Box-Office Oracle: Feb. 13 – Feb. 15, 2009

It should do well. I think 2003's Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a pretty good indicator, as it cleared $28m. So this one will do about the same, adjusted for inflation and such.

Estimate: $31.1 million

I should also note that these predictions don't include Monday's holiday. Why? Because I know a few people who don't get the day off. So it's sort of a protest I suppose.

Estimate: $16.1 million

Talk about terrible timing. The economy is struggling, people are getting foreclosed upon, 500k jobs lost in a week. Enter people who worship $500 shoes. Not a good formula. Look for this one to falter.

Estimate: $14.4 million

The trailers look terrible. And they are getting quotes from people I've never heard of. That's never a good combination. I'm betting low.

Estimate: $13.0 million

It's only at 54% on Rotten Tomatoes. Still, it seems like the only new film you can sort of recommend these days.

Estimate: $12.6 million

It should face a drop because early adopters love both 3-D and stop motion. Still, I pray it beats Blart this weekend. C'mon general public, I ask for so little.

Estimate: $7.5 million

I made a pretty good argument this week that this is the new style of Three Stooges. Broad, physical comedy that's meant for kids. Sounds like Blart, right?

Estimate: $7.2 million

From a $20m opening to $11.6m. Steve Martin might want to look into hanging it up. Or Father of the Bride III.

Estimate: $5.8 million

Technically this is the 14th weekend this one has been out. Only four of those have been in the top ten, but that's largely due to theater counts. I also wonder when it will start losing theaters. Right after The Oscars, once it's won? Or are we looking at four more weeks of Slumdog?

Estimate: $5.5 million

Summit whiffed here. But they'll be back. Buncha bright folks over there, ready to pounce with Nic Cage's Knowing in March. Things will go better for that one.

Estimate: $5.2 million