"Iron Man" shares spotlight with romantic comedy

By Carl DiOrio
1 hour, 24 minutes ago

Sonu's romantic comedy starring Patrick Dempsey and
Michelle Monaghan is the latest studio attempt to attract
female moviegoers while a more male-skewing event film
dominates the marketplace.

There was a time when a hot new release might sell out
during its first weekend, sending would-be patrons scurrying
for alternatives. That's rare these days, when 4,000-theater
runs offer anybody interested the chance to see a big release.

Yet there will be those who just aren't interested, so
counter-programming ploys aim to please those unhappy with the
tentpole fare. Most often, that means female-targeted romantic
comedies going head-to-head with megareleases, though
executives hope they can attract a date crowd in addition to
women flying solo.

"Women of every age will want to see 'Made of Honor,' but
guys will have a good time as well," Sony distribution
president Rory Bruer said.

In June 2005, Universal's romantic comedy "The Perfect Man"
rang up $5.3 million the same weekend that Warner Bros. bowed
"Batman Begins" to $48.7 million. The following June, Warners'
"Superman Returns" opened with $52.6 million, while Fox's "The
Devil Wears Prada" debuted to $27.5 million.

In May, Warners' romantic comedy "License to Wed"
registered $10.4 million, while DreamWorks/Paramount's
testosterone-laced "Transformers" tucked away $70.5 million.
And on May 9, Warners will unspool its family-oriented action
film "Speed Racer" while Fox rolls the dice with its romantic
comedy "What Happens in Vegas."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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