SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 12, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — With four new films hitting theater screens this weekend, there’s something for everybody as “Sausage Party,” “Florence Foster Jenkins,” “Anthropoid” and “Pete’s Dragon” are released.
Experts are predicting “Pete’s Dragon” may not have enough fire to push “Suicide Squad” from its top slot. The Disney film will most likely open in second place with an estimated $31.0 million, with “Suicide Squad” remaining in first place with an estimated $38.0 million.
“Sausage Party,” starring Seth Rogen and Kristen Wiig, will take over third place, according to ProBoxOffice.com. The animated film, expected to appeal to the college crowd, is predicted to earn just about $30.0 million.
“Florence Foster Jenkins” is expected to open in seventh place with an estimated $6.5 million. The film, starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, is opening in fewer theaters because of its limited appeal.
“Anthropoid,” starring Jamie Dornan and Cillian Murphy, will open out of the top 10 because of its limited release schedule.
Here’s the weekend box office forecast for the top 10 films:
| Suicide Squad | Warner Bros. | $38,500,000 | $219,750,000 |
| Pete’s Dragon | Disney | $31,000,000 | $31,000,000 |
| Sausage Party | Sony / Columbia | $30,000,000 | $30,000,000 |
| Jason Bourne | Universal | $10,080,000 | $122,890,000 |
| Bad Moms | STX Entertainment | $7,700,000 | $66,890,000 |
| The Secret Life of Pets | Universal | $6,900,000 | $333,670,000 |
| Florence Foster Jenkins | Paramount | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| Star Trek Beyond | Paramount | $5,020,000 | $137,660,000 |
| Nine Lives (2016) | EuropaCorp | $3,120,000 | $13,300,000 |
| Lights Out | Warner Bros. (New Line) | $3,000,000 | $60,920,000 |
The Reviews:
Sausage Party
Starring the voices of: Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Kristen Wiig
Rated R
A sausage named Frank discovers the truth about life and existence and tries to warn his food friends.
“Sausage Party” is exactly what you’d think it would be. An animated film full of crude and sexual humor and innuendo.
There are some funny moments in the film and some you’ll squirm in your seat over, but for the most part the film is a mess demanding a clean-up in aisle 5.
“Sausage Party” gets a C and is rated R.
Florence Foster Jenkins
Starring: Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant
Rated PG-13
The film is “based on a true story” of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.
“Florence Foster Jenkins” is a movie that’s not easy to love. The promotional ads for the film show it as a comedy, yet there’s a definite sadness about it that goes beyond the embarrassment of the lead character’s inability to sing.
The idea of “believing in yourself” is carried to an extreme as Streep’s character refuses or just will not see reality. Foster Jenkins is self-absorbed, but also is surrounded by those who pamper her and will not tell her the truth.
Meryl Streep is perfect in the title role and offers us a very well-defined performance. Hugh Grant is the perfect counterbalance to Streep, as the husband who wants to please his wife at any cost.
In the end, “Florence Foster Jenkins” is a wonderful film with terrific performances surrounding a deep and meaningful relationship.
It gets a B and is rated PG-13.
Anthropoid
Starring: Jamie Dornan and Cillian Murphy
Rated R
Based on the extraordinary true story of Operation Anthropoid, the WWII mission to assassinate SS Gen. Reinhard Heydrich, the main architect behind the Final Solution and the Reich’s third in command after Hitler and Himmler.
“Anthropoid” offers up an intimate look at war and sacrifice, as two Czech soldiers are ordered into an impossible situation and have to face their fear and death.
The film speaks of comradeship, honor, duty and service in such a personal and unflinching way that the audience cannot leave the theater unchanged.
“Anthropoid” gets an A and is rated R.
Pete’s Dragon
Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford
Rated PG
Based on the 1977 film, Disney retells the story of the adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend, Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon.
If you’re a fan of the original film, you may not want to see the update; but give it a chance, as the film has a lot to say about love, friendship and childhood wonder.
“Pete’s Dragon” is a well-written fairy tale that pulls on your heartstrings, yet never abruptly panders to your sentimental side.
Both Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford add much to the film, but it is young Oakes Fegley as “Pete” who wins the audience over.
CGI-wise, “Elliot the Dragon” is a spectacular character, both terrifying and beautiful at the same time.
“Pete’s Dragon” is a delightful surprise and needs to be enjoyed.
It gets an A and is rated PG.
