THE JUNE MOVIE PREVIEW

The summer movie season kicks into high gear with…well, it actually doesn't so much as it goes from zero to sixty, then suddenly sputters along and runs out of gas, only to get jump-started by a rubbery-looking CGI character at the end of the month. Read on.

6/4

ZATOICHI

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Beat Takeshi puts the beatdown on some corrupt motherfuckers as the titular (and legendary) blind swordsman. Serious ass-kicking ensues, and since you just got beat by a blind guy, how bad do you feel?

WILL IT SUCK?
Beat Takeshi is, by all accounts, da bomb. I've only seen one of his movies (it was either "Fireworks" or "Sonatine," I can't remember which, and that's probably not a good sign) but his rep precedes him. Here, as is often the case, he writes, acts, directs and edits. And this is supposed to be his best work yet. It's already won a crapload of Japanese Oscars and numerous international fest plaudits including audience/people's choice awards at Venice and Toronto. So, no, it probably won't suck.

And there's a musical number or two, apparently.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
No real genre competition for miles. "Napoleon Dynamite" will be a big indie deal the following week, but even that will only draw part of this audience. However, Beat's flicks only ever do so well in the States. $1mil.

HARRY POTTER AND THE
PRISONER OF AZKABAN

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Gary Oldman in the hizzy! Oh, and Harry Potter does some stuff, too, I'm sure.

WILL IT SUCK?
In all likelihood, no. It's got new director Alfonso Cuaron of "Y Tu Mama Tambien" fame giving it a darker spin. It's actually not that unusual to have him up in here given that he's already done a well-received kid's adaptation - 1995's "A Little Princess." So, no, Harry and Ron are not gonna go cross country with Professor McGonagall and, y'know, do things.

Also, you've got the original cast returning (sans Richard Harris, RIP) along with the aforementioned Oldman, who's already played one of my favorite villains of all time, Norm Stansfield in "The Professional." I can already see him yelling at Harry, "I haven't got time…for this Mickey Mouse…BULLSHIT!" That would rock. Let the scenery chewing commence! Emma Thompson also lends her ample talent.

Finally, the best friend this series has is returning: Screenwriter/Adaptation Master Steve Kloves, who not only rocked the first two books but also did a kick-ass adaptation of "Wonder Boys.".

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Not only is the field clear this week (no other wide release dared open against it), but the rest of the month is bereft of a true challenger until the very end. However, it's important to note that Harry 2 did worse than Harry 1. And the new, darker tone may not be as kid-friendly. On the other hand, this is the first time a Harry Potter film has been released in the more target rich summer. So I think you'll see an upsurge closer to the original Harry numbers. $335mil.

6/11

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
The kick-ass hero of "Pitch Black" (Vin Diesel) returns to fight in an intergalactic war.

WILL IT SUCK?
The trailer looks and feels way too much like a "Dune" remake with Judi Dench. I'm going to miss the monsters, which were half the fun of "Pitch Black," and so far the human villains of this installment don't seem nearly as interesting. The other half of the fun, of course, was Riddick himself, one of my favorite anti-heroes of the past decade. And with the same writer/director controlling the narrative (David Twohy) I'm instilled with a bit of confidence. But with the intergalactic pseudo-religious conflict direction the story is taking, I'm given a lot of pause.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
The worst enemy (besides Harry Potter) this film can have is itself. This sort of dark fantasy/sci-fi isn't in abundant supply this month (or this summer, for that matter). "Alien vs. Predator," the closest thing (to "Pitch Black, anyway) doesn't come out for another two months. So if the reviews and word of mouth are good, this should get a decent haul. If not, kiss the two hypothetical sequels goodbye. My guess is the reaction will be mixed, at best. $63mil.

GARFIELD: THE MOVIE

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Bad Idea Jeans presents a Waste of Bill Murray's Talent.

WILL IT SUCK?
In all likelihood, yes. First of all, it's not written by Jim Davis, creator of Garfield who also penned the successful television specials nor did they get any of the writers behind the television series. These were actually funny adaptations of the original comic. Instead they've got the guys behind "Toy Story" (that's good) and "Cheaper by the Dozen," and "Money Talks" and the upcoming "Daddy Day Care," (that's not so good). By the way, about five other guys also wrote "Toy Story."

