IT'S 'WAR' FOR 'BEAN' AND 'NANNY' AT THE BOX OFFICE (VAR, MBN, DHD)

By Ken-Ali

Just because the summer of the box office bonanza may be at an end doesn't mean there aren't still milestones in the offing.

While most agree that Judd Apatow -- who, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily's Nikki Finke, has officially reached mogul status -- has another bona fide hit with R laffer "Superbad," the focus will be on how close this year's box office will get to $4 billion.

Unprecedented numbers in wide releases, sequels and daily and weekend ticket sales have characterized a year rife with unexpected winners often defeating the predictions of the most seasoned prognosticators.

Though box office tracker Media by Numbers lists no less than 17 wide and limited releases will "flood the marketplace this weekend," all eyes are still on the top three contenders...with a slight difference of opinion concerning the #3 spot.

Variety:

A nontraditional martial-arts pic starring Jet Li, the bigscreen adaptation of chick lit fave "The Nanny Diaries" and a bumbling Mr. Bean will all be vying this weekend for summer's last B.O. sunshine, with holdover "Superbad" still looking super good in terms of playability.

Here's how Nikki Finke is handicapping the race:

My box office gurus expect a 'Superbad' weekend close to $20 mil from its 2,948 theaters. Next comes Lionsgate's 'War' with Jet Li and Jason Stratham which should debut "in the high teens" from 2,277 venues. And No. 3 probably goes to 'The Nanny Diaries' starring Scarlett Johansson from The Weinstein Co/MGM in the low teens with 2,629 runs.

If this year has taught us anything, it's never count out the underdog. That may be good news for 'Mr. Bean's Holiday'...