So AFTER EARTH And THE PURGE Have Basically Just Switched Places

Just a few days ago, I talked a bit about Sony's sudden schedule adjustment as they moved M. Night Shyamalan's upcoming After Earth back a week, presumably so it can enjoy an extra seven days on top of the world before Man of Steel makes orphaned children of us all.

In its new May 31 spot, After Earth would find itself doing battle only with "magic is cool" movie, Now You See Me, and awesome looking home invasion horror film The Purge. But now it looks as though The Purge has violently ejected itself from that battle in order to jump into After Earth's old June 7 time slot, where it will compete only with Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing.

I don't know why I'm so interested in all this, but I am. For one thing, I think it's cool how this summer will enjoy at least one weekend occupied by small, interesting films rather than giant blockbusters. I also appreciate that this smooth result came after what felt like a panicky jumble.

It does mean we have to wait an extra week to see The Purge, though, a film I'm probably only still excited about because I have yet to see You're Next. Likely, I'll be so busy watching After Earth over and over again that the pain of waiting an extra week will pass without much notice.

I expect Man of Steel to make the next big, sudden schedule move, jumping to After Earth's new date just to be antagonistic.