WEEKEND BOX-OFFICE PREVIEW

(Fourteen Films set to Debut over a Very Crowded Weekend)

TOP OCTOBER OPENERS

An amazingly crowded weekend as fourteen new wide and limited release films hit the marketplace this weekend. Last week was also crowded with newcomers, some of which will continue to have an impact over the upcoming frame. Regardless it will be a logjam at the top of the chart as Warner's international thriller "Body of Lies" turns up the wattage on the star power meter with Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio co-starring along with acclaimed director Ridley Scott. Much Like Warner's "The Departed" from 2006 and "American Gangster" from Universal in 2007, "Lies" combines a great cast with a brilliant director in a compelling package that should put it at the top of the chart. However, Disney's rambunctious Chihuahuas of Beverly Hills will continue to nip at everyone's heels with an expected minimal second weekend drop and continued support from the family audience. Families will also find much to like in Fox's "City of Ember," as the PG rated adventure will offer a nice action alternative for the family and teen audience.As sports films go and football films in particular, Universal's "The Express" is a solid entry for the genre as it tells the amazing and inspiring true story of Ernie Davis the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner.

Also opening is the R-rated horror film "Quarantine" starring "Dexter's" Jennifer Carpenter from Sony's incredibly successful Screen Gems division. With a chilling trailer and a great concept, the box-office performance of the film should not be underestimated as time and again Screen Gems' penchant for creating modestly budgeted horror films and marketing them into hugely profitable properties has been proven. We are looking to keep the good times rolling as we have enjoyed two straight weeks of "up" box--office after two months of a market downward slide and this combination of films could work a box-office hat trick.