Box-Office Oracle: Aug. 1 – Aug. 3, 2008

Yep, The Dark Knight gets two measly weekends as the box office champ and then it's done. Sure, they were record breaking weeks, and sure this film doesn't deserve to win. But there you have it. I don't make rules.

Estimate: $52.2 million

Still, it's hard to feel bad for Warner Brothers. This movie is at $462m worldwide and it hasn't even hit Germany yet. Or Japan. Or Norway. Something tells me those folks are going to be showing love too.

Estimate: $42.7 million

This doesn't release until October 30th in Hong Kong. Doesn't that blow your mind? Aren't we living in an age where we all experience things simultaneously? Back to business though, clearly this will never hit triple digits domestically but $80m isn't of reach. After the $33m Semi-Pro put up they'll take it.

Estimate: $15.9 million

I've only taken it down 28.5% this weekend because it's clear to me I have no idea on this film anymore. I'm not the demo, I hated it, and I've heard from others that it was fine. Who am I to blow against the wind?

Estimate: $12.7 million

Oddly enough I think this will do better than last weekend's X-Files. The premise isn't terrible, even if the film is.

Estimate: $11.0 million

A moderate gain for the artist formally known as New Line. It's at $75m on a production budget of $60m which puts it around $17m short. But factor in DVD and the dollars this one will still make and it will at least be profitable when all is said and done. Fraser remains a box office draw despite his best efforts.

Estimate: $6.1 million

What if you released a movie and no one came? That's what 20th Century Fox has meetings about all the time.

Estimate: $4.9 million

You'd figure this will be hurt a bit by Mummy 3. But it will still hit $400m worldwide which I'm declaring the new benchmark for success. You crack $400m and you've won me over.

Estimate: $4.0 million

The smartest Pixar film in years is being punished for being just that. These guys are going to need a big jump from the overseas market to see profit here.

Estimate: $3.9 million

Part of me wanted to put Midnight Meat Train here for all the obvious jokes I could make. But 100 theaters isn't enough boys, so bring on the chimps!

Estimate: $2.8 million