As Derek Zoolander might put it, releasing films in theaters is so hot right now. Channing Tatum’s “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” topped the weekend box office with 8.2 million in just 1,500 theaters, with a likely upswing arriving by Valentine’s Day — not bad for a movie that was never meant for the big screen.
The Steven Soderbergh-directed male stripper threequel is the highest-profile example of 2023’s buzziest Hollywood trend: releasing movies in movie theaters instead of on streaming. Three other Warner Bros. features, “House Party,” “Evil Dead Rise” and “Blue Beetle,” initially greenlit by ex-WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar for HBO Max, are getting a theatrical window courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.
“We switched our strategy, which was focused on building a streaming platform, to one that is focused on each film,” Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution told TheWrap. They aren’t the only ones.
The Steven Soderbergh-directed male stripper threequel is the highest-profile example of 2023’s buzziest Hollywood trend: releasing movies in movie theaters instead of on streaming. Three other Warner Bros. features, “House Party,” “Evil Dead Rise” and “Blue Beetle,” initially greenlit by ex-WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar for HBO Max, are getting a theatrical window courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.
“We switched our strategy, which was focused on building a streaming platform, to one that is focused on each film,” Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution told TheWrap. They aren’t the only ones.
- 2/13/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Earlier this year, the wild success of “Top Gun: Maverick” led to a lot of articles in the media hailing Tom Cruise as the last true box office star in an era of Hollywood defined by IP-centric franchises. But this weekend’s box office results showed that’s not entirely true.
Whether it was the 67 million opening of “Black Adam,” a blockbuster from one of the film industry’s most well-known comic-book franchises, or the more modest 16 million opening of Universal’s romcom “Ticket to Paradise,” moviegoer interest in seeing those films’ respective lead stars — Dwayne Johnson, George Clooney and Julia Roberts — was key to driving ticket sales.
“Black Adam” was the latest attempt by Warner Bros. to introduce one of DC’s lesser-known characters to a wider audience, something that has seen mixed results in recent years. “Shazam!” and “Aquaman” were successful in spawning sequels — with the latter using...
Whether it was the 67 million opening of “Black Adam,” a blockbuster from one of the film industry’s most well-known comic-book franchises, or the more modest 16 million opening of Universal’s romcom “Ticket to Paradise,” moviegoer interest in seeing those films’ respective lead stars — Dwayne Johnson, George Clooney and Julia Roberts — was key to driving ticket sales.
“Black Adam” was the latest attempt by Warner Bros. to introduce one of DC’s lesser-known characters to a wider audience, something that has seen mixed results in recent years. “Shazam!” and “Aquaman” were successful in spawning sequels — with the latter using...
- 10/24/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Don’t fret, replicants: “Blade Runner 2049” will be just fine. Anyone worried that its disappointing box-office numbers will negatively affect Denis Villeneuve, Ryan Gosling, or Harrison Ford is blissfully unaware of how Hollywood works, and what the film lacks in beaucoup bucks it will more than make up for in cultural cachet.
The reason why is simple: Blockbusters aren’t cool. You know what’s cool? Cult classics. And with little chance of financial success, the critically acclaimed “Blade Runner 2049” is virtually assured to become one.
Such a fate could hardly be more apropos. The original “Blade Runner” was a financial failure that initially divided critics, only coming to enjoy its current vaunted status after its theatrical run went the way of tears in rain. An executive back then may have even made...
The reason why is simple: Blockbusters aren’t cool. You know what’s cool? Cult classics. And with little chance of financial success, the critically acclaimed “Blade Runner 2049” is virtually assured to become one.
Such a fate could hardly be more apropos. The original “Blade Runner” was a financial failure that initially divided critics, only coming to enjoy its current vaunted status after its theatrical run went the way of tears in rain. An executive back then may have even made...
- 10/10/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
2017-09-25T06:42:47-07:00'Kingsman' Wins the Weekend
Action sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle turned in a slightly disappointing performance at the box office this weekend, but it still managed to be the week's top movie. Stephen King's It gave up the top spot after two weeks at number one, but the horror hit outperformed The Lego Ninjago Movie, which had an extremely weak opening weekend.
Via The Hollywood Reporter.
It was a mixed bag at the box office over the weekend.
Director Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman: The Golden Circle easily won the race in North America, grossing $39 million from 4,003 theaters. That was somewhat behind expectations, although the sequel still scored one of the best openings for the month of September, as well as came in ahead of the first Kingsman: The Secret Service ($36.2 million). Heading into the frame, however, tracking had suggested the cheeky spy action-comedy would clear $40 million.
Action sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle turned in a slightly disappointing performance at the box office this weekend, but it still managed to be the week's top movie. Stephen King's It gave up the top spot after two weeks at number one, but the horror hit outperformed The Lego Ninjago Movie, which had an extremely weak opening weekend.
Via The Hollywood Reporter.
It was a mixed bag at the box office over the weekend.
Director Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman: The Golden Circle easily won the race in North America, grossing $39 million from 4,003 theaters. That was somewhat behind expectations, although the sequel still scored one of the best openings for the month of September, as well as came in ahead of the first Kingsman: The Secret Service ($36.2 million). Heading into the frame, however, tracking had suggested the cheeky spy action-comedy would clear $40 million.
- 9/25/2017
- by EG
- Yidio
It has been confirmed today that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has passed the $500 million mark at the worldwide box office. With $161 million in North America and $344 million overseas, the Harry Potter prequel is doing well, but it's current cume is still a far cry from the massive $1.34 billion made by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 when that reached theaters five years ago. Warner Bros.' domestic distribution president, Jeff Goldstein, isn't concerned though as he still sees big things on the horizon for the movie. "Anticipation grew exponentially in the weeks leading up to the release of ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ and now with the film in theaters we are seeing strong word of mouth and repeat attendance, which should carry the film through the holiday season and beyond." With a budget of around $180 million and plans in place for four more Fantastic Beasts movies, the...
- 11/30/2016
- ComicBookMovie.com
It's been a confusing week for David Ayer and Suicide Squad. Upon its release, the film was almost-universally panned by critics, and even those who had positive things to say about the flick couldn't gloss over some of its glaring weaknesses. While it would be easy to mark this one off as another failure of the DC Extended Universe, to do so would be overly-reductive. At the end of the day, for many viewers, Suicide Squad was a great popcorn flick with a whole lot of fun to offer, which is something that couldn't have been said about any other DC flick to date up to this point.
Following the resounding box office success of the film (which took in $135+ million in its opening weekend, which is on the higher end of what it was tracking to make), director David Ayer took to Twitter to thank fans for their support of the film.
Following the resounding box office success of the film (which took in $135+ million in its opening weekend, which is on the higher end of what it was tracking to make), director David Ayer took to Twitter to thank fans for their support of the film.
- 8/8/2016
- by Joseph Medina
- LRMonline.com
As we've already previously reported, Batman v Superman suffered quite the substantial drop in box office sales last weekend. In fact, it dropped 68% from its opening weekend, a number which, according to THR, is the second largest second week drop for a superhero flick, and is topped only by the much-maligned X-men Origins: Wolverine, which dropped 70% in its second weekend.
This drop seems to be a direct result from the terrible critical response to the film, as well as the lukewarm/mixed fan reaction. All in all, one has to wonder what the folks over at WB are thinking. After all, this is a movie that seemed guaranteed to break $1 billion, and now it seems to be dragging its way to $800 million. If the response from Jeff Goldstein, Warner's domestic distribution chief, is any indication, they aren't losing much sleep over there.
