‘Parent Trap’ Profits May Wait for Video

“The Parent Trap” cost more than the average family film, a sizable $55 million. Domestic and foreign ticket sales will help settle a good portion of the production and marketing costs, with profits coming from the video campaign next spring and other ancillaries.

“Ever After” could eke out a profit for 20th Century Fox, depending on how well it holds up in midweek and on its second weekend.

“The Negotiator” is showing all the problems of mid-range stars not being enough to provide a major box-office launch. Unless it proves to have sturdy legs, the film financed by New Regency will be no more than a break-even proposition, and then only when foreign grosses and ancillaries are factored in.

“BASEketball” walked into the same brick wall as last week’s “Mafia!” That wall is called “There’s Something About Mary.” Its only glimmer of hope is a cult-like afterlife because it stars the “South Park” creators. --RICHARD NATALE