Proving that movies really just might be recession proof, four of five major new releases debuted with more than $30 million from the Thursday-Sunday holiday frame, while overall the box office posted its second biggest weekend of 2008 led by a phenomenal opening from Fox's dramedy Marley & Me. Adam Sandler's Bedtime Stories and Brad Pitt's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button battled it out for second place, while Tom Cruise's WWII drama Valkyrie opened better than expected in fourth.
With Christmas falling on a Thursday this year, studios packed in five major new releases to take advantage of the extended holiday weekend. But instead of cannibalizing each other, the marketplace proved to be big enough to accommodate at least four, with the biggest benefactor being the Jennifer Aniston-Owen Wilson starrer Marley & Me, which took in $37 million over the Friday-Sunday period and an incredible $51.7 million over the full four day holiday frame. For Fox Studios, the debut was an incredibly sweet way to end one of their most challenging years in recent memory. Averaging a whopping $10,632 in 3,480 theaters, the film adaptation of John Gorgon's bestselling book posted the second biggest opening of 2008 for Fox, behind only March's Horton Hears a Who with $45 million.
Marketed heavily everywhere as the crowd-pleaser of Christmas weekend, Marley & Me shrugged of mixed reviews to post a record $14.7 million Christmas Day bow, easily beating 2001's Ali with $10.2 million. The film had steady business the entire weekend with daily totals of $14.7m (Thurs.), $14m (Fri.), $12.7m, and $10.2m. With many Americans off of work for the remainder of the year, look for Marley & Me to potentially break $100 million domestic by next weekend.
Disney's adventure pic Bedtime Stories battled it out with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for the No. 2 spot this weekend, with the Adam Sandler pic edging Brad Pitt over the three-day weekend with $28 million to $27 million, and Button leading the four-day holiday frame with $39 million compared with Bedtime's $38.6 million. Shrugging off very poor reviews from critics, the Adam Sandler starrer averaged a strong $7,625 in 3,681 theaters.
If estimates hold, Brad Pitt's big budget epic The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will finish in third this weekend with $27 million and $39 million over the extended holiday frame. Budgeted at a staggering $150 million, the Paramount release averaged $9,036 in 2,988 theaters. Directed by David Fincher and co-starring Cate Blanchett, the film's totals were hampered a bit by the daunting 2 hour and 47 minute run-time. Nominated for five Golden Globes including Best Dramatic Picture, the film should see strong legs throughout the Awards season. Co-produced by Warner Bros., that studio will release the film on the international market.
Tom Cruise's well-received WWII drama Valkyrie debuted in fourth with $21.5 million over the weekend and $30 million since its Thursday bow, surpassing industry expectations. Despite the busy weekend the $75 million budgeted United Artists pic averaged a healthy $7,942 in 2,711 theaters. The debut was a big improvement from last year's flop Lions for Lambs, which debuted in November with just $6.7 million. It was Cruise's best opening since 2006's Mission: Impossible III debuted with $47.7 million, marking the beginning of the end of the actor's long relationship with Paramount Pictures.
Rounding out the top five was Jim Carrey's comedy Yes Man, which fell just 10% this weekend to $16.5 million. In two weeks the Warner release has grossed $49.6 million, but may have trouble sustaining itself long enough to break $100 million domestic.
The only new release this weekend failing to gain traction was Lionsgate's comic adaptation The Spirit, which debuted with just $6.5 million in 2,509 theaters for a very weak $2,593 average. Directed by famed graphic novelist Frank Miller (300, Sin City), the debut was clearly a major disappointment given the $29.1 million opening his 2005 hit Sin City opened with (Miller co-directed City with Robert Rodriguez).
Out of the top ten for the first time was Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight, which took in $4.5 million over the weekend, pushing the $37 million budgeted pic's total to an amazing $167 million.
Thanks to four massive new Christmas releases, the top ten films grossed an estimated $172.9 million, up 9% from last year's comparable frame when National Treasure: Book of Secrets held on to the top spot with $36.7 million.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The numbers, Dec. 26-28, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Marley & Me | $36,357,586 | 3,480 | $10,448 | $50,738,566 | -- | 1 | Fox |
| 2 | Bedtime Stories | $27,450,296 | 3,681 | $7,457 | $38,029,113 | -- | 1 | Buena Vista |
| 3 | The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | $26,853,816 | 2,988 | $8,987 | $38,725,647 | -- | 1 | Paramount |
| 4 | Valkyrie | $21,027,007 | 2,711 | $7,756 | $29,520,979 | -- | 1 | MGM |
| 5 | Yes Man | $16,657,046 | 3,434 | $4,851 | $49,798,560 | -8.8 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 6 | Seven Pounds | $13,203,236 | 2,758 | $4,787 | $38,762,647 | -11.1 | 2 | Sony |
| 7 | The Tale of Despereaux | $8,932,625 | 3,107 | $2,875 | $27,448,085 | -11.6 | 2 | Universal |
| 8 | The Day the Earth Stood Still | $7,697,799 | 2,402 | $3,205 | $63,480,184 | -22.2 | 3 | Fox |
| 9 | The Spirit | $6,463,278 | 2,509 | $2,576 | $10,305,501 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 10 | Doubt | $5,339,742 | 1,267 | $4,214 | $8,484,863 | 684.2 | 3 | Miramax |
Sunday, December 21, 2008
'Yes Man' tops weekend with $18 mil, Dec. 19-21, 2008
Three newcomers dominated the weekend before Christmas, led by Jim Carrey's latest comedy Yes Man, which took the top spot with $18.2 million. Will Smith's drama Seven Pounds debuted in second with $16 million, while the animated pic The Tale of Despereaux bowed in third with $10 million. Overall, the lack of a big opening from any of the newcomers and debilitating snow storms across the northeast United States led the top ten films to finish a whopping 46% lower than last year's comparable frame, when National Treasure: Book of Secrets debuted with $44.8 million.
Studios are holding off on their truly big guns until Christmas weekend (which starts this year on a Thursday), when five very big films vie for the top honors in a crowded weekend. Bedtime Stories, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Marley & Me, The Spirit, and Tom Cruise's Valkyrie all enter a crowded marketplace on Thursday, trying to make a splash in the final weekend of 2008.
Warner Bros.' Yes Man took the top spot with an $18.2 million debut, lower than industry expectations considering the film's ultrawide 3,434 theater release slate. Averaging a solid if unspectacular $5,288 per theater, the heavily marketed comedy finished better than Carrey's 2005 Christmas release Fun with Dick and Jane, which took in $14.4 million over its first weekend and $21.5 million over the four day Holiday frame. Reviews were mixed to poor, so the film will have to rely on strong and steady word of mouth to carry it through a highly competitive Christmas weekend.
Will Smith's latest drama Seven Pounds opened in second with $16 million, averaging $5,801 in 2,758 theaters. Budgeted at $55 million, the Sony release broke Smith's consecutive streak of eight No. 1 openings. Despite teaming up once again with director Gabriele Muccino, who directed last year's acclaimed The Pursuit of Happyness, Seven Pounds opened over $10 million lower than Happyness's $26.5 million bow. Pounds was hurt by being the worst reviewed of the new films, and will likely struggle breaking even domestic.
Universal's computer-animated family film The Tale of Despereaux debuted in thir with $10.5 million, averaging a poor $3,385 in 3,104 theaters. With its closest competition Bolt now in its fifth week of release, Despereaux should enjoy decent returns over the Holiday frame next week.
Last week's champ The Day the Earth Stood Still fell a whopping 67% in its sophomore frame to $10.2 million, giving the $80m Fox release a ten-day $48.6 million cume. Starring Keanu Reeves, Earth will likely fall short of its budget domestic with roughly $70 million.
Warner's hit comedy Four Christmases fell 41% to $7.8 million, bringing its four week cume to $100.2 million. At its current pace the $80 million budgeted pic should finish with $120 million domestic.
Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight continues to show its appeal beyond its loyal hardcore fan base, falling just 34% to $5.2 million and bringing its five week cume to $158.5 million. Budgeted at $37 million, the Catherine Hardwicke directed pic has now amassed $210 million worldwide.
Studios are holding off on their truly big guns until Christmas weekend (which starts this year on a Thursday), when five very big films vie for the top honors in a crowded weekend. Bedtime Stories, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Marley & Me, The Spirit, and Tom Cruise's Valkyrie all enter a crowded marketplace on Thursday, trying to make a splash in the final weekend of 2008.
Warner Bros.' Yes Man took the top spot with an $18.2 million debut, lower than industry expectations considering the film's ultrawide 3,434 theater release slate. Averaging a solid if unspectacular $5,288 per theater, the heavily marketed comedy finished better than Carrey's 2005 Christmas release Fun with Dick and Jane, which took in $14.4 million over its first weekend and $21.5 million over the four day Holiday frame. Reviews were mixed to poor, so the film will have to rely on strong and steady word of mouth to carry it through a highly competitive Christmas weekend.
Will Smith's latest drama Seven Pounds opened in second with $16 million, averaging $5,801 in 2,758 theaters. Budgeted at $55 million, the Sony release broke Smith's consecutive streak of eight No. 1 openings. Despite teaming up once again with director Gabriele Muccino, who directed last year's acclaimed The Pursuit of Happyness, Seven Pounds opened over $10 million lower than Happyness's $26.5 million bow. Pounds was hurt by being the worst reviewed of the new films, and will likely struggle breaking even domestic.
