Commentators often wonder when America will finally “just say no” to new movies built on the exorcism concept, but based on the box office returns for “The Devil Inside,” that day is nowhere near here.
Despite the absolutely-atrocious reviews, the film is on pace to overperform in its opening weekend at the box office, a feat that has been happening all-too-infrequently at the cinema in recent months.
Early indications are that it could net over $10 million Friday and $20-25 million for the weekend, although the figures are far from exact at this point. It, nonetheless, is a lock that the film will top early forecasts, which were eyeing a debut more in the $10 million range.
Though the marketing budget surely brings the cost up, “Devil” was acquired by Paramount for just $1 million. That makes its performance–including $2 million in midnight receipts–very impressive.
