CinemaCon 2012: Sony's 'Total Recall' Wows Theater Owners

LAS VEGAS -- Going into Sony's final-day presentation at CinemaCon on Thursday, exhibitors expected The Amazing Spider-Man, Men in Black 3 and James Bond entry Skyfall to be the highlights -- but they didn't count on falling so hard for sci-fi action pic Total Recall.

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Opening on Aug. 3, Total Recall -- based on the 1990 film and Philip K. Dick's short story We Can Remember It for You Wholesale -- was directed by Len Wiseman and stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel and Bryan Cranston.

Footage from the film prompted widespread buzz among exhibitors, who remarked on its Blade Runner-like quality.

Sony president of worldwide distribution Rory Bruer led off the presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace by saying the studio is potentially looking at its best year ever, thanks to its upcoming lineup, which includes MIB 3, Spider-Man, Adam Sandler's R-rated summer comedy That's My Boy (another favorite among theater owners), Skyfall, Hotel Transylvania, Premium Rush and Resident Evil: Retribution.

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Bruer screened footage from all the films as part of his pitch, as well as footage from summer dramedy Hope Springs, starring Meryl Street, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell.

"It's as great a slate as this studio has had in 30 years," Bruer said.

Sony departed from other studios by simply showed a reel rather than parading out stars and directors of its films.