Disney Toon Planes: How Will It Open This Weekend?
It’s a busy weekend with 4 major movies opening though none really competes with PLANES. “Elysium,” Matt Damon’s dystopian scifi thriller, “We’re the Millers,” an R-rated comedy and “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” aimed at the pre-teen & teen/Harry Potter crowd.
“Disney’s Planes—a Cars spin-off that was originally set for direct-to-video release—opens at 3,702 locations this weekend. The Cars movies both opened over $60 million, though those had the Pixar brand and a prime June release date. In comparison, Planes has been relegated to August, a month in which studios have historically avoided releasing animated fare.
There’s also the issue of animated movie fatigue: including The Smurfs 2, animated movies have so far earned over $800 million at the domestic box office this Summer. This has already affected Turbo and The Smurfs 2, both of which fell short of modest expectations.
Still, Planes is appealing enough that it should set a new high mark for animated movies in August. That’s not saying much, though—Barnyard: The Original Party Animals currently has the top opening ever at $15.8 million.”
Forecast for PLANES – @$24 million.
“Flying into a marketplace that has not been kind to animation recently, Disney’s toon offering Planes hopes to connect with younger children and their parents with a film originally intended for home entertainment platforms. The PG-rated title is being heavily marketed as having a connection to Pixar’s Cars franchise and grosses will depend upon how many parents get fooled by the specific wording in the ads. “From above the world of Cars” does not mean that those same filmmakers made Planes. But the look and feel is the same so plenty of families will take a trip this first weekend thinking they are in for Pixar’s newest creation, and some may even end up liking it. Audience hesitation for recent toons could limit potential right now though, and bad reviews will make many parents think twice before investing in a family outing. Heading into 3,702 locations, the most of any of the freshmen, Planes might capture about $26M this weekend.”
The Hollywood Reporter Review.
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9 August 2013
12 Comments
The reviewer for McClatchy-Tribune News Services panned “Planes.” I haven’t seen it yet. The reviewer, Roger Moore, states “it’s nothing more than a laughless 90 minute commercial for toys available at a retailer near you.” Isn’t that the nature of cartoon films these days-sell toys and product advertising?
For those living near Olympia, WA the annual airshow is this weekend (10-11th). After taking the kids to see “Planes,” head over and see some real planes. The same advice if there is a museum near you.
Cartoons are not produced for adults. Kids need some fun stuff too!
I loved Planes! I was honestly nervous that I wasn’t going to like it and it would be disappointing but it passed my expectations. I saw Despicable Me 2 yesterday with a friend and was disappointed that I could see the ending in the first 10 minutes. I stayed till the end of the credits (loved the 2D animation btw) and saw the logo for Planes 2. Which I can’t wait to see!
My husband and I saw it this evening in 3D. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Fast moving and the jet sequences were dazzling.
Just came out from the movie… I get there 30 minutes before to ensure to have the best possible seats… Well, that was not too hard to be sit where we wanted since we were only 12 in the room… For sure we are not helping much the expected $24 millions…
First, I believe I was more excited than my 6 year old boy to be there… I enjoyed the movie but did not come out with the satisfaction expected. My son said there were not enough funny parts…. he is right about that.
Secondly, For a planes movie, pittys were are all over the place… I would enjoyed it more if the other racers were more interacting instead… I did not really noticed what was the ‘CARS’ cameo… what it supposed to be Mater or McQueen in a background somewhere ???
Finally, right now, I am not convinced 100% the sequel will be on the big screen next year… I guess we will know monday when the number $$$ will come out…
Conclusion: My rating a shaky B
Took the kids today to a matinee most of the kids watched and enjoyed the film.
54 million! I can’t imagine Planes would tank like 23 million.
They’ll be lucky to hit $20,000,000.
The Sacramento Bee reviewer panned “Planes”, giving it 1-1/2 stars out of a possible 4 (Despicable Me 2 had gotten 3-1/2). Condensed excerpts include little heart, laughless (several variations on this theme), direct-to-video. and, perhaps, worst of all – a 90 minute toy commercial.
The kid crowd might generate a decent opening weekend, but if other reviewers follow suit, Dusty and crew may not be flying very high in another week. While it’s all on John L., Maybe Pixar should have had more to do with this.
I’m confused by the article.. didn’t Monsters University do well at Box Office?
(MET: These are from the movie industry sites, they are only discussing LATE SUMMER animated films … which includes Turbo & Smurfs 2 – both underperforming versus the two blockbusters of early summer – Monster U & Despicable Me 2).
Hoping to see it this weekend.
We saw Planes last night! The kids and wife LOVED it and are already asking to see it again! :–)
Wife and I went on date night last night and saw it. Loved it!
Soooooo much potential for new diecast!
All the pitties. Wow.