Universal's computer-animated family film The Tale of Despereaux debuted in thir with $10.5 million, averaging a poor $3,385 in 3,104 theaters. With its closest competition Bolt now in its fifth week of release, Despereaux should enjoy decent returns over the Holiday frame next week.
Last week's champ The Day the Earth Stood Still fell a whopping 67% in its sophomore frame to $10.2 million, giving the $80m Fox release a ten-day $48.6 million cume. Starring Keanu Reeves, Earth will likely fall short of its budget domestic with roughly $70 million.
Warner's hit comedy Four Christmases fell 41% to $7.8 million, bringing its four week cume to $100.2 million. At its current pace the $80 million budgeted pic should finish with $120 million domestic.
Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight continues to show its appeal beyond its loyal hardcore fan base, falling just 34% to $5.2 million and bringing its five week cume to $158.5 million. Budgeted at $37 million, the Catherine Hardwicke directed pic has now amassed $210 million worldwide.
The numbers, Dec. 19-21, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Yes Man | $18,160,000 | 3,434 | $5,288 | $18,160,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 2 | Seven Pounds | $16,000,000 | 2,758 | $5,801 | $16,000,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 3 | The Tale of Despereaux | $10,507,000 | 3,104 | $3,385 | $10,507,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 4 | The Day the Earth Stood Still | $10,150,000 | 3,560 | $2,851 | $48,627,000 | -66.7 | 2 | Fox |
| 5 | Four Christmases | $7,750,000 | 3,515 | $2,205 | $100,159,000 | -40.7 | 4 | Warner Bros. |
| 6 | Twilight | $5,228,000 | 2,991 | $1,748 | $158,462,000 | -34.2 | 5 | Summit |
| 7 | Bolt | $4,256,000 | 2,968 | $1,434 | $95,009,000 | -43.0 | 5 | Buena Vista |
| 8 | Slumdog Millionaire | $3,150,000 | 589 | $5,348 | $12,134,000 | 44.8 | 6 | Fox Searchlight |
| 9 | Australia | $2,325,000 | 2,212 | $1,051 | $41,947,000 | -44.2 | 4 | Fox |
| 10 | Quantum of Solace | $2,150,000 | 1,874 | $1,147 | $161,300,000 | -42.1 | 6 | Sony |
Sunday, December 14, 2008
'The Day the Earth Stood Still' obliterates competition with $31m debut, Dec. 12-14, 2008
Facing an aging lineup of Holiday offerings, most of which have now been out between 3-5 weeks, Fox's big budget sci-fi remake The Day the Earth Stood Still blew away the competition with a strong but not overly impressive $31 million bow, averaging a strong $8,708 in a 3,560 theaters. Reportedly budgeted at $80 million, the remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic finished well below industry expectations given the soft competition and historically lucrative release date (last year's I Am Legend topped with a record $77.2 million), giving Fox a disappointing finish to one of their most challenging years in recent memory.
Starring Keanu Reeves, who landed a career best opening for a film without The Matrix in its title, the poorly-reviewed pic ranks as the second biggest 2008 debut for Fox behind March's Horton Hears a Who with $45 million. Earth edged 2005's Constantine, which netted the star a $29.8 million bow. The debut was well short of another high profile 2008 disaster pic Cloverfield, which debuted in January with $40.1 million. Critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com gave Earth a "rotten" 22% recommendation rating, which may have kept audiences at home this weekend. With audience feedback looking somewhat lukewarm, look for steep drops in the coming weeks.
One of the biggest surprises this Holiday season has been the superb staying power of Warner's Four Christmases, which fell another slight 21% to $13.3 million in second, bringing its three week cume to $$88 million. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, the holiday comedy has shrugged off extremely poor reviews and is on pace to become just the fourth film released in the past two months to break $100 million. Budgeted at $80 million, the film looks on pace to break $135 million domestic.
Summit Entertainment's smash hit Twilight continued is tremendous run at the box office, finishing in third with $8 million, down just 39% from a week ago. The studio quickly tried to put to rest mounting tensions from their dismissal of director Catherine Hardwicke from the studio's planned two sequels, naming Chris Weitz (Golden Compass, About a Boy) as the new helm. In four weeks, the $37 million budgeted blockbuster has amassed $150.1 million, and could reach $175 million by the end of its domestic run.
Disney's decision to tack on a new Cars Toons 3D short from Pixar to the beginning of Bolt proved to be a nice boost to the film's bottom line, as the family comedy fell a slight 23% to $7.5 million in fourth. In four weeks, the computer-animated pic has grossed $88.9 million, and should surpass $100 million before the New Year.
Fox's big-budget bust Australia slipped 39% to $4.3 million, rounding out the top ten. In three weeks, the $130 million budgeted epic has grossed just $37.9 million.
The spy actioner Quantum of Solace fell 44% to an estimated $3.8 million, bringing its domestic cume to $157.7 million. The film now ranks third overall among Bond films, behind only Casino Royale's $167 million and Die Another Day's $160.9 million. Internationally, the $200 million budgeted pic has grossed $357.9 million, bringing its worldwide haul to an impressive $515.5 million.
The only other wide release debut in the top ten this weekend was the family reunion drama Nothing Like the Holidays, which debuted with just $3.5 million in seventh. Released by Overture Pictures, the Spanish language release averaged just $2,095 in 1,671 theaters.
There was another wide release debut of note (barely), finishing in 16th place. Freestyle Pictures's computer-animated Delgo, a film nearly ten years in the making, debuted just $916,000, despite opening in a wide 2,160 theaters. The extremely dated looking and poorly-reviewed pic sputtered with a pathetic $424 per theater this weekend, which meant there was plenty of leg room in theaters for attending audiences.
Oscar hopefuls performed very well this weekend, with Focus Features' Milk seeing a 43% spike (thanks to 229 additional theaters) to $2.6 million, bringing its cume to $7.6 million. Fox Searchlight's Slumdog Millionaire took in $2.2 million, bringing its cume to $8 million.
Starring Keanu Reeves, who landed a career best opening for a film without The Matrix in its title, the poorly-reviewed pic ranks as the second biggest 2008 debut for Fox behind March's Horton Hears a Who with $45 million. Earth edged 2005's Constantine, which netted the star a $29.8 million bow. The debut was well short of another high profile 2008 disaster pic Cloverfield, which debuted in January with $40.1 million. Critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com gave Earth a "rotten" 22% recommendation rating, which may have kept audiences at home this weekend. With audience feedback looking somewhat lukewarm, look for steep drops in the coming weeks.
One of the biggest surprises this Holiday season has been the superb staying power of Warner's Four Christmases, which fell another slight 21% to $13.3 million in second, bringing its three week cume to $$88 million. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, the holiday comedy has shrugged off extremely poor reviews and is on pace to become just the fourth film released in the past two months to break $100 million. Budgeted at $80 million, the film looks on pace to break $135 million domestic.
Summit Entertainment's smash hit Twilight continued is tremendous run at the box office, finishing in third with $8 million, down just 39% from a week ago. The studio quickly tried to put to rest mounting tensions from their dismissal of director Catherine Hardwicke from the studio's planned two sequels, naming Chris Weitz (Golden Compass, About a Boy) as the new helm. In four weeks, the $37 million budgeted blockbuster has amassed $150.1 million, and could reach $175 million by the end of its domestic run.
Disney's decision to tack on a new Cars Toons 3D short from Pixar to the beginning of Bolt proved to be a nice boost to the film's bottom line, as the family comedy fell a slight 23% to $7.5 million in fourth. In four weeks, the computer-animated pic has grossed $88.9 million, and should surpass $100 million before the New Year.
Fox's big-budget bust Australia slipped 39% to $4.3 million, rounding out the top ten. In three weeks, the $130 million budgeted epic has grossed just $37.9 million.
The spy actioner Quantum of Solace fell 44% to an estimated $3.8 million, bringing its domestic cume to $157.7 million. The film now ranks third overall among Bond films, behind only Casino Royale's $167 million and Die Another Day's $160.9 million. Internationally, the $200 million budgeted pic has grossed $357.9 million, bringing its worldwide haul to an impressive $515.5 million.
The only other wide release debut in the top ten this weekend was the family reunion drama Nothing Like the Holidays, which debuted with just $3.5 million in seventh. Released by Overture Pictures, the Spanish language release averaged just $2,095 in 1,671 theaters.
There was another wide release debut of note (barely), finishing in 16th place. Freestyle Pictures's computer-animated Delgo, a film nearly ten years in the making, debuted just $916,000, despite opening in a wide 2,160 theaters. The extremely dated looking and poorly-reviewed pic sputtered with a pathetic $424 per theater this weekend, which meant there was plenty of leg room in theaters for attending audiences.
Oscar hopefuls performed very well this weekend, with Focus Features' Milk seeing a 43% spike (thanks to 229 additional theaters) to $2.6 million, bringing its cume to $7.6 million. Fox Searchlight's Slumdog Millionaire took in $2.2 million, bringing its cume to $8 million.
