Things are looking up this week at the movies. Interest in this week’s releases is much higher than we’ve seen in some time. For example, first choice among men under 25 for REAL STEEL is at 21%. And the other first choice numbers aren’t too shabby - 16% among older men, and 7 and 8 among younger and older women, respectively. And it’s not like THE IDES OF MARCH numbers are flailing. 12% of women over 25 list the movie as their first choice for the weekend, as do 9% of older men and 5% of younger audiences. Unless the mixed reviews of REAL STEEL that have been sprouting up throughout the day will dissuade the 45% of audiences definitely interested in seeing the movie, it’s bound to be a success.
This weekend’s success probably won’t be matched the weekend of the 14th. THE BIG YEAR is seeing a slight increase in its numbers - women’s interest has increased, in that 3% of younger women and 4% of older women now express that it’s their first choice for the weekend, but that’s still a tiny number. More likely, audiences will flock to FOOTLOOSE (using the word “flock” loosely — more like cackle, see: hyenas, but that’s beside the point). 12% of younger women and 6% of older women list it as their first choice for the weekend, and 4% of men do as well. Definite interest is strong among younger women - 43% - but overall, it’s only 26%. THE THING is connecting decently with audiences. Definite interest is at 31%, and first choice among older men is at 7%. Younger men come in at 4%, and women are only at 1%.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 is slated be the horror movie of choice this Halloween season. Younger audiences are really interested in the movie, with 19% of men under 25 and 14% of women under 25 listing it as their first choice for the weekend of the 21st. Older men are at 10%, and older women are at 7%. Looks like that franchise will continue to dominate. The weekend’s other major release, THE THREE MUSKETEERS is connecting well with men - 5% of younger men and 8% of older men list the movie as their first choice for the weekened; with women, only 2% of the younger demo and 3% of the older demo list it as such. Also coming out that weekend are THE MIGHTY MACS, which is no one’s first choice for the weekend, and JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN, which has 20% overall definite interest and 1% first choice in every demo save for younger men, which is at 0.
The last weekend in October sees a variety of releases. Roland Emmerich’s Shakespearean drama ANONYMOUS isn’t connecting with audiences yet - awareness is only at 27%, for one thing, and the first choice numbers are abysmal - 2% among younger women, 1% among older women and younger men, and no tracking among older men. The movie looks great despite its odd premise (Shakespeare wrote his plays. We’re certain of it. And if he didn’t, they’re still great plays, and he’s a pretty cool dude for conning the world for hundreds of years, so…); hopefully with more advertising it’ll start connecting more with audiences. IN TIME is doing just fine, for four weeks out. 5% of younger women list it as their first choice for the weekend, as do 3% of men. The trailer is pretty confusing, but Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried are charming enough to be a draw. Johnny Depp’s THE RUM DIARY is connecting well with older women, 7% of whom list the movie as their first choice. The tracking is fine in other demos as well, with 3% of younger women and older men and 2% of younger men listing it as their first choice. Definite interest is at 36%, which is the highest of any release that weekend. Coming out on top for the weekend so far is the always irresistible PUSS IN BOOTS. 7% of younger women, 6% of older men, 5% of older women and 4% of younger men say the SHREK spinoff is their first choice for the weekend.
And with these eyes, can you blame them?
