I'm in Singapore this week and the local cineplexes are exhibiting a buffet of films which reflect the cultural diversity of this city/state. U.S. distributed first runners Contagion and The City of Final Destination share the marquee with The Smurfs, Cars 2, Spy Kids, Crazy Stupid Love, Final Destination 5, Glee 3D, Bad Teacher, and Horrible Bosses. Also showing are Hong Kong distributed first runners: Love in Space and My Kingdom. Bollywood is also represented with: Mankatha, Meet Brother Ki Dulhan, and Bodyguard.
The cinema in Singapore is vibrant and like the cuisine, influenced by its multi-cultural populace which makes it the best in the world.
U.S. in Box Office Doldrums
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and coming after the Labor Day holiday the folks were not in the mood for movie going and the marquee didn't offer much enticement anyway.
Contagion (Warners) put the plague on The Help (Disney) - which by holding the number one B.O. spot for 3 week running clearly indicated how very weak the end-of-summer release schedule is.
So, as it now stands, exhibitors nervously pace for even one box office producer, and that wait could still be several weeks away given this month's release calendar. My predicts:
Producers: Killer Elite, Drive, Lion King 3D, Dolphin Tale, Dream House, Moneyball
Potential Earners: Section 7, I Don't Know How She Does It, Restless, Straw Dogs
Possible Sleeper: Puncture
No Showers: Margaret, Stay Cool, Pearl Jam 20, 50/50, Courageous
Best and Happy Movie Going !
Jim Lavorato
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