2010-03-11T05:43:03-08:00

2010-05-31T23:45:00-07:00

true 25825 Upfronts: Will "24" Be Renewed by FOX?

2010-03-11T10:16:24-08:00

15864

2010-03-11T05:45:20-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finales, American Idol, and which shows will survive. Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> FIRST THINGS FIRST: despite much press in recent days, no official announcement has been made on “24.” And while we didn’t have the multi-season serial on our bubble list, recent rumors of its demise make sense. Yes, “24” still draws a decent 9 million on a regular basis, and it is a favorite on DVD. But its action scenes and orange fireballs have always been expensive. Moreover producers knew they couldn’t get away with having terrorists go after L.A. yet again, so the show has shifted to the more expensive locales of Washington, D.C., and (yikes) New York. But – really – we all know that Kiefer Sutherland and company could flip a switch and push this thing to a Season 10. The real question: do they want to? The show’s early years were a cultural sensation. Then it came back with a vengeance with a terrific Season 5. All the creators are rich by now. So what’s left? Ah, we know: high-budget “24”-themed movies – with cinematic effects and an all-star cast. We can’t believe we’re saying it, but we recommend a “sell” as “24” moves on to the big screen. NOTE: NBC might jump into negotiations, but this market will only measure whether FOX orders more time for “24.” 3/11/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “24” be renewed by FOX? If FOX renews the show, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=24+FOX&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.fox.com/24/" target="_blank"> Home Page and Episodes </a>

5000

87545 24 Renewal 3101

3101

5000

24REN

2010-03-10T09:54:32-08:00

2010-05-31T23:55:00-07:00

true 25802 Upfronts: Will "Lie to Me" Be Renewed by FOX?

2010-03-11T06:47:12-08:00

15864

2010-03-10T09:55:14-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finales, American Idol, and which shows will survive this spring. Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> NO, “LIE TO ME” never really set the world on fire, but did we expect it to? Unlike fellow sophomore show “Fringe,” FOX never set lofty expectations for this single-lead procedural. Taking the usual CBS formula (one hour, one murder, repeat), “Lie To Me” has regularly featured Tim Roth’s “Mentalist”-like detective using pseudo-psychology to know who is lying and who isn’t. The science part – and the unwelcome truth that we all lie, and frequently – gave the show great edge and notoriety when it first came out. But by now the conceit has faded, and the show’s life depends on whether we like Roth and his attractive, mysterious co-lead Kelli Williams. We do – and apparently plenty of viewers do too. The show’s numbers have hovered steadily between 7 and 8 million, which isn’t enough to get it a free pass, but in the wake of the recent “Past Life” debacle, FOX will have a new appreciation of a ready audience. Moreover the show has shown little attrition as the year has gone on, dipping to a low of 6 million, but bouncing back to 7.8 just a few weeks later. This isn’t the next “CSI” folks – sheesh, it isn’t even the next “Cold Case” – but we think it’s good for another year of lying good fun. Buy. 3/10/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “Lie To Me” be renewed by FOX? If FOX renews the show, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Lie+To+Me+FOX&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.fox.com/lietome/" target="_blank"> Home Page and Episodes </a>

8482

87491 Lie To Me Renewal 8403

8403

5000

LIERE

2010-03-09T10:27:12-08:00

2010-05-31T23:28:00-07:00

true 25784 Upfronts: Will NBC Renew "Trauma"?

2010-03-11T04:32:28-08:00

15864

2010-03-09T10:28:51-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finales, American Idol, and which shows will survive this spring. Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> INSIDERS HAVE WONDERED ALOUD why NBC, that most embattled network, thought it wise to introduce a series called “Trauma.” And this adrenaline-infused paramedic show was traumatized indeed, promptly failing after four episodes last fall. End of story, right? No: after that all-consuming late-night war with Conan O’Brien, NBC canceled Jay Leno’s nightly 10 p.m. show and needed anyting to fill the space. “Shoot,” the execs said (or something close to that word). So they dusted off all of those unaired episodes and put “Trauma” back on the air, indeed insisting that the show “isn’t officially canceled.” Time for resurrection? No, sorry. Drawing only 6.7 million for its premiere in September, numbers by late November tanked to a dismal 5.4 million. Moreover, as we complained in September, the show still focuses more on emergency surgeries (and blood) instead of actual character development. So we suppose that it’s nice that the dying patient got a few minutes to say its farewells, but we’re also confident that the line will at last go flat for “Trauma” this spring. Sell. 3/9/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “Trauma” be renewed by NBC? The drama airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET. If NBC renews the show, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Trauma+NBC&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.nbc.com/trauma/" target="_blank"> Home Page and Episodes </a>

