“The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, is expected to open with a 55 million dollar (USD) three-day weekend.
Damon plays astronaut Mark Watney in the extreme survival story based on Andy Weir’s novel by the same name. Damon’s Watney is presumed dead after a severe storm on Mars and is accidentally left behind by his crew. The lone astronaut has no choice but to try and survive on the red planet. The film’s star-studded cast includes Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig and Jeff Daniels.
The film has received mostly positive reviews from critics. Variety writes, “At its most basic, “The Martian” serves as an epic homage to the nerd – a deferential widescreen celebration of human intelligence in a genre that so often hinges on speed, braun or sheer midi-chlorian levels.” The Los Angeles Times applauds Scott, saying “It was Scott’s ability to join together two aspects of his filmmaking persona and in a sense bring it all back home that proved critical to “The Martian’s” success.”
“The Martian” is English director Ridley Scott’s third outer-space film following “Alien” in 1979 and “”Prometheus” in 2012. 
Crime drama “Sicario,” starring Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, is expected to bring in 13 million dollars (USD) during its’ opening weekend.
Blunt plays an idealistic FBI agent enlisted to help track down a drug lord on the U.S./Mexico border with the help of two mysterious government officials, played by del Toro and Brolin.
The film has received positive reviews. The New York Times writes “Denis Villeneuve makes movies about violence, which is not quite the same thing. His framing, cutting and sound design evoke the feelings that motivate and arise from the shedding of blood: rage, grief, steely resolve and wild panic.” Rolling Stone says “A gripping and tension-packed spin through America’s covert War on Drugs. Prepare to be haunted for a good long time.”
Holding over from last week, Sony’s animated sequel “Hotel Transylvania 2” is expected to add 28.5 million dollars to its global take of 85 million dollars. The Anne Hathaway led comedy “The Intern” will see another 11.4 million dollars added to its worldwide take of 35 million dollars. “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” will bring in another 7.3 million dollars to its global take of 184 million. “Everest” will have another 7.2 million dollars added to its world wide take of 101 million dollars.