The numbers, Dec. 12-14, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | The Day the Earth Stood Still | $31,000,000 | 3,560 | $8,708 | $31,000,000 | -- | 1 | Fox |
| 2 | Four Christmases | $13,270,000 | 3,540 | $3,749 | $87,972,000 | -20.8 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 3 | Twilight | $8,000,000 | 3,649 | $2,192 | $150,095,000 | -38.7 | 4 | Summit |
| 4 | Bolt | $7,506,000 | 3,133 | $2,396 | $88,891,000 | -23.4 | 4 | Buena Vista |
| 5 | Australia | $4,285,000 | 2,703 | $1,585 | $37,883,000 | -39.2 | 3 | Fox |
| 6 | Quantum of Solace | $3,800,000 | 2,635 | $1,442 | $157,668,000 | -43.7 | 5 | Sony |
| 7 | Nothing Like the Holidays | $3,500,000 | 1,671 | $2,095 | $3,500,000 | -- | 1 | Overture |
| 8 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | $3,250,000 | 2,768 | $1,174 | $170,006,000 | -36.0 | 6 | Paramount |
| 9 | Milk | $2,636,000 | 328 | $8,037 | $7,630,000 | 43.7 | 3 | Focus |
| 10 | Transporter 3 | $2,249,000 | 2,541 | $885 | $29,275,000 | -51.8 | 3 | Lionsgate |
Sunday, December 7, 2008
'Four Christmases' holds off 'Twilight' for top spot again, Dec. 5-7, 2008
Thanks to a very poor but unsurprising opening from the weekend's only wide release debut Punisher: War Zone, last week's festive champ Four Christmases maintained its hold at the top with $18.1 million. The hit teen vampire romance Twilight clawed its way to second place bringing its total to an incredible $138 million, while Disney's animated Bolt fell steeply in third to $9.7 million. Overall, the box office maintained its lead over last year's comparable frame, with ticket sales up 10% thanks to the strong holdovers.
With Holiday shopping appearing to be the weakest in decades it's all the more impressive that people continue heading to the cineplexes in large numbers. The biggest beneficiary has been Warner's holiday comedy Four Christmases, which topped the box office for the second straight weekend with $18.1 million. In just two weeks the $80 million budgeted Reese Witherspoon starrer has amassed $70.8 million, and appears to be a shoe-in to break $100 million by Christmas weekend.
Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight held impressively in its third week of release, finding fresh legs with a 50% drop to $13.2 million. To date the teen vampire romance has grossed $138.6 million, making the $37 million budgeted pic one of the most profitable of 2008. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen) and starring Kristen Stewart, the book adaptation should finish with roughly $165 million domestic. Overseas, Twilight has pulled in $21.3 million, with openings in the U.K. and other European markets still on the horizon.
After showing a fantastic hold over Thanksgiving weekend, Disney's computer-animated family film Bolt fell a surprisingly heavy 64% to $9.7 million, bringing its three week cume to $79.3 million. Despite strong reviews, the continued strength of Twilight appears to be hurting the toon's long-term prospects. Look for the big budget release to finish with a disappointing $105-115 million.
Fox's 2008 woes finished on a poetically sour note, as their big-budget epic Australia officially earned the title of "major flop." After a hugely disappointing opening weekend, execs pinned their hopes on strong word of mouth to carry the poorly-reviewed Baz Luhrmann pic. After a 53% drop in its sophomore frame to $7 million, it's clear the $130 million budgeted Hugh Jackman-Nicole Kidman starrer will fall well short of its monstrous budget in North America. In twelve days, the pic has grossed just $30.9 million, and the film will have trouble breaking $50 million domestic.
Sony's Quantum of Solace fell a steep 65% to round out the top five with $7 million this weekend. Despite opening bigger than any Bond film in history, the $200 million budgeted spy-actioner has not exhibited strong legs at the domestic box office, and may fall short of the $167 million total of 2006's Casino Royale, despite debuting nearly $27 million higher. The story is the same internationally, where the film has amassed a very impressive $340.6 million, but still off the pace of Royale's $426 million and $594 million global. Worldwide sales for Solace currently stand at $492 million.
Lionsgate's $35 million budgeted Punisher: War Zone debuted poorly in eighth place with $4 million, averaging just $1,595 in 2,508 theaters. The poorly reviewed actioner should see a quick exit out of the top ten.
With Holiday shopping appearing to be the weakest in decades it's all the more impressive that people continue heading to the cineplexes in large numbers. The biggest beneficiary has been Warner's holiday comedy Four Christmases, which topped the box office for the second straight weekend with $18.1 million. In just two weeks the $80 million budgeted Reese Witherspoon starrer has amassed $70.8 million, and appears to be a shoe-in to break $100 million by Christmas weekend.
Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight held impressively in its third week of release, finding fresh legs with a 50% drop to $13.2 million. To date the teen vampire romance has grossed $138.6 million, making the $37 million budgeted pic one of the most profitable of 2008. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen) and starring Kristen Stewart, the book adaptation should finish with roughly $165 million domestic. Overseas, Twilight has pulled in $21.3 million, with openings in the U.K. and other European markets still on the horizon.
After showing a fantastic hold over Thanksgiving weekend, Disney's computer-animated family film Bolt fell a surprisingly heavy 64% to $9.7 million, bringing its three week cume to $79.3 million. Despite strong reviews, the continued strength of Twilight appears to be hurting the toon's long-term prospects. Look for the big budget release to finish with a disappointing $105-115 million.
Fox's 2008 woes finished on a poetically sour note, as their big-budget epic Australia officially earned the title of "major flop." After a hugely disappointing opening weekend, execs pinned their hopes on strong word of mouth to carry the poorly-reviewed Baz Luhrmann pic. After a 53% drop in its sophomore frame to $7 million, it's clear the $130 million budgeted Hugh Jackman-Nicole Kidman starrer will fall well short of its monstrous budget in North America. In twelve days, the pic has grossed just $30.9 million, and the film will have trouble breaking $50 million domestic.
Sony's Quantum of Solace fell a steep 65% to round out the top five with $7 million this weekend. Despite opening bigger than any Bond film in history, the $200 million budgeted spy-actioner has not exhibited strong legs at the domestic box office, and may fall short of the $167 million total of 2006's Casino Royale, despite debuting nearly $27 million higher. The story is the same internationally, where the film has amassed a very impressive $340.6 million, but still off the pace of Royale's $426 million and $594 million global. Worldwide sales for Solace currently stand at $492 million.
Lionsgate's $35 million budgeted Punisher: War Zone debuted poorly in eighth place with $4 million, averaging just $1,595 in 2,508 theaters. The poorly reviewed actioner should see a quick exit out of the top ten.
The numbers, Dec. 5-7, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Four Christmases | $18,180,000 | 3,335 | $5,451 | $70,843,000 | -41.5 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 2 | Twilight | $13,200,000 | 3,620 | $3,646 | $138,555,000 | -49.9 | 3 | Summit |
| 3 | Bolt | $9,696,000 | 3,516 | $2,758 | $79,281,000 | -63.5 | 3 | Buena Vista |
| 4 | Australia | $7,000,000 | 2,721 | $2,573 | $30,869,000 | -52.7 | 2 | Fox |
| 5 | Quantum of Solace | $6,600,000 | 3,423 | $1,928 | $151,468,000 | -65.0 | 4 | Sony |
| 6 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | $5,100,000 | 3,317 | $1,538 | $165,675,000 | -64.1 | 5 | Paramount |
| 7 | Transporter 3 | $4,500,000 | 2,626 | $1,714 | $25,381,000 | -62.7 | 2 | Lionsgate |
| 8 | Punisher: War Zone | $4,005,000 | 2,508 | $1,597 | $4,005,000 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 9 | Cadillac Records | $3,500,000 | 686 | $5,102 | $3,500,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 10 | Role Models | $2,622,000 | 1,907 | $1,375 | $61,665,000 | -49.5 | 5 | Universal |
Sunday, November 30, 2008
'Four Christmases' pulls in $31.7m over Thanksgiving weekend, 'Bolt' steady in second with $26.6m, Nov. 28-30, 2008
Thanks to a fantastic debut from Four Christmases and an impressive sophomore frame from Disney's Bolt, the box office had its biggest Thanksgiving weekend in eight years. Teen blockbuster Twilight surged past $100 million, while Fox's big budget epic Australia disappointed in fifth. Overall the top ten films grossed an estimated $154.1 million, up 10% from last year's frame when Enchanted debuted with $34.4 million.
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn's comedy Four Christmases topped the box office with a strong $31.7 million this weekend and $46.7 million since its debut on Wednesday. Averaging $9,571 in 3,310 theaters, the $80 million budgeted New Line-Warner Bros. release shrugged off poor reviews with a hefty marketing push and timely release date. For those still scratching theirs heads at why Vince Vaughn has suddenly become a Christmas season staple (following last year's $72 million grossing Fred Claus), here's hoping two is enough. As for Witherspoon, the Oscar-winning actress posted her second biggest debut ever, behind only 2002's Sweet Home Alabama with $35.6 million.
