It’s got three stars, two of them “box office,” and a stellar supporting cast. The commercials are giving the comic side of “Pain & Gain” the hard sell.
But as this movie, earning mixed reviews, will reveal to anybody who buys a ticket — it’s a very violent “true crime” action comedy. And that could work against word of mouth.
Box Office Guru is thinking Michael Bay’s cheapest movie since film school will do $20 million.
Box Office Mojo figures “Pain & Gain” will do a “modest” $22 million or so. “The Big Wedding” will be lucky to crack $10, the soothsayer there says. The Guru figures $9 will be that all-star comedy’s high water mark.
It’s a pretty foul-mouthed R-rated comedy aimed squarely at the”Something’s Got to Give/Big Fat Greek Wedding” audience. Will they show up? I see this one as a wild card that could do better than $10,and I’m not saying that because I gave it the only passing review I’ve seen posted anywhere.
Are old folks ready for a hint of “Hangover” in their rom-coms? If so, this could be a watershed picture– Oscar winners and other big names, nobody stretching that much, but playing well within the audience’s comfort zone and talking dirty as they do.
The Jackie Robinson bio-pic “42” will clear the $70 million mark by Sunday night. “Oblivion” should fall off a bit — maybe a lot. Figure it’ll come in a close second to “Pain & Gain,” unless one doesn’t open or the other doesn’t hold at least half its audience.