The first big-buzz horror film of the year in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” closes out an extremely disappointing spring movie season. At least in terms of box office. The spring’s biggest hits were “Alice in Wonderland” and “Clash of the Titans,” both of which received a fair amount of derision and both of which were sadly in 3-D.

I enjoyed “Kick-Ass,” but its failure to become a mainstream success tempers my excitement. I also had high expectations for “Green Zone” which despite being a solid film flopped pretty hard on the big stage. “Alice” was also right up there on my list, but I never even managed to see it. Now I’m in for an even bigger disappointment on DVD in a month (“Alice” has a very early DVD release — after all, it wouldn’t want to be late now would it?)

My optimism remains, however, for a good close. I was quite impressed by the trailers for “Nightmare” and I think it will pull some serious cash this weekend as the horror offerings have been slim of late. Having the reputation of Freddy Kreuger helps.

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Now Playing

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A Nightmare on Elm Street

Directed by Samuel Bayer
Written by Wesley Strick, Eric Heisserer, Wes Craven (characters)
Starring: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Kyle Gallner

The Word: The remake of the 1984 slasher classic that catapulted the career of horror icon Wes Craven. Freddy Kreuger’s torch (or razor glove) passes from Robert Englund to the fantastically cast Jackie Early Haley (“Watchmen,” “Little Children”). For those unfamiliar, Krueger is a serial killer who can only go after these teenagers in their dreams.

Rotten Tomatoes: 11% (awful)

My Thoughts: As I mentioned, the trailers impressed me despite director Samuel Bayer’s best credits coming from Green Day music videos. The critical lashing has tempered my interest, but not so in my desire to finally see the original.

Recommendation: Watch the original or rent this later.

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Furry Vengeance

Directed by Roger Kumble
Written by Michael Carnes, Josh Gilbert
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields, Ken Jeong

The Word: Summit hopes that bankable family star Brendan Fraser will swoop up family audiences in this “Dr. Doolittle” meets “Ferngully” story with live action animals creating mayhem.

Rotten Tomatoes: 00% (one of the worst movies ever)

My Thoughts: I just shook my head when I saw this trailer for the first time. There appears to be nothing worthwhile in this film and judging by that horrific RT rating, that’s literally the case. If you have kids, I hope they didn’t see this trailer with their morning cartoons or someone should throw you a pity party.

Recommendation: Worth erasing from your memory if possible.

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Box Office Predictions

Last weekend was a terrible one for predictions, but with every film doing so poorly, that makes this one a piece of cake as far as the top spot goes. “A Nightmare on Elm Street” will win the box office by a long shot. I’m estimating $25-30 million, but the two-month horror drought could push it above $30 M.

“How to Train Your Dragon” should continue its impressive repeat performances by only sliding from $15 million to just above $10 M, which will easily earn it second place. Due to that number being extremely low for second place, “Furry Vengeance” should by default get at least third just ahead of “Date Night,” which enters week number four. I think no more than a million or so will separate the films with “Vengeance” earning around $8 M and “Date Night” between $6-7 M. Expect “The Back-up Plan” to just follow that up with around $6 million.

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street
2. How to Train Your Dragon
3. Furry Vengeance
4. Date Night
5. The Back-up Plan