"We're not concerned with the drop. No matter how you slice it,...
This drop seems to be a direct result from the terrible critical response to the film, as well as the lukewarm/mixed fan reaction. All in all, one has to wonder what the folks over at WB are thinking. After all, this is a movie that seemed guaranteed to break $1 billion, and now it seems to be dragging its way to $800 million. If the response from Jeff Goldstein, Warner's domestic distribution chief, is any indication, they aren't losing much sleep over there.
"We're not concerned with the drop. No matter how you slice it,...
- 4/4/2016
- by Joseph Medina
- LRMonline.com
Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice had a heroic showing at the global box office this weekend. By now, we all know that the film raked in a staggering $424.1 million worldwide. That puts the film in fourth place on the all-time global release list, and even bests Marvel titans The Avengers and Avengers: Age Of Ultron. The Hollywood Reporter is quick to note, though, that those latter films didn't benefit from opening in so many markets at the same time- like China, where BvS pulled in the robust $57.3 that made its result record-breaking. When Ultron eventually opened in China, its debut in that country alone was $155.8 million.
Regardless, it was a phenomenal weekend for the superhero smackdown and one that Warner Bros domestic distribution chief Jeff Goldstein says is proof that critical consensus rarely has anything to do with fan-demand. "There is no question this is an extraordinary achievement," he said.
Regardless, it was a phenomenal weekend for the superhero smackdown and one that Warner Bros domestic distribution chief Jeff Goldstein says is proof that critical consensus rarely has anything to do with fan-demand. "There is no question this is an extraordinary achievement," he said.
- 3/28/2016
- by Mario-Francisco Robles
- LRMonline.com
The $170 million domestic opening of Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is a record breaker, the biggest in Warner Brothers' history and the sixth biggest of all time.
The film however has also scored a more dubious honor - bad reviews. Critics have not been kind to the film with 'Dawn' holding a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 44/100 on Metacritic.
Speaking about the box-office results earlier this morning with Variety, Warners domestic distribution chief Jeff Goldstein spoke about how critical reaction didn't impact the box-office:
"There is no question this is an extraordinary achievement. Clearly, audiences have embraced it and we are already seeing repeat business. It's just fun. Often, there's a disconnect between critics and audiences. It doesn't take itself seriously. It's just an enjoyable afternoon at the movies."
So did the backlash against the critics fuel the box-office results? Or is it more a...
The film however has also scored a more dubious honor - bad reviews. Critics have not been kind to the film with 'Dawn' holding a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 44/100 on Metacritic.
Speaking about the box-office results earlier this morning with Variety, Warners domestic distribution chief Jeff Goldstein spoke about how critical reaction didn't impact the box-office:
"There is no question this is an extraordinary achievement. Clearly, audiences have embraced it and we are already seeing repeat business. It's just fun. Often, there's a disconnect between critics and audiences. It doesn't take itself seriously. It's just an enjoyable afternoon at the movies."
So did the backlash against the critics fuel the box-office results? Or is it more a...
- 3/28/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Los Angeles (AP) — Despite some mighty competition, Katniss and her crew dominated the box office once again.
"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2" held on to its first-place spot in its second weekend in theaters, earning $51.6 million to top "The Good Dinosaur" and "Creed," which both debuted Wednesday, according to Rentrak estimates on Sunday.
The fourth and final installment in Lionsgate's highly successful series has grossed $198.3 million to date.
Audiences had their pick of genres over the crowded Thanksgiving weekend. Disney and Pixar's animated dinosaur movie took second place, bringing in $39.2 million Friday through Sunday, while "Creed," a new entry into the Rocky Balboa canon, came in third with $30.1 million.
Families accounted for 79 percent of "The Good Dinosaur's" audience. The film, which cost a reported $175 million to $200 million to produce, grossed $55.6 million in its first five days in theaters.
"This Pixar group has just been so consistent with high-quality...
"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2" held on to its first-place spot in its second weekend in theaters, earning $51.6 million to top "The Good Dinosaur" and "Creed," which both debuted Wednesday, according to Rentrak estimates on Sunday.
The fourth and final installment in Lionsgate's highly successful series has grossed $198.3 million to date.
Audiences had their pick of genres over the crowded Thanksgiving weekend. Disney and Pixar's animated dinosaur movie took second place, bringing in $39.2 million Friday through Sunday, while "Creed," a new entry into the Rocky Balboa canon, came in third with $30.1 million.
Families accounted for 79 percent of "The Good Dinosaur's" audience. The film, which cost a reported $175 million to $200 million to produce, grossed $55.6 million in its first five days in theaters.
"This Pixar group has just been so consistent with high-quality...
- 11/29/2015
- by The Associated Press
- Moviefone
He’s been promoting his new flick nonstop for weeks, but unfortunately Zac Efron's best efforts failed to inspire fans to see “We Are Your Friends” this weekend.
According to industry numbers, the $1.8 million opening run is the worst total of any Hollywood studio film that has played in 2,000+ theaters (Wayf actually opened in 2,333 locations). And given that Warner Bros paid $6 million for production and another $2 million for distribution, there’s a good chance “Friends” will end up a tax write-off.
Warner VP of Domestic Distribution Jeff Goldstein told press, "This was a passion project for Zac Efron, and we believe in him. Yes, the result was disappointing, but this was a small film."...
According to industry numbers, the $1.8 million opening run is the worst total of any Hollywood studio film that has played in 2,000+ theaters (Wayf actually opened in 2,333 locations). And given that Warner Bros paid $6 million for production and another $2 million for distribution, there’s a good chance “Friends” will end up a tax write-off.
Warner VP of Domestic Distribution Jeff Goldstein told press, "This was a passion project for Zac Efron, and we believe in him. Yes, the result was disappointing, but this was a small film."...
- 8/31/2015
- GossipCenter
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” put a cap on its holiday box-office blitz, bringing in $22 million to capture its third consecutive weekend triumph.
The final film in Peter Jackson’s trilogy held off a challenge from the wide-opening horror sequel “The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death” and second-week holdovers “Into the Woods” and “Unbroken” to stay at No. 1. “Battle of the Five Armies” has taken in $220 million domestically since opening on Dec. 17 and, with a worldwide haul of $722 million, is heading for $1 billion at the global box office.
Disney’s Broadway musical adaptation was runner-up...
The final film in Peter Jackson’s trilogy held off a challenge from the wide-opening horror sequel “The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death” and second-week holdovers “Into the Woods” and “Unbroken” to stay at No. 1. “Battle of the Five Armies” has taken in $220 million domestically since opening on Dec. 17 and, with a worldwide haul of $722 million, is heading for $1 billion at the global box office.
Disney’s Broadway musical adaptation was runner-up...
- 1/4/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Now it’s getting busy. Awards season, that is. Judging from the frantic calls trying to schedule interviews and other things as various voting deadlines loom, I would say we are in the thick of it. Golden Globe nomination ballots are due back Monday. SAG nominating ballots go out now, and both key precursor verdicts will be announced next week along with AFI’s annual 10 best list coming out on Monday morning. La Film Critics will be announcing their picks on Sunday, then its the nominations from the Broadcast Film Critics Association’s Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, which wound up predicting every eventual 2013 Oscar winner except Makeup and Foreign Film. There are junkets galore and tons of events going on in NYC this week, and here on the West Coast the activity is no less crazy, with several contenders trying to make any impression they can on voters — particularly Oscar...
