Video Rental Chart : ‘Thelma’ Fends Off ‘Hot Shots’

Those Oscar nominations for “Thelma & Louise” stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis should cement its hold on the No. 1 position of the Billboard magazine rental chart for the next few weeks. Commenting on the effects of the Oscar nominations, one video retail executive noted that many fans (males in particular) who resisted seeing what’s been termed a woman’s movie might now rent it following this validation by the motion-picture academy. The high-flying “Rocketeer” zoomed up to No. 3 and is poised to land in the top spot whenever “Thelma” falters. Surprisingly “Hot Shots,” which initially seemed to have No. 1 potential, wasn’t such a hot shot after all. This spoof may have already peaked after just a few weeks on the market. It shot up to No. 3 in two weeks but it’s suddenly going in the other direction, slipping a notch to 4.

* “Pure Luck” debuted at No. 16 and should have enough appeal--despite some bad reviews (one critic called it “pure junk”)--to make the Top 10. This buddy comedy, featuring Danny Glover and Martin Short, did decent box office--$22 million. The presence of Glover, a home video favorite, should attract some fans.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Thelma & Louise” 1 7 2. “Point Break” 2 5 3. “The Rocketeer” 6 2 4. “Hot Shots” 3 3 5. “Regarding Henry” 8 2 6. “Mobsters” 5 3 7. “City Slickers” 4 12 8. “Jungle Fever” 10 5 9. “Dying Young” 7 6 10. “Terminator 2” 9 9 * “Pure Luck” --- 1