The comedy sequel “Horrible Bosses 2” and the animated family film “Penguins of Madagascar” will challenge reigning champ “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” as the Thanksgiving weekend box office kicks off early Wednesday.
Look for Katniss and Co. to do the feasting say the analysts, who see the third entry in Lionsgate’s young adult franchise taking in around $80 million over the long weekend. That should be enough to hold off DreamWorks Animation’s “Penguins,” which is projected to finish the five days in the mid- to high-$40 million range, and Warner Bros.’ R-rated “Horrible Bosses” sequel, which is likely to wind up at around $35 million.
Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey return in “Horrible Bosses 2,” which is directed by Sean Anders, and are joined by Christoph Waltz and Chris Pine.
The original film opened to $28.3 million in July of 2011 and went on to take in $117.5 million domestically and $92.1 million overseas.
The sequel isn’t nearly as well reviewed (22 percent positive on Rotten Tomatoes), and it’s not tearing it up on social media either. As of Tuesday morning, it was the No. 3 seller at online ticket broker Fandango, behind “Mockingjay” and “Penguins,” but outselling the original film and “We’re the Millers.”
Warner Bros. will have “Horrible Bosses 2” in 3,375 theaters by Friday, after opening with early screenings at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
“Penguins of Madagascar” was originally to be released in March by distributor Fox, but was moved into the Thanksgiving weekend slot, historically a launch pad for animated hits.
Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich, Ken Jeong, Chris Miller and Tom McGrath are part of the voice cast for “Penguins.” Eric Darnell and Simon Swift direct the spinoff from DWA’s “Madagascar” franchise, which has a $135 million production budget.
The reviews are just OK (57 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) and social media is underwhelming, but that shouldn’t matter much with the young crowd that it targets.
Distributor Fox will have the PG-rated “Penguins” in a robust 3,700 theaters, with the majority of those equipped with 3D.
Awards hopeful “The Imitation Game” highlights the weekend’s specialty releases.
Benedict Cumbatch and Keira Knightley star in the PG-13-rated drama about British cryptologist Alan Turing, who was prosecuted for homosexuality after helping to crack Germany’s Enigma Code during World War II. Morten Tyldum directs.
The Weinstein Company is opening it in four theaters.
15 of Jennifer Aniston's Winners and Losers at the Box Office (Photos)
"Wanderlust" (2012)
Aniston's most recent release featured Paul Rudd and future husband Justin Theroux -- and the positives end at that. "Wanderlust" earned only $22 million worldwide.
"Horrible Bosses" (2011)
The ensemble comedy saw Aniston in a supporting but memorable role as Charlie Day's sexually harassing boss. With a gross of $210 million and an upcoming sequel, put this one in the hits column.
"Just Go With It" (2011)
The combination of Aniston and Adam Sandler proved to be a winner with audiences, scoring an impressive $215 million total at the box office.
"The Switch" (2010)
Aniston starred opposite fellow sitcom alum Jason Bateman ... and they may have wished they kept their day jobs the way this one ended up, grossing just $50 million.
"The Bounty Hunter" (2010)
The romantic comedy starred Aniston and Gerard Butler -- and was a medium-sized success at the box office, making $136 million against a $40 million budget. The critics were not as forgiving.
"Love Happens" (2009)
It turns out Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston were not a match made in heaven -- the duo couldn't draw in the crowds with the film earning just $36 million.
"He's Just Not That Into You" (2009)
Aniston was one of the big pieces in the massive ensemble for the best-selling book's adaptation. The end result turned out relatively well, grossing $179 million worldwide.
"Management" (2008)
Even though it was an indie, not even breaking $1 million domestically and only $2.4 million worldwide makes "Management" Aniston's lowest grossing movie -- and a definite flop.
"Marley and Me" (2008)
Aniston and Owen Wilson's doggie weeper found just the right audience during its holiday run and earned a very respectable $243 million worldwide.
"The Break-Up" (2006)
Vince Vaughn and Aniston were dating at the time of the film's release, which may have piqued some theater-goers interest. Either way it ended up a hit with a healthy total of $205 million.
"Rumor Has It" (2005)
Jen learns her family was the basis for "The Graduate" in this 2005 comedy, however, it coulnd't live up to the classic, with a total cume of just $89 million.
"Derailed" (2005)
Aniston gave a dramatic turn alongside Clive Owen that proved forgettable with critics and at the box-office, netting a mere $57.5 million.
"Along Came Polly" (2004)
The pairing of Aniston and Stiller as opposites who fall in love hit the mark with audiences despite negative reviews from critics, earning $172 million worldwide.
"Bruce Almighty" (2003)
The biggest hit of her career, "Bruce Almighty" made nearly $500 million worldwide and helped to solidify her movie career as "Friends" was coming to an end.
"The Good Girl" (2002)
Aniston gave what is widely considered one of her best performances in the indie, which also proved a modest success at the box office, doubling its budget with a gross of around $17 million.
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Which side of the tracks will "We're the Millers" land on Jennifer Aniston's resume?
"Wanderlust" (2012)
Aniston's most recent release featured Paul Rudd and future husband Justin Theroux -- and the positives end at that. "Wanderlust" earned only $22 million worldwide.