- 12/6/2014
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline
With dedicated fans chomping at the bit, the “Veronica Mars” movie sold more than $2 million in tickets at 291 theaters over the weekend.
Coming in at #10, the long-awaited flick was also released on demand at iTunes and Amazon, while Kickstarter backers were promised downloads through Flixster.
And while $2 million doesn’t seem that high, Warner Bros honcho Jeff Goldstein points out it’s actually not too shabby. "Our result starting with our Thursday fan events was $260K. You add that together with our weekend for a total of $2 million from 291 theaters? That's pretty significant.”
Creator Rob Thomas also discussed the possibility of more movies- "Do I still hope Veronica Mars does well in movie theaters, and sells a hundred billion copies on opening weekend? Of course I do. And is there a number I've discussed with Warner Bros that would make it easier to start talking about a sequel? Of course there is.
Coming in at #10, the long-awaited flick was also released on demand at iTunes and Amazon, while Kickstarter backers were promised downloads through Flixster.
And while $2 million doesn’t seem that high, Warner Bros honcho Jeff Goldstein points out it’s actually not too shabby. "Our result starting with our Thursday fan events was $260K. You add that together with our weekend for a total of $2 million from 291 theaters? That's pretty significant.”
Creator Rob Thomas also discussed the possibility of more movies- "Do I still hope Veronica Mars does well in movie theaters, and sells a hundred billion copies on opening weekend? Of course I do. And is there a number I've discussed with Warner Bros that would make it easier to start talking about a sequel? Of course there is.
- 3/17/2014
- GossipCenter
Everybody loves a good ancient war epic, and “300: Rise of an Empire” nabbed the highest number of tickets sold with $45 million in earnings.
Warner Bros honcho Jeff Goldstein told press, "This far exceeded our expectations. We were thinking, if we can get to $100 million (total box office), we'd be in a good place. Clearly we captured a much broader audience than we anticipated.”
Coming in at #2 was “Mr. Peabody 7 Sherman” with a respectable opening weekend total of $32.5 million.
Chris Aronson, Fox’s President of Domestic Distribution explained, "With nostalgia in play, this film was geared toward both adults beyond the traditional family film audience, while introducing the characters of Sherman and Mr. Peabody to a new generation of kids who had never seen them. There's not an animated film for another month, and with spring holidays approaching we're in a really good place."
Also in the top five box...
Warner Bros honcho Jeff Goldstein told press, "This far exceeded our expectations. We were thinking, if we can get to $100 million (total box office), we'd be in a good place. Clearly we captured a much broader audience than we anticipated.”
Coming in at #2 was “Mr. Peabody 7 Sherman” with a respectable opening weekend total of $32.5 million.
Chris Aronson, Fox’s President of Domestic Distribution explained, "With nostalgia in play, this film was geared toward both adults beyond the traditional family film audience, while introducing the characters of Sherman and Mr. Peabody to a new generation of kids who had never seen them. There's not an animated film for another month, and with spring holidays approaching we're in a really good place."
Also in the top five box...
- 3/10/2014
- GossipCenter
Critics haven't been particularly kind and neither has the moviegoing public as Jack the Giant Slayer failed to make any sort of significant impact at the North American box office this past weekend. As 2013's first big budget action movie, it came in at #1 with a paltry $28 million. It did manage to make an additional $13.7m from Asian markets, and Warner Bros.' vice president of theatrical distributions Jeff Goldstein claims that the studio aren't too disappointed by these numbers. "It was within the range of our expectations. We know that this is a global picture and the technology and the special effects will really drive this movie internationally." Deadline aren't so kind in their analysis as they believe that not even a strong international opening can make back the huge $200 million budget. Some insiders are reportedly blaming director Bryan Singer and the screenplay for its lack of success.
- 3/4/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" marked a weekend of box office milestones as the Warner Bros. fantasy adventure continued to rack up a treasure to rival Smaug's. The prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" series will hit $300 million domestically at some point Monday, its studio said Monday. "At this very moment there is someone buying a ticket at an IMAX theater, which will put us over the $300 million mark," Jeff Goldstein, executive vice president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros., told TheWrap. Goldstein said the film is on pace to...
- 2/18/2013
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
The Colorado cinema shooting did scare viewers away from new Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises, Warner Bros has admitted.
But the studio believes that in the long run it will beat its predecessor at the box office for a final tally "way past $1billion."
The film's ticket sales had been ahead of those for its predecessor The Dark Knight at the time of the first midnight screenings.
But at one such screening in the Denver suburb of Aurora, 12 people were killed and 58 wounded when a masked gunman fired into a packed auditorium.
As other cinemas cancelled screenings and public panic spread about copycat attacks and cinema security, the film's opening weekend was hit. It brought in $161million, lower than had earlier been predicted but still above the $158 million of The Dark Knight.
Warner Bros executive Jeff Goldstein said the box office dip of The Dark Knight Rises was "directly attributable" to the tragedy.
But the studio believes that in the long run it will beat its predecessor at the box office for a final tally "way past $1billion."
The film's ticket sales had been ahead of those for its predecessor The Dark Knight at the time of the first midnight screenings.
But at one such screening in the Denver suburb of Aurora, 12 people were killed and 58 wounded when a masked gunman fired into a packed auditorium.
As other cinemas cancelled screenings and public panic spread about copycat attacks and cinema security, the film's opening weekend was hit. It brought in $161million, lower than had earlier been predicted but still above the $158 million of The Dark Knight.
Warner Bros executive Jeff Goldstein said the box office dip of The Dark Knight Rises was "directly attributable" to the tragedy.
- 8/8/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
For weeks after the shootings in Aurora, Colorado, industry executives and the media alike avoided talking too much about how the tragedy affected the box office for The Dark Knight Rises, the movie that was playing when James Holmes opened fire in a crowded movie theater. But as we move on from the event, and Holmes's monstrous act gets further separated from the film itself, those keeping an eye on The Dark Knight Rises can't help but notice that the movie, while massive, just can't keep pace with its predecessor. And now, finally, Warner Bros. has made the connection they've avoided for so long. When asked whether the shooting has affected the grosses for The Dark Knight Rises, Warner Bros. executive Jeff Goldstein told E! "there's no question about it." As of today The Dark Knight Rises has grossed $354 million domestically, and by hitting $350 million in just 17 days it's the...
- 8/6/2012
- cinemablend.com
The Dark Knight Rises's box office was unquestionably affected by the shooting in Aurora, Warner Bros has stated. The third instalment in Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise retained its number one spot at the Us and UK box office this week, but has not matched the pace of its predecessor The Dark Knight. However, Warner Bros exec Jeff Goldstein confirmed that he believes the film's box office was negatively (more)...
- 8/6/2012
- by By Emma Dibdin
- Digital Spy
The Dark Knight Rises' box-office performance, which has been blockbuster, but off the pace of The Dark Knight, is "directly attributable" to the theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., according to the film's studio. "There's no question about it," Warner Bros. exec Jeff Goldstein said Sunday. The comments came as the box office in general continued to normalize: Over the weekend, holdover hits like Ted continued to hold on, movies that looked to disappoint, like the Total Recall reboot, disappointed, and nobody thought movie-goers were staying away from theaters for any scarier reason than the London 2012 Olympics. Dark Knight Rises reigns At the top of the heap was...