Despite having its thunder stolen by Twilight last weekend, Disney's computer-animated family film Bolt showed by far the best legs this holiday weekend with $26.6 million from Friday to Sunday (up 1% from last weekend). That brings its ten-day take to a healthy $66.9 million, setting the toon up for a presumably strong month of December. Look for the big budget kidpic to cruise past $100 million within the next two weeks and possibly $150 million by the end of its run.
As expected, last week's box office sensation Twilight cooled down significantly from its torrid opening weekend pace, grossing $26.4 million in third and $119.7 million in ten days of release. Budgeted at a modest $37 million, Summit Entertainment's first bonafide blockbuster should continue to see steep declines in the coming weeks, but not before breaking $150 million domestic.
Falling just 27% in its third week of release was Sony-MGM's Quantum of Solace, which took in $19.5 million bringing its 17 day cume to $142.1 million. The $200 million sequel is now running 23% ahead of where Casino Royale was at this point in its run. That 2006 hit took in $167.4 million domestic and $594.2 million worldwide. Overseas Quantum of Solace has now amassed $340.1 million, bringing its worldwide haul to $482.2 million.
Rounding out the top five was Fox's big-budget epic Australia, which underperformed in its debut with just $14.8 million. Directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, the $130 million budgeted pic averaged $5,607 in 2,642 theaters. Given the film's massive budget, Fox is most likely setting its sights overseas to break even on the production. Reviews were largely mixed.
Also performing well over the Thanksgiving weekend was Paramount-DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which fell just 7% to $14.5 million, bringing its four week cume to $159.5 million. Though not on pace to catch its predecessor's $193.2 million domestic take, the $150 million budgeted computer-animated comedy should come close.
Jason Statham's action sequel Transporter 3 debuted in seventh with $12.3 million and $18.5 million over the five-day holiday frame, falling short of the $10.5 million four-day bow of its immediate predecessor Transporter 2, which debuted over the four-day Labor Day weekend of 2005 with $20.5 million. Averaging $4,695 in 2,626 theaters, the Lionsgate release should probably finish with $40 million domestic. And for those of you who can't get enough of Jason Statham in retread sequels, be prepared for Crank 2 and The Brazilian Job in 2009.
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn's comedy Four Christmases topped the box office with a strong $31.7 million this weekend and $46.7 million since its debut on Wednesday. Averaging $9,571 in 3,310 theaters, the $80 million budgeted New Line-Warner Bros. release shrugged off poor reviews with a hefty marketing push and timely release date. For those still scratching theirs heads at why Vince Vaughn has suddenly become a Christmas season staple (following last year's $72 million grossing Fred Claus), here's hoping two is enough. As for Witherspoon, the Oscar-winning actress posted her second biggest debut ever, behind only 2002's Sweet Home Alabama with $35.6 million.
Despite having its thunder stolen by Twilight last weekend, Disney's computer-animated family film Bolt showed by far the best legs this holiday weekend with $26.6 million from Friday to Sunday (up 1% from last weekend). That brings its ten-day take to a healthy $66.9 million, setting the toon up for a presumably strong month of December. Look for the big budget kidpic to cruise past $100 million within the next two weeks and possibly $150 million by the end of its run.
As expected, last week's box office sensation Twilight cooled down significantly from its torrid opening weekend pace, grossing $26.4 million in third and $119.7 million in ten days of release. Budgeted at a modest $37 million, Summit Entertainment's first bonafide blockbuster should continue to see steep declines in the coming weeks, but not before breaking $150 million domestic.
Falling just 27% in its third week of release was Sony-MGM's Quantum of Solace, which took in $19.5 million bringing its 17 day cume to $142.1 million. The $200 million sequel is now running 23% ahead of where Casino Royale was at this point in its run. That 2006 hit took in $167.4 million domestic and $594.2 million worldwide. Overseas Quantum of Solace has now amassed $340.1 million, bringing its worldwide haul to $482.2 million.
Rounding out the top five was Fox's big-budget epic Australia, which underperformed in its debut with just $14.8 million. Directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, the $130 million budgeted pic averaged $5,607 in 2,642 theaters. Given the film's massive budget, Fox is most likely setting its sights overseas to break even on the production. Reviews were largely mixed.
Also performing well over the Thanksgiving weekend was Paramount-DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which fell just 7% to $14.5 million, bringing its four week cume to $159.5 million. Though not on pace to catch its predecessor's $193.2 million domestic take, the $150 million budgeted computer-animated comedy should come close.
Jason Statham's action sequel Transporter 3 debuted in seventh with $12.3 million and $18.5 million over the five-day holiday frame, falling short of the $10.5 million four-day bow of its immediate predecessor Transporter 2, which debuted over the four-day Labor Day weekend of 2005 with $20.5 million. Averaging $4,695 in 2,626 theaters, the Lionsgate release should probably finish with $40 million domestic. And for those of you who can't get enough of Jason Statham in retread sequels, be prepared for Crank 2 and The Brazilian Job in 2009.
The numbers, Nov. 28-30, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Four Christmases | $31,680,000 | 3,310 | $9,571 | $46,656,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 2 | Bolt | $26,596,000 | 3,654 | $7,279 | $66,862,000 | 1.4 | 2 | Buena Vista |
| 3 | Twilight | $26,369,000 | 3,425 | $7,699 | $119,704,000 | -62.1 | 2 | Summit |
| 4 | Quantum of Solace | $19,500,000 | 3,501 | $5,570 | $142,056,000 | -27.0 | 3 | Sony |
| 5 | Australia | $14,815,000 | 2,642 | $5,607 | $20,000,000 | -- | 1 | Fox |
| 6 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | $14,500,000 | 3,709 | $3,909 | $159,511,000 | -7.4 | 4 | Paramount |
| 7 | Transporter 3 | $12,329,000 | 2,626 | $4,695 | $18,500,000 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 8 | Role Models | $5,284,000 | 2,195 | $2,407 | $57,896,000 | -27.9 | 4 | Universal |
| 9 | The Boy in the Striped Pajamas | $1,690,000 | 582 | $2,904 | $5,160,000 | 2.6 | 4 | Miramax |
| 10 | Milk | $1,381,000 | 38,361 | $Focus | $Top 5 | 1 | 1,866,000 | $ 118,960,000 |
Sunday, November 23, 2008
'Twilight' dazzles with $70.6m bow, November 21-23, 2008
Update: Box Office Spotlight: Twilight ($186m domestic, $325m worldwide)
Teen vampire love trumped all others in the weekend before Thanksgiving, with Summit Entertainment's hotly-anticipated Twilight pulling in a stunning $70.6 million in its debut weekend, accounting for nearly half of all ticket sales in the marketplace. Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace finished in second with $27.4 million, edging out Disney's computer-animated family film Bolt, which disappointed mildly in third with $27 million.
Summit Entertainment struck gold with its first bonafide blockbuster in studio history, as the $37 million budgeted book-adaptation Twilight put up the fourth biggest weekend in November history at $70.6 million. Averaging a hefty $20,636 in 3,419 theaters, the PG-13 pic based on Stephanie Meyer's hugely popular quadrilogy of books trails only Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire's $102.7m, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone's $90.2m, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets's $88.3m for November bows.
Rocketing to a monstrous $35.9 million on Friday, including $7 million in Thursday midnight sales showing the voracity of the books' young female fan base, Twilight posted the second biggest opening day total for a November release, surpassed only by 2005's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with $40.1 million. Saturday sales fell an understandable 41%, due to the huge opening day take and rather concentrated audience makeup. The studio reported that a remarkable 75% of Twilight moviegoers were female.
With the busy Thanksgiving weekend approaching look for Twilight to possibly cruise past $100 million in its first ten days of release, given the extended weekend and many more teens out of school. Not surprisingly, Summit has already announced that the second book of the series, New Moon, is set for production soon.
Falling 59% and relinquishing its top spot was Sony/MGM's latest Bond pic Quantum of Solace, which took in $27.4 million in second. Edging out newcomer Bolt by less than $500,000, the Daniel Craig starrer has amassed $109.5 million in ten days. Internationally, the $200 million budgeted spy-actioner continues to rake in the cash, bringing in $40.6 million bringing its overseas cume to $308.5 million.
Disney's big budget holiday animated offering Bolt disappointed in third with an estimated $27 million, averaging a still solid $7,395 in 3,651 theaters. The PG-rated family film was clearly damaged by the overwhelming debut of Twilight, which no doubt took much of its intended teen audience this weekend. Despite carrying the strongest reviews for a non-Pixar Disney animated pic in years, Bolt's debut paled in comparison to DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which debuted earlier this month to $63.1 million. The opening was similar to 2007's Meet the Robinsons, which bowed with $25.1 million. After seeing a 66% spike in ticket sales from Friday to Saturday (a combination of good word of mouth and the heavily skewed numbers for Twilight on Friday), expect good Thanksgiving numbers for the Disney toon.
Teen vampire love trumped all others in the weekend before Thanksgiving, with Summit Entertainment's hotly-anticipated Twilight pulling in a stunning $70.6 million in its debut weekend, accounting for nearly half of all ticket sales in the marketplace. Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace finished in second with $27.4 million, edging out Disney's computer-animated family film Bolt, which disappointed mildly in third with $27 million.
