SCARY MOVIE - RETREAT LIKELY TO ADVANCE TO NO. 1

RETREAT LIKELY TO ADVANCE TO NO. 1

David Linde and Marc Shmuger, who were ousted Monday as co-chairman of Universal, might very well have the satisfaction of learning that one of the films that they greenlit, Couples Retreat, turned out to be a hit. Box-office forecasters are saying that the romantic comedy -- the only film that is opening wide today (Friday), will probably take in $25-30 million over the weekend to take the lead position. The studio has not had a No. 1 hit since last April's Fast and Furious. Analysts are also keeping a close eye on the performance of Paramount's Paranormal Activity , the $15,000 scary movie that has been packing 'em in at midnight screenings in limited release. The film will be expanding to 159 theaters and play during regular hours beginning today.

09/10/2009