National Video Rentals : Gere’s Appeal Powers ‘Analysis’

Richard Gere’s appeal to female fans is apparently much stronger than critical comment. “Final Analysis” was trashed by most critics as contrived and chaotic. Still, it’s been a strong rental for two months, moving up another notch, to No. 2. Two other films are doing well in the rental market despite weak performances in theaters. “Gladiator,” the boxing movie starring Cuba Gooding Jr., grossed $8.1 million at the box office and got mixed reviews. It entered the rental chart at No. 18 and has an outside chance to make the Top 10. Goldie Hawn, another star with a big home-video audience, is attracting renters to “CrissCross,” which hardly anybody saw in theaters ($2.7-million gross). Yet it moved up six notches to No. 14.

* This romantic comedy starring Dolly Parton entered at No. 12. According to retailers, Parton has a strong following among females in the 30-plus age range, which should keep this one on the chart the rest of the year.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Fried Green Tomatoes” 1 8 2.”Final Analysis” 3 7 3.”Beethoven” 7 3 4.”White Men Can’t Jump” 2 8 5.”My Cousin Vinny” 6 2 6.”Medicine Man” 4 8 7.”The Lawnmower Man” 5 7 8.”White Sands” 8 5 9.”The Prince of Tides” 7 10 10”Wayne’s World” 10 9 * “Straight Talk” 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.