1598

87420 NBC Trauma Renewal 1708

1708

5000

TRAUR

2010-03-09T08:08:05-08:00

2010-04-20T23:08:00-07:00

true 25777 Cable Shows: Will FX Renew "Justified?"

2010-03-11T04:32:22-08:00

15864

2010-03-09T08:08:34-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> AFTER A DECENT start to “Spartacus,” and a less-than-thrilling debut for “Caprica,” the cable circuit has been slow lately. All of which makes for great timing for FX’s latest original series, “Justified.” Starring Timothy Oliphant, the trailer starts off with a yawn-worthy encounter in which Oliphant’s character, a Kentucky Sherriff, pulls a Han-Solo-at-the-Cantina and shoots first at lunch table. Big deal. Then the trailer kicked in, promising a complex, dark, and violent tale in a Southern town in which everyone knows everyone way too well. Oliphant in turns seems both vulnerable and Eastwood-esque, as violence increases in the form of bank robberies and crude explosions – and the Sherriff, nor anyone else, seems able to stop the unraveling social fabric. Beyond that you get Kentucky accents and plenty of classic American SUVs! So, yes, we’re converted, and we’re betting a compelling season-long plot will win a devoted following. Our only question is why FOX didn’t have the guts to put this fine outing on the Mama network, instead of little FX. We’ll take it anyway and are already looking forward to Season Two. Buy. 3/8/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “Justified” be renewed by FX? The drama will premiere Tuesday, March 16 at 10 pm. Trading will close immediately after its scheduled sixth episode. If the network approves a second season, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Justified+FX&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/justified/" target="_blank"> Home Page</a>

7577

87394 Justified Renewal 7503

7503

5000

JUSTI

2010-03-09T08:05:04-08:00

2010-04-25T23:06:00-07:00

true 25775 Upfronts: Will FOX Renew "Sons of Tucson?"

2010-03-11T10:16:44-08:00

15864

2010-03-09T08:05:37-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finals, American Idol, and which shows will survive this spring. Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THIS ONE SURELY has a limited number of episodes in the tank, so we decided to cut to the chase with a renewal market. We also don’t think there will be much drama when it comes to predicting the fate of FOX comedy “Sons of Tucson.” Well, first it appears on a Sunday, across from the still-enormous “Desperate Housewives” on ABC. Not good. And we love perennial slacker Tyler Labine, but we also doubt few people share our fandom (yet). Then there’s the fact that, at least in New York, a typical Telemundo series gets more billboards and bus-side ads than FOX seems to be buying for “Tucson.” So lots of signs are bad. As for the show, it seems decent enough and probably isn’t getting a fair shake. Three orphaned kids choose a lovable loser of a dad (Labine) just so they can avoid foster care. The kids act out, as Dad does his best to keep it together in tough economic times – there’s a bit of an edge, but enough to keep it family friendly. We like the scenery, and we’ll catch a few episodes. But without proper marketing and support, the sun will quickly set on “Tucson,” almost as quickly as it did on FOX’s other midseason disaster, “Past Life.” Sell. 3/1/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “Sons of Tucson” be renewed by FOX? The drama premieres Sunday, March 14, at 9:30 pm ET. Trading will close immediately after its scheduled sixth episode. If FOX renews the show, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Sons+of+Tucson+FOX&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.fox.com/sonsoftucson/" target="_blank"> Home Page and Episodes </a>

