NEW TRON LIKELY TO TROUNCE RIVALS

Disney’s Tron: Legacy is expected to top a strong list of new films and holdovers this weekend that is likely to splinter the box office. The 3D blockbuster is expected to earn $40-50 million. The film is contending with Paramount’s The Fighter for the all-important young male moviegoer. The Fighter, which was released last week in only a handful of theaters, goes into general release today (Friday). Aided by positive reviews and several awards nominations, the film is expected to earn $15-20 million. Sony’s How Do You Know is expected to appeal to women — but not many of them . Analysts are predicting that the movie will flop with less than $10 million. Finally, Warner Bros.’ live/animated Yogi Bear will attract families with kids to the tune of about $20-25 million.

UPDATE: Disney’s Tron: Legacy earned $18 million on Friday, a solid opening. (However the film has a long way to go if it is to recoup its huge budget, which has been estimated at $120-170 million.) Warner Bros.’ 3D Yogi Bear was No. 2 at the Friday box office with about $4.7 million, while Paramount’s The Fighter came in third with $3.93 million.