WITH “INCEPTION” GETTING more buzz by the day, many of you will see this as a one-sided affair. But remember, 30 days is a long time, and quality has a way of winning out. Therefore if “Inception” turns out to be a snoozer – and if “Salt” delivers the goods – then either could prevail in our last Summer Smackdown. For “Inception,” expectations are extremely high, as your current projections forecast a terrific $90 million opener. Then again, at this point in April, a hyped “Iron Man 2” was on its way to a possible record-setting weekend – which didn’t quite materialize, as word-of-mouth and mixed reviews slowed its seemingly unstoppable momentum. “Salt” on the other hand rides the news of the bumbling Russian spies, and relatively realistic expectations (your opening weekend is at a good but not stellar $40m). We fully expect prices to tip toward “Inception” in early trading – but watch Rotten Tomatoes like a hawk right up until the opening of “Salt.” If the first stinks and the latter delivers, then David could beat Goliath to become the top-earning thriller this summer. 7/6/10.
THE MARKET: Will “Inception” have a higher 30-day gross than “Salt” as reported by Box Office Mojo? If “Inception” earns more, shares are worth $100. If not, they’re worth $0. Trading closes at 9 a.m. ET on the day of the opening for “Salt.”
RESEARCH: “Airbender” Box Office Mojo page :: “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” Box Office Mojo page