We're in the final stretch and it's up to Will and Alvin to pull it out.  Fall box office has been disappointing, as auds avoid downer fare -- the country is just not in the mood for serious drama, political drama, or war drama, no matter how big the stars.  Do we see a theme here?  Numbers lag behind last year, as 12 of the last 13 weekends have scored year-over-year downticks. 

On one of the last weekends of the year, marketers will be watching closely, as two big movies, sci-fi horror 'I Am Legend' and family fantasy 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' hope to draw auds out.  Smith is that rare wonder, a '4-quadrant' star, appealing to just about everyone.  'Legend' is expected to cross the $40 mil mark.  

Early tracking shows "Alvin" could be another four-quadrant draw. It's expected to open at plus $20 mil.  Other comedies still in theaters may dip as the new kid on the block draws attention, but 'Enchanted' will hold its own. 

Sadly, 'The Perfect Holiday' is not doing well, following too closely on the heels of that other African-American holiday film 'This Christmas,'  After years of only White Christmases, we now have two of color and the market just can't support it.  Too bad, because the Queen Latifah production has a real story to tell and does it with charm and heart.

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