Halloween Box Office

For the first time in about 5 years, Halloween hits on a Friday. Don't look for a stellar BO despite solid holdovers (HSM3, Saw V) and decent openers (Zack and Miri, Changeling). Changeling expands its run this weekend into a wide release, but even with Angelina, Clint, and the Oscar buzz, look for it at about $9 million.

Zack and Miri has the Kevin Smith clan behind it (a very loyal fan base) as well as Seth Rogen's and (though he has now part in making this movie) Judd Apatow's fan bases. I think it will close in on number 2 with $14 million.

HSM3 will probably stay at #1 with about $18 million ( a major drop from last week). Saw may still hold on to #2 - it is a Halloween pic. However, look for it to drop into the low teens.

The other opener is The Haunting of Molly Hartley. This pic is small in scope, has bad critical reception, lacked in marketing, and is saved only by its inclusion of "Gossip Girl" cast member Chace Crawford and a well-picked release date. The show's been solid in the ratings and has a very loyal fan base. It'll scare up single digits, at best $6 mill.