3918

87392 Sons of Tucson Renewal 4601

4601

5000

SOTR

2010-03-08T09:31:39-08:00

2010-04-09T23:33:00-07:00

false 25741 Mega Market: "Iron Man 2" Opening Weekend

2010-03-11T04:32:18-08:00

15864

2010-03-08T09:33:08-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> YES, SUMMER MOVIES are just around the corner. And no, we don’t quite see a movie event of “Avatar” or “Dark Knight” proportions, at least yet. But one film should enter the stratosphere, and you’re looking at it. The original “Iron Man” blew away all expectations in 2008 when it rocketed to a $100 million-plus debut (no less on the same weekend “Grand Theft Auto IV” came out). That makes “Iron Man 2” easily the most anticipated film of the season. We doubt it will disappoint. With his “Sherlock Holmes” franchise in full swing, Robert Downey Jr. is bigger than ever, and a resurgent Mickey Rourke will prove a brilliant cast as the latest baddie. John Favreau returns as director, and trailers give us high confidence that he’ll re-capture the slick effects and self-assured humor of the original. So the only question is, how big? Without the benefit of a Heath Ledger, we just can’t see “IM2” catching the colossal $158 million weekend record set by “Dark Knight,” but we also know that the $100 million barrier will be toast by Sunday morning. We see at least $125 million, and maybe $140 million, for this huge, huge release. 3/8/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> WHAT’S A MEGA? Mega Markets close one month before the currently scheduled opening weekend. All participants still in the market at the close of trading will immediately receive $200 in fantasy money for their participation. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Iron Man 2” goes into wide release on Friday, May 7, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that day. Trading closes approximately 30 days before the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href="http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Iron+Man+2+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1228705/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a>:: <a href="http://ironmanmovie.marvel.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

15170

87251 Iron Man 2 Debut 15120

15120

12000

MMIM2

2010-03-08T05:54:34-08:00

2010-04-09T05:55:00-07:00

false 25734 How Much Will "Date Night" Gross in its Opening Weekend?

2010-03-11T04:32:13-08:00

15864

2010-03-08T05:55:24-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> IT’S HARD NOT TO LIKE what we’re seeing about the absurd and probably hilarious “Date Night.” Premise: Steve Carrell and Tina Fey play downtrodden parents who deal with things like, oh, 5 a.m. toddler attacks and negotiating sex while one partner wears an anti-grinding mouth guard. To spice things up, they go on “date night.” Missing their reservation at a posh restaurant, they get crazy and steal someone else’s table – at which point two nasty loan shark collectors show up in a case of mistaken identity. An all-night chase ensues, apparently involving Ferraris, boats, and, a bit role by Mark Wahlberg. That’s pretty predictable, but the two leads have the comedic chops to make it work. The trailer reveals Steve Carrell freaking out and mismanaging situations in his familiar way, and Tina Fey offers her usual naive innocence, leading to horrible results. Yes, we see that regularly on NBC, but never together, and never with high-end action scenes to boot. We’ll lower expectations, as holdover “Titans” will steal a little thunder, but enough parents will come out to drive “Date Night” to a strong $25 million debut. 3/7/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Date Night” goes into wide release on April 9, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Date+Night+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1279935/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://www.datenight-movie.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

2560

87228 Date Night Debut 2610

2610

1900

DNITE

2010-03-03T07:20:29-08:00

2010-03-31T06:00:00-07:00

false 25615 How Much Will "The Last Song" Gross in its First Five Days?

2010-03-11T04:32:03-08:00

15864

2010-03-03T07:23:57-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THERE MUST BE some reason for the bizarre Wednesday release of this drama. Ah yes: the lethal combination of Nicholas Sparks and Miley Cyrus would be too overpowering on a Friday, so the creators decided to release early. Joking aside, this one looks more far like Sparks than Cyrus. Yes, we expected 3-D concert scenes, timed with an appearance on “American Idol,” but really it’s just Miley being a normal actress. And the role she plays is, yes, a love interest. Shipped off to live with her dad (Greg Kinnear) for the summer, Cyrus’s angsty teen isn’t sure what she wants in life, and is even thinking of turning down an admission to Julliard. Along comes a boy. Then comes the piano-and-strings music. Then he makes an outline of her body on a beach with shells (schmaltzy, yes, but a pretty romantic move for a dude to pull). All along we find a family relationship story about second chances, as Kinnear’s Dad reconnects with his kids and the wife he drove away. And . . . well . . . despite our best efforts to hate it, we just can’t. There’s something infectiously nostalgic here. And Kinnear and Cyrus seem – well, really good together. Don’t tell our friends, and don’t look for us in the back row on Wednesday night. But we love “The Last Song” and see no less than a $22 million debut. 3/1/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Last Song” goes into wide release on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. How much will it gross in its first five days as reported by Box Office Mojo? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Last+Song+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1294226/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://touchstone.movies.go.com/thelastsong/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

