New Movies and Box Office Predictions: The Dark Knight, Mamma Mia!, Space Chimps

The story of this weekend is all about one film. It gained much of its early notoriety because it was slated as a summer tent pole flick, it was a big budget sequel, it is a superhero film, and the first trailer was killer. It garnered more notoriety when one if its stars died in tragic fashion. Early word says that it will live up to the hype and deliver a great experience.

Opening opposite this behemoth (which has already sold out tons of shows across the country through the weekend) are a pair of counter-programming type movies, a musical and an animated comedy for the kids. Which will you be plunking down cash to see? Just remember, if The Dark Knight is sold out, Hellboy II is a good alternative.

The Dark Knight. (2008, 153 minutes, PG-13, action, trailer) In 2004, Batman Begins arrived to good reviews and steady box office. Four years later, the sequel has become quite possibly the most hyped movie of the new millennium. It has had countless trailers, dozens of posters, and a highly effective viral marketing campaign. One can only hope that the movie is quality, and if the overwhelmingly positive reviews are any factor, this is going to be a great film. Bale, Freeman, Caine all return, Heath Ledger gives an Oscar quality performance, and the film has drawn comparisons to The Godfather Part II and Heat (which is cited as a big influence). I cannot wait for this movie.

Mamma Mia! (2008, 108 minutes, PG-13, musical, trailer) The smash Broadway jukebox musical, featuring the music of ABBA, comes to the big screen with big name stars. It is the story of a mother preparing her daughter's wedding, while the daughter invites the three men from her mother's past who could be her real father. Music and comedy erupt. Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skaarsgarde star.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

Visit Chris Beaumont's author page — Chris Beaumont's Blog