Box Office Guru Wrapup: Ninja Turtles Unseat Spartans For #1 Spot
A crowded box office saw six new films shove their way into the multiplexes this weekend, but it was the Warner Bros. animated film "TMNT" that led the way knocking the studio's own historical battle film "300" from the number one spot.
Mark Wahlberg's new sniper pic "Shooter" enjoyed a decent opening in third place while the rest of the debuting films saw more modest results. Overall, the box office was vibrant with seven different pictures hitting double digit millions.
Turtle power conquered North America as "TMNT" ruled the weekend with an opening of $25.5M, according to estimates. The PG-rated toon averaged a powerful $8,183 from 3,110 theaters and collected an amount that was almost identical to the record $25.4M debut of the live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from March 1990. However, ticket prices were much lower 17 years ago and films played in fewer theaters so that hit's $12,661 average from 2,006 locations was more impressive. With few new choices for kids in recent weeks, "TMNT" was able to corner the market for young ones. However, long term success could be challenging as Disney will unleash its rival animated entry "Meet the Robinsons" this Friday.
After two weeks on top of the charts, the Spartan war epic "300" dropped to second place but still held up well despite the onslaught of new films. The Warner Bros. blockbuster fell by only 38% to an estimated $20.5M and lifted its cume to a staggering $162.4M after 17 days. The R-rated smash now looks likely to reach the $200M mark domestically -- a level no March film has ever reached before.
Overseas, "300" dominated the marketplace with its invasion of the U.K. and several key European countries with a colossal $48M from 33 markets with 5,000 prints. That pushed the international total to $79M and the global gross to $241M. 300 should dominate the spring box office worldwide and could go on to surpass $500M.
Mark Wahlberg's new action thriller "Shooter" opened in third place with an estimated $14.5M from 2,806 locations. The Paramount release averaged a good $5,168 per theater and played to an adult aduience. Studio research showed that two-thirds of the crowd for the R-rated film was age 25 or older. "Shooter" finds the recent Oscar nominee playing a former marine wrongly accused of trying to kill the U.S. President. The budget was just over $60M.
With no new comedies opening among the half-dozen new releases, Buena Vista's motorcycle laugher "Wild Hogs" held strong once again and slipped only 25% to an estimated $14.4M. The Tim Allen-John Travolta pic has upped its cume to $123.8M to date making it 2007's second biggest blockbuster trailing only the Spartan tale. "Hogs" is also the top-grossing release for Disney since Johnny Depp's pirate smash from last summer.
Three films claimed estimates near the $10M mark and could see their rankings get shuffled when final numbers are reported on Monday. New Line opened its kids adventure "The Last Mimzy" with an estimated $10.2M from 3,017 theaters for a mild $3,381 average. The sci-fi tale earned mixed reviews and faced stiff competition for children from "TMNT."
After enjoying a career-high opening, Sandra Bullock saw her critically-panned suspense thriller "Premonition" fall by a reasonable 43% in its second weekend to an estimated $10.1M. Sony has scared up a solid $32.2M in ten days for the $20M production and should conclude with $55-60M.
Fox Atomic, the studio's division that targets teens and young adults, bowed its horror sequel "The Hills Have Eyes II" to the tune of $10M, according to estimates. Averaging a mediocre $4,087 from 2,447 locations, the R-rated zombie flick opened 54 weeks after its predecessor which itself was a remake. The first "Hills" performed better and opened to $15.7M and a $5,996 average last March on its way to $41.8M. Eyes 2 cost $15M to produce and played mostly to an under-25 audience. Males and females were almost equally represented.
The Adam Sandler drama "Reign Over Me" debuted in eighth place with an estimated $8M from 1,671 sites for a commendable $4,788 average per theater. The R-rated film about a man who loses his way in life after his family is killed on September 11 earned good marks from critics. Given the difference in subject matter, "Reign" played primarily to adult women and not to the young male crowd that the funnyman usually attracts with his comedies. Studio research showed that 59% of the audience was female and 60% was 25 or older. The $20M production co-stars Don Cheadle and Jada Pinkett Smith and opened a bit below Sandler's mature pic "Spanglish" which bowed to only $8.8M in 2004.
Lionsgate's swim team drama "Pride" tanked in its opening weekend diving into just $4M, according to estimates. Starring Cheadle's "Crash" co-star Terrence Howard, the PG-rated film averaged a weak $2,655 from 1,518 locations and earned mixed reviews from critics. Rounding out the top ten was the killer doll flick "Dead Silence" with an estimated $3.5M in its second weekend. Off a steep 55%, the Universal release has grossed $13.3M in ten days and should finish with just under $20M.
With all the new faces, six films tumbled out of the top ten over the weekend with declines of more than 50% each. Chris Rock's latest film "I Think I Love My Wife" fell 51% in its second weekend to an estimated $2.8M for a ten-day cume of only $10M. A final gross of about $15M seems likely. Disney's fantasy drama "Bridge to Terabithia" dropped 55% to an estimated $2.3M in its sixth frame. With a strong $78.9M in the bank, Bridge looks to end its run with $82-84M.
