Salt Targets Inception at box office

LOS ANGELES, Salt Targets Inception at box office: Critics have lamented bland summer fare dominated by film sequels and franchise extensions, but for the second consecutive weekend moviegoers will be dished up an original big-screen concoction expected to reap tasty box office.
A week after “Inception” raked in $62.8 million during its first weekend, the Angelina Jolie spy thriller “Salt” will try to shake the Leonardo DiCaprio picture from the top spot.
Tracking surveys suggest “Salt” will collect up to $40 million during its first three days, down from the $50 million opening hauls for the actress’ similarly themed “Wanted” and “Mr and Mrs Smith.”
Produced for upward of $100 million, “Salt” originally was conceived as a Tom Cruise vehicle until being retooled for the female lead. Though expected to do big foreign business eventually, the picture isn’t getting an immediate global bow as many overseas markets are still sorting out inventory in the wake of soccer’s World Cup. The first international markets to screen “Salt” kick in next week, with notable foreign debuts set to continue through August.
“It’s going to work in both the U.S. and internationally but will probably gross more internationally,” Sony distribution president Rory Bruer said.
Directed by Phillip Noyce (“The Quiet American”), “Salt” weaves a tale of CIA intrigue that has Jolie’s character Evelyn Salt accused of being a Russian double agent. Co-stars include Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor (“2012″).
Also this weekend, Fox sends out the family comedy “Ramona and Beezus.” Disney’s misfire with “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” last weekend shows that segment of the moviegoing public still may be sated from previous releases such as “Despicable Me” and “Toy Story 3.” Limp tracking data suggest “Ramona” will register just $5 million-$7 million through Sunday.
“It’s a very charming mothers-and-daughters movie,” Fox distribution topper Bruce Snyder said.
“Ramona” production costs were modest at an estimated $15 million. Joey King, Selena Gomez and John Corbett star in a comedy inspired by a series of kids books.
Also Friday, Focus Features’ platforming dramedy “The Kids Are All Right” adds 163 theaters for a total of 201, with the acclaimed picture toting $1.8 million in sales heading into its third weekend.