2007 : Box Office Records?

Plenty of sequels are scheduled to be released this summer. Many of the franchises involved have had a lot of success at the box-office, including three of them in the top 10 of the North American all-time box-office (not adjusted to inflation, of course, but you get the point). Could this be the year movie studios have been waiting for to collect their share of gold? Here's an early prediction of what I think will be the top 10 grossing films of 2007, not in any particular order, to which I'll include films that might make this list and those which could make over 100 million dollars.

1) 3o0

Scheduled to be released next week, the story of the 300 Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae has received a lot of online buzz since last year's Comic Con. With a lot of promising battle sequences and stylish filmmaking, this will definitely one of the best popcorn experiences of the year that could surprise with a few Oscar nominations.

What may hurt it's box-office : since it's a March release, it will not attract audiences in huge numbers in it's opening weeks, so it will need to carry through a while to attract people on the weekends since most kids are still in school and won't see it on weekdays.

2) Spider-Man 3

The return of Peter Parker already has a lot of people talking. The second film was an improvement on it's predecessor, and it's looking like the third installment will be even greater, with more baddies who will try to take out our friendly neighbourhood. A love triangle will take place, with Bryce Dallas Howard who will try to make a success out of her role, Oscar nominee Thomas Haden Church who will make a brilliant Sandman, I'm sure, and the arrival of Venom, my favorite villain from the comic books.

What may hurt it's box-office : nothing really, except maybe that two other bombs will be released in the same month, but it will be the most successful chapter of the franchise.

3) Shrek

The most successful animated franchise in history is back for a third adventure with the gang. Yes, they're all back, as Shrek, Donkey and Puss travel to find a lost prince who will take Shrek's place as the heir to the kingdom of Far Far Away, whilst Fiona recruits her princess friends to fight off Prince Charming back home. A family film always helps to bring in a big box-office, and this one shall be no different.

What may hurt it's box-office : with Justin Timberlake voicing a new character in this film, will his performance be satisfying enough for both kid and adult audiences alike?

4) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Well, moviefans' favorite pirate is back, as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann set to find Jack Sparrow with the help of an old foe (do I really have to tell you who?), try to kill Davey Jones and a bunch of Chinese pirates who have a hand in this story. Box-office gold? You betcha, coming off a sequel bringing in over a billion dollars worldwide, Johnny Depp will have moviegoers chucklin' once again, and Keith Richards will be interesting to watch.

What may hurt it's box-office : leaving us at a halt with the last film, just as Matrix Reloaded did, will the story for the third film be good enough for people to encourage their entourage to see it? We'll find out.

5) Ratatouille

Pixar has had enormous success at the box-office in recent years, and this film will continue the streak. With the return of Brad Bird (who gave us the Incredibles) directing, this film will take us in France where a rat tries to learn cuisine in order to become a top chef. This adventure will get plenty of laughs from both young and adult audiences alike, but will it live up to the tradition of Finding Nemo and Toy Story?

What may hurt it's box-office : the film relies on it's level of humor and a fine tradition of films to live up to, so early buzz will be important for it's success.

6) Live Free or Die Hard

YES! Bruce Willis is back, playing the character that defined his career. One of the best action franchises of the late 80's and 90's, moviegoers are definitely awaiting the return of John McClane, as he takes on another group of terrorists. It will be interesting for him to look at the relationship developed between John and his son, played by Justin Long. It will be the kick-a** movie of the summer, and young audiences will have the chance to see him in movie theatres (nice move for him going for his natural bald, because a wig would've not been good for this one)

What may hurt it's box-office : the critics' view on the film will have a big impact on this one, so hopefully it will be fun for them too.

7) Transformers

Michael Bay is back with another visual effects extravaganza, taking on a very popular franchise from television. A lot of fans from the show are awaiting this film, and it has all the ingredients to make it a summer hit with action sequences that should be visually stunning.

What may hurt it's box-office : with a young cast trying to stay alive in the war on these robots from outer space, and a director known for concentrating more on the visual aspect than the acting and storyline, it will be difficult for the film to attract positive reviews, but then again, we'll see.

8) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter is back again, with a darker chapter of the franchise as Harry prepares once again to fight Voldemort with the help of his friends and pupils. Of course, the success of the other films will help much here, but the buzz will help a lot in opening weeks, since this is the longest of the Harry Potter novels, and we'll see how David Yates takes on the wizard world with a big order to impress.

What may hurt it's box-office : Daniel Radcliffe's new turn of the theatre might put off some audience members, but it will be funny to see him for his first on-screen kiss. It will also be tough to impress audiences if too much of the storyline is cut, or the film is too long, so it's up to the editing team to find the perfect compromise.

9) The Simpsons Movie

Well, after only 18 years on the air, the world's favorite family finally get their shot at the big screen. Of course, people will go see this movie out of pure principle, but it will be interesting to see if Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and all the countless other characters can keep us in our seats for an hour and a half or two hours. One thing is for sure, it's fan base will be lining up for this film way in advance.

What may hurt it's box-office : The story has to be interesting, otherwise people who don't watch the show will not go see the film in theatres.

10) The Bourne Ultimatum

One of the best action franchises in recent years, here's another example where the sequel was better than the first film, and a lot of buzz surrounds the third one. With Academy Award nominee Paul Greengrass returning for this film (I was so glad he got the nom for United 93: a fine achievement), Matt Damon is back as Jason Bourne, as he will travel the world once again to find the secrets of his past whilst being chased by smart villains who'll want to kill him. This will be a great summer adventure and I can't wait for another chase sequence.

What may hurt it's box-office : The filmmakers were not able to sign Gael Garcia Bernal for this film, which might upset fans of the franchise. Otherwise, this should be one great ride.


Other films that might get a big box-office :

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Grindhouse
Knocked Up
Ocean's 13
Surf's Up
Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
Evan Almighty
I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry
Rush Hour 3
Resident Evil: Extinction
Saw IV (pending if it will still be an October release)
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass
I Am Legend
National Treasure: The Book of Secrets
Alien vs Predator: AVP 2

Well, I hope I gave you some interesting ideas of this year's biggest blockbusters, and next time, I shall post my early predictions for 2007 Best Picture nominees for next year's ceremony.