DARK KNIGHT BATTLES THE OLYMPICS

Many moviegoers are likely to remain at home over the weekend to watch the Olympics, sending the box office into a slump for a second week. Once again the champ is expected to turn out to be Warner Bros.’ The Dark Knight Rises with around $30-35 million. Its only real challenger is the debuting remake of Total Recall, starring Colin Farrell, which, according to tracking reports, is likely to earn around $25-30 million. Twentieth Century Fox’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, the only other film opening wide this weekend, is expected to place third with $15-20 million, but, if past history is any guide, it could earn far more. (Movie pundits underestimated the strength of the two previous Wimpy Kid movies.)