Fantasy Movie League: Post-Christmas Bonanza


Last year, there was a lot of value to be had from riding some of the movies released in the rush at Christmas. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle stayed on or near the top of the Box Office for weeks, and proved a great value and anchor. So what will be the 2018 version of Jumanji?

We’ve had seven wide releases since December 21, and all of them are vying for seats at the Box Office table. This week we welcome two new entries to the game, while Green Book comes back as it’s being re-released thanks to an awards season run. So what will end up on top?

I was well off last week, banking on Aquaman going big, but he didn’t quite get there. I did correctly gauge some value in The Mule, which was the Best Value, but Welcome to Marwen fell flat. The right option was Spider-Man and The Mule splitting the eight screens. 

But what will provide that kick of value this week? As always, if you think you’re better at the game than me, I encourage you to join me in a Fantasy Life App Blog league! You can join the league here. Let’s see how this week stacks up.

New at the Box Office:

There are two new entries in this week’s game, both of which were released on Christmas Day. The first is Holmes and Watson, the period comedy featuring two iconic characters played by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. The pair have been strong in past in films like Step Brothers, and doubtless fans will be excited to see the pairing again as these iconic detectives. However, the film boasts just a four percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and only a 25 percent approval rating from fans. So, you know, it might not be that great… It costs $143 FML Bucks and is projected at $11.3 million by Fantasy Movie League. Box Office Report goes even higher at $12.5 million. However, I can’t help but wonder if poor word of mouth and other options will tank this film that doesn’t have a lot of family appeal. 
The next new release is Vice. It comes from writer/director Adam McKay, who gave us The Big Short, and features Christian Bale as Dick Cheney, leading an all-star cast. The political nature of the plot, however, may keep some people away, though it is nominated for six Golden Globe awards. The film costs $104 FML Bucks, but is projected at just $7.2 million by Fantasy Movie League, making value a stretch. It boasts a 66 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, so not terrible, but not incredible, either. Box Office Report sees $9.7 million, so it could provide value if it is on the higher end, but there’s a risk as this also isn’t the most family-friendly option.

The Search for the Best Value

Last week Aquaman was easily the top Box Office option, but it didn’t have as big an opening as expected. It’s again the most expensive option in the game at $558 FML Bucks and is projected at $52 million for both Fantasy Movie League ($51.8 million to be precise) and Box Office Report. That means it should top the Box Office again, but will it be a good value?

The Mule has been the Best Value two weeks in a row. It’s a reminder you can never underestimate the appeal of Clint Eastwood, an acting legend who is also one of the most reliable directors. But the game is catching up with the film, pricing it at $144 FML bucks this week. It’s projected at a bit over $12 million by Fantasy Movie League, but $11.5 million by Box Office Report. That likely means you’re chasing last week’s dollars by playing it.

Then there’s Mary Poppins Returns. It didn’t have a huge opening weekend, but if we’re thinking about Jumanji as a model, the kind of film that’s family-friendly and could have long-lasting appeal, Mary Poppins seems the ticket. I think it’s possible that families continue to flock to the iconic character during the post holiday festivities, and I have a feeling it could be the one out of this group with enduring value.

This Week’s Lineup

I’m playing my hunch and betting on Poppins. And I’m playing a mix of family films and award nominees.

Mary Poppins Returns x2
Ralph Breaks the Internet x3
The Favourite
Green Book x2

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