Box-Office Oracle: Jan. 23 – Jan. 25, 2009

I can’t think of a reason it won’t do the exact same number the last one did. Same time of year, same look. It should win the weekend going away because nothing has enough theaters.

Estimate: $23.8 million

I’m only dropping it 51%. Because I think people know what it is, and thus word-of-mouth can’t really hurt it that much.

Estimate: $15.6 million

You want to talk about a movie that could have used a few Oscar noms? I guess The Academy feels like Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby were payment enough.

Estimate: $15.4 million

Three films fighting for the children’s dollar this weekend. They should join up and form one super movie, like Voltron.

Estimate: $12.5 million

I think it will get another bounce this weekend. Everyone who bet long financially on this title is about to be very happy.

Estimate: $12.3 million

I knocked it 48% because there isn’t anything competing with it. I don’t see many people choosing between all the Oscar films and this.

Estimate: $10.7 million

Last year only three Oscar films tried to expand after the nominations. This year it’s mayhem with Revolutionary Road, The Wrestler, and Frost/Nixon trying to come up while Slumdog, Defiance, and Gran Torino already have staked positions. Who scheduled this mess?

Estimate: $9.9 million

I just talked to someone who liked it. See? No matter how hard I try I can’t change everyone.

Estimate: $7.4 million

In big trouble due to Inkheart and Blart. I’ve heard good buzz though.

Estimate: $7.3 million

Not making the list? Button, even with those 13 nominations. It’s been out too long for a bounce. And Defiance slips out of the top ten like a shipping passing in the night. Revolutionary Road needed much better news out of The Academy today and The Wrestler still has only 400 theaters.

Estimate: $4.8 million