“Battleship”, the latest cinematic endeavor from “The Rundown” director Peter Berg, is a big-budget adaptation of the popular board game. However, those expecting to see a movie about kids screaming out coordinates as they attempt to sink the titular vessel are in for a little surprise. Although the film is based on the game — loosely based is probably a better description — it doesn’t share very many similarities. As I recall, there weren’t any space aliens, pop singers, or curvy models in the version I owned as a child.

Despite the film’s blockbuster potential, the question remains: Does “Battleship” have enough power to overcome the awesomeness of director Joss Whedon’s box office smash “The Avengers”? Expectations are understandably low. After all, most people seem to think basing a movie off of a relatively shallow board game is one hell of a bad idea. Even with Liam Neeson on-board, this self-proclaimed cinema junkie can’t generate enough interest to justify paying outrageous prices to see the flick on the big screen.

Estimates put ticket sales in the $40 million range, which is understandably modest given the unstoppable box office power of “The Avengers”. “Battleship”, which opened internationally over a month ago, has only generated $221 million. This is nothing to sneeze at, but when compared to the superhero behemoth it’s up against, those numbers are admittedly small.

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” an ensemble comedy based on the popular book, also opens this weekend, though it doesn’t stand a chance of cracking the top position. Still, the film could prove to be a lucrative alternative for women looking to enjoy a cinematic experience that doesn’t involve explosions, aliens, or giant green monsters with rage issues.

“Battleship”, which stars Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, Tadanobu Asano, and Peter MacNicol. The film is currently in theaters, so take in a screening if the premise tickles your fancy. This is assuming, of course, that you haven’t already purchased tickets for your 10th screening of “The Avengers”. You know who you are.