2850

86749 Last Song Debut 2800

2800

1700

LSONG

2010-03-02T13:55:13-08:00

2010-04-02T06:00:00-07:00

false 25599 How Will "Why Did I Get Married Too" Open?

2010-03-11T04:31:55-08:00

15864

2010-03-02T14:00:37-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> WE’VE NEVER BEEN SHY about expressing admiration for Tyler Perry’s consistent ability to give his audience just what it wants. Only his latest “Madea” stands out as a solid smash (“Goes to Jail”; $40m opener). But that’s only one of seven major releases representing a an eye-popping total of <a href=" http://boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Director&id=tylerperry.htm">$371 million in revenue</a>. And that’s not even counting his involvement in “Precious.” So the real question is: when will Perry finally make a wrong move? Someday he might, but not this time around. A sequel to the successful “Why Did I Get Married” ($21m), “Married Too” will revisit the same formula – a talented African-American ensemble portraying martial relationships with a mix of drama and humor. The first film took a slice-of-life view in an urban setting, but the sequel will transport three couples to an island resort (thankfully we sense no hint of “Couples Retreat”). The men and women will bond, which is always good for laughs. But the actors, including Perry himself, will deliver the goods when an infidelity plot raises its ugly head. We're confident Midas Perry will deliver another profitable film worth a solid $24 million opener. 3/1/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Why Did I Get Married Too” goes into wide release on April 2, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Why+Did+I+Get+Married+Too+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1391137/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://www.whydidigetmarriedtoomovie.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

2150

86703 Why Did I Get Married Too Debut 2250

2250

1800

WDM2

2010-03-02T08:31:16-08:00

2010-04-06T23:33:00-07:00

true 25597 Upfronts: Will "Parenthood" Make it to a Tenth Episode?

2010-03-11T06:54:33-08:00

15864

2010-03-02T08:33:47-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finals, American Idol, and which shows will survive (or die). Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> WHAT IS IT about some movies that makes Hollywood execs obsess about turning them into TV shows? The 1987 hit “Witches of Eastwick” received multiple attempts, until ABC finally adapted it this year (it failed). There’s also 1992’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which struggled to become a series, but did become a hit. But for sheer labor, sheer obsession, nothing beats the attention lavished on “Parenthood.” The 1989 Steve Martin comedy was not a massive hit, but a sit-com adaptation – starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio – quickly emerged in 1990. It died after 12 episodes. Twenty years later, NBC is taking yet another stab, offering again the same bittersweet comedy of the original. Once again parents (Lauren Graham and Peter Krause) will make tough decisions. Once again rebellious teens will say senseless things, with the conflict providing laughs along the way. Well: it didn’t work then, and it certainly won’t work now. Recent hits like “Arrested Development” and “Modern Family” were smart riffs on old-school family sitcoms – combined with a lot of satirical edge. This “Parenthood” offers only the old-school sincerity and light humor . . . and not much more. NBC’s promotion during the Olympics may keep it alive to 10 episodes, but we don’t anticipate a renewal for this strange Hollywood obsession. Next stop: “Parenthood: 2030.” 3/1/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “Parenthood” on NBC make it to a tenth episode? The drama premieres Tuesday, March 2, at 9 pm ET. Trading will close immediately after its scheduled sixth episode. If a tenth episode airs, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. Remaining episodes aired after a cancellation decision will not count toward the 10-episode requirement. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Parenthood+NBC&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/" target="_blank"> Home Page and Episodes </a>

9309

86701 Parenthood 10 Episodes 9479

9479

5000

PHOOD

2010-03-01T09:54:07-08:00

2010-04-02T09:58:00-07:00

false 25566 How Much Will "Clash of the Titans" Gross in its Opening Weekend?

