Zac Efron is back in theaters this weekend with That Awkward Moment, which will provide anyone tired of football hype with a romantic comedy to see. The film should get enough Efron fans to the theaters to knock Ride Along off its perch as box office champion.
That Awkward Moment is rated R, but that shouldn’t deter Efron’s fans from seeing it. He is the movie’s main draw, since co-stars Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan aren’t exactly draws yet. They both made critically acclaimed films last year - Teller appeared in The Spectacular Now and Jordan was in Fruitvale Station. If Awkward lights up the box office, it could certainly contribute to their rising-star status. However, it has been hit hard by critics and only has a 24 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
Box Office Mojo notes that the film is opening at 2,809 locations. However, the site predicts a small $12.1 million opening. That’s about what Entertainment Weekly predicts as well.
Ride Along could have another decent weekend, with around $10 million to $12 million. The film, which only cost Universal $25 million to make, is ready to cruise past $100 million.
Jason Reitman’s Labor Day also hits theaters this weekend. It was released by Paramount Pictures and Indian Paintbrush in late December to qualify for the Oscars, but came up empty after poor reviews. Kate Winslet did get a Golden Globe nomination though. The serious film is expected to only make around $7 million.
Lone Survivor is expected to plummet, but $7 million will help it cross $100 million.
image: NBC