SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 1, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — With three major releases hitting theaters for the Independence Day weekend, “Finding Dory” is expected to remain at the top. The film is expected to earn $52.2 million over the holiday weekend.
“The Purge 3: Election Year” has the insiders at Box Office Mojo reporting the thriller will come in at second place with an estimated $30.9 million over the four-day weekend.
“The Legend of Tarzan” is predicted to swing in to the No. 3 slot with a mere $25.5 million. Experts are indicating the film just doesn’t have the buzz or star power to carry it any higher.
“The BFG” is Steven Spielberg’s first directing job for Disney. But even with the iconic director’s name attached, the film doesn’t have any momentum behind it, and it is predicted to underperform with an estimated $16 million, landing the it in the fourth slot.
Here’s what Box Office Mojo is predicting for the Independence Day weekend.
“Finding Dory” — $52.25 million
“The Purge: Election Year” — $30.9 million
“The Legend of Tarzan” — $25.5 million
“Independence Day: Resurgence” – $23.56 million
“The BFG” — $19.65 million
“Central Intelligence” — $13.22 million
“The Shallows” — $10.73 million
“Free State of Jones” — $6.56 million
“The Conjuring 2” — $5.02 million
“Now You See Me 2” — $3.94 million
The Reviews:
The Purge 3: Election Year
Starring: Frank Grillo and Elizabeth Mitchell
Rated R
It’s been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night. Now serving as head of security for Senator Roan, played by Elizabeth Mitchell, his mission is to protect her in a run for president and to survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent.
The film is just one odd encounter after another with murdering clowns, gang members and people dressed as dead presidents.
There is no real rhyme or reason to the action in the film, and feeling overall is the franchise has run out of gas.
“The Purge 3: Election Year” gets a D and is rated R.
The BFG
Starring: Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill
Rated PG
A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.
“The BFG” is a terrifically animated and wonderfully directed family film. Albeit a bit slow-moving, the film actually allows the audience to invest themselves into the story.
With the high speed world we live in, “The BFG” actually dares to purposely plod at a pace that’s a bit unusual. But that’s the charm of the movie.
“The BFG” gets B and is rated PG.
The Legend of Tarzan
Starring: Alexander Skarsgard and Margot Robbie
Rated PG-13
After a decade of London life, Tarzan is called back to his former home to Africa to investigate activities in the Congo.
“The Legend of Tarzan” is a very intelligent adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs stories. The film isn’t trying to reinvent the title character or give us another origin story. It does use flashbacks to help the viewer understand Tarzan, but the story is about political corruption and greed.
Alexander Skarsgard puts in a solid performance as the now civilized Tarzan who must get back in touch with his wild side. Skarsgard offers up a man torn between two worlds, which he acutely portrays in gesture and expression.
Margot Robbie as Jane isn’t afraid to show the balance between feminist and feminine. Her performance is a perfect counterbalance to Skarsgard’s, and there is a real chemistry to their performances.
All in all, “The Legend of Tarzan” is well worth the ticket price in. It gets a B and is rated PG-13.