Casting Bill Murray to voice the fat cat is a master stroke. He's the king of the understated sarcasm that made Garfield work so well. Breckin Meyer is also a strong choice as Jon. However the trailer leads me to believe they're going to try to "movie up" the premise and make this a lot cheesier than the original comic or specials ever were.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Tough to say. "Harry Potter" will still be going strong in its second frame when this opens, sucking away some of the kiddie crowd. The following week "Around the World in 80 Days" will do the same. What's more, this is really more of a name for the parents of the kiddie crowd. I don't know that "Garfield" has such a huge pre-teen fan base these days. So if adults are going to be dragging their kids to see this, it might not be the same species of draw as a contemporary kiddie fave like Potter. In any case, we're looking at underwhelming grosses here. $30mil.

THE STEPFORD WIVES

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
The creepy 70's classic gets retro-fitted as a wacky comedy with Nicole Kidman in the lead. Next on "Pimp My Opus," we take 70's noir "Klute" and turn it into a romantic comedy with Sandra Bullock.

WILL IT SUCK?
Well, perhaps calling the original a "classic" is taking things a bit far, but it's generally well regarded. What they're doing to it here, though…may actually work. The reason I say this is that Frank Oz is a halfway decent director ("The Dark Crystal," "Bowfinger") and the last time he worked with screenwriter Paul Rudnick they produced the enjoyable "In & Out" which also pointed fun at suburban sensibilities. Only problem is, this is the same Rudnick that gave us "Marci X" and "Isn't She Great." (In case you were wondering, no, she wasn't.) So, though the potential's there, it will probably be squandered.

Chris Walken will be fun. He's going back up to his 36 films a year quota. And Bette Midler, of all people, looks like she might actually steal the movie if the trailer's any indication.

At best this will probably be about as good as Oz's "The Score" which was far more forgettable than any movie with Norton, De Niro and Brando should ever be.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
It depends upon how well they can market this as an "adult" comedy to separate it from the pack. Nicole Kidman will be a nice draw, but Hanks will be a serious draw on a similar demo the following week, so the best bet for "Wives" is to open modestly and stick around based on word of mouth. Unfortunately, I don't think word of mouth will be that strong. $76mil.

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
"Rushmore-ish" (from the trailer's vibe, anyway) look into the life of a quirky teen.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is very good. Looks like it's hitting the right note with audiences. Fox Searchlight (who had a fantastic summer last year and is looking to do it again) picked it up at Sundance to the tune of $3mil. So at least they think it's cool.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Genre-wise, nothing on the horizon with which to compete. I don't think this will be the phenom that "Bend It Like Beckham" was for Searchlight last summer, but it will multiply their investment, nonetheless. $15mil.

THE HUNTING OF THE PRESIDENT

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Presidents Bush (W. and Sr.), Clinton, Carter and Reagan are released into the wild to fend for themselves as Croc Hunter Steve Irwin stalks them in attempt to bag the most dangerous game of all - presidential flesh.

Actually it's a doc about the smear campaign against Clinton, based on the best selling book. But I like my premise better.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is a little mixed with critics citing the somewhat low rent presentation (think "Hard Copy") but fascinated by the compelling content. Should be interesting.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
No other docs to deal with and there's definitely a market for right wing conspiracy theories in an election year. Should do well (for a doc). $1mil.

6/18

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Steve Coogan and Jackie Chan go around the world meeting celebrity cameos.

WILL IT SUCK?
I like Steve Coogan. He was great in "24 Hour Party People" and "Coffee & Cigarettes." But this ain't them. I love Jackie Chan. Except for the past two movies he's done which have sucked irredeemably. (Even "Shanghai Knights" was slipping a little). So the few cool action sequences which may occur will not make up for all the Disney cutesiness we'll probably have to sit through in between. And given that the three guys named David who wrote this have "Morgan Stewart's Coming Home" (remember that?) and "Cupid" (not the tv series) between them, that's probably what we'll get.

