Hollywood hopes big stars equal big blockbusters

It was a great summer for Hollywood. The industry generated a record-breaking $4.15 billion at the U.S. box office between the first weekend of May and Labor Day, according to figures from movie tracking firm Exhibitor Relations.

Four films grossed more than $300 million and 15 cracked the $100 million mark.

So can Hollywood keep it up during the fall, a time when more serious Oscar contenders and fewer big-budget popcorn releases are on tap?

If Hollywood is going to have a strong autumn and holiday season, odds are that it will start with a good showing from "The Brave One," a thriller starring Jodie Foster, who has turned into a major box office draw in the past few years.

Foster's previous three action films, 2002's "Panic Room," 2005's "Flightplan" and last year's "Inside Man" all grossed just under $100 million. And "The Brave One," which features Foster's character seeking vengeance after her boyfriend is murdered, seems to fit the formula that has worked for her lately.

"'The Brave One' should do solid business because it's Jodie Foster in a thriller," said Brandon Gray, president and publisher of movie industry research firm Box Office Mojo.