- 8/6/2012
- E! Online
The Avengers' historic $200 million-plus opening weekend is being cheered in a place you might least expect: Gotham City. Batman's Hollywood bosses sound assured that big business for The Avengers will mean big business for The Dark Knight Rises. "We've seen incredible interest this entire year," Warner Bros. exec Jeff Goldstein says. "The box office has been red hot. This is another example." "This" was The Avengers' blowout. It came on the first weekend of the movie summer that was supposed to be, and may yet be, dominated by the final chapter in filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Caped Crusader trilogy. "We'll let The Avengers...
- 5/7/2012
- E! Online
The Wrap spoke with Jeff Goldstein, executive vice president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros. and he briefly raves about the film. “This is what a summer popcorn movie is all about. I don’t want to oversell it, but this has elements that are ground-breaking and are really a thrill ride.” Deadline spoke with an unnamed Warner Bros. executive about the decision to include the third trailer for The Dark Knight Rises with The Avengers. "Yes, our 3rd trailer will be out with The Avengers. We see this placement as a good strategic decision. We always want our trailers to be seen with films that people want to see — and a lot of people will be going to The Avengers! It will provide the best potential exposure for The Dark Knight Rises. It’s a big positive for everyone!" The Marvel vs. DC rivalry would at first make you think this shouldn't be,...
- 4/23/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
Los Angeles — Hollywood has more tricks in its bag than ever with digital 3-D and other new film tools. Yet as the images on screen get bigger and better, movie crowds keep shrinking – down to a 16-year low as 2011's film lineup fell well short of studios' record expectations.
Through New Year's Eve on Saturday, projected domestic revenues for the year stand at $10.2 billion, down 3.5 percent from 2010's, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com. Taking higher ticket prices into account, movie attendance is off even more, with an estimated 1.28 billion tickets sold, a 4.4 percent decline and the smallest movie audience since 1995, when admissions totaled 1.26 billion.
Just what has put the movie business in the dumps is anyone's guess – though safe bets include the tight economy, rising ticket prices, backlash against parades of sequels or remakes, and an almost-limitless inventory of portable and at-home gadgetry to occupy people's time.
The year...
Through New Year's Eve on Saturday, projected domestic revenues for the year stand at $10.2 billion, down 3.5 percent from 2010's, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com. Taking higher ticket prices into account, movie attendance is off even more, with an estimated 1.28 billion tickets sold, a 4.4 percent decline and the smallest movie audience since 1995, when admissions totaled 1.26 billion.
Just what has put the movie business in the dumps is anyone's guess – though safe bets include the tight economy, rising ticket prices, backlash against parades of sequels or remakes, and an almost-limitless inventory of portable and at-home gadgetry to occupy people's time.
The year...
- 12/29/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Contagion infected enough moviegoers to catch the top spot at the box office.
The Warner Bros. pandemic thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring an A-list cast that includes Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow coughed up $23.1 million in its first weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The film's contagious opening marked the beginning of the fall movie season by exceeding the studio's estimates.
"I think Steven Soderbergh made a compelling movie that tapped into that fear that many of us have about illnesses, viruses and pandemics," said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. general sales manager. "It's like a train or car accident. You can't look away. You prefer not to think about it, but when it's presented to you, you want to learn more."...
The Warner Bros. pandemic thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring an A-list cast that includes Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow coughed up $23.1 million in its first weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The film's contagious opening marked the beginning of the fall movie season by exceeding the studio's estimates.
"I think Steven Soderbergh made a compelling movie that tapped into that fear that many of us have about illnesses, viruses and pandemics," said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. general sales manager. "It's like a train or car accident. You can't look away. You prefer not to think about it, but when it's presented to you, you want to learn more."...
- 9/12/2011
- by Cineplex.com and contributors
- Cineplex
Los Angeles (AP) — "Contagion" infected enough moviegoers to catch the top spot at the box office. The Warner Bros. pandemic thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring an A-list cast that includes Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow coughed up $23.1 million in its first weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. The film's contagious opening marked the beginning of the fall movie season by exceeding the studio's estimates. "I think Steven Soderbergh made a compelling movie that tapped into that fear that many of us have about illnesses, viruses and pandemics," said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. general...
- 9/11/2011
- by Derrik J. Lang (AP)
- Hitfix
Los Angeles -- "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" now rules this year's box office as the blockbuster sequel became 2011's top domestic hit with $261 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Paramount Pictures' sci-fi smash starring Shia Labeouf remained No. 1 in its second weekend with $47 million and shot past "The Hangover Part II" to first-place on the domestic chart.
Debuting in second place with $28.1 million domestically was the Warner Bros. comedy "Horrible Bosses," featuring Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis as bumblers plotting against their nasty supervisors.
Opening at No. 3 with $21 million was Sony Pictures' family tale "Zookeeper," with Kevin James as an animal tender who gets romantic advice from the talking critters in his care.
Domestic business dipped overall, with revenues totaling $158 million, down 18 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Despicable Me" led with a $56.4 million debut, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com.
Despite predictions of...
Paramount Pictures' sci-fi smash starring Shia Labeouf remained No. 1 in its second weekend with $47 million and shot past "The Hangover Part II" to first-place on the domestic chart.
Debuting in second place with $28.1 million domestically was the Warner Bros. comedy "Horrible Bosses," featuring Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis as bumblers plotting against their nasty supervisors.
Opening at No. 3 with $21 million was Sony Pictures' family tale "Zookeeper," with Kevin James as an animal tender who gets romantic advice from the talking critters in his care.
Domestic business dipped overall, with revenues totaling $158 million, down 18 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Despicable Me" led with a $56.4 million debut, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com.
Despite predictions of...
- 7/11/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Warner Bros. A scene from ‘Horrible Bosses’
Two new comedies couldn’t top Michael Bay’s robot alien action film at the box office this past weekend.
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” from Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Pictures, retained its number one position, grossing $47 million its second weekend of release, according to early studio estimates. After two weekends of release, the 3-D film has grossed $261 million domestically, helping it surpass “The Hangover, Part 2,” from Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros. Pictures,...
Two new comedies couldn’t top Michael Bay’s robot alien action film at the box office this past weekend.
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” from Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Pictures, retained its number one position, grossing $47 million its second weekend of release, according to early studio estimates. After two weekends of release, the 3-D film has grossed $261 million domestically, helping it surpass “The Hangover, Part 2,” from Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros. Pictures,...
- 7/10/2011
- by Michelle Kung
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
In the past there has been surprisingly little attempt on Hollywood’s behalf to capitalise on the Easter spirit with anything other than religious bait but that could be subject to change now with Hop, the latest live action animation release, featuring the Easter Bunny in the principle role, overtaking Rango to score the highest opening weekend sum of 2011 thus far with a $38.1 million three day haul.
With Easter coming at a later date this year (April 24th) Hop appears to have been released at an opportune time as it should hold strong throughout the holiday period. The fact that the film has performed relatively poorly overseas proves that the key selling point of Hop is that it exploited a supremely popular Americanised character in what otherwise felt like another derivative live action/animated film. Universal’s corporate connection with NBC also proved advantageous with big promotional ads for Hop...
With Easter coming at a later date this year (April 24th) Hop appears to have been released at an opportune time as it should hold strong throughout the holiday period. The fact that the film has performed relatively poorly overseas proves that the key selling point of Hop is that it exploited a supremely popular Americanised character in what otherwise felt like another derivative live action/animated film. Universal’s corporate connection with NBC also proved advantageous with big promotional ads for Hop...