2010-03-11T04:31:52-08:00

15864

2010-03-01T09:58:17-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> SO, WHY NOT JUNE? That was all we could ask when we saw the impressive trailers for this special effects extravaganza. Certainly the CGI delivers summer-movie quality, in moments achieving a “Transformers”-like realism in which the action (heaven forbid) doesn’t seem the product of a Macintosh. As for the story, students may know the Perseus myth from school, and old-timers will remember the 1981 cheese-fest on which this remake is based (and which actually featured Laurence Oliver!). Thus, as everyone knows, Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) will play a son-of-Zeus who sets out to save Andromeda and who must face Medusa, Krakens, and assorted beasts galore. But who cares about that? People will come for the action, for a Greek-myth fantasy world that should appeal to the “Lord of the Rings” crowd, and for a lot of blood, both monster and human. (We suppose a few moms will also come to Liam Neeson looking good as Zeus.) April is the new May, apparently, and we expect this blockbuster to provide an Olympian $50 million debut between fellow tentpoles “Alice in Wonderland” and “Iron Man 2.” 3/1/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Clash of the Titans” goes into wide release on April 2, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Clash+Titans+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800320/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://clash-of-the-titans.warnerbros.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

7650

86498 Clash of the Titans Debut 7700

7700

5000

TITAN

2010-03-01T06:12:16-08:00

2010-03-26T06:00:00-07:00

false 25565 How Will "How To Train Your Dragon" Open?

2010-03-11T04:31:48-08:00

15864

2010-03-01T06:15:29-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> WITH BUDDY COMEDY “Hot Tub Time Machine” as competition, the GCI animated feature “How To Train Your Dragon” may well be the most mature release of its weekend – which isn’t saying much, coming as it does from the perennially goofy makers of “Shrek” and DreamWorks Animation. But we like what we see. The idea: dragons are terrorizing the countryside of some old Norse country, in which most of the men look like defensive tackles with ZZ Top beards. But young intellectual misfit Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) isn’t manly enough to join the fight, so he concocts the wild idea of training the dragons instead of slaying them. Cue the “Avatar” theme music, as young Hiccup befriends a large fire-breather and learns that the dragons really are our friends. It may not sound like much, but after last year’s hit “Monsters vs. Aliens,” we’ve come to trust DreamWorks Animation’s visual execution and comedic timing – and in the trailer these look well-nigh flawless. The film will be shown in now-obligatory 3-D, and we think it will receive a strong marketing push as well. It won’t be enough to record the stupefying $59 million of last year’s “Monsters vs. Aliens,” but “Dragon” will surprise with a big debut in the mid-$30-million range. 3/1/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “How To Train Your Dragon” goes into wide release on March 26, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=How+Train+Dragon+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

4220

86495 How To Train Your Dragon Debut 4170

4170

2000

HTTYD

2010-02-24T10:41:59-08:00

2010-05-31T23:51:00-07:00

true 25511 Upfronts: Will NBC Renew "Heroes"?

2010-03-11T04:31:44-08:00

15864

2010-02-24T10:49:19-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finales, American Idol, and which shows will survive. Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> EVERYONE’S ASKING: is this the year that “Heroes” is toast? Streaking to popularity in 2006 – with “LOST” in its prime and serial dramas all the rage – the comic-book saga looked set to revive the hopes of a struggling NBC. Jump to 2010, and the network is still struggling. As for its one-time flagship show, viewership for its February midseason finale dwindled to a miserable 4 million. What happened? Well, where “LOST” is often criticized as being a tease, never really giving enough to satisfy the viewer, “Heroes” perhaps cashed in too many dramatic chips in its (admittedly excellent) first season. People died, we thought. A story ran its course, we thought. And it was all pretty cool. But after that the only option was to recycle. And recycle NBC did, killing characters and reviving them, taking away powers, transferring powers, transferring them back – all of which turned the show into a confusing mess without a powerful central storyline. Also, it’s expensive to produce special effects and to keep around stars like Ali Larter, Hayden Panettiere, and Zachary Quinto. So we think it’s toast. However both the network and the creators will bend over backwards to ensure that the series receives a proper ending, if only to preserve DVD sales. That could make for a short six-episode run next year, which is a risk for the short sellers. Barring that, the once-great “Heroes” will fall at last. 2/18/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “Heroes” be renewed by NBC? If the network approves another season, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. See <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/tvguidelines"> TV confirmation guidelines.</a> <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Heroes+NBC&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroes_episodes" target="_blank">Numbers at Wikipedia</a>:: <a href="http://www.nbc.com/heroes/" target="_blank">Episodes and Home Page</a>

