A New Hope for Cinema: Send Help Aims to Revive Box Office

Movie theaters are looking for a boost after a slow start to the year.

A recent winter storm didn't help, making the lowest weekend of the year even worse. Could "Send Help," a new thriller from Sam Raimi, be the answer?

Box Office Predictions

• "Send Help" is expected to take the top spot at the box office, bringing in between $14 million and $17 million from 3,475 theaters.
• "Iron Lung," a sci-fi thriller, is expected to come in second with $10 million.
• "Shelter," an action-adventure film starring Jason Statham, might bring in $5 million to $7 million.
• "Melania," a documentary about the former First Lady, could earn $3 million to $5 million.

High Stakes for "Melania"

"Melania" is a big deal because it's about a public figure. But it's also a big risk. The documentary cost $40 million to make and another $35 million to market. That's a lot of money for a film that might not make much back. It's opening during a time of political unrest, which could make it even more controversial.

Director and Cast Highlights

• "Send Help" is directed by Sam Raimi, known for the "Spider-Man" trilogy and the "Evil Dead" franchise. It stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien as a worker and her boss who get stranded after a plane crash. Critics say it's unpredictable and fun.
• "Iron Lung" is notable because it's made by a YouTuber. Markiplier, whose real name is Mark Fischbach, wrote, directed, and stars in the film. It's based on a video game and set in a post-apocalyptic future.
• "Shelter" is directed by Ric Roman Waugh, known for action thrillers like "Greenland" and "Angel Has Fallen." It's about a reclusive man who saves a young girl and sets off a chain of events.