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Box Office Breakdown: Fred Claus No Match for Jerry Seinfeld

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, Disney, MGM, Lionsgate, New Line, Sony, Touchstone, Universal, Warner Bros, Animation, Drama, Family, Horror, Political, Romance, Comedy, Sports, Thrillers, Box Office, Lists, New Releases,

Bee Movie

In a shocking turn of events, came buzzing back to life this weekend stealing the #1 spot from recent victor, .  Bee’s $25 million take also embarrassed the newest comedic entry, .

Although fellow ‘Frat Packer’ rang bells with November 2003’s Elf, couldn’t come close to matching his friend’s $31.1 million debut.  The news was especially surprising given Vaughn and director David Dobkin’s recent collaboration on 2005’s Wedding Crashers.  Could this mean Vaughn’s only appealing when he’s part of a larger comedic team?

Also noteworthy this weekend was the disappointing performance of .  Lions wasn’t expected to take in Mission Impossible-esque numbers, but the film did still boast , and actor/director .  As it was, the movie grossed less than any other Cruise-attached wide release in more than 20 years.  At least Streep can say this topical film debuted higher than her last attempt ().

, the only other new Top Ten entry, racked up ninth place.

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Box Office Breakdown: A Gangbusters Weekend for Washington, Crowe

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, Disney, Miramax, Lionsgate, New Line, Sony, Touchstone, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Animation, Drama, Family, Horror, Romance, Comedy, Thrillers, Box Office, Lists, New Releases,

American Gangster

Combine and star-wattage and you’re bound to get a hit.  But did anyone expect a $43 million debut for ?  Why did these Oscar-winners do so well when others have only done okay?  How did an R-rated film beat out an animated PG flick?  Why didn’t the movie’s long running-time (157 minutes) turn people away?

Gangster’s #1 spot was just one of the film’s many weekend achievements.  The movie also marked the biggest opening weekend for both lead actors (Russell’s Gladiator earned $35 million; Washington’s Inside Man grossed $29 million).  It also had the 2nd best debut for a drama in November (right behind 2002’s 8 Mile).

Unfortunately, all this good news was lost on comedian —the hardest working self-promoter of 2007.  Even though spent countless hours of airtime sucking up to its former Golden Boy, Seinfeld’s was stung with a 2nd place finish.  Although $38 million take is nothing to complain about, I expect next week’s will slide right in to become the week’s best-grossing comedy.

 

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Box Office Breakdown: Saw Slices Its Way to #1

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: 20th Century Fox, Disney, Miramax, Lionsgate, Sony, Touchstone, Warner Bros, Adaptation, Drama, Family, Horror, Romance, Sequels, Comedy, Sports, Thrillers, Box Office, Lists, New Releases,

Saw IV

This weekend’s success of proved that ‘torture porn’ is very much alive and well…at least right before All Hallows Eve.  (Apparently originality is not a prerequisite when you’re in the haunting mood.)  The horror series, which took in $55 million domestically when it debuted in 2004, bloodied the competition with its recent $31 million take.  It will now likely hit the $80 million mark the last two installments surpassed.

Although , lagged behind with only $11 million, the film at least managed to place second.  Hopefully Dan will have legs in the weeks to come; it’s a nice counter-programming option for those desperately seeking romance on their date nights.  Those hunting for acceptable kids fare may have it a bit harder though—- which probably explains why has remained firmly planted in the Top Five.

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Box Office Breakdown: 30 Days of Night Sucks Up the Competition

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: 20th Century Fox, Disney, Miramax, New Line, Paramount, Sony, Touchstone, Warner Bros, Animation, Drama, Horror, Comedy, Sports, Lists, New Releases,

30 Days of Night

I never thought I would ever find myself writing this:  ‘A Josh Hartnett-led film has opened at #1.’  Of course, he did have a little help from a vampire or two..

The horror film, , had an impressive debut for what was actually an unimpressive weekend.  With only $16 million, the Alaskan-set vampire flick beat out a host of movies filled with Oscar-nominated stars.  Ben Affleck’s well-reviewed directorial debut, , opened up in 6th place.  , starring are-they-or-aren’t-they-dating Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal, barely cracked the Top Ten.  Meanwhile, placed a dismal 15th despite the presence of Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro (and promotion on Oprah).

The success of 30 Days and the surprise return of - which placed 8th even though it was only in 564 theaters - clearly spells out the audience’s need for some Halloween fare.  This bodes well for the release of which opens next weekend.  (Yay!)

 

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In Theaters this Weekend (10/19)

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks, FOCUS, Miramax, New Line, Sony, Drama, Horror, Independent, Political, Science Fiction, Comedy, Thrillers, Lists, New Releases,

Gone Baby Gone

Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

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