- 4/4/2011
- by Laurent Kelly
- Obsessed with Film
In a successful box office weekend that was down only 5% from last year, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules delivered a definitive knockout blow to Sucker Punch to open at the top of the charts. The kids film which is based on the immensely succesful Jeff Kinney series of books ended Friday night in second place but saw a 37% ticket uptake on Saturday with families attending in their droves.
It then easily won on Sunday to cement its place at the top. With a $24 million opening weekend the sequel has already overhauled its production budget and has most likely confirmed a new franchise for the Fox Studio. Rodrick Rules capitlaised on the book’s fanbase and was also released at an opportune time with the original film (released just last March) still fresh in the minds of the market.
Warner Bros were expecting Zack Synder’s fantastical psychological, female...
It then easily won on Sunday to cement its place at the top. With a $24 million opening weekend the sequel has already overhauled its production budget and has most likely confirmed a new franchise for the Fox Studio. Rodrick Rules capitlaised on the book’s fanbase and was also released at an opportune time with the original film (released just last March) still fresh in the minds of the market.
Warner Bros were expecting Zack Synder’s fantastical psychological, female...
- 3/28/2011
- by Laurent Kelly
- Obsessed with Film
Clay Enos/©Warner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Emily Browning in “Sucker Punch.”
So far, Zack Snyder’s “Sucker Punch” hasn’t been a knockout at the box office.
An effects-driven fantastical thriller about a young woman who enters an action-packed alternative reality to escape from a mental hospital, the movie earned a less than smashing $19 million over the weekend. A number of box-office forecasters had predicted the film would hit in the low-to-mid $20s.
In past years, Snyder has...
So far, Zack Snyder’s “Sucker Punch” hasn’t been a knockout at the box office.
An effects-driven fantastical thriller about a young woman who enters an action-packed alternative reality to escape from a mental hospital, the movie earned a less than smashing $19 million over the weekend. A number of box-office forecasters had predicted the film would hit in the low-to-mid $20s.
In past years, Snyder has...
- 3/28/2011
- by Anthony Kaufman
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Los Angeles — Jeff Bridges' sci-fi sequel "Tron: Legacy" has leaped to the top of the box-office grid with a $43.6 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The Disney release reboots the story line started in Bridges' 1982 tale "Tron," in which his character is hurtled into a deadly virtual reality known as the Grid. The movie co-stars Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde.
Though quaint by today's standards, the computer-graphic effects in the original "Tron" were cutting-edge at the time. Yet the movie was a box-office underachiever whose following somehow swelled in the intervening decades in a way that perplexed even the studio's executives.
"I sure wish I knew, because there is a very, very committed core group of people who just love that movie, and they have fanned the opening-weekend grosses," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney.
Other newcomers premiered with modest to poor receipts, continuing a sluggish end to Hollywood's year.
The Disney release reboots the story line started in Bridges' 1982 tale "Tron," in which his character is hurtled into a deadly virtual reality known as the Grid. The movie co-stars Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde.
Though quaint by today's standards, the computer-graphic effects in the original "Tron" were cutting-edge at the time. Yet the movie was a box-office underachiever whose following somehow swelled in the intervening decades in a way that perplexed even the studio's executives.
"I sure wish I knew, because there is a very, very committed core group of people who just love that movie, and they have fanned the opening-weekend grosses," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney.
Other newcomers premiered with modest to poor receipts, continuing a sluggish end to Hollywood's year.
- 12/20/2010
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles, Nov 8 – DreamWorks’ 3-D animation film ‘Megamind’ topped the Us box office with an estimated $47.6 million earnings.
‘Due Date’, by director Todd Phillips, came at the second spot with an estimated earnings of $33.5 million.
‘It was a huge weekend in general, and ‘Due Date’ did fabulously,’ aceshowbiz.com quoted Warner Bros exective vice president distribution Jeff Goldstein as saying.
The third spot went to ‘For Colored Girls’..
‘Due Date’, by director Todd Phillips, came at the second spot with an estimated earnings of $33.5 million.
‘It was a huge weekend in general, and ‘Due Date’ did fabulously,’ aceshowbiz.com quoted Warner Bros exective vice president distribution Jeff Goldstein as saying.
The third spot went to ‘For Colored Girls’..
- 11/8/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
"Megamind" has conquered North American Box Office in its first week. During what is so called the opening of holiday season, the family movie has raked in an estimated $47.6 million, thanks to its solid reviews. The animation earns recommendations from 67% of the nation's critics, according to RottenTomatoes.com, and its 3-D treatment gets praise as well.
Attracting audience comprised 57% of females with 52% of patrons under age 25, the comedy which is supported by Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill as the voice cast is predicted to use increasing family moviegoing during the Thanksgiving period to sustain market traction for weeks to come. "We feel that we're poised for the holiday season," DreamWorks marketing maven Anne Globe says.
"Due Date", which comes from "The Hangover" director Todd Phillips and features one of the cast Zach Galifianakis, also has a solid debut weekend. It nabs the second place on the...
Attracting audience comprised 57% of females with 52% of patrons under age 25, the comedy which is supported by Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill as the voice cast is predicted to use increasing family moviegoing during the Thanksgiving period to sustain market traction for weeks to come. "We feel that we're poised for the holiday season," DreamWorks marketing maven Anne Globe says.
"Due Date", which comes from "The Hangover" director Todd Phillips and features one of the cast Zach Galifianakis, also has a solid debut weekend. It nabs the second place on the...
- 11/8/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Orlando -- Disney's "Secretariat" may not prove a hopeless nag, but it certainly wasn't a quick-starting thoroughbred in its domestic debut as a sturdy rival ended up in the winner's circle after a lackluster box-office derby.
Sony's "The Social Network" fell a modest 31% in its second outing to nab the weekend laurels, with a $15.5 million performance yielding $46.1 million in cumulative coin and bolstering hopes of a leggy run by the critically lauded legal drama. Warner Bros.' romantic comedy "Life as We Know It" -- starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel as a couple contrived via involuntary parenthood -- adopted an estimated $14.6 million to place second in its opening frame, while "Secretariat" was third with $12.6 million.
Whether that puts the high profile horse-racing drama in the money is another matter.
"Secretariat" was produced for just $32 million, but as a major movie release it also carries hefty marketing expenses. Disney wouldn't...
Sony's "The Social Network" fell a modest 31% in its second outing to nab the weekend laurels, with a $15.5 million performance yielding $46.1 million in cumulative coin and bolstering hopes of a leggy run by the critically lauded legal drama. Warner Bros.' romantic comedy "Life as We Know It" -- starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel as a couple contrived via involuntary parenthood -- adopted an estimated $14.6 million to place second in its opening frame, while "Secretariat" was third with $12.6 million.
Whether that puts the high profile horse-racing drama in the money is another matter.
"Secretariat" was produced for just $32 million, but as a major movie release it also carries hefty marketing expenses. Disney wouldn't...
- 10/10/2010
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exit popcorn-pic season, hello movies for grown-ups: Focus Features' George Clooney starrer "The American" topped the domestic box office with an estimated $16.4 million during the summer-ending Labor Day weekend.
The assassin-themed thriller rang up $19.5 million in its first six days, after unspooling midweek to get a jump on the four-day frame. Two other wide openers bore the same R rating as "American" but seemed more restricted in audience appeal.
