The question is Does the blockbuster in waiting live up to the expectations of its own hype?
Pamela Mclintock of Variety:
For 20th Century Fox, managing expectations for the opening of James Cameron's 3D tentpole "Avatar" will be more difficult than turning the Titanic.
The sci-fi/fantasy pic, unspooling domestically at 12:01 a.m. Friday, is being billed as nothing short of an industry game-changer because of the 3D technology Cameron employed. It is his first film since "Titanic" more than a decade ago.
The industry and the media are eager to just how high "Avatar" can go in its global debut, though with the B.O. running at record levels, it's hard to predict a specific number.
In a counter-programming maneuver designed to appeal to femmes, Sony is opening comedy "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" opposite "Avatar." Laffer toplines Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant.
Avatar" will get the widest 3D release to date, giving it an immediate advantage from higher 3D ticket prices. This year, 3D titles have proven their worth, but most have been animated toons designed for the family aud.
In the U.S., "Avatar" opens in 3,457 runs, of which 2,032 are 3D theaters (3,124 3D screens). That includes 191 Imax runs, which are accounting for a large chunk of the presales. ...
And then there's Holiday action for specialty b.o. as well...
Jeff Labrecque of EW:
Hundreds of theaters have scheduled midnight screenings for Thursday night, and more than 400 weekend shows have sold out....
Still the reviews for Avatar that I have read seem decidedly mixed....
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