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

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

Although fellow ‘Frat Packer’ Will Ferrell rang bells with November 2003’s Elf, Vince Vaughn 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 for Lambs.  Lions wasn’t expected to take in Mission Impossible-esque numbers, but the film did still boast Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep and actor/director Robert Redford.  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 (Rendition).

P2, the only other new Top Ten entry, racked up ninth place.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Fred Claus No Match for Jerry Seinfeld

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

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

Combine Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington’s star-wattage and you’re bound to get a hit.  But did anyone expect a $43 million debut for American Gangster?  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 Jerry Seinfeld—the hardest working self-promoter of 2007.  Even though NBC spent countless hours of airtime sucking up to its former Golden Boy, Seinfeld’s Bee Movie was stung with a 2nd place finish.  Although $38 million take is nothing to complain about, I expect next week’s Fred Claus will slide right in to become the week’s best-grossing comedy.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: A Gangbusters Weekend for Washington, Crowe

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Forum Discussion
• Email this story

In Theaters This Weekend (11/2)

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, MGM, New Line, Universal, Warner Independant Films, Animation, Documentary, Drama, Comedy, Lists, New Releases

• American Gangster (R):  starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe (directed by Ridley Scott)
• Bee Movie (PG):  starring Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger (directed by Steve Hickner, Simon Smith)
• Martian Child (PG):  starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet (directed by Menno Meyjes)
• Wristcutters: A Love Story (R):  starring Patrick Fugit, Shannyn Sossamon (directed by Goran Dukic)
• Darfur Now* (PG):  starring Don Cheadle, George Clooney (directed by Ted Braun)

*limited or gradual release

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story