Magic Mike, Ted, People Like Us and Madea's Witness Protection debut at box office
Stripper comedy pic Magic Mike may be a wild card this weekend, but don't underestimate the power of female viewers keen for their look at Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello strutting their stuff in 2,931 theaters. Add helmer Steven Soderbergh into the mix, and you've upped your chances at a top spot. Reid Carolin scripts the film which also includes Olivia Munn, Adam Rodriguez, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Mircea Monroe, Riley Keough, Kevin Nash, Denise Vasi, Cody Horn and Gabriel Iglesias.
Unviersal's Ted comedy debuts in 3,239 theaters under the direction of Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane, who voices the title character, accompanied by Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Joel McHale. Pic's also R-rated like Magic Mike, and both have to go up against Disney Pixar's Brave animated family adventure in its second weekend at play. Brave opened with $66.3 million, and should show a change anywhere from 40-45% in its sophomore weekend. That would put it in the late $30 million to $40 million range.
Lionsgate sends out their Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection comedy in 2,161 theaters, with a cast including Perry, Eugene Levy, Denise Richards and Tom Arnold.
The PG-13 rated pic should hold back Disney's Alex Kurtzman-directed drama People Like Us in 2,055 theaters. Cast is frontlined by Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer and Olivia Wilde.
In more limited areas, Sony Pictures Classics distributes the documentary Neil Young Journeys in 3 venues. Jonathan Demme directs once again, after collaborating with Young on Neil Young: Heart of Gold and Neil Young Trunk Show.
Magnolia's Take this Waltz could manage a solid per-theater average from just 2 venues at play, and a cast including Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Sarah Silverman and Aaron Abrams. Sarah Polley (Away from Her) directs and scripts the dramedy.
A Burning Hot Summer (Un été brûlant) opens via IFC Films in a single New York venue. Cast of the Philippe Garrel film includes Monica Bellucci, Louis Garrel and Céline Sallette.
Finally, Music Box Films' 2009 film Last Ride gets one theater in Los Angeles for the film starring Hugo Weaving, Tom Russell and Anita Hegh.
Check out more upcoming movies next week, next month and more. Check back tomorrow for Friday box office estimates and of course on Sunday for a weekend box office summary.