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Posted June 8, 2016 by Scott Davis in Features
 
 

The Preview Reel: Spooks, Magicians, and Orcs

Welcome to a new installment of “The Preview Reel” where we look at the week’s upcoming wide release movies. This summer has seen its fair share of sequels, and while there are plenty more on the way, this weekend features two from a couple of 2013’s surprise hits. The Conjuring 2 brings back stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, along with director James Wan, for another spooky adventure from the case files of the Warrens, while Now You See Me 2 brings back most of its magicians (and a new wizard) for another magical con job. Then there is the long-delayed, big-budgeted Warcraft, based on the best-selling video game from director Duncan Jones. It’s another busy week, let’s break them down:

 

The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 PosterWhat we are excited about:
The Conjuring was one of the best surprises during the summer of 2013 as it provided incredibly tense horror sequences, a creepy house, and some fine performances from its leads. Not to mention some fine direction from horror guru James Wan, who is back for the sequel, along with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Those three talented individuals are enough to make us hope that this is another scary good time at the theater.

What we are worried about:
Not only are sequels usually a step down from their predecessor, but horror sequels are even worse. The Conjuring 2 is both of those things. Wan has already made a sequel to one of his beloved horror movies, Insidious: Chapter 2, and that was nowhere near the level of the first Insidious. Add in the less than stellar spinoff Annabelle, and we are a little wary to see if this franchise is more than a one hit wonder.

Critical reception (if any):
Critics are mostly enjoying this installment as it sits at 72% on RottenTomatoes and 64 on MetaCritic. Reviews have said although it’s not as scary as the original, there are plenty of scares and Wan continues to prove why he is the master of horror.

Box office expectations:
As it has been the case so far this summer, this weekend features a lot of stiff competition. The Conjuring opened to $41 million on its way to $137.4 million domestically. With more competition, it should open lower than that and finish in the high $30 million range.

Final thoughts:
Reviews have been surprisingly good and there has not been decent horror movie in theaters in quiet some time. The Conjuring 2 might be that horror film we’ve been waiting for and could be another big hit for director James Wan.

Now You See Me 2

Now You See Me 2 PosterWhat we are excited about:
Now You See Me, much like The Conjuring, was a sleeper hit in the summer of 2013. Audiences were intrigued by the mystery surrounding the film and enjoyed the magicians-as-cons storyline. Most of the cast is back (except Isla Fisher) and the plot seems to be just as twisty as the first installment.

What we are worried about:
Although the first film was a financial hit, some thought it was a less than stellar con movie (this writer included). A sequel makes financial sense for the studio, but not really in terms of character or story. We’ll see if the film makes a case for being necessary or is just another cash grab. Also, we are disappointed it’s not called “Now You Don’t.” (That way it would have been Now You See Me, Now You Don’t. C’mon Hollywood.)

Critical reception (if any):
Reviews have been pretty middling as it sits at 47% on RottenTomatoes and 60 on MetaCritic. Critics are saying its entertaining, but the story and twists get a little ridiculous at times.

Box office expectations:
The first film beat a rare Will Smith bomb in After Earth as it opened to $29 million, eventually earning $117 million domestically. While the sequel faces stronger competition, it should still perform very well. Look for a mid-$20 million opening for Now You See Me 2.

Final thoughts:
If you’re a fan of the first film, you’re probably intrigued to see where director John M. Chu takes the story, while if you’re not a fan you’re probably not that interested. Reviews are better than expected, so expect a decent showing at the box office from these magicians.

Warcraft

Warcraft PosterWhat we are excited about:
Oh, boy. Not much. Last summer, Universal could not do any wrong as it cranked out hit after hit such as Furious 7, Pitch Perfect 2, and Jurassic World. This summer looks a little bleaker as Warcraft seems to be arriving about 10 years too late at a cost of over $160 million. The only bright spot seems to be director Duncan Jones, whose previous work includes Moon and Source Code. We are hoping he can steer this gigantic world in the right direction, but the trailers don’t suggest that he did.

What we are worried about:
The trailers have not been good. Mix a convoluted story featuring Orcs and other mystical beings, overloaded CGI action, and a dubstep score (?), and this film looks like it has a lot of problems. Also, video game movies have traditionally had a terrible track record.

Critical reception (if any):
Pretty awful. The film sits at 16% on RottenTomatoes and 31 on MetaCritic. Critics are saying Jones tries his best, but the world does not translate well to the big screen.

Box office expectations:
Universal had high hopes that his could be the start of a massive franchise, but based on the tracking, it does not look very promising. The film should open in the low $20 million range, coming in third behind the weekend’s other two releases. Not what Universal was hoping for.

Final thoughts:
This just seems about 10 years too late and with a crowded weekend, it’s impossible to see a situation where Warcraft breaks out and becomes a success.

Scott Davis

Scott Davis

Scott Davis is a recent graduate of Oakland University where he earned a degree in journalism. He worked for the student newspaper on campus, The Oakland Post, where he became the paper's managing editor. He also earned a minor in Cinema Studies at OU. Scott enjoys all things film and TV related, especially the blockbuster kind. He might be the biggest Christopher Nolan fan you know.