“Minions” eyes massive debut

Universal and Illumination Entertainment's “Minions” should score one of the year's top openings, with the family film on pace to pull in $100 million and change in its opening weekend. That would make the “Despicable Me” spinoff the fourth film this year to debut to north of $100 million stateside, something only two films achieved throughout all of 2014.

Universal is being more conservative, insisting it will be happy if the film matches or tops the “Despicable Me 2” bar of $83.5 million debut set in 2013. 

Overseas, “Minions” is already racking up big bucks, earning more than $125 million since opening last month in several foreign markets.

There is more competition for the family dollar than analysts initially expected there would be on this weekend. “Inside Out”, the critically adored Pixar release, continues to pack them in, having earned $250 million and counting at the North American box office.

“I think there's enough room for both films to succeed,” said Contrino.

The film, which tells the story of three of the adorable pill-shaped creatures looking for the next big super-villain for their entire species to serve, will be released in Bangladesh on the same date of its US release on July 10. “Minions” will premiere today at the Star Cineplex to a select audience, before going on the regular roster from Friday. Directed by Pierre Coffin, it stars Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Geoffrey Rush and Steve Carell in various voice roles. 

Source: Internet