Every so often in Hollywood people like to steal other people’s ideas. Ok, so that’s a little bit of an understatement…it happens all the time. But truth be told, it’s not about the idea, it’s all about the execution. When competing Snow White films were announced, both “Mirror Mirror” and “Snow White & The Huntsman” jockeyed for position, aligned their fortunes, and neither backed down.

Usually, in pre-production, one of the projects tapers off, but because of the billion dollar success that was Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” every studio in town wanted a fairy tale ending, and neither Relativity nor Universal—once upon a time bedmates—shied away from the competition to become the fairest of them all.

Often when similar films go head-to-head there is a winner and a loser. Just ask Sony Classic’s “Capote” and Warner’s Sandra Bullock flop, “Infamous.” Both Truman Capote projects were released about a year apart and while “Capote” flew off with $23 million, “Infamous” was a dud left behind in the mud grossing just $1 million.

In headlines today, we’re seeing simultaneous productions for Steve Jobs bio-pics. And while the Ashton Kutcher starrer looks like it will hit theatres first, Sony has hired a big gun Aaron Sorkin (“West Wing,” “The Social Network”) to pen a much broader version. Guess who will win that battle?

Two films can succeed though. Back in 1998 Hollywood launched two epic asteroid disaster movies—released less than two months apart—and both ended up finishing in the Top 10 for the year. “Armageddon” was the big winner with $201 million even though it was released after “Deep Impact,” but that film was no slouch, grossing $140 million.  

And way back in 1989 there were actually three different underwater monster (or alien) movies, with “Deepstar Six,” released in January, “Leviathan” in March, and “The Abyss” in August. Each one actually made more than the previous release.

We know how the story ended for “Mirror Mirror,” as Tarsem’s comical fantasy has earned $62 million domestically and nearly $100 million overseas—more than justifying its $85 million budget. But now comes Universal’s turn—boasting an A-list cast with Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, and Charlize Theron as well as a ballooning budget of $170 million—spinning the Snow White story in a very lavish manner, and squarely aiming for the underserved female demographic. The studio had better hope “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” audiences come-a-courting as this is a huge and ambitious gamble.

With great risk comes great reward. Yeah, well tell that to the crew of “Battleship.” Universal has already had one misfire this summer, and can’t afford another big budget blunder. The collective blockbuster pieces of the puzzle are certainly there for “Snow White and the Huntsman,” especially the bewitching costumes and sets and superb performances by Theron and Hemsworth, but despite that the macabre PG-13 film comes off as a cliff notes version of how to make a mystical big-budget popcorn movie—complete with the overly cliché scene where the forces of good band together, hike up a pristine mountainside, and listen to an ethereal jam inspired and/or produced by Enya. Yup, that happens. You can almost see the studio notes on screen. Don’t blame first-time director Rupert Sanders; I’m sure he had his hands bound.

Still, there are enough visual effects, monsters, and mayhem to sustain throughout, and one cannot argue that it truly captures the dark essence of The Brothers Grimm’s original tale. And while “Snow White” doesn’t quite reach the majestic heights “Alice in Wonderland” did, when Burton so brilliantly wove whimsical fantasy with the perfect dose of dreary delight, “Snow White” is entertaining. However, modern day fairy tale will forever be compared to Burton’s—that’s just how Hollywood rates films—and unfortunately “Snow White” doesn’t quite deliver the fantasy the trailers promised. As Tim Burton’s one-time muse Winona Rider once said: “Reality bites.”

Biting may be what Kristen Stewart does best, however, if “Snow White” doesn’t live up to expectations, it may fall on the shoulders of the wispy waif. With the sun about to set on the “Twilight” franchise, Stewart needs to show Hollywood she is more than just a one-hit wonder. “Snow White” isn’t the movie that does that, in fact her performance is more Bella Black than Snow White, and just another nail in the coffin for her detractors.  In all reality though, thanks to the massive success of “Twilight” she never has to work again if she chooses. Fandom has paved the way for her to be the William Shatner of her generation…picking up a check from convention to convention and manning a kissing booth when she needs extra scratch. And just think of the humanitarian wonders she could do hosting blood drives across the country?!?

 “Snow White & the Huntsman” invades 3,772 theatres and will likely dominate the box office landscape with an estimated $48 million, anything less and it will join the growing list of films that have underperformed this summer outside of the show-stopping cannonball run of “The Avengers.” Universal’s fortune will no doubt be made overseas anyway, where it will likely be a much bigger hit. So, is this the next “Alice in Wonderland?” The next “Twilight?” Nope. Those films debuted with $116 million and $69 million, respectively.  

In the mood for a historical war drama that isn’t “Hatfields & McCoys?” Didn’t think so. In moderate wide release, Arc Entertainment will go after that very market with Andy Garcia and Eva Longoria starring in the R-rated “For Greater Glory.” What? You never heard of this? It’s opening in 757 theatres. If it does upwards of $1 million it will be fortunate.  

Also, it’s worth mentioning that Weinstein is casting out its sequel, “Piranha 3DD,” in just 75 theatres. With a theatre count like that…hook, line and sinker…here’s a film that’s going belly up. Funny enough, the same critics who hailed the original as a “fresh” take on horror-comedy and gratuitous nudity, are calling this one exploitation and “rotten” to the core—currently at just 17% on Rotten Tomatoes. The original was a whopping 74% fresh if you can believe it!?! Hey, anyone know if Jerry O’Connell’s detachable worm makes a cameo? Too bad you won’t be able to see this at a drive-in theatre where it belongs…I suspect all 86 theatres are showing it in 3D.   

Weekend Estimates

1.       Snow White & the Huntsman - $48M

2.       MIB 3 - $28M

3.       The Avengers - $22M

4.       Battleship - $6M

5.       The Dictator - $6M