New Movies Jan. 3-5: 'Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones' Joins the Box-Office Party

This weekend will still be a crowded one at the box office, but not because there will be a big influx of new movies. The bumper crop of solidly performing hold-overs will be joined on the weekend after New Year's by just one new wide release.

And that single new movie is not likely to have a giant impact on the competition for ticket sales. "Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones," which opens in 2,500 theaters on Friday, is the fifth film in the franchise, although it is technically a spin-off and not a new installment in the franchise's main arc. The "Paranormal Activity" brand is showing signs of weakening—"Paranormal Activity 4" grossed less than half the amount taken in by the first film—and this new film is unlikely to be a break-out hit. It's getting good early reviews, though, and it could hold its own against the competition.

The primary competition will be the same as it has been for several weeks. "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" and "Frozen" will continue to jockey for position at the top, while "Anchorman 2," "American Hustle," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "Saving Mr. Banks" will make up the well-populated middle of the pack.