Fox's crime actioner "Machete" topped daily rankings with $3.9 million in its first day of release on Friday, but the Robert Rodriguez-shepherded splatterfest quickly ceded its lead to the more broadly appealing Clooney pic and fetched $14 million in second place through Monday. Warners' romantic comedy "Going the Distance" -- starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long -- proved the weakest of the weekend debutantes, wooing $8.6 million in fifth place during its first four days.
Elsewhere, Sony's heist actioner "Takers" took in...
The assassin-themed thriller rang up $19.5 million in its first six days, after unspooling midweek to get a jump on the four-day frame. Two other wide openers bore the same R rating as "American" but seemed more restricted in audience appeal.
Fox's crime actioner "Machete" topped daily rankings with $3.9 million in its first day of release on Friday, but the Robert Rodriguez-shepherded splatterfest quickly ceded its lead to the more broadly appealing Clooney pic and fetched $14 million in second place through Monday. Warners' romantic comedy "Going the Distance" -- starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long -- proved the weakest of the weekend debutantes, wooing $8.6 million in fifth place during its first four days.
Elsewhere, Sony's heist actioner "Takers" took in...
- 9/6/2010
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
You know it's late-summer clearance time for film distributors when five wide openers fail to topple a holdover movie from its No. 1 roost and no film fetches more than teen millions in weekend boxoffice.
Fox/New Regency's horror spoof "Vampires Suck" sunk its teeth into $12.2 million to nab second place in its first weekend, with $18.6 million in cumulative domestic coin since bowing Wednesday. But Sylvester Stallone's ensemble actioner "The Expendables" from Lionsgate and Nu Image/Millennium again grabbed the brass ring, as a relatively modest 53% drop from its first frame produced a $16.5 million sophomore session and $64.9 million cume.
Also elbowing their way into theaters:
-- Warner Bros./Alcon's urban comedy "The Lottery" cashed in for an acceptable $11.1 million in fourth place.
-- Dimension Films' horror pic "Piranha 3D" floated to a tame $10 million in sixth place, despite premium pricing in almost 2,200 3D locations.
-- Universal/Working Title's family...
Fox/New Regency's horror spoof "Vampires Suck" sunk its teeth into $12.2 million to nab second place in its first weekend, with $18.6 million in cumulative domestic coin since bowing Wednesday. But Sylvester Stallone's ensemble actioner "The Expendables" from Lionsgate and Nu Image/Millennium again grabbed the brass ring, as a relatively modest 53% drop from its first frame produced a $16.5 million sophomore session and $64.9 million cume.
Also elbowing their way into theaters:
-- Warner Bros./Alcon's urban comedy "The Lottery" cashed in for an acceptable $11.1 million in fourth place.
-- Dimension Films' horror pic "Piranha 3D" floated to a tame $10 million in sixth place, despite premium pricing in almost 2,200 3D locations.
-- Universal/Working Title's family...
- 8/22/2010
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cue the fire-breathing motion picture.
DreamWorks Animation's 3D adventure "How to Train Your Dragon" has yet to flame out in movie theaters, offering an upbeat storyline to an otherwise ho-hum boxoffice session. The Paramount-distributed pic topped domestic rankings with an estimated $15 million in its fifth weekend for $178 million in cumulative coin.
Two wide-openers offered slight competition, as CBS Films' Jennifer Lopez starrer "The Back-Up Plan" proved a mere runner-up, and Warner Bros.' action pic "The Losers" lost by more than expected. "Plan" -- about a couple who meet after the woman's artificial insemination -- procreated $12.3 million in second place; "Losers," based on a comics series about a fictional World War II fighting force, fired blanks with $9.6 million in fourth.
Disneynature's "Oceans" hauled in $6 million from a modestly wide launch in 1,206 locations. That was good for eighth place on the frame, with the documentary toting an $8.5 million cume...
DreamWorks Animation's 3D adventure "How to Train Your Dragon" has yet to flame out in movie theaters, offering an upbeat storyline to an otherwise ho-hum boxoffice session. The Paramount-distributed pic topped domestic rankings with an estimated $15 million in its fifth weekend for $178 million in cumulative coin.
Two wide-openers offered slight competition, as CBS Films' Jennifer Lopez starrer "The Back-Up Plan" proved a mere runner-up, and Warner Bros.' action pic "The Losers" lost by more than expected. "Plan" -- about a couple who meet after the woman's artificial insemination -- procreated $12.3 million in second place; "Losers," based on a comics series about a fictional World War II fighting force, fired blanks with $9.6 million in fourth.
Disneynature's "Oceans" hauled in $6 million from a modestly wide launch in 1,206 locations. That was good for eighth place on the frame, with the documentary toting an $8.5 million cume...
- 4/25/2010
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas as Disney's "A Christmas Carol" bowed during the weekend to an estimated $31 million at the North American boxoffice. That number wasn't as big a holiday gift as the studio was hoping for, but with Christmas seven weekends away, the 3D movie has time to spread cheer.
There already is plenty for Oscar contender "Precious" to celebrate: Lionsgate's select-theaters debut of Lee Daniels' drama about an abused inner-city teen took in an enthusiastic $1.8 million in 18 theaters in four cities for a powerful $100,000 per-screen average.
But with the second weekend of the Michael Jackson documentary "This Is It" holding the second spot, dropping just 40% from its opening, the frame's other arrivals found it tougher to secure a foothold.
Overture's military satire "The Men Who Stare at Goats" checked in at third place with $13.3 million. Although finishing in fourth place, Universal's horror thriller...
There already is plenty for Oscar contender "Precious" to celebrate: Lionsgate's select-theaters debut of Lee Daniels' drama about an abused inner-city teen took in an enthusiastic $1.8 million in 18 theaters in four cities for a powerful $100,000 per-screen average.
But with the second weekend of the Michael Jackson documentary "This Is It" holding the second spot, dropping just 40% from its opening, the frame's other arrivals found it tougher to secure a foothold.
Overture's military satire "The Men Who Stare at Goats" checked in at third place with $13.3 million. Although finishing in fourth place, Universal's horror thriller...
- 11/8/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tyler Perry's latest urban dramedy did good business and almost by itself during what proved a sleepy weekend at the domestic boxoffice despite four wide openers.
The multihyphenate's "I Can Do Bad All by Myself" from Lionsgate debuted at No. 1 with an estimated $24 million. Focus Features' PG-13 animated feature "9" also bowed solidly, with $10.9 million from just 1,661 playdates, to grab second place on the frame and shape a five-day cume of $15.3 million.
Summit Entertainment's R-rated horror pic "Sorority Row" opened limply with $5.3 million in sixth place, and Warner Bros.' Kate Beckinsale starrer "Whiteout" debuted with just $5.1 million in seventh. The top second-week holdover -- Fox's Sandra Bullock-Bradley Cooper starrer "All About Steve" -- fell a modest 48% from its first Friday-Sunday frame to $5.8 million in fourth place, good for a $21.8 million cume.
Collectively, the fall boxoffice season's inaugural weekend produced $73 million from its top 10 finishers, or...
The multihyphenate's "I Can Do Bad All by Myself" from Lionsgate debuted at No. 1 with an estimated $24 million. Focus Features' PG-13 animated feature "9" also bowed solidly, with $10.9 million from just 1,661 playdates, to grab second place on the frame and shape a five-day cume of $15.3 million.
