‘H20’ Odds Good; ‘Snake Eyes’ a Gamble

The weekend’s two big arrivals “Halloween H20” and “Snake Eyes” both opened to commendable numbers but have vastly different profit potential. At $17 million, “Halloween” should almost break even after its domestic theatrical run, despite Miramax’s traditional marketing overkill. Depending on how well it performs overseas, “Halloween” could be very profitable indeed.

Paramount and Disney share the risk on “Snake Eyes,” which should at least equal its domestic take overseas but will need ancillary revenue to cover the thriller’s $90 million to $100 million direct costs (which include worldwide marketing). If second weekend drop-off is larger than expected, this one could lose money.

Based on its midweek business and small second week drop-off, “Ever After” becomes the fifth Fox film this summer to make its way into the profit category.