Director Frank Coraci brought us "The Wedding Singer" but he also brought us "The Waterboy," so I'm not instilled with confidence. And the cameos are cool, but could be cooler. Anyway, the only reason to see this, apart from some neat kung fu, will be Luke and Owen Wilson as the Wright Bros. So wait for the DVD.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Nice positioning. It might seem like opening so soon after "Garfield" might crimp the kiddie-style demographic, but frankly I think "Garfield" will tank, so the third frame of Harry Potter is the real threat. But by then, even the great Potter will have waned enough for this to get a foothold. I don't think word of mouth will be great, but it will be enough to get families in theaters, perhaps more than once. And until "Spiderman" comes out two weeks later (to the day, this is also getting a head start on a Wednesday - June 16th), this will more or less have its run of the young audience. $175mil.

THE TERMINAL

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Spielberg tackles romantic comedy territory again for the first time since, um, "Always." Again, there are planes involved. Tom Hanks is an Eastern European stuck in an American airport when war redraws his homeland right off the map, invalidating his visa. Based on a true story. I believe that guy also hooked up with Catherine Zeta Jones.

WILL IT SUCK?
I trust Spielberg with everything…except romantic comedy. There's a reason he's avoided it for most of his career. However, he's surprised me in the past, so there's no reason he can't do that now. (Full disclosure: He's my favorite director). Also, standby Janusz Kaminski is on board to bring the phat cinematography (Full disclosure: Favorite DP). And, of course, Hanks is Hanks. Stanley Tucci is a nice touch as his foil.

Really saving this from early dismissal is the screenwriting team of Andrew Niccol, Jeff Nathanson, and Sacha Gervasi. The latter's a relative newcomer, but the first two have "The Truman Show" and "Catch Me If You Can" between them. So I'm hopeful, but it's a reserved kind of hopeful.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
There's no direct competition, but Spielberg's true blockbuster days are mostly behind him. Even "Minority Report," which had the genre and the star to be a huge hit couldn't deliver like a "Raiders" or an "E.T." (Of course, all that could change with "Indy 4: Indiana Jones and the Condo in Florida") And Tom Hanks is a draw, but even he couldn't turn "Ladykillers" into a smash. Catherine Zeta Jones might still have some heat from her Oscar win…two years ago.

So it's one of the first times in recent memory I really think it'll be an uphill battle for a Spielberg film, much less a Spielberg/Hanks collaboration. Still it is Spielberg and it is Hanks, so I'll only lowball a little. "Around the World" will make its money faster, but this'll make just a little more over the long haul. $185mil.

DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Like some sort of USA Up All Night Movie, a group of losers pulls together to save their gym from being taken over by a corporation by playing in a dodgeball tournament. Okay, if it had been a USA Up All Night Movie it would have been a car wash and the group of losers would have been buxom blondes, but you get the idea.

WILL IT SUCK?
Great cast. Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughan, Christine Taylor, Justin Long (arguably the funniest guy on "Ed"), William Shatner (!), Jason Bateman and the "Office Space" contingent of Gary Cole and Stephen Root. Also, good writer/director: Rawson Marshall Thurber (sounds like he should be writing loquacious novels about the South) wrote and directed the "Terry Tate: Office Linebacker" commercials that made Superbowl XXXVII slightly less crushingly dull. I think he can handle full contact comedy. The only question is can he do it for the full ninety?

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
If box office receipts for "Old School" and "Starsky & Hutch" are any indication, Vince Vaughan is back like a mofo. There was a lull after "Swingers" but now he's claiming his crown. Ben Stiller is hit or miss (for every "Starsky" there's an "Envy") but the real challenge here is the release date. It's not that another straight comedy is coming out this week, it's just that everything else will draw tangentially on this audience.

Between "Around" and "Terminal" the adults, teens and children are more or less spoken for. This will get their table scraps. They'd be in much better shape opening next week when NOTHING is opening. Maybe they'll move it. In any case, good word of mouth could set them up to take advantage of that weekend anyway, it's just harder to stay in theaters during the summer. The more likely outcome is that this will have a very successful DVD release in the fall. $49mil.

