Will This Summer's "Tent Pole" Releases Attract Adult Moviegoers?

Having personally broken free from the 18-24 demographic some years ago, I was happy to read in yesterday's LA Times that Hollywood is focusing on making and marketing films geared towards adults. But will it work?

I admit -- this year I'm eager to see what's coming down the pike, although I have a sinking suspicion that it's more about erstwhile memories of past summers and the chilly blast of 100,000 btus. But will adults outside the "film freak set" actually get around to catching more than one or two summer films? According to a recent MPAA survey, Hollywood might just be on to something:

According to the Motion Picture Assn. of America, the number of moviegoers ages 50 to 59 rose 20% between July 2002 and last July, making them the fastest-growing segment in the market. Even among "frequent moviegoers," who head for theaters at least once a month, the over-40s are nearly one-third of the pie (compared with 42% for the 12-to-24 bracket.)

Today's opening of the R-rated 'Troy' will be the first test. I'm feeling good with an estimate in the $63-$65 million range. Check out the Weekend Warrior's predictions if you get a chance -- he's the "Jimmy the Greek" of box office prophecies in my opinion.

I'll have some early numbers for you here on both Saturday and Sunday morning.

Yahoo! News - Hollywood Rediscovers Grown-Ups