Box Office Preview: 'Inception' vs. the 'Schmucks'

LOS ANGELES – Chris Nolan's "Inception" has been the No. 1 film every day since it opened earlier this month. Yet it could face a formidable challenge from the debuting comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" for the top spot at this weekend's box office.

"Inception's" tiny 32 percent drop last weekend and continued midweek strength portends a solid third weekend in the $25 million-plus range.

But "Dinner for Schmucks," starring Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, is definitely one to look out for. Carell's average opening for a wide release is around $27 million, while Rudd's is $20 million. So a strong debut in the low $30 million range would not be a surprise and probably push it past "Inception." Adding to the film's potential is director Jay Roach, who also helmed the "Austin Powers" and "Meet the Parents" hits.

The debut of the Zac Efron romance "Charlie St. Cloud" is a likely contender for the weekend's third slot, based on the past performance of Efron's "17 Again" as well as the current competition, and it could easily place in the low $20 millions.

Meanwhile, the Angelina Jolie spy thriller "Salt" has been generating impressive midweek grosses and enjoying solid word-of-mouth and should post a strong second weekend that will likely put it close to the $20 million mark and in fourth place.

Steve Carell's family flick "Despicable Me" also has shown no signs of slowing down and could generate something north of $15 million this weekend to round out the top five.

The opening of the 3-D sequel "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore" could also have a shot at the top five. But there's some pretty stiff competition out there for the family audience and so even an opening in the $15 million range would be respectable for the film.