Sony's "Ghost Rider" took in an estimated $1.7M, down 59%, for a $113.2M cume. The Nicolas Cage actioner should finish with roughly $116M. Paramount's serial killer drama "Zodiac" has been one of the year's big underperformers and crumbled 63% to an estimated $1.2M. The $65M film has collected only $31.7M thus far and looks to end with a disappointing $34M.
The Eddie Murphy hit "Norbit" has performed much better for Paramount and grossed an estimated $1M this weekend, off 63%, pushing the total to $94.1M. A $96M final is likely. Hugh Grant's latest comedy has made half as much. "Music and Lyrics," co-starring Drew Barrymore, fell 60% to an estimated $920,000 pushing the total to $49.2M. Look for a $51M final.
Fox Searchlight once again generated the best per-theater average in the Top 20 with Mira Nair's "The Namesake" which expanded from 41 to 117 theaters and grossed an estimated $1.4M. Averaging a sturdy $11,581 per site, the PG-13 pic upped its total to $2.7M and will add another 125 theaters this Friday.
The top ten films grossed an estimated $120.6M which was up 27% from last year when "Inside Man" opened at number one with $29M; and up 39% from 2005 when "Guess Who" debuted on top with $20.7M.
Author: Gitesh Pandya, www.BoxOfficeGuru.com
Mark Wahlberg's new sniper pic "Shooter" enjoyed a decent opening in third place while the rest of the debuting films saw more modest results. Overall, the box office was vibrant with seven different pictures hitting double digit millions.
Turtle power conquered North America as "TMNT" ruled the weekend with an opening of $25.5M, according to estimates. The PG-rated toon averaged a powerful $8,183 from 3,110 theaters and collected an amount that was almost identical to the record $25.4M debut of the live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from March 1990. However, ticket prices were much lower 17 years ago and films played in fewer theaters so that hit's $12,661 average from 2,006 locations was more impressive. With few new choices for kids in recent weeks, "TMNT" was able to corner the market for young ones. However, long term success could be challenging as Disney will unleash its rival animated entry "Meet the Robinsons" this Friday.
After two weeks on top of the charts, the Spartan war epic "300" dropped to second place but still held up well despite the onslaught of new films. The Warner Bros. blockbuster fell by only 38% to an estimated $20.5M and lifted its cume to a staggering $162.4M after 17 days. The R-rated smash now looks likely to reach the $200M mark domestically -- a level no March film has ever reached before.
Overseas, "300" dominated the marketplace with its invasion of the U.K. and several key European countries with a colossal $48M from 33 markets with 5,000 prints. That pushed the international total to $79M and the global gross to $241M. 300 should dominate the spring box office worldwide and could go on to surpass $500M.
Mark Wahlberg's new action thriller "Shooter" opened in third place with an estimated $14.5M from 2,806 locations. The Paramount release averaged a good $5,168 per theater and played to an adult aduience. Studio research showed that two-thirds of the crowd for the R-rated film was age 25 or older. "Shooter" finds the recent Oscar nominee playing a former marine wrongly accused of trying to kill the U.S. President. The budget was just over $60M.
With no new comedies opening among the half-dozen new releases, Buena Vista's motorcycle laugher "Wild Hogs" held strong once again and slipped only 25% to an estimated $14.4M. The Tim Allen-John Travolta pic has upped its cume to $123.8M to date making it 2007's second biggest blockbuster trailing only the Spartan tale. "Hogs" is also the top-grossing release for Disney since Johnny Depp's pirate smash from last summer.
Three films claimed estimates near the $10M mark and could see their rankings get shuffled when final numbers are reported on Monday. New Line opened its kids adventure "The Last Mimzy" with an estimated $10.2M from 3,017 theaters for a mild $3,381 average. The sci-fi tale earned mixed reviews and faced stiff competition for children from "TMNT."
After enjoying a career-high opening, Sandra Bullock saw her critically-panned suspense thriller "Premonition" fall by a reasonable 43% in its second weekend to an estimated $10.1M. Sony has scared up a solid $32.2M in ten days for the $20M production and should conclude with $55-60M.
Fox Atomic, the studio's division that targets teens and young adults, bowed its horror sequel "The Hills Have Eyes II" to the tune of $10M, according to estimates. Averaging a mediocre $4,087 from 2,447 locations, the R-rated zombie flick opened 54 weeks after its predecessor which itself was a remake. The first "Hills" performed better and opened to $15.7M and a $5,996 average last March on its way to $41.8M. Eyes 2 cost $15M to produce and played mostly to an under-25 audience. Males and females were almost equally represented.
