When Animals Attack

The big opener at the box office this weekend, is of course, Snakes On A Plane. The horror/thriller hybrid, starring Samuel L. Jackson, has been all over the place really since Summer '06 began. At first glance, the film looks like it's a lot of fun, not taking itself too seriously. The reviews for Snakes are favorable...yes, but not a grand slam.

What about those Thursday night preview screenings of "Snakes"? How did they do?

Box Office Mojo reports:

'Snakes on a Plane' made an estimated $1.4 million on Thursday night from 10 p.m. and midnight shows at about 2,200 theaters. The number was modest compared to most reported Thursday night previews. 'Superman Returns,' for instance, grossed about $3 million from 10 p.m. showings earlier this summer. 'Snakes' hits 3,555 theaters today, making it the third widest August debut ever

In Snakes' ready to rattle Ben Fritz and Dave McNary of Variety wonder Will hype help 'Plane' land aud[ience]s?

"Snakes" in the cineplex! Joshua Rich of Entertainment Weekly thinks the Samuel L. Jackson's thriller will slither to No. 1, but the movie's R rating may limit its gross, while boosting numbers for "Accepted"

Speaking of Accepted (reviews), the college comedy is being panned by most critics...Meanwhile, sisters Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff team up for Material Girls (Reviews), another film targeted for the "tween" demographic... And in limited release is the drama Factotum (reviews), starring Matt Dillon, playing an author who finds comfort in a bottle. Counter programing at its best.