by Dave Thomas
Scarlett Johansson, Iron Man II
Either I’m getting too old for this, or this is the least exciting launch to blockbuster season since, um, last year.
MAY 7
IRON MAN 2
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
He hates Iron Man, duh-de-duh-de-duh-duh, Mick-ey Rourke!
WILL IT SUCK?
Jon Favreau is back and is a known and welcome quantity as a director. Justin Theroux only has one other screenplay under his belt, but it’s Tropic Thunder so I’m satisfied. Whole cast (minus Terence Howard) is back plus Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Don Cheadle, and John Slattery.
Early buzz is mildly disappointed, but still happy.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Summer may blow its load early. Be surprised if anything actually beats this (Toy Story 3 or Twilight: Eclipse stand a chance). $444mil.
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BABIES
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Doc about four babies growing up in Namibia, Mongolia, Japan, and the US, respectively.
WILL IT SUCK?
Hard to get a read on this one since not much is known about the filmmakers. That having been said, if you like babies, you’ll get your fill. Cute trailer.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
I don’t know about releasing it wide, but this is certainly good counter-programming for Iron Man. $1mil.
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MOTHER AND CHILD
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Ensemble drama about several mothers/would-be mothers (Annette Bening, Naomi Watts, Kerry Washington).
WILL IT SUCK?
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