DARKNESS

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
"Cold Creek Manor" with teens.

WILL IT SUCK?
The early buzz is fairly good. Anna Paquin usually makes strong choices, and here she stars with Lena Olin, who I'm told is quality. It's been nominated for a few international awards. It should be noted, however, that this has been moving around for two years before its pick up and release by Dimension. Don't know how long it took for them to pick it up, but it doesn't seem like they were in a hurry to release it.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Limited release or not (no one seems sure which this will go for) there's very little horror this summer, arguably none besides this. On the other hand, this isn't exactly high profile. Remember, it's been around for two years and you're probably just hearing about it now. Dimension, being a division of Miramax, should be able to get the marketing machine going in time, but so far they've been slacking. I'd be surprised if this opens well and more surprised to see it last long. $13mil. (Not half that if it opens limited).

FACING WINDOWS

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Part two in the riveting home improvement trilogy. Preceded by "Sliding Doors" and followed by "Reclining Sofas."

Or…

Poultry inspector brings home some disoriented old guy he found on the street and though the inspector makes all sorts of promises, don't you know it's his wife who ends up having to take care of the geezer? Then she gets tempted to have an affair. Caring for the elderly has that effect, I hear.

WILL IT SUCK?
This has won numerous international awards, including four Davids. They're like the Italian Oscars. No, really. I call them the Me's. Anyway, this won a Me for Best Picture, Actor, Actress and Sound. So expect the sound to kick ass. Reviews are good and early audience buzz is very strong. And if you wanna see if Raoul Bova can really act before he gets gobbled up or shot in "Alien vs. Predator," check him out here as the extra-marital love interest.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
In its opening weekend, before a glut of pseudo-romantic adult fare invades the multiplexes, this is pretty much the one shot people over the age of five will get to see a nuanced drama about human relationships, so of course it will suffer. Actually, this is the sort of thing, like "Chocolat," that spun correctly (in the hands of Miramax, say) can catch quite well. In the summer, though, with Sony Pictures Classics (who are good, but not as good as the Weinsteins) doing the backing, I doubt if this'll perform as well. $3mil.

6/25

WHITE CHICKS

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Two lesser Wayans (Marlon & Shawn) play FBI agents who disguise themselves as the title to protect hotel heiresses.

WILL IT SUCK?
Well, never mind the rich tradition of undercover comedies ("Miss Congeniality," "Kindergarten Cop," "Big Momma's House"). Let's look at the fact that, for my money, director Keenan Ivory Wayans hasn't directed a really solid comedy since "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka." And of the six (!) screenwriters, none have written anything good since, well, "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka."

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
For all the sucking, those undercover comedies tend to do well, as do many Wayans projects. Add the fact that the only other comedy in view is "Dodgeball," which will draw on a different audience. And the fact that this is coming out on what could easily be considered the weakest weekend in an already weak summer. Finally, they get a two-day head start since this comes out on a Wednesday. Properly hyped, this stands to make a killer opening weekend followed by a supremely lackluster follow-up when word-of-mouth and, oh, "Spider-Man 2" kick in the following week. $77mil.

Oh, and in case you were worried, there IS in fact a "Big Momma's House 2" in the works. I know you'll sleep easier now.

THE NOTEBOOK

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Romance told in flashback between a couple who meets before and after WWII.

WILL IT SUCK?
Well, this comes from the novelist who gave us "A Walk to Remember" and "Message in a Bottle," but that's not what should make you nervous. Nor should the fact that the director's last effort was "John Q." No, what should make you nervous is that the screenwriter unleashed "The Horror of Bagger Vance" and "Alex and Emma" on us in the past. Alas the great Ryan Gosling and Joan Allen are probably gonna get squandered here, as the advance buzz is underwhelming.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
As the only romance opening in wide release this weekend, this might do okay. Except for the fact that "The Terminal" will be in its second frame and a week later "Before Sunset" will open to (most likely) much better reviews. So the audience will be a little romance-starved, but with the word-of-mouth this will most likely receive, not that starved. $10mil.

