The unexpected snowstorm in the Northeast managed to hit the box office tallies a little bit. At least, that’s what the folks at Dreamworks will be saying is the reason Puss In Boots managed to open with lacklustre numbers this weekend. In the meantime, Paranormal Activity 3 had the expected large drop, while few were willing drink rum with Johnny Depp. Here’s a look at what happened this weekend at the box office:
Even though Puss In Boots hit number one at the box office, it didn’t come anywhere near Shrek numbers. That was to be expected, but I have to admit I’m surprised it didn’t at least hit $40 million. I had predicted a first place showing with $45 million, but instead the movie opened to what can only be considered a disappointing $34 million. I don’t think the weather had that much of an effect on the results, Instead, I would guess a secondary character from the world of Shrek didn’t hold as much appeal to audiences. We’ll see what sort of legs the film winds up having. While opening weekend was a letdown, Puss In Boots could hang around over the coming weeks.
Opening in third place with $12 million was the Justin Timberlake sci-fi films In Time (I was only $.5 million off in my prediction). It’s not a a particularly great number and I believe it reinforces the fact that JT isn’t a movie star yet. Put him in supporting roles and he can do a great job, but he’s not at the point where he can open a film to big numbers. Expect to find In Time on DVD and VOD shortly.
The final debut of the weekend was Johnny Depp and The Rum Diary, based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson. As predicted, the film debut arrived in fifth place with an underwhelming $5 million (about $2 million off from my generous prediction). Just because Depp is one of the biggest movie stars on the planet right now doesn’t mean audiences will flock to see everything he does. Maybe The Rum Diary will become a cult classic, just like Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas.
As for the rest of the weekend, Paranormal Activity 3 hit number two, bringing in $18 million, a fairly steep 65% drop week to week (I had predicted a second place showing with $21 million) . Regardless, the film has already grossed $80 million, and should top out at close to $110 million when its run is complete. In fourth spot with $5.4 million is Footloose, which has become a nice little performer for Paramount, having grossed $38 million in three weeks.
So, to recap, here were our predictions:
1) Puss in Boots – $45 million
2) Paranormal Activity 3 – $21 million
3) In Time – $12.5 million
4) Footloose – $9 million
5) The Rum Diaries – $7 million
And here’s how the weekend turned out:
1) Puss in Boots – $35 million
2) Paranormal Activity 3 – $18 million
3) In Time – $12 million
4) Footloose – $5.4 million
5) The Rum Diaries – $5 million
Next week, the big releases looking to make it to the top of the box office include A Harold and Kumar Christmas, Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar and Eddie Murphy in Tower Heist. Check back on Friday to see our predictions!