8091

86264 Heroes Renewal 8122

8122

5000

HRNEW

2010-02-24T10:41:56-08:00

2010-05-31T23:50:00-07:00

true 25510 Upfronts: Will ABC Renew "The Forgotten"?

2010-03-11T04:31:39-08:00

15864

2010-02-24T10:49:22-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finales, American Idol, and which shows will survive. Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> MAYBE CRIME SERIALS are like hamburgers. If you start selling them, someone will buy, even if they’re not that good. Last fall we at Media Predict thought that “The Forgotten” was a goner. Even though it boasted Jerry Bruckheimer and a decent 9 million viewers for its premiere, ABC just didn’t seem like the right network for a CBS-style procedural. When viewership plummeted to the low 4 millions in December, we expected an announcement any day. But instead the network devoted huge amounts of marketing and internal advertising to the show, and, lo and behold, viewership has fluttered back up to the 6 million range. We understand why ABC is fighting so hard – CBS shows like “NCIS,” “CSI,” and “The Mentalist” rarely create cultural buzz, but they do win millions of die-hard fans, most of them simply looking to vegetate before going to bed. And in these uncertain times – and with “LOST” on its way out – a little stability in ABC’s portfolio couldn’t hurt. So the network wants it. The question is whether the viewers will too. And we say: no. The show is mediocre, the premise repetitive, and generally “The Forgotten” is, yes, supremely forgettable. The marketing boost helped, but the numbers will sag once again, making “The Forgotten” a high-profile casualty this spring. Sell. 2/18/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “The Forgotten” be renewed by ABC? If the network approves a second season, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. See <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/tvguidelines"> TV confirmation guidelines.</a> <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Forgotten+ABC&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Forgotten_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Numbers at Wikipedia</a> :: <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-forgotten" target="_blank">Episodes and Home Page</a>

808

86265 The Forgotten Renewal 838

838

5000

TFR

2010-02-24T10:41:53-08:00

2010-05-31T23:59:00-07:00

true 25509 Upfronts: Will CBS Renew "Old Christine?"

2010-03-11T04:31:35-08:00

15864

2010-02-24T10:49:25-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/upfrontstag.jpg" alt="" hspace="4" vspace="4" align="left" /> <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/upfronts">Our New TV Contest Is Live!</a> Predict the season finales, American Idol, and which shows will survive. Place your bets and win from $1,000 in prizes! <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> “THAT’S STILL ON?” This was the response by one of our staff members here when we first proposed this market. And, yes, we can confirm that Julia Louis-Dreyfus and “The New Adventures of Old Christine” are still chugging away. Indeed the sitcom still averages a healthy 7 million viewers – even now, in its fifth season on CBS. All this said, as MP veterans will know, “Christine” has lived on the bubble for its whole life, and this year will be no exception. For us it’s a difficult call. Louis-Dreyfus isn’t an A-lister any more, but she could bolt for a new project if CBS doesn’t pay her what she wants. The much bigger question is syndication. Basically if you’re going to run a show every night on an affiliate or cable network, you need lots of episodes in the tank. That’s how “Scrubs” sustained its life on ABC, and that accounts for all of those inexplicable renewals of “According to Jim.” Such economics would normally recommend one more year for “Christine,” although CBS execs may also decide the show has reached critical mass. If they do, Christine’s long adventure will come to an end. But if the syndication deal looks better at six seasons, “Christine” will live. We’re stumped, so we’ll leave the betting to you. Even odds on this perennial tough call. 2/18/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: Will “The New Adventures of Old Christine” be renewed by CBS? If the network approves another season, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0. See <a href="http://www2.mediapredict.com/tvguidelines"> TV confirmation guidelines.</a> <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Old+Christine+CBS&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href=" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_New_Adventures_of_Old_Christine_episodes#Season_5:_2009.E2.80.932010" target="_blank">Numbers at Wikipedia</a> :: <a href=" http://www.cbs.com/primetime/old_christine/" target="_blank">Episodes and Home Page</a>

