Audiences Asked To ‘Prom’

Screen Gems’ horror movie “Prom Night” and Fox Searchlight actioner “Street Kings” will be battling it out for the top spot on what’s looking like another timid weekend as Hollywood gears up for the summer season.

“Prom Night” is tracking well with young females and might have the edge as it bows at 2,700 theaters.

Any opening in the mid-high teens would buck the weak trend for horror films this year. With the exception of “Cloverfield,” which has taken in $80 million, most films in the horror genre have been busts. “The Ruins” has managed only about $10 million in its first week, while “The Eye” brought in $31 million, “One Missed Call” $26 million, “Shutter” $23 million and “Doomsday” only $11 million.

“Street Kings,” which 20th is distributing for Fox Searchlight at 2,467 locations, boasts a higher wattage cast but likely won’t do much more than match “Prom Night.” The movie which stars Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker and Hugh Laurie, will appeal more to young males and older auds.

“Street Kings” has an R rating, while “Prom Night” is PG-13.

Based on weekday grosses, Sony’s leggy “21″ will likely take No. 3 if it experiences another modest drop on its third weekend. Fox’s family pic “Nim’s Island” and Warner’s George Clooney starrer “Leatherheads” should land further back in the pack.

Also in the mix is Sundance player “Smart People,” which stars Dennis Quaid, Ellen Page and Sarah Jessica Parker. Miramax is showing the dark comedy at 1,106 theaters, a limited release.

In limited release, Sony Pictures Classics is putting out an English language version of Oscar nominated cartoon “Persepolis.” The movie will be at 136 playdates in the top 100 markets.