National Video Rentals : Fans Are ‘Forever’ True to Gibson

“Forever Young,” a fantasy romance starring Mel Gibson, was trashed by many critics as flimsy and maudlin but was a big hit among his fans, grossing more than $55 million. Look for it to be a popular rental too: It’s off to a fast start, opening at No. 8. Some retailers report unusually strong interest in “Forever” among female renters (males still prefer Gibson as a macho action hero). No one can quite figure out why top-ranked “The Distinguished Gentleman” continues to be top-ranked. Supposedly Eddie Murphy isn’t the lure he used to be in the rental market, but apparently people are drawn to this attempt to duplicate his smart-alecky, heroic “Beverly Hills Cop” persona. “Hoffa” (No. 2) is doing better than expected. So far, pure star power--Jack Nicholson and director-actor Danny DeVito--has been able to overcome the bad reviews.

* This expensive movie did poorly at the box office but, boosted by the young audience lure of Lou Diamond Phillips in a romantic adventure about Arctic Indians, it could do fairly well on home video. It premiered at No. 24 on the rental chart and could jump much higher--maybe mid-teens or beyond. “Wolf” has something else going for it. Sometimes frigid-weather films like this do well in the heat of summer. For some, watching people in an icy climate has a cooling effect.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “The Distinguished Gentleman” 1 6 2. “Hoffa” 4 3 3. “A River Runs Through It” 2 4 4. “Passenger 57” 3 10 5. “Toys” 6 3 6. “Howards End” 9 3 7. “Under Siege” 5 11 8. “Forever Young” 7 9 9. “The Mighty Ducks” 7 9 10. “Consenting Adults” 8 11 * “Shadow of the Wolf” ... 1

SOURCE: Billboard Publications Inc.