Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The sequel to the 1980's sci-fi action-adventure Predators will face off with the computer-animated super villains of Despicable Me in 3D this weekend at the US box office, giving audiences a choice between a creature feature and family comedy.
These two new movies should be big but are likely to vie for the second spot. With The Twilight Saga: Eclipse making more than $178 million over the long holiday weekend, the romantic vampire tale could remain at No. 1.
Last November, Twilight's New Moon dipped 70% for the second weekend, earning 48% of its total during its first three days of release. But based on strong numbers during the summer week, Twilight's Eclipse could lose only the typical 35% of its opening weekend total.
Despicable Me should be the kids' favorite, taking the place of Toy Story 3. The story of a villain gone good, in its favor is the 3D animation from the Ice Age producers. Also, the voice star is popular Steve Carell ( Date Night, The Office and upcoming Dinner For Shmucks).
Predators, the only film in theaters targeted to the male moviegoer, is produced by Robert Rodriquez ( Sin City, Spy Kids) and stars Oscar winner Adrian Brody ( The Pianist, Splice), Laurence Fishburne ( The Matrix) and an ensemble cast playing elite warriors hunted by aliens.
The original 1987 Predator grossed more than $59 million and a sequel Aliens vs. Predator made $80 million, and this new version could follow its predecessors' success.
It opens in 2,700 US theaters compared to 3,200 for Despicable Me. It might be a close call between battling villains, vampires vs. werewolves and mercenaries vs. monsters - plus fire vs. air if The Last Airbender stays in play.
RC
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments