National Video Rentals : ‘Few Good Men’ Cruises Onto Chart

“A Few Good Men,” starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, did terrific business over the Fourth of July weekend, which helped push it to a rental chart debut at No. 3. Cruise’s current hit, “The Firm,” was certainly a boost: Perhaps his fans are cruising from “Firm” showings in theaters to the video stores to rent “Good Men.” As one of last year’s box-office blockbusters, boasting a $140.5-million gross, “Good Men” should be the chart-topper next week. “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” moved up to No. 2. “Leap of Faith,” starring Steve Martin as a shyster evangelist, leaped onto the chart at No. 10. But Martin fans didn’t seem to like him playing a louse: At the box office, with a $21.7-million gross, “Leap” didn’t perform nearly as well as Martin’s gentler comedies--an indication that it may not be a major rental hit either.

* This nostalgic comedy about growing up in the early ‘60s received critical acclaim but was just a modest attraction in theaters ($8.9-million gross). It premiered at No. 17 and may reach the Top 10. Star John Goodman, who has a big following from the “Roseanne” TV series, could lure enough renters to make this a home video hit.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Forever Young” 1 4 2.”Bram Stoker’s Dracula” 4 2 3.”A Few Good Men” ... 1 4.”Body of Evidence” 7 3 5.”A River Runs Through It” 2 7 6.”The Distinguished Gentleman” 3 9 7.”Jennifer 8” 13 2 8.”Howards End” 6 6 9.”Hoffa” 5 6 10.”Leap of Faith” ... 1 * “Matinee” ... 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.