6985

86266 New Adventures Old Christine Renewal 7110

7110

5000

NAOCR

2010-02-23T11:13:01-08:00

2010-03-26T06:00:00-07:00

false 25499 How Will "Hot Tub Time Machine" Open?

2010-03-11T04:31:29-08:00

15864

2010-02-23T11:15:43-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> BUILDING ON THE BUDDY-PARTY vibe of “The Hangover,” and throwing in a fantasy twist, “Hot Tub Time Machine,” is the story of a bunch of buddies who go on a ski trip, get drunk in a hot tub -- and then find themselves in 1986. Yep: “Miami Vice” T-shirts, Sony Walkmans, and big hair will all be on display, as the men repossess their teenage bodies and have a second chance at youth. One of the guys recognizes his surprisingly attractive mom, and another manages to woo her. John Cusack’s character has a second chance with “the one who got away.” Meanwhile the upright character, “Office” favorite Craig Robinson, tries to return to his wife and kids. Will he succeed? Or will they remain in the past and plot the invention of iPods and Twitter? The general release trailer offers a cushy, straight-forward nostalgia romp, both for women and men. But a shockingly different <a href=" http://www.kicksomepast.com/restricted/">red-band trailer</a> shows that “Hot Tub” has a seriously raunchy underbelly. Marketing will need to display that edgy appeal to lure true “Hangover” fans, but if it does, we see $22 million easily. 2/21/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Hot Tub Time Machine” goes into wide release on March 26, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Hot+Tub+time+machine+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://www.kicksomepast.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

2520

86232 Hot Tub Time Machine Debut 2620

2620

1700

HTUB

2010-02-23T05:52:59-08:00

2010-03-19T06:01:00-07:00

false 25494 How Will "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Open?

2010-03-11T04:30:17-08:00

15864

2010-02-23T06:01:19-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> PARENTS WILL HAVE lowbrow choices on the March 19 weekend, but kids will be offered something refreshingly original. Based on a popular best-selling book for young adults, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” lacks wizards or (a la the recent “Percy Jackson”) descendants of Greek gods. Then again it seems ten times more relevant for young viewers today, talking about such real issues as, oh, when boys need to start shaving, or when they first understand that butts can be cute. It’s sometime crude but never offensive, and generally fun – and these elements alone could boost it to a decent debut. However, we do worry about the lack of a plot hook in the trailer. (The crush storyline we expected never emerged.) That may mean that overconfident filmmakers saved dramatic elements for  later sequels corresponding to the book series, whereas we would have recommended cutting to the chase. So it’s a very tough call. We hope it lives up to its double-digit potential and blooms into a franchise, but we fear the wimpy creators of “Wimpy” perhaps didn’t do enough. If so this first installment could easily stumble to a $4 million one-and-done debut. 2/21/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” goes into wide release on March 19, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Bounty+Hunter+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1196141/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://www.diaryofawimpykidmovie.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

1450

86227 Diary of a Wimpy Kid Debut 1500

1500

900

WIMPY

2010-02-23T05:47:17-08:00

2010-04-09T05:51:00-07:00

false 25493 How Much Will "The Runaways" Gross in its Opening Weekend?