Summit Entertainment struck gold with its first bonafide blockbuster in studio history, as the $37 million budgeted book-adaptation Twilight put up the fourth biggest weekend in November history at $70.6 million. Averaging a hefty $20,636 in 3,419 theaters, the PG-13 pic based on Stephanie Meyer's hugely popular quadrilogy of books trails only Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire's $102.7m, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone's $90.2m, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets's $88.3m for November bows.
Rocketing to a monstrous $35.9 million on Friday, including $7 million in Thursday midnight sales showing the voracity of the books' young female fan base, Twilight posted the second biggest opening day total for a November release, surpassed only by 2005's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with $40.1 million. Saturday sales fell an understandable 41%, due to the huge opening day take and rather concentrated audience makeup. The studio reported that a remarkable 75% of Twilight moviegoers were female.
With the busy Thanksgiving weekend approaching look for Twilight to possibly cruise past $100 million in its first ten days of release, given the extended weekend and many more teens out of school. Not surprisingly, Summit has already announced that the second book of the series, New Moon, is set for production soon.
Falling 59% and relinquishing its top spot was Sony/MGM's latest Bond pic Quantum of Solace, which took in $27.4 million in second. Edging out newcomer Bolt by less than $500,000, the Daniel Craig starrer has amassed $109.5 million in ten days. Internationally, the $200 million budgeted spy-actioner continues to rake in the cash, bringing in $40.6 million bringing its overseas cume to $308.5 million.
Disney's big budget holiday animated offering Bolt disappointed in third with an estimated $27 million, averaging a still solid $7,395 in 3,651 theaters. The PG-rated family film was clearly damaged by the overwhelming debut of Twilight, which no doubt took much of its intended teen audience this weekend. Despite carrying the strongest reviews for a non-Pixar Disney animated pic in years, Bolt's debut paled in comparison to DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which debuted earlier this month to $63.1 million. The opening was similar to 2007's Meet the Robinsons, which bowed with $25.1 million. After seeing a 66% spike in ticket sales from Friday to Saturday (a combination of good word of mouth and the heavily skewed numbers for Twilight on Friday), expect good Thanksgiving numbers for the Disney toon.
The numbers, Nov. 21-23, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Twilight | $70,553,000 | 3,419 | $20,636 | $70,553,000 | -- | 1 | Summit |
| 2 | Quantum of Solace | $27,400,000 | 3,458 | $7,924 | $109,483,000 | -59.4 | 2 | Sony |
| 3 | Bolt | $27,000,000 | 3,651 | $7,395 | $27,000,000 | -- | 1 | Buena Vista |
| 4 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | $16,000,000 | 4,007 | $3,993 | $137,447,000 | -54.3 | 3 | Paramount |
| 5 | Role Models | $7,229,000 | 2,733 | $2,645 | $48,037,000 | -35.2 | 3 | Universal |
| 6 | Changeling | $2,643,000 | 1,739 | $1,520 | $31,613,000 | -37.9 | 5 | Universal |
| 7 | High School Musical 3: Senior Year | $2,006,000 | 2,361 | $850 | $86,821,000 | -64.5 | 5 | Buena Vista |
| 8 | Zack and Miri Make a Porno | $1,700,000 | 1,222 | $1,391 | $29,350,000 | -46.0 | 4 | Weinstein Co. |
| 9 | The Boy in the Striped Pajamas | $1,673,000 | 406 | $4,121 | $2,653,000 | 252.7 | 3 | Miramax |
| 10 | The Secret Life of Bees | $1,275,000 | 1,095 | $1,164 | $35,649,000 | -45.5 | 6 | Fox Searchlight |
Sunday, November 16, 2008
'Quantum of Solace' shatters Bond record with $70.4m debut, Nov. 14-16, 2008
Thanks to a record-shattering debut from Quantum of Solace and a strong sophomore showing from last week's champ Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, the top two films this weekend grossed more than $100 million in ticket sales. The surge gave the top ten films a dramatic 55% bump in ticket sales over last year's comparable frame, when Beowulf debuted with $27.5 million.Sony and MGM's necessary gamble to reboot the James Bond franchise with a new face (Daniel Craig) and more realistic style has officially paid off in spades, as the second film in their franchise reboot, Quantum of Solace, rocketed to the top spot this weekend with a record-breaking $70.4 million. Averaging an incredible $20,400 in 3,451 theaters, the PG-13 actioner shattered the previous best opening in the Bond franchise Die Another Day, which bowed in 2002 with $47.1 million. Craig's 2006 Casino Royale debuted with $40.8 million on its way to $167 million domestic (and $594 million worldwide).
Budgeted at a jaw-dropping $200 million, Solace had massive expectations to open bigger than any other Bond film. But thanks to a very soft November lineup of releases, a huge marketing push by Sony, the worldwide success of its immediate predecessor Casino Royale, and solid reviews, the Marc Forster directed pic still blew away industry expectations, posting the fifth biggest November opening in history.
If estimates hold, Quantum of Solace will have bested the debut of last year's blockbuster The Bourne Ultimatum, a film franchise that seems to have heavily influenced the style of this latest incarnation of Bond films. Ultimatum opened in July and showed tremendous legs finishing with $227.5 million domestic and $442 million worldwide. Word of mouth will have to be extremely strong for Solace to match those numbers. Even if it doesn't hit $227 million, look for the Craig starrer to become the highest grossing Bond film ever domestic, currently held by Casino Royale's $167.4 million. Overseas, Solace continued to perform extraordinarily well, grossing another strong $56.1 million, bringing its international gross to $252 million.
Last week's champ Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa fell an encouraging 43% to $36.1 million, bringing its ten day take to $118 million. Budgeted at $150 million, the DreamWorks Animation/Paramount release most likely will surpass the $193.2 million domestic take of its 2005 predecessor. It will face steeper competition next weekend when Disney's computer-animated Bolt strikes theaters.
Universal's hit R-rated comedy Role Models fell just 39% to third, bringing its ten day take to $38.1 million. Budgeted at $28 million, the film should surpass $70 million domestic. Disney's High School Musical 3: Senior Year added another $5.9 million to its lucrative coffers, bringing the the $11 million budgeted pic's total to an amazing $84.4 million. Clint Eastwood's $55m budgeted Changeling fell 41% to $4.2 million, bringing the Universal drama's four week cume to $27.6 million.
The numbers, Nov. 14-16, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Quantum of Solace | $70,400,000 | 3,451 | $20,400 | $70,400,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 2 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | $36,130,000 | 4,065 | $8,888 | $118,018,000 | -42.7 | 2 | Paramount |
| 3 | Role Models | $11,710,000 | 2,798 | $4,185 | $38,137,000 | -38.9 | 2 | Universal |
| 4 | High School Musical 3: Senior Year | $5,879,000 | 3,202 | $1,836 | $84,392,000 | -35.8 | 4 | Buena Vista |
| 5 | Changeling | $4,247,000 | 1,896 | $2,240 | $27,625,000 | -41.4 | 4 | Universal |
| 6 | Zack and Miri Make a Porno | $3,200,000 | 2,210 | $1,448 | $26,519,000 | -49.0 | 3 | Weinstein Co. |
| 7 | Soul Men | $2,428,000 | 2,048 | $1,186 | $9,449,000 | -55.1 | 2 | MGM |
| 8 | The Secret Life of Bees | $2,400,000 | 1,449 | $1,656 | $33,689,000 | -22.3 | 5 | Fox Searchlight |
| 9 | Saw V | $1,786,000 | 2,002 | $892 | $55,399,000 | -56.1 | 4 | Lionsgate |
| 10 | The Haunting of Molly Hartley | $1,650,000 | 1,587 | $1,040 | $12,696,000 | -50.3 | 3 | Freestyle |
Monday, November 10, 2008
'Madagascar 2' tops post-Election weekend with $63.5m, Nov. 7-9, 2008
With Americans still abuzz from Tuesday's historic and widely followed Presidential election, moviegoers opted to spend the weekend at the nation's cineplexes, with DreamWorks Animation's sequel Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa leading the way with a potent $63.5 million debut. Universal's comedy Role Models debuted in a strong second with $19.3 million. Together the top two openers helped push the box office to an incredible 32% increase from last year's comparable frame.
DreamWorks Animation's computer-animated sequel Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa posted the seventh biggest opening in history for an animated release, debuting with a massive $63.5 million this weekend. Launching in an ultrawide 4,056 theaters, the animated comedy averaged a hefty $15,656, edging past the $63.1 million debut of this summer's Wall-E as well as the $60.2 million debut of June's PDI/DreamWorks hit Kung Fu Panda for the biggest animated opening of 2008.
If estimates hold, the $63.5 million debut would be the fifth largest November bow in history, behind only 2004's The Incredibles ($70.5 million) and Harry Potter installments 1, 3 and 4. It also surpassed its 2005 predecessor Madagascar, which debuted with $47.2 million on its way to $193.2 million domestic. Given the original film's popularity internationally (the film made $531 million globally), look for a similarly strong total for this latest release.
Universal's R-rated buddy comedy Role Models debuted strongly in second with $19.3 million, surpassing most industry estimates for the film. Averaging a very strong $6,895 in 2,792 theaters, the Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd starrer was well-received by critics, and should experience a strong run theatrically.
