The 4th film really dampened the quality of the franchise and the spin-off cheapened the series and it's cultural impact. If they had made a really good Part 5 and never done the spin-off the franchise's memory could have been salvaged, but now it's too late. Especially since I assume this 6th entry won't be very good itself.
Jurassic World isn't amazing, but it's thoroughly entertaining and I prefer it to Avengers and am happy for it to have the new OW and second weekend crowns. I don't think the consensus will grow to really dislike JW over time. It just won't be remembered as a masterpiece. But TPM is nothing like JW.
Hopefully the marketing will be good. Definitely seems better than MJ1 so far. Plus, MJ2 will have a lot more to offer in the promos as a lot more happens in MJ2 compared to MJ1.
I'm still not 100% convinced that MJ2 has dropped 3d. I trust Forbes but I am confused why I've never seen any other media source or any people involved in the film acknowledge this on Twitter or in any articles interviews not including the one at Forbes.
I'm remaining optimistic and believe in MJ2 crossing $400m. This year has shown that audiences are excited for movies again. I'd be very happy with anything over $400m and thrilled if it manged to cross CF's $424.
I hope IO doesn't drop from estimates. What's the likelyhood it crosses $300m? MU got to nearly $270 from an $82 OW. I would guess it should be able to make it to $315 but Minions could cut off some of its late legs.
And JW performs incredibly again!
I may be optimistic but...
My prediction:
Magic Mike XXL - $25m 3 day and $40m 5 day
Terminator 5 - $45m 3 day and $64m 5 day.
And I think between Ted 2/JW/IO they should combine for about $110m.
But Transformers' 4th of July Weekend was its second weekend. I think Terminator 5 will beat TF4's second weekend. And MM2 will beat Tammy. Plus probably some decent holdovers.
Inside Out
06/18/15
Lakewood Mall Theater ~ 100% full
Trailers:
Underdogs
Hotel Transylvania 2
The Good Dinosaur
Minions
Zootopia
Movie:
Audience were mostly quiet but I heard laughing quite a bit. A baby was often crying, so he/she clearly wasn't feeling it. But a few people clapped at the end. My group loved it.
Jurassic World
06/16/15
Regal Lakewood Stadium 15 in RPX ~ 75%full
(Three sold out showings in non RPX theaters)
TRAILERS:
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Everest
Minions
The Martian
Ant-Man
MOVIE:
Audience was quieter than at the premiere. Heard a few laughs at the appropriate time. Audience seemed to like the movie when having discussions at the end.