TWO BROTHERS

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Two tigers are separated as cubs and reunited after WWII…no, wait, just the cubs and the reuniting later in life. No war. I mean, they fight, but not with guns.

WILL IT SUCK?
While the trailer leaves me thinking I'll spend most of the movie wondering, "Should they really let a child stand that close to an untrained tiger?" I have to admit to kind of a soft spot for director Jean Jacques Annaud, and it's not just because he has a copy of my first short lying around his office somewhere. Okay, maybe it's mostly that but I really liked "The Bear" and even "Enemy at the Gates" (though I'll be the first to admit it suffers a little upon repeat viewings).

In any case, he's working with the same writers here, himself and Alain Godard who are credited with the "scenario," whatever the hell that is. Guy Pearce, who plays a guy who sets the tigers at each other's throats, is almost always fun to watch, unless he's in a big bowl of suck like "The Time Machine," but the early buzz on this is pretty good. The one complaint seems to be that the story is thin. Not surprising when you consider that all they had to go on was a "scenario." No, really, what the fuck does that mean?

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
I have to admit, I'm kind of surprised they're opening this wide. It's not in a good position. I mean, it could pick up some kids, but in between "Around the World in 80 Days" and "Spider-Man 2," it's kind of begging to be squashed. I'm thinking this would be a better indie fit, like "The Bear," which ended up grossing mad bones worldwide. $19mil.

THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Based on John Irving's "A Widow for One Year," children's storybook writer (Jeff Bridges) hires an assistant who doesn't help so much as he sleeps with Jeff's wife (Kim Basinger). Of course, Jeff's no prize, philanderer that he is. But you can't blame the couple. They just lost their sons, one of whom resembles this new guy, making his affair with Kim kind of…oh, John, you scamp!

WILL IT SUCK?
John Irving can make for good cinema ("The Cider House Rules") or not so much ("The Hotel New Hampshire") but there's no telling, really, where this is gonna go. The writer/director has one other film to his credit, "The Adventures of Sebastian Cole," which remains without anything remotely resembling a critical consensus. Even the stars could go either way.

Early buzz, what little of it there is, is good.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Riddle me this, Batman: Why is this in limited release while "The Notebook" is opening wide? The audiences aren't all that different, and Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger are bigger names than James Garner and Ryan Gosling. In any case, this will likely have the advantage of better reviews but the disadvantage of fewer theaters while still vying for the same audience. Even "Facing Windows" might be a bit of a drain from the week before.

But its biggest competition will come from "De-Lovely," also inexplicably in limited release and with arguably bigger appeal (Who has more fans: Cole Porter or John Irving? Kevin Kline or Jeff Bridges? Tough, huh?) Anyway, without that competition, a groundswell of support could keep it in indie theaters for a successful platform release. With that competition, not so much. At least they have a two-day head start (opens on Wednesday with "White Chicks"). $12mil.

DE-LOVELY

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
A musical look back at the life and times of composer Cole Porter (Kevin Kline)

WILL IT SUCK?
Cole Porter is, without a doubt, one of the best songwriters of all time. For me, from that style, it's Gershwin and Porter before anyone else. That doesn't however ensure a good movie. It doesn't hurt to have Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Alanis Morissette (!) and others singing his tunes in numbers throughout the film, even if it does make it feel like A Very Special Episode of "American Dreams." It also doesn't hurt that this'll be his first bio-pic that doesn't shy away from his homosexuality. And strange as it may sound, it's nice to see Ashley Judd not kicking someone's ass. And Kevin Kline can carry a movie like no one's business.

On the other hand, director Irwin Winkler did subject us to "The Net" and "At First Sight," but his last collaboration with Kline was the acclaimed "Life as a House," so all is not lost. Screenwriter Jay Cocks is among the four-hundred-eighty-six credited authors of "Gangs of New York," but there are worse things to have on your resumé.