Falling two spots to third was two-week champ High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which slipped 39% to $9.3 million. Budgeted at a modest $11 million, the Disney musical has now amassed $75.7 million, and could break $100 million domestically by the end of its run.
Angelina Jolie's Changeling slipped just 22% in its second weekend of wide release, finishing in fourth with $7.3 million. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the Universal release has now grossed $20.6 million. Look for the drama to finish with $40-45 million domestic.
Rounding out the top five was Kevin Smith's comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno, which slipped a scant 35% from its debut a week ago to gross $6.5 million this weekend. In ten days the Weinstein Co. release has grossed $20.9 million.
The MGM/Weinstein co-production Soul Men debuted poorly in sixth with $5.6 million, averaging just $2,750 in 2,044 theaters. Starring the late Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson, the poorly-reviewed R-rated comedy will most likely see a quick exit from the top ten.
Thanks to the massive debut from Madagascar 2 and the better than expected bow from Role Models, the top ten films grossed a hefty $124.9 million, up 32% from last year's comparable frame when DreamWorks' Bee Movie took over the top spot with $25.6 million.
Now that the box office is cranking, expect boffo business for the next installment in the Bond franchise, Quantum of Solace, which opens nationwide next weekend.
DreamWorks Animation's computer-animated sequel Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa posted the seventh biggest opening in history for an animated release, debuting with a massive $63.5 million this weekend. Launching in an ultrawide 4,056 theaters, the animated comedy averaged a hefty $15,656, edging past the $63.1 million debut of this summer's Wall-E as well as the $60.2 million debut of June's PDI/DreamWorks hit Kung Fu Panda for the biggest animated opening of 2008.
If estimates hold, the $63.5 million debut would be the fifth largest November bow in history, behind only 2004's The Incredibles ($70.5 million) and Harry Potter installments 1, 3 and 4. It also surpassed its 2005 predecessor Madagascar, which debuted with $47.2 million on its way to $193.2 million domestic. Given the original film's popularity internationally (the film made $531 million globally), look for a similarly strong total for this latest release.
Universal's R-rated buddy comedy Role Models debuted strongly in second with $19.3 million, surpassing most industry estimates for the film. Averaging a very strong $6,895 in 2,792 theaters, the Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd starrer was well-received by critics, and should experience a strong run theatrically.
Falling two spots to third was two-week champ High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which slipped 39% to $9.3 million. Budgeted at a modest $11 million, the Disney musical has now amassed $75.7 million, and could break $100 million domestically by the end of its run.
Angelina Jolie's Changeling slipped just 22% in its second weekend of wide release, finishing in fourth with $7.3 million. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the Universal release has now grossed $20.6 million. Look for the drama to finish with $40-45 million domestic.
Rounding out the top five was Kevin Smith's comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno, which slipped a scant 35% from its debut a week ago to gross $6.5 million this weekend. In ten days the Weinstein Co. release has grossed $20.9 million.
The MGM/Weinstein co-production Soul Men debuted poorly in sixth with $5.6 million, averaging just $2,750 in 2,044 theaters. Starring the late Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson, the poorly-reviewed R-rated comedy will most likely see a quick exit from the top ten.
Thanks to the massive debut from Madagascar 2 and the better than expected bow from Role Models, the top ten films grossed a hefty $124.9 million, up 32% from last year's comparable frame when DreamWorks' Bee Movie took over the top spot with $25.6 million.
Now that the box office is cranking, expect boffo business for the next installment in the Bond franchise, Quantum of Solace, which opens nationwide next weekend.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The numbers, Nov. 7-9, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | $63,500,000 | 4,056 | $15,656 | $63,500,000 | -- | 1 | Paramount |
| 2 | Role Models | $19,251,000 | 2,792 | $6,895 | $19,251,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 3 | High School Musical 3: Senior Year | $9,293,000 | 3,464 | $2,683 | $75,707,000 | -39.3 | 3 | Buena Vista |
| 4 | Changeling | $7,281,000 | 1,855 | $3,925 | $20,588,000 | -22.1 | 3 | Universal |
| 5 | Zack and Miri Make a Porno | $6,521,000 | 2,735 | $2,384 | $20,933,000 | -35.2 | 2 | Weinstein Co. |
| 6 | Soul Men | $5,620,000 | 2,044 | $2,750 | $5,620,000 | -- | 1 | MGM |
| 7 | Saw V | $4,195,000 | 2,829 | $1,483 | $52,315,000 | -56.9 | 3 | Lionsgate |
| 8 | The Haunting of Molly Hartley | $3,490,000 | 2,576 | $1,355 | $10,235,000 | -35.6 | 2 | Freestyle |
| 9 | The Secret Life of Bees | $3,125,000 | 1,481 | $2,110 | $29,938,000 | -22.1 | 4 | Fox Searchlight |
| 10 | Eagle Eye | $2,594,000 | 1,407 | $1,844 | $96,401,000 | -25.5 | 7 | Paramount |
Sunday, November 2, 2008
'High School Musical 3' holds top spot over Halloween weekend, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2008
Halloween spooked last week's champ and runner-up, while three debuts finished in the top five, as American ready themselves for what appears to be a truly historic election on Tuesday, November 4th.
Leading the charge for the second straight weekend despite taking a hefty 64% dive (mostly due to Halloween falling on a Friday) was Disney's hit musical High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which put up another strong $15 million this weekend pushing its ten day total to $61.8 million. Budgeted at a modest $11 million, the G-rated Zac Efron starrer should rake in an impressive $85 million domestic. Internationally, High School Musical 3 brought in $25.9 million, bringing its overseas take to $85 million and worldwide haul to a jaw-dropping $146.8 million.
The Weinstein Co.'s Kevin Smith comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno debuted in second with $10.7 million, averaging a lackluster $3,906 in 2,735 theaters. The R-rated release starring Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks was the second biggest debut ever for director Smith, edging out the $10.1 million bow from 2006's Clerks II. His career best is still 2001's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back with $11 million. Reviews were mostly positive.
Halloween staple Saw V saw an equally massive 66% dive thanks to Halloween falling on a Friday, as the Lionsgate release brought in $10.1 million in third. In ten days the $11 million budgeted horror film has grossed $45.8 million, and should finish with $55 million domestic.
In its first weekend in wide release, Angelina Jolie's drama Changeling brought in $9.4 million in fourth, averaging a solid $5,085 in 1,850 theaters. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the Universal release has now grossed $10.1 million domestic. Reviews were largely mixed.
Rounding out the top five was Freestyle Releasing's horror entry The Haunting of Molly Hartley, which debuted with $6 million this weekend. Averaging a weak $2,262 in 2,652 theaters, the film could earn top honors as the worst reviewed film of 2008. Hartley received a 0% recommendation rating from 19 critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com (the film was not pre-screened for critics).
As I mentioned earlier, Halloween falling on Friday really hurt last week's two major releases (both falling over 60%), with the top ten films pulling in just $70 million over the weekend, down 39% from last week's comparable frame when American Gangster earned the top spot with $43.6 million.
Leading the charge for the second straight weekend despite taking a hefty 64% dive (mostly due to Halloween falling on a Friday) was Disney's hit musical High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which put up another strong $15 million this weekend pushing its ten day total to $61.8 million. Budgeted at a modest $11 million, the G-rated Zac Efron starrer should rake in an impressive $85 million domestic. Internationally, High School Musical 3 brought in $25.9 million, bringing its overseas take to $85 million and worldwide haul to a jaw-dropping $146.8 million.
The Weinstein Co.'s Kevin Smith comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno debuted in second with $10.7 million, averaging a lackluster $3,906 in 2,735 theaters. The R-rated release starring Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks was the second biggest debut ever for director Smith, edging out the $10.1 million bow from 2006's Clerks II. His career best is still 2001's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back with $11 million. Reviews were mostly positive.
Halloween staple Saw V saw an equally massive 66% dive thanks to Halloween falling on a Friday, as the Lionsgate release brought in $10.1 million in third. In ten days the $11 million budgeted horror film has grossed $45.8 million, and should finish with $55 million domestic.
In its first weekend in wide release, Angelina Jolie's drama Changeling brought in $9.4 million in fourth, averaging a solid $5,085 in 1,850 theaters. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the Universal release has now grossed $10.1 million domestic. Reviews were largely mixed.
Rounding out the top five was Freestyle Releasing's horror entry The Haunting of Molly Hartley, which debuted with $6 million this weekend. Averaging a weak $2,262 in 2,652 theaters, the film could earn top honors as the worst reviewed film of 2008. Hartley received a 0% recommendation rating from 19 critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com (the film was not pre-screened for critics).
As I mentioned earlier, Halloween falling on Friday really hurt last week's two major releases (both falling over 60%), with the top ten films pulling in just $70 million over the weekend, down 39% from last week's comparable frame when American Gangster earned the top spot with $43.6 million.