Summit Entertainment's R-rated horror pic "Sorority Row" opened limply with $5.3 million in sixth place, and Warner Bros.' Kate Beckinsale starrer "Whiteout" debuted with just $5.1 million in seventh. The top second-week holdover -- Fox's Sandra Bullock-Bradley Cooper starrer "All About Steve" -- fell a modest 48% from its first Friday-Sunday frame to $5.8 million in fourth place, good for a $21.8 million cume.
Collectively, the fall boxoffice season's inaugural weekend produced $73 million from its top 10 finishers, or...
- 9/13/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a weekend that was highlighted with the release of two horror franchises, "The Final Destination" showed its dominance against "H2: Halloween 2". The fourth installment of the "Final Destination" series outran the sequel of director Rob Zombie's "Halloween" and closed the three-day weekend by grabbing the #1 spot at the North American box office.
Enjoying a boost from higher ticket prices for its 3-D runs in 1,678 3-D screens among the 3,121 theaters it was played, the thriller movie about a group of teens who try to cheat death collected an estimated $28.3 million. The opening weekend bow marked the highest opening weekend of the franchise as "Final Destination 3", which held the series' previous best only pulled in $19.1 million in 2006.
This New Line-produced "Final Destination" movie also gave Warner Bros. an industry-leading eight No. 1 openings this year. Commenting on the impressive run, Warners' Executive Vice President of Distribution Jeff Goldstein said,...
Enjoying a boost from higher ticket prices for its 3-D runs in 1,678 3-D screens among the 3,121 theaters it was played, the thriller movie about a group of teens who try to cheat death collected an estimated $28.3 million. The opening weekend bow marked the highest opening weekend of the franchise as "Final Destination 3", which held the series' previous best only pulled in $19.1 million in 2006.
This New Line-produced "Final Destination" movie also gave Warner Bros. an industry-leading eight No. 1 openings this year. Commenting on the impressive run, Warners' Executive Vice President of Distribution Jeff Goldstein said,...
- 8/31/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
In what was described as a "bloody showdown" this weekend between two competing horror film titles, Warner Bros 3-D "The Final Destination" soundly defeated The Weinstein Company's "Halloween II" for the box office top-spot, bringing in just over $28 million with audiences. Forced to open alongside "H2" due to limited 3-D screen availability, according to WB vice president of domestic distribution, Jeff Goldstein, the success of "Destination" (budgeted at a modest $40 million) "shows the power of 3-D to expand the footprint dramatically.""There is tremendous business in 3-D" Twc co-owner Bob Weinstein a ...
- 8/31/2009
- by By Actress Archives
Underscoring the arrival of 3D cinema, Warner Bros.' gorefest "The Final Destination" topped the domestic boxoffice during the weekend with a surprisingly strong, franchise-best bow estimated at $28.3 million.
Rob Zombie's "Halloween II" had tricked some prerelease forecasters into predicting a No. 1 debut for the sequel horror remake but still proved treat enough for the Weinstein Co. with a solid $17.4 million in third place. Execs said they were sufficiently pleased with the bow -- and impressed enough with the rival pic's opening -- to greenlight production of "Halloween 3D" for release next summer.
Meanwhile, the Weinstein-distributed "Inglourious Basterds" fell a relatively modest 47% from its week-earlier opening tally to ring up $20 million in second place and $73.8 million in cumulative boxoffice.
Focus Features' Ang Lee-directed "Taking Woodstock" scored a so-so $3.7 million from 1,393 playdates to camp out in ninth place during its first Friday-Sunday frame. Two days of early solo engagements...
Rob Zombie's "Halloween II" had tricked some prerelease forecasters into predicting a No. 1 debut for the sequel horror remake but still proved treat enough for the Weinstein Co. with a solid $17.4 million in third place. Execs said they were sufficiently pleased with the bow -- and impressed enough with the rival pic's opening -- to greenlight production of "Halloween 3D" for release next summer.
Meanwhile, the Weinstein-distributed "Inglourious Basterds" fell a relatively modest 47% from its week-earlier opening tally to ring up $20 million in second place and $73.8 million in cumulative boxoffice.
Focus Features' Ang Lee-directed "Taking Woodstock" scored a so-so $3.7 million from 1,393 playdates to camp out in ninth place during its first Friday-Sunday frame. Two days of early solo engagements...
- 8/30/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"The Hangover" hung around the top spot in domestic rankings for the second straight weekend, ringing up an estimated $33.4 million in the first repeat boxoffice win of the summer.
Disney/Pixar's "Up" -- which had looked like it pulled off the same feat the prior session until final data put it in second place -- was a repeat silver-medalist, with $30.5 million in the latest weekend face-off between the family-oriented animated feature and the chart-topping R-rated comedy from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures.
"Hangover" now boasts a 10-day cumulative boxoffice of $105.4 million, following a skimpy 26% drop from its first Friday-Sunday tally. "Up" raised its cume to $187.2 million through three sessions.
Sony's remake of the subway hijacking thriller "The Taking of Pelham 123" opened with $25 million in third place, roughly in line with pre-release projections for the Denzel Washington-John Travolta starrer. Paramount's Eddie Murphy comedy "Imagine That" debuted limply, with $5.7 million in sixth place.
Disney/Pixar's "Up" -- which had looked like it pulled off the same feat the prior session until final data put it in second place -- was a repeat silver-medalist, with $30.5 million in the latest weekend face-off between the family-oriented animated feature and the chart-topping R-rated comedy from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures.
"Hangover" now boasts a 10-day cumulative boxoffice of $105.4 million, following a skimpy 26% drop from its first Friday-Sunday tally. "Up" raised its cume to $187.2 million through three sessions.
Sony's remake of the subway hijacking thriller "The Taking of Pelham 123" opened with $25 million in third place, roughly in line with pre-release projections for the Denzel Washington-John Travolta starrer. Paramount's Eddie Murphy comedy "Imagine That" debuted limply, with $5.7 million in sixth place.
- 6/14/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Girls bent on having fun flocked to the multiplex en masse this weekend, powering "Hannah Montana: The Movie" to a tuneful $34 million opening and contributing to the biggest Easter weekend ever at the North American boxoffice.
The weekend's two other new wide releases had a more difficult time establishing traction. Warner Bros.' "Observe and Report" checked in at fourth place with $11.1 million, while Fox's "Dragonball Evolution" was relegated to eighth place with just $4.7 million.
But fueled by big holdover numbers from "Fast & Furious" and "Monsters vs. Aliens," ticket sales continued to tell an upbeat story.
The weekend haul of $137 million ranks as the top-grossing Easter weekend, surpassing the previous record of $132.1 million set in 2002, according to Nielsen. Boxoffice for the top 10 films was up more...
The weekend's two other new wide releases had a more difficult time establishing traction. Warner Bros.' "Observe and Report" checked in at fourth place with $11.1 million, while Fox's "Dragonball Evolution" was relegated to eighth place with just $4.7 million.
But fueled by big holdover numbers from "Fast & Furious" and "Monsters vs. Aliens," ticket sales continued to tell an upbeat story.
The weekend haul of $137 million ranks as the top-grossing Easter weekend, surpassing the previous record of $132.1 million set in 2002, according to Nielsen. Boxoffice for the top 10 films was up more...