2010-03-11T04:31:25-08:00

15864

2010-02-23T05:50:55-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> WE DOUBT “The Runaways” is a bad film – to the contrary, we might well see it over weekend competitors “Date Night.” But we also think it’s in serious trouble. Starring a nearly unrecognizable Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett, along with a surprisingly grown-up Dakota Fanning, the film chronicles the rise of an all-girl punk band, The Runaways, who caused a lot of trouble before Jett rose to fame with the Blackhearts. That’s fine, but it’s hardly the stuff of revenue. After all, few adults will know the bad – no less the young girls who would normally be drawn to these stars. The band’s big hit, “Cherry Bomb,” is not an iTunes classic. And given that punk is hardly a going concern – sadly even The Sex Pistols would struggle to draw interest in 2010 – we have serious worries. Yes, it’s a well-meaning movie, and the riot-girl subject matter could be great in the right hands – but this head-scratching attempt won’t appeal to more than a narrow niche. We see a single-digit opener, perhaps below $4 million.2/21/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “The Runaways” expands into wide release on April 9, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=The+Runaways+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1017451/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href=" http://www.runawaysmovie.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

350

86226 Runaways Debut 450

450

500

RNWYS

2010-02-22T05:54:01-08:00

2010-03-19T05:57:00-07:00

false 25481 How Much Will "The Bounty Hunter" Gross in its Opening Weekend?

2010-03-11T04:31:12-08:00

15864

2010-02-22T05:57:36-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> IN A WEEKEND that will not be remembered in cinematic history, “Repo Men” will take on madcap comedy “The Bounty Hunter,” starring Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston. The premise: Aniston’s character is a poor journalist with serious debt, so she skips a court date. Her former boyfriend (Butler) is an ex-cop whose new job is . . . hunting down people like his ex, so he hauls her in, in part via the trunk of his car. Of course anyone warm and upright can figure out the rest (hint: feelings are rekindled as the adventure ensues), so it’s all about whether we have fun along the way. And the answer is: well, actually, maybe we will. As in his earlier “Hitch,” Andy Tennant has a knack for keeping things goofy, lighthearted, and surprisingly fun. And Aniston and Butler will manage a fairly sadistic enmity, as he cuffs her to beds, and she hides a taser in her skirt, all while baddie gangsters chase them on the road. The trailer clicks, and Aniston has an evergreen power that shouldn’t be underestimated. So no, no Oscars on this low-quality weekend, but  “Bounty Hunter” will nevertheless trounce “Repo Men” with a $22 million debut. 2/21/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Bounty Hunter” goes into wide release on March 19, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Bounty+Hunter+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1038919/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://http//www.thepursuitbegins.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

2330

86179 The Bounty Hunter Debut 2380

2380

1700

BOUNT

2010-02-17T11:10:06-08:00

2010-03-19T06:10:00-07:00

false 25431 How Much Will "Repo Men" Gross in its Opening Weekend?

2010-03-11T04:31:07-08:00

15864

2010-02-17T11:10:50-08:00

<img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> SOME OF YOU might be hoping for a remake of the ’80s punk-classic “Repo Man,” but, this 2010 “Repo Men” is an altogether different beast. Starring Jude Law and Forrest Whittaker, and set in a dystopian future straight out of “Blade Runner,” two men are in the business of repossessing robotic organs. Yes: technology has given us mechanical livers, lungs, and hearts – and they work great. But if you fall behind on your payments, Big Corporate Brother will send the Repo Men to collect (the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3409511449/">international red-band trailer</a> shows just how; it’s gory). Anyway, with a turnaround straight out of “Minority Report,” Jude Law’s character becomes critically injured and receives a robot-heart. Of course he can’t make his payments either. So his partner-friend comes after him, as knife fighting and explosions ensue. No it’s not original – and we’re reminded of last fall’s similar sci-fi robot film, “Surrogates,” which fell short of expectations with a meager $14 million. In the end, “Repo Men” will be an oddly appropriate title – as the debt collectors come chasing the poor slobs who financed this thing. $17 million tops. 2/17/10. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> THE MARKET: “Repo Men” goes into wide release on March 19, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that weekend. Trading closes at 9 a.m. on the day of the film’s opening. <img src="http://content.mediapredict.com/images/filler.gif" alt="" /> RESEARCH: <a href=" http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Repo+Men+movie&btnG=Search+News" target="_blank">Google News</a> :: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1053424/" target="_blank">IMDb Page </a> :: <a href="http://www.repomenarecoming.com/" target="_blank">Home Page</a>

1200

85961 Repo Men Debut 1300

1300

1000

REPO