Box Office Preview: Hugh Jackman's 'Real Steel' Set to Win Weekend

Shawn Levy's father-son boxing tale Real Steel has a clear shot at the weekend box office crown on the strength of families and fanboys, while the George Clooney-directed political drama Ides of Marchwill rely on older adults.our editor recommendsReal Steel: Film ReviewThe Ides of March: Film Review'The Ides of March': George Clooney, Ryan Gosling Play Politics in New Trailer (Video)'Real Steel': Hugh Jackman Talks Robot Boxing, Possible Sequel (Video) Conservative estimates show Real Steel -- starring Hugh Jackman -- opening in the $22 million-$25 million range. Disney is distributing the film. PHOTOS: 'Real Steel' First Look: Hugh Jackman in DreamWorks' Robot Boxing Film From DreamWorks, the $110 million pic introduces the sport of robot boxing and is set in the near future. Jackman's character, a washed-up fighter, discovers he has an 11-year-old son, and the two bond over a junkyard robot they discover. The biggest question is whether males under 25 will show up (they've been AWOL from the multiplex in recent months). Real Steel, rated PG-13, tested best among families in prereleasing screenings. Disney believes Sunday business could be strong, since Monday is the Columbus Day holiday, when 36% of kids are out of school. VIDEO: Hugh Jackman Explains Robot Boxing in 'Real Steel' Featurette Overseas, the DreamWorks pic opens in a handful of major markets, including Mexico, Russia and Australia (Jackman's home country). In North America, Real Steelopens in 3,440 locations, including Imax theaters. Ides of Marchgoes out in 2,199. Sony is distributing Ides of March -- starring Clooney, Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman -- for Cross Creek pictures, which fully financed the $12.5 million political thriller. VIDEO: George Clooney Says He's Still 'Upset' About Losing 'Thelma & Louise' Role to Brad Pitt The well-reviewed Ides of March, set during a presidential campaign, should benefit from its topical subject matter. The film is tracking best among women and men over the age of 25, but Sony expects some younger moviegoers to turn out as well. At the specialty box office, Emilio Estevez's The Way, starring the director's father,Martin Sheen, opens in 33 locations. The film is being distributing the Producers Distribution Agency. VIDEO: George Clooney Says 'ER' Made His Life 'More Complicated' The Weinstein Co. opens Dirty Girl, starring Juno Temple, in nine locations, while IFC opens sequel Human Centipede 2: Full Sequencein 18. Related Topics George Clooney Hugh Jackman Philip Seymour Hoffman Ryan Gosling Real Steel Martin Sheen Emilio Estevez The Ides of March The Human Centipede 2