Thursday Night Report: 'Martian' and 'Goosebumps' Battle for First while Newcomers Flop

     Displaying excellent holding power throughout the week, Fox's 'The Martian' and Sony's 'Goosebumps' are set to fight for first place this weekend. Meanwhile, four new wide releases were very dead on arrival, and even the film that was expected to open in first place this weekend is more of a mixed bag.

     From 1,000 locations, Paramount's $10-million found-footage horror 'Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension' bombed with just $600k. That is only half of 'The Marked Ones'' $1.2 million Thursday night take, although that film opened in more theaters. 'Marked Ones' went on to a $18.3 million weekend, and if 'Ghost Dimension' follows that pattern it will wind up with a likely but dejecting $9 million.

      The $90-million action fantasy 'The Last Witch Hunter' also didn't fare well, bringing in a terrible $525k last night. That is only $25k more than the midnight haul that 'Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters' made. With basically the same reception from critics (15% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (52% Flixter score), it could open to around $20 million. That is unlikely though, as this is a more block-buster like film and carries a higher budget. A opening of around $8-$11 million is a lock.

     Pulling in $249k from 1,748 locations, 'Steve Jobs' is looking for a lower-than-expected expansion (projections ranged from $21-$24m). It's hard to predict this one though, as it has been in limited release for two weeks now and people usually don't rush out on the first night on nationwide release. Strong reviews (86% on RT) and word-of-mouth (81% Flixter score) should help propel 'Jobs' with strong legs. A weekend of $9-$14 million is likely.
     Bill Murray's latest $15-million comedy 'Rock the Kasbah' flopped with just $75k. Although older audiences should help it carry on through the weekend, $1.5-$3 million is nothing to do cartwheels over.
     Last but not least (well, maybe least...), 'Jem and the Holograms' bombed hardly with $34k. The PG-rated $5-million musical drama was never expected to make much, but this is especially disappointing. $2-$2.5 million is likely.