The numbers, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | High School Musical 3: Senior Year | $15,035,000 | 3,626 | $4,146 | $61,753,000 | -64.2 | 2 | Buena Vista |
| 2 | Zack and Miri Make a Porno | $10,682,000 | 2,735 | $3,906 | $10,682,000 | -- | 1 | Weinstein Co. |
| 3 | Saw V | $10,112,000 | 3,084 | $3,279 | $45,839,000 | -66.4 | 2 | Lionsgate |
| 4 | Changeling | $9,407,000 | 1,850 | $5,085 | $10,087,000 | -- | 2 | Universal |
| 5 | The Haunting of Molly Hartley | $6,000,000 | 2,652 | $2,262 | $6,000,000 | -- | 1 | Freestyle |
| 6 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua | $4,747,000 | 3,004 | $1,580 | $84,061,000 | -31.0 | 5 | Buena Vista |
| 7 | The Secret Life of Bees | $4,000,000 | 1,611 | $2,483 | $25,287,000 | -33.9 | 3 | Fox Searchlight |
| 8 | Max Payne | $3,700,000 | 2,564 | $1,443 | $35,550,000 | -52.5 | 3 | Fox |
| 9 | Eagle Eye | $3,400,000 | 2,007 | $1,694 | $92,534,000 | -32.7 | 6 | Paramount |
| 10 | Pride and Glory | $3,260,000 | 2,585 | $1,261 | $11,616,000 | -47.9 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
Sunday, October 26, 2008
'High School Musical 3' undercuts 'Saw V' with huge $42m bow, Oct. 24-26, 2008
The box office posted its biggest October weekend in history with a pair of extremely divergent debuts, with Disney's High School Musical 3: Senior Year posting a monster $42 million, stealing the spotlight from Halloween staple Saw V with $30.4 million. Warner's police drama Pride and Glory finished a distant fifth with $6.3 million.
Families flocked to the theaters for the first ever theatrical release of a High School Musical film, as the Disney sequel debuted with a massive $42 million, averaging an incredibly strong $11,598 in 3,623 theaters. Budgeted at just $11 million, the Disney release posted the third biggest October opening ever, behind only 2003's Scary Movie 3 with $48.1m, and 2004's computer-animated Shark Tale with $47.6m. It was also the biggest bow ever for a musical, beating July's Mamma Mia! with $27.8 million. The third installment of the Disney Channel's imminently popular pre-teen TV movies (and subsequently record breaking album releases), Disney's decision to bring one its most lucrative television properties to the big screen once again paid off handsomely. In February its 3D concert spectacle Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour posted the biggest Superbowl weekend in history with its $31.1 million opening.
Putting up a remarkable $16.9 million in sales on Friday, the film fell an understandable 9% to $15.3 million on Saturday. Reviews from critics were mostly positive, with 66% of critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com giving the film a "fresh" recommendation. Internationally, High School Musical 3 did just as well, posting $40 million in 22 markets, giving the film an incredible global opening of $82 million.
For the first time since 2004, a Saw film didn't top the weekend before Halloween, as Lionsgate's Saw V debuted with $30.4 million for second place. Averaging a very strong $9,965 in 3,060 theaters, the R-rated gore-fest opened in the overall range of its last three predecessors. It also bowed much better than the original Saw, which debuted in October 2004 with $18.2 million.
Mark Wahlberg's actioner Max Payne fell a massive 57% to $7.6 million in its sophomore frame, bringing its ten day haul to $29.7 million. Budgeted at $35 million, the Fox release should finish its domestic run with $45 million.
Despite the record opening of the studio's newest big hit, Disney's comedy Beverly Hills Chihuahua continued its strong run at the box office, falling just 40% to $6.9 million. In four weeks, the talking animal flick has grossed $78.1 million.
Debuting weakly in fifth was Ed Norton and Colin Farrell's cop drama Pride & Glory, which took in $6.3 million in 2,585 theaters. Averaging just $2,447 per theater, look for the poorly-reviewed $30 million budgeted Warner pic to make a quick exit from the top ten.
Led by High School Musical 3 and Saw V, which combined to gross $72 million alone, the top ten films earned a whopping $116.4 million, up 43% from last year's comparable frame when Saw IV topped with $31.8 million.
Families flocked to the theaters for the first ever theatrical release of a High School Musical film, as the Disney sequel debuted with a massive $42 million, averaging an incredibly strong $11,598 in 3,623 theaters. Budgeted at just $11 million, the Disney release posted the third biggest October opening ever, behind only 2003's Scary Movie 3 with $48.1m, and 2004's computer-animated Shark Tale with $47.6m. It was also the biggest bow ever for a musical, beating July's Mamma Mia! with $27.8 million. The third installment of the Disney Channel's imminently popular pre-teen TV movies (and subsequently record breaking album releases), Disney's decision to bring one its most lucrative television properties to the big screen once again paid off handsomely. In February its 3D concert spectacle Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour posted the biggest Superbowl weekend in history with its $31.1 million opening.
Putting up a remarkable $16.9 million in sales on Friday, the film fell an understandable 9% to $15.3 million on Saturday. Reviews from critics were mostly positive, with 66% of critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com giving the film a "fresh" recommendation. Internationally, High School Musical 3 did just as well, posting $40 million in 22 markets, giving the film an incredible global opening of $82 million.
For the first time since 2004, a Saw film didn't top the weekend before Halloween, as Lionsgate's Saw V debuted with $30.4 million for second place. Averaging a very strong $9,965 in 3,060 theaters, the R-rated gore-fest opened in the overall range of its last three predecessors. It also bowed much better than the original Saw, which debuted in October 2004 with $18.2 million.
Mark Wahlberg's actioner Max Payne fell a massive 57% to $7.6 million in its sophomore frame, bringing its ten day haul to $29.7 million. Budgeted at $35 million, the Fox release should finish its domestic run with $45 million.
Despite the record opening of the studio's newest big hit, Disney's comedy Beverly Hills Chihuahua continued its strong run at the box office, falling just 40% to $6.9 million. In four weeks, the talking animal flick has grossed $78.1 million.
Debuting weakly in fifth was Ed Norton and Colin Farrell's cop drama Pride & Glory, which took in $6.3 million in 2,585 theaters. Averaging just $2,447 per theater, look for the poorly-reviewed $30 million budgeted Warner pic to make a quick exit from the top ten.
Led by High School Musical 3 and Saw V, which combined to gross $72 million alone, the top ten films earned a whopping $116.4 million, up 43% from last year's comparable frame when Saw IV topped with $31.8 million.
The numbers, Oct. 24-26, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | High School Musical 3: Senior Year | $42,020,000 | 3,623 | $11,598 | $42,020,000 | -- | 1 | Buena Vista |
| 2 | Saw V | $30,493,000 | 3,060 | $9,965 | $30,493,000 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 3 | Max Payne | $7,600,000 | 3,381 | $2,248 | $29,664,000 | -56.9 | 2 | Fox |
| 4 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua | $6,916,000 | 3,190 | $2,168 | $78,142,000 | -39.5 | 4 | Buena Vista |
| 5 | Pride and Glory | $6,325,000 | 2,585 | $2,447 | $6,325,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 6 | The Secret Life of Bees | $5,935,000 | 1,630 | $3,641 | $19,208,000 | -43.6 | 2 | Fox Searchlight |
| 7 | W. | $5,336,000 | 2,050 | $2,603 | $18,755,000 | -49.2 | 2 | Lionsgate |
| 8 | Eagle Eye | $5,136,000 | 2,558 | $2,008 | $87,987,000 | -26.9 | 5 | Paramount |
| 9 | Body of Lies | $4,065,000 | 2,150 | $1,891 | $30,890,000 | -40.4 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 10 | Quarantine | $2,550,000 | 2,228 | $1,145 | $28,770,000 | -58.1 | 3 | Sony |
Monday, October 20, 2008
'Max Payne' leashes 'Chihuahua' with $18m debut, Oct. 17-19, 2008
It took four new releases to unseat Disney's Beverly Hills Chihuahua from the top spot at the box office, with the top honor going to Fox's high profile video game adaptation Max Payne, which topped with an impressive $18 million debut. Chihuahua edged out Fox Searchlight's The Secret Life of Bees for second, with Oliver Stone's W. finishing fourth. With the bevy of new releases, the top ten films once again outpaced last year's comparable frame.
Fox's dreadful 2008 was allayed somewhat by the strong opening of its stylish video game adaptation Max Payne, which took the top spot with $18 million. Budgeted at a modest $35 million, the Mark Wahlberg starrer averaged $5,332 in 3,376 theaters, giving the studio its first No. 1 debut in seven months. Adapted from the popular Rockstar Games series, the film received overall negative reviews from critics.
Eeking out a second place finish was Disney's hit comedy Beverly Hills Chihuahua, which has been one of the biggest surprises of the Fall season. Falling just 36% to $11.2 million, the G-rated family comedy has now amassed $69.1 million in 17 days, maintaining its pace to hit $100 million domestic.
If estimates hold, Fox Searchlight's period drama The Secret Life of Bees finished a strong third with an $11.1 million debut. Averaging a top ten best $6,945 in 1,591 theaters, the adaptation from Sue Monk Kidd's popular novel stars Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning. The debut marked the third biggest opening ever for the studio, behind only The Hills Have Eyes ($15.7m) and Street Kings ($12.5m). Reviews for Bees were mixed.
