While the majority of critics are not smiling with their MIB2 reviews, audiences across the nation should be lining up on opening day in what is one of the biggest anticipations of the year/summer. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are back as in the men in black, ready to cause additional havoc on and off-screen, allowing those ticket registers to get a heavy workout over the 5-day frame with a gross that should very likely reach into the three digit zone.

The original Men in Black back in 1997 turned in $51.1 million over its Friday - Sunday frame over 4th of July weekend, averaging $16,910 per-location in 3,020 sites ($84.1 million 6-day figure {counting Tuesday night sneaks}, averaging $27,859 per-screen). In today's movie marketplace, ticket prices are higher and more is possible at the box office. And with MIB2, the Barry Sonnenfeld film already has the extreme benefit of holding a built-in-audience that not only will show up regardless of reviews, but its demographic range stretches across the board and through various ethnic groups.

Until May 3, that little boy wizard was said to be the king of the world for quite some time. Little did we know that its $90.3 million 3-day tally was already nearly half beaten by Spider-Man's opening day gross ($39.4 million), with an earning that reached up to $114.8 million in ticket sales. Proving that it was not just a one-time deal, two weeks later George Lucas debuted Attack of the Clones to the tune of $80.0 million ($25,317 per-site) for its Friday - Sunday period and $110.1 million ($34,862 per-screen) from Thursday - Sunday. With two films that have already taken on $100 million in their opening weekends, studio chiefs are counting on the possibility of more on the way.

MIB2's early trailer days in front of Black Hawk Down last December kicked off much of the buzz, with Spider-Man and Episode II (the two largest films of 2002) ad-spots adding to the build-up. Moviegoers from pre-teens, to teens, to young adults and adults will be lining up for more summer fun, as audiences haven't had a blockbuster to rush to since the two said flicks two months ago. The presence of 4th of July weekend will have millions out of their homes and MIB2 will serve as a fun outing for many filmgoers. The only thing real questionable at this point (as of 7/2) is the quantity of its theater count, as I am estimating a number of roughly 3,550 venues.

MIB2 leaving The Phantom Menace out in the cold? 
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