Dave McNary and Pamela McClintock of Variety:
The star-studded parade of films looking for Christmas coin continues today with the bows of Sony's Will Smith drama "Seven Pounds" and Warner Bros.' Jim Carrey laffer "Yes Man."
Family market also sees a new entry, Universal's G-rated toon "The Tale of Despereaux." The specialty side sees a number of titles expanding, as well as the debut of Fox Searchlight's "The Wrestler," starring Mickey Rourke and directed by Darren Aronofsky.
"The Wrestler," which has picked up several key nominations for Rourke's perf -- including a SAG nom on Thursday -- got off to a strong start in its Wednesday debut. Film scored an impressive location average of $11,725 from four runs as it grossed $46,900.
Opening-day theater average bested sleeper hit "Slumdog Millionaire," which likewise opened on a Wednesday.
Many expect "Yes Man" to come in ahead of "Seven Pounds" overall this weekend because it's a comedy. Pic could finally slow down Warner/New Line comedy "Four Christmases," which has been an unexpectedly strong performer, seeing minimal week-over-week declines.
Smith may be the world's biggest star, but box office observers say "Seven Pounds" will be a big test since it takes him out of his comfort zone. Film begins with his character reporting his own suicide before a long flashback that involves him helping seven strangers.
At the same time, no one should ever rule Smith out, even if the film opens at No. 2. His 2006 Christmas drama "The Pursuit of Happyness" opened to roughly $26 million on its way to grossing $162 million domestically. Pic made $143.5 million abroad. "Seven Pounds" reunites Smith with "Happyness" director Gabriele Muccino. "Will Smith can open a can of worms," noted one competing studio exec. "He's been untouchable so far."
"Seven Pounds" should open at least in the $20 million-$25 million range, "Yes Man" probably in the mid- to high $20 millions and perhaps even north of $30 million. "Despereaux" will see a more modest opening....
Marc Bernardin of EW:
We'll bet Jim Carrey's familiar schtick in ''Yes Man'' will carry more box-office weight than a serious Will Smith in ''Seven Pounds''
Next Week: A gaggle full of flicks await those who want to make a trip to the cineplex a part of their holiday...The Spirit, Marley & Me, Bedtime Stories, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and the multiple delayed Valkyrie finally sees the light of day...
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