Early buzz is mixed, though mostly positive.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
This has about as good a chance as any of the glut of "adult" fare that's been crammed into this weekend. Maybe more with the Cole/Kline following. MGM/UA aren't bad people to have in your corner when your film is only an indie. They'll have more advertising muscle than most of the competition. $16mil.

KAENA: THE PROPHECY

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
French CGI cartoon space opera about a giant tree.

WILL IT SUCK?
Well, it's got Kristen Dunst who, as it turns out, is a veteran of foreign animation voiceover, having done some work for Hayao Miyazaki back in the day. It also boasts Anjelica Huston and the last performance of Richard Harris. The next most notable bit, for my money, is the voice work of "Whose Line" vet Greg Proops. Other than that, there's not much to recommend this except for the half of the buzz that's good. The other half, not so much.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Without major Oscar buzz (à la "Triplets of Belleville" or "Spirited Away," which also benefited from a major Disney push), it's very hard for a foreign animated flick to do well. $2mil.

THE INTENDED

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
More white folks going into the jungle and losing their minds. This time it's Janet McTeer (Remember her? No? She was only nominated for a freakin' Oscar! It was only four years ago, people! No, I don't remember her, either.) going into the jungles of Malaysia with her fiancée and running into an ivory trader and the trader's nutty family.

WILL IT SUCK?
This is from "The King is Alive" director Kristian Levring so expect this to be Dogme-licious. The early buzz is actually pretty bad, though.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Dogme (or "Dogme-inspired" as is the case here) films tend not to do very well unless they have the name Lars Von Trier attached, and even then it's a crapshoot. $200,000.

6/30

I debated saving this last one until next month, but the purist in me can't ignore the fact that, technically, it's a June release…


SPIDER-MAN 2

WHAT'S THE PITCH?
Doc Oc like a motherfucker! Oh, and Spider-Man does some stuff, too, I'm sure.

WILL IT SUCK?
Not bloody likely. You've got Doc Oc played by none other than Alfred Molina who, with "Frida" and a small role in "Coffee & Cigarettes," is proving to be a multi-talented actor and more than a match for Tobey. All the main players are back, including J.K. Simmons as the best darned J. Jonah Jameson you'll ever see and the obligatory (but welcome) Bruce Campbell cameo, which means Raimi, the master, is back as well.

Add to that an army of kick-ass writers: Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who just brought us one of the most surprisingly excellent seasons of television this year with the latest Smallville run, are on board along with Michael Chabon (and, yes, "The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" is in pre-production with no less than "The Hours" Stephen Daldry at the helm). In addition, Alvin "Ordinary People," "Straight Time" Sargent brings the darkness. He also gets the official screenplay credit (the others have "screen story" credit - the most half-assed title I've ever seen, except, of course, for "scenario").

To be honest, though, Spidey's CGI still looks kinda rubbery to me.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Obviously this will own its weekend. Unlike "Shrek 2" or Potter, other studios are taking their chances opening against this with counter-programming like "Before Sunset" and "The Clearing," but it won't matter. What will matter is that, also in contrast to "Shrek 2" or Potter, Spidey faces a slew of high-profile, similar-audience-grabbing competitors in the following weeks.

First up to bat will be "King Arthur," which, despite it's relatively B-list cast, should not be underestimated. At the same time Will Ferrell, who took down "The Matrix Revolutions" (although that arguably took itself down) last November with "Elf," returns with "Anchorman." The next week Will Smith throws his hat in with "I, Robot," which if it were anything like its source material would be drawing a very different crowd, but we'll get into that next month. And not to give away the whole farm, but "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Village" won't make things any easier as the month winds down.

I bring all this up to point out that even with this very stiff competition, I believe Spidey will come out of this with the best summer b.o. It's just not going to be a turkey shoot, is all. As a result, it will not outperform the first one quite as much as you might expect. $422mil.

Next month…well, I guess I just pretty much told you about next month, but come back anyway. I'll make up some movies. Like "Hoobastank: I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" or "Banana Nut Crunch: The Movie" or, no, wait, get this, Halle Berry as "Catwoman." How crazy would that be?

- Dave Thomas
http://travelindave.blogspot.com