Perhaps the most talked about film of the weekend, Oliver Stone's George W. Bush biopic W., opened solidly in fourth with $10.6 million, averaging a solid $5,199 in 2,030 theaters. Starring Josh Brolin as the one and only, the $30 million budgeted pic received mixed reviews from critics. The film attracted a largely older crowd, with nearly half its audience over 40 years of age. The debut was significantly lower than Stone's last film, 2006's World Trade Center, which bowed with $18.7 million.
Rounding out the top five was Paramount's action hit Eagle Eye, which slipped just 33% to $7.3 million. In four weeks, the Shia LaBeouf starrer has grossed $81.3 million. Budgeted at $80 million, the film should surpass $100 million domestic.
The weakest debut of the weekend was Summit Entertainment's teen comedy Sex Drive, which opened with just $3.6 million in 2,421 theaters. Averaging a pathetic $1,473, the $19 million budgeted R-rated pic will have to look for action on DVD to break even.
Thanks to four major debuts, the top ten films grossed an estimated $81.5 million, up 12% from last year's comparable frame when 30 Days of Night topped with $16 million.
Fox's dreadful 2008 was allayed somewhat by the strong opening of its stylish video game adaptation Max Payne, which took the top spot with $18 million. Budgeted at a modest $35 million, the Mark Wahlberg starrer averaged $5,332 in 3,376 theaters, giving the studio its first No. 1 debut in seven months. Adapted from the popular Rockstar Games series, the film received overall negative reviews from critics.
Eeking out a second place finish was Disney's hit comedy Beverly Hills Chihuahua, which has been one of the biggest surprises of the Fall season. Falling just 36% to $11.2 million, the G-rated family comedy has now amassed $69.1 million in 17 days, maintaining its pace to hit $100 million domestic.
If estimates hold, Fox Searchlight's period drama The Secret Life of Bees finished a strong third with an $11.1 million debut. Averaging a top ten best $6,945 in 1,591 theaters, the adaptation from Sue Monk Kidd's popular novel stars Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning. The debut marked the third biggest opening ever for the studio, behind only The Hills Have Eyes ($15.7m) and Street Kings ($12.5m). Reviews for Bees were mixed.
Perhaps the most talked about film of the weekend, Oliver Stone's George W. Bush biopic W., opened solidly in fourth with $10.6 million, averaging a solid $5,199 in 2,030 theaters. Starring Josh Brolin as the one and only, the $30 million budgeted pic received mixed reviews from critics. The film attracted a largely older crowd, with nearly half its audience over 40 years of age. The debut was significantly lower than Stone's last film, 2006's World Trade Center, which bowed with $18.7 million.
Rounding out the top five was Paramount's action hit Eagle Eye, which slipped just 33% to $7.3 million. In four weeks, the Shia LaBeouf starrer has grossed $81.3 million. Budgeted at $80 million, the film should surpass $100 million domestic.
The weakest debut of the weekend was Summit Entertainment's teen comedy Sex Drive, which opened with just $3.6 million in 2,421 theaters. Averaging a pathetic $1,473, the $19 million budgeted R-rated pic will have to look for action on DVD to break even.
Thanks to four major debuts, the top ten films grossed an estimated $81.5 million, up 12% from last year's comparable frame when 30 Days of Night topped with $16 million.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The numbers, Oct. 17-19, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Max Payne | $18,000,000 | 3,376 | $5,332 | $18,000,000 | -- | 1 | Fox |
| 2 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua | $11,207,000 | 3,239 | $3,460 | $69,067,000 | -36.0 | 3 | Buena Vista |
| 3 | The Secret Life of Bees | $11,050,000 | 1,591 | $6,945 | $11,050,000 | -- | 1 | Fox Searchlight |
| 4 | W. | $10,554,000 | 2,030 | $5,199 | $10,554,000 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 5 | Eagle Eye | $7,343,000 | 3,326 | $2,208 | $81,335,000 | -32.7 | 4 | Paramount |
| 6 | Body of Lies | $6,880,000 | 2,714 | $2,535 | $24,481,000 | -46.6 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 7 | Quarantine | $6,300,000 | 2,463 | $2,558 | $24,687,000 | -55.7 | 2 | Sony |
| 8 | Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist | $3,900,000 | 2,241 | $1,740 | $26,707,000 | -39.3 | 3 | Sony |
| 9 | Sex Drive | $3,566,000 | 2,421 | $1,473 | $3,566,000 | -- | 1 | Summit |
| 10 | Nights in Rodanthe | $2,680,000 | 2,115 | $1,267 | $36,892,000 | -41.0 | 4 | Warner Bros. |
Monday, October 13, 2008
'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' stays top dog with $17.5m, Oct. 10-12, 2008
Disney's little dog with a big bite, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, once again nabbed the top spot at the box office, beating out four major new releases this weekend, including ScreenGems' horror-thriller Quarantine and Leo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe's Body of Lies.
In what was a very impressive sophomore outing, Disney's talking animal comedy Beverly Hills Chihuahua surprised in holding onto the top spot, adding another $17.5 million this weekend. Falling a modest 40%, the PG-rated Buena Vista release has grossed now $52.5 million. With little in the way of direct competition in the next couple of weeks, look for the dog pic to make a serious run at $100 million domestic.
In second was Sony's horror thriller Quarantine, which locked down $14.2 million, averaging a strong $5,770 in 2,461 theaters. Reviews for the $12 million film were surprisingly positive, with 64% of critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com giving the film a "fresh" recommendation.
Ridley Scott's thriller Body of Lies disappointed in third with $13.1 million, averaging $4,841 in 2,710 theaters. Starring box office heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, Lies was largely projected to top the box office in its debut weekend. Instead, mixed reviews and a not-so-compelling marketing campaign from Warner Bros. doomed the $70 million budgeted pic.
Fall's big hit Eagle Eye fell 38% to fourth, bringing in $11 million. In three weeks the $80 million budgeted Paramount/DreamWorks release has grossed $70.5 million.
Rounding out the top five was Sony's $10 million budgeted teen romantic comedy Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, which brought in another $6.5 million this weekend. In ten days the film has grossed a healthy $20.8 million.
Universal's football biopic The Express debuted with just $4.7 million in sixth. Documenting the life of Heisman-winning running back Earnie Davis, the well-reviewed film generated muted interest from moviegoers.
Rounding out the top ten was Fox's fantasy pic City of Ember, which took in just $3.2 million this weekend. Averaging a dire $1,583 in 2,022 theaters, the film received mixed reviews from critics.
In what was a very impressive sophomore outing, Disney's talking animal comedy Beverly Hills Chihuahua surprised in holding onto the top spot, adding another $17.5 million this weekend. Falling a modest 40%, the PG-rated Buena Vista release has grossed now $52.5 million. With little in the way of direct competition in the next couple of weeks, look for the dog pic to make a serious run at $100 million domestic.
In second was Sony's horror thriller Quarantine, which locked down $14.2 million, averaging a strong $5,770 in 2,461 theaters. Reviews for the $12 million film were surprisingly positive, with 64% of critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com giving the film a "fresh" recommendation.
Ridley Scott's thriller Body of Lies disappointed in third with $13.1 million, averaging $4,841 in 2,710 theaters. Starring box office heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, Lies was largely projected to top the box office in its debut weekend. Instead, mixed reviews and a not-so-compelling marketing campaign from Warner Bros. doomed the $70 million budgeted pic.
Fall's big hit Eagle Eye fell 38% to fourth, bringing in $11 million. In three weeks the $80 million budgeted Paramount/DreamWorks release has grossed $70.5 million.
Rounding out the top five was Sony's $10 million budgeted teen romantic comedy Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, which brought in another $6.5 million this weekend. In ten days the film has grossed a healthy $20.8 million.
Universal's football biopic The Express debuted with just $4.7 million in sixth. Documenting the life of Heisman-winning running back Earnie Davis, the well-reviewed film generated muted interest from moviegoers.
Rounding out the top ten was Fox's fantasy pic City of Ember, which took in just $3.2 million this weekend. Averaging a dire $1,583 in 2,022 theaters, the film received mixed reviews from critics.
The numbers, October 10-12, 2008
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua | $17,511,000 | 3,218 | $5,442 | $52,541,000 | -40.2 | 2 | Buena Vista |
| 2 | Quarantine | $14,200,000 | 2,461 | $5,770 | $14,200,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 3 | Body of Lies | $13,120,000 | 2,710 | $4,841 | $13,120,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 4 | Eagle Eye | $11,015,000 | 3,614 | $3,048 | $70,551,000 | -37.8 | 3 | Paramount |
| 5 | Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist | $6,500,000 | 2,421 | $2,685 | $20,810,000 | -42.5 | 2 | Sony |
| 6 | The Express | $4,731,000 | 2,808 | $1,685 | $4,731,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 7 | Nights in Rodanthe | $4,610,000 | 2,575 | $1,790 | $32,366,000 | -37.4 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 8 | Appaloosa | $3,340,000 | 1,290 | $2,589 | $10,866,000 | -16.2 | 4 | Warner Bros. |
| 9 | The Duchess | $3,322,000 | 1,207 | $2,752 | $5,620,000 | 272.8 | 4 | Parmount Vantage |
| 10 | City of Ember | $3,200,000 | 2,022 | $1,583 | $3,200,000 | -- | 1 | Fox |
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