslie Nielsen will probably never take himself seriously again. A rip on superhero films, most notably Spider-man, this parody looks about as funny as watching a street-performing clown attempt to balance a watermelon on his head. Poor Drake Bell for killing his film career even before he had a chance to start it. But hey, on the upside, at least male viewers can salivate over Pamela Anderson’s cleavage. Yet, it’s hardly worth pissing away $8 for. I’ll buy cigarettes, thank you.

Box Office Predictions

So the film to finally bring down Horton? It wouldn’t surprise me if Horton saw a third straight week on top since none of these films really have any true box office potential. On the other hand, as proven with Epic Movie and Meet the Spartans, Superhero Movie could reign supreme with a good $18-22 million to put itself at the number one spot. Run, Fat Boy, Run could entice more sentimental audiences and romantics craving a decent romantic dramedy. It could likely pull in $12-15 million. 21’s star-power might help it a little, but I only predict a $6-8 million haul, while Stop-Loss will probably flop as did Elah.