- 4/12/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
So much unseen toil and preparation goes into the art of acting of which the general audience--or, as I prefer to think of them, the rabble--is blithely unaware. For the last few days, I've been trying on different costumes, facial hair configurations, and makeup palettes to primp myself for next week's totally happening Tea Parties. Some of my liberal brethren scoff at the worry and concern voiced by Michelle Malkin and others that these peaceable protests will be infiltrated by leftwing agitators acting as agent provocateurs. Steven Benen at The Washington Monthly writes, "Now, I consider myself relatively clued in on what's going on in progressive circles. Not only have I not heard any talk about "sabotaging" these conservative rallies -- I don't know anyone who cares -- I also can't begin to imagine why Soros and/or Acorn would bother." As a freelance saboteur, I am not surprised that...
- 4/10/2009
- Vanity Fair
Warner Bros.' "Watchmen" wilted under the pressure in its second weekend as Disney's family adventure "Race to Witch Mountain" sped to No. 1 with $25 million in estimated opening grosses.
"Watchmen" dropped a big 67% from its opening domestic grosses to register $18.1 million in second place. Universal's Rogue-produced horror pic "The Last House on the Left" bowed in third place with $14.7 million, while Fox Atomic's youth comedy "Miss March" stumbled into theaters with just $2.4 million in 10th place.
Industrywide, the $101 million weekend represented a 16% decline from the same frame last year, according to Nielsen Edi. It was only the second year-over-year weekend decline this year, with industryites citing a tough comparison with a year-ago session topped by the $45 million opening of "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!"
The industry boxoffice is tracking 2% ahead of the same portion of last year, at $1.88 billion. But the year-to-date uptick is deceptively modest due to...
"Watchmen" dropped a big 67% from its opening domestic grosses to register $18.1 million in second place. Universal's Rogue-produced horror pic "The Last House on the Left" bowed in third place with $14.7 million, while Fox Atomic's youth comedy "Miss March" stumbled into theaters with just $2.4 million in 10th place.
Industrywide, the $101 million weekend represented a 16% decline from the same frame last year, according to Nielsen Edi. It was only the second year-over-year weekend decline this year, with industryites citing a tough comparison with a year-ago session topped by the $45 million opening of "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!"
The industry boxoffice is tracking 2% ahead of the same portion of last year, at $1.88 billion. But the year-to-date uptick is deceptively modest due to...
- 3/15/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
What football game?
Fox's Liam Neeson starrer "Taken" took in an impressive $24.6 million in estimated opening grosses to top domestic rankings over a weekend weakened less than expected by preoccupation with the Super Bowl.
Paramount's PG-13 ghost pic "The Uninvited" scared up $10.5 million from a third-place bow, according to Nielsen EDI data. And Lionsgate's romantic comedy "New in Town," starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr., debuted in eighth with $6.8 million.
The frame's $129 million in industry coin represented a 1% improvement over the comparable session last year. Essentially, distributors enjoyed big enough boxoffice receipts Friday and Saturday to compensate for a Super Bowl-slackened Sunday.
Year-to-date, 2009 is off 10% from a year ago at $824.6 million. But that's mostly because of seasonal calendar fluctuations.
Meantime, two of Oscar's best pic nominees staged respectable first-time expansions into wide release this weekend, despite any competition from the pigskin-championship telecast.
The Weinstein Co.'s Nazi-themed...
Fox's Liam Neeson starrer "Taken" took in an impressive $24.6 million in estimated opening grosses to top domestic rankings over a weekend weakened less than expected by preoccupation with the Super Bowl.
Paramount's PG-13 ghost pic "The Uninvited" scared up $10.5 million from a third-place bow, according to Nielsen EDI data. And Lionsgate's romantic comedy "New in Town," starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr., debuted in eighth with $6.8 million.
The frame's $129 million in industry coin represented a 1% improvement over the comparable session last year. Essentially, distributors enjoyed big enough boxoffice receipts Friday and Saturday to compensate for a Super Bowl-slackened Sunday.
Year-to-date, 2009 is off 10% from a year ago at $824.6 million. But that's mostly because of seasonal calendar fluctuations.
Meantime, two of Oscar's best pic nominees staged respectable first-time expansions into wide release this weekend, despite any competition from the pigskin-championship telecast.
The Weinstein Co.'s Nazi-themed...
- 2/1/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Results at the domestic boxoffice offered split-frame viewing this weekend, with commerce and art showing up in equal evidence.
Sony comedy "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" repeated at No. 1 with an estimated $21.5 million, while Sony Screen Gems' threequel "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" and Warner Bros.' fantasy "Inkheart" mounted second- and seventh-place bows of $20.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively. But much of the focus was on several Oscar-nominated films, including five best pic candidates.
Fox Searchlight broadened Danny Boyle's Indian drama "Slumdog Millionaire" into 1,411 theaters after 10 frames in mostly limited release, reaping an upbeat $7,476 per venue and $55.9 million cume. The fifth-place performance by "Slumdog" -- which copped the Producers Guild of America’s feature film award Saturday -- topped tallies for best pic nominees, but others also saw decent business.
Paramount's literary adaptation "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, finished ninth with a $6 million session and $111 million cume.
Sony comedy "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" repeated at No. 1 with an estimated $21.5 million, while Sony Screen Gems' threequel "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" and Warner Bros.' fantasy "Inkheart" mounted second- and seventh-place bows of $20.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively. But much of the focus was on several Oscar-nominated films, including five best pic candidates.
Fox Searchlight broadened Danny Boyle's Indian drama "Slumdog Millionaire" into 1,411 theaters after 10 frames in mostly limited release, reaping an upbeat $7,476 per venue and $55.9 million cume. The fifth-place performance by "Slumdog" -- which copped the Producers Guild of America’s feature film award Saturday -- topped tallies for best pic nominees, but others also saw decent business.
Paramount's literary adaptation "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, finished ninth with a $6 million session and $111 million cume.
- 1/25/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Prestige films including Clint Eastwood's tour de force "Gran Torino" and Steven Soderbergh's revolutionary epic "Che" stormed the domestic boxoffice this weekend in a thickening battle for adult moviegoers and industry kudos.
Warner Bros. opened the Eastwood-helmed and -toplined "Gran Torino" in six theaters in New York and Los Angeles and registered $282,000. That represented a turbocharged $47,340 per playdate, though as an older-skewing release, "Torino" may take its time finding top gear once it hits wider distribution.
Positive reviews -- particularly for Eastwood's performance -- helped stoke must-see interest for the opening. Warners exec vp distribution Jeff Goldstein predicted the film's theatrical run will also prove leggy.
"It looks like something that is very accessible, and it feels very commercial," Goldstein said.
Audiences skewed 56% male, with 67% of patrons over 35. "Torino" cruises into three additional markets with a total of 18 theaters starting Friday.
IFC Films' "Che" -- which casts Benicio Del Toro...
Warner Bros. opened the Eastwood-helmed and -toplined "Gran Torino" in six theaters in New York and Los Angeles and registered $282,000. That represented a turbocharged $47,340 per playdate, though as an older-skewing release, "Torino" may take its time finding top gear once it hits wider distribution.
Positive reviews -- particularly for Eastwood's performance -- helped stoke must-see interest for the opening. Warners exec vp distribution Jeff Goldstein predicted the film's theatrical run will also prove leggy.
"It looks like something that is very accessible, and it feels very commercial," Goldstein said.
Audiences skewed 56% male, with 67% of patrons over 35. "Torino" cruises into three additional markets with a total of 18 theaters starting Friday.
IFC Films' "Che" -- which casts Benicio Del Toro...
- 12/14/2008
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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