‘Predators' and ‘Despicable Me' ready for ‘Eclipse'

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The sequel to the 1980's sci-fi action-adventure Predators will face off with the computer-animated super villains of Despicable Me in 3D this weekend at the US box office, giving audiences a choice between a creature feature and family comedy.

These two new movies should be big but are likely to vie for the second spot. With The Twilight Saga: Eclipse making more than $178 million over the long holiday weekend, the romantic vampire tale could remain at No. 1.

Last November, Twilight's New Moon dipped 70% for the second weekend, earning 48% of its total during its first three days of release. But based on strong numbers during the summer week, Twilight's Eclipse could lose only the typical 35% of its opening weekend total.

Despicable Me should be the kids' favorite, taking the place of Toy Story 3. The story of a villain gone good, in its favor is the 3D animation from the Ice Age producers. Also, the voice star is popular Steve Carell ( Date Night, The Office and upcoming Dinner For Shmucks).

Predators, the only film in theaters targeted to the male moviegoer, is produced by Robert Rodriquez ( Sin City, Spy Kids) and stars Oscar winner Adrian Brody ( The Pianist, Splice), Laurence Fishburne ( The Matrix) and an ensemble cast playing elite warriors hunted by aliens.

The original 1987 Predator grossed more than $59 million and a sequel Aliens vs. Predator made $80 million, and this new version could follow its predecessors' success.

It opens in 2,700 US theaters compared to 3,200 for Despicable Me. It might be a close call between battling villains, vampires vs. werewolves and mercenaries vs. monsters - plus fire vs. air if The Last Airbender stays in play.

RC