The Adam Sandler drama "Reign Over Me" debuted in eighth place with an estimated $8M from 1,671 sites for a commendable $4,788 average per theater. The R-rated film about a man who loses his way in life after his family is killed on September 11 earned good marks from critics. Given the difference in subject matter, "Reign" played primarily to adult women and not to the young male crowd that the funnyman usually attracts with his comedies. Studio research showed that 59% of the audience was female and 60% was 25 or older. The $20M production co-stars Don Cheadle and Jada Pinkett Smith and opened a bit below Sandler's mature pic "Spanglish" which bowed to only $8.8M in 2004.
Lionsgate's swim team drama "Pride" tanked in its opening weekend diving into just $4M, according to estimates. Starring Cheadle's "Crash" co-star Terrence Howard, the PG-rated film averaged a weak $2,655 from 1,518 locations and earned mixed reviews from critics. Rounding out the top ten was the killer doll flick "Dead Silence" with an estimated $3.5M in its second weekend. Off a steep 55%, the Universal release has grossed $13.3M in ten days and should finish with just under $20M.
With all the new faces, six films tumbled out of the top ten over the weekend with declines of more than 50% each. Chris Rock's latest film "I Think I Love My Wife" fell 51% in its second weekend to an estimated $2.8M for a ten-day cume of only $10M. A final gross of about $15M seems likely. Disney's fantasy drama "Bridge to Terabithia" dropped 55% to an estimated $2.3M in its sixth frame. With a strong $78.9M in the bank, Bridge looks to end its run with $82-84M.
Sony's "Ghost Rider" took in an estimated $1.7M, down 59%, for a $113.2M cume. The Nicolas Cage actioner should finish with roughly $116M. Paramount's serial killer drama "Zodiac" has been one of the year's big underperformers and crumbled 63% to an estimated $1.2M. The $65M film has collected only $31.7M thus far and looks to end with a disappointing $34M.
The Eddie Murphy hit "Norbit" has performed much better for Paramount and grossed an estimated $1M this weekend, off 63%, pushing the total to $94.1M. A $96M final is likely. Hugh Grant's latest comedy has made half as much. "Music and Lyrics," co-starring Drew Barrymore, fell 60% to an estimated $920,000 pushing the total to $49.2M. Look for a $51M final.
Fox Searchlight once again generated the best per-theater average in the Top 20 with Mira Nair's "The Namesake" which expanded from 41 to 117 theaters and grossed an estimated $1.4M. Averaging a sturdy $11,581 per site, the PG-13 pic upped its total to $2.7M and will add another 125 theaters this Friday.
The top ten films grossed an estimated $120.6M which was up 27% from last year when "Inside Man" opened at number one with $29M; and up 39% from 2005 when "Guess Who" debuted on top with $20.7M.
Author: Gitesh Pandya, www.BoxOfficeGuru.com
Related Items
| Movie: | Dead Silence |
| Wild Hogs | |
| Shooter | |
| The Last Mimzy | |
| Premonition | |
| Reign Over Me | |
| I Think I Love My Wife | |
| Norbit | |
| Pride | |
| TMNT | |
| Zodiac | |
| Ghost Rider | |
| Celeb: | Mark Wahlberg |
| Sandra Bullock |
(1-20 of 33 posts) | Reply
on Mar 26 2007 04:47 AM I am surprised so many people actually care about talking turtles. I for one was never much into TNMT. But too bad for the Spartans. While the overall gross looks solid, I think it will never head for the 500 million worldwide glory of Casino Royale or Troy. But still this is an R-Rated pic and the publicity guys did a commendable job in my opinion. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 05:42 AM Proving once again that people will pay to see anything. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 06:28 AM In reply to this comment (#859377) proving once again that losers knock movies that they have not seen and care nothing about (keep your turtle hating to yourself because you don't know how awesome this movie is) (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 07:29 AM I thought Ninja Turtles and Spartans were the same thing? (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 07:45 AM In reply to this comment (#859378) I saw Turtles and I thought it was a piece of shit. Looked good visually. (Reply to this) |
on Mar 26 2007 07:46 AM I saw Shooter which was a good solid shootem up action film, and Reign Over Me which was pretty good. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 07:51 AM In reply to this comment (#859378) I value your enthusiasm. And you make a good point; it makes little sense to dish on a film you haven't seen. But audiences are jaded these days. And with so many bad films flooding the multiplex, just going to the movies at all seems a lot like "paying to see anything." 300 was good. No question. I haven't seen TMNT yet but so far the critics -the few that can seldom be trusted- either hate it for illustrating conflict between the brothers, or because they never "got" the appeal of the franchise in the first place. On the first complaint, it registers as blindingly hypocritical that these so-called critics would pine for character depth and then condemn a film for attempting it simply because the protagonists happen to be four talking turtles. [They never seem to have a problem with talking mice and raccoons and bears in their by-the-numbers Disney flicks] As for the second complaint, these critics have said little more than two words. If you diss a film that you're being paid to legitimately critque simply because the subject doesn't appeal to you, well, clearly you're not being objective, and, further, you're not much of a critic. It's not fair to the audience. It's not fair to the film. And it says absolutely nothing about either. (Reply to this) |
on Mar 26 2007 09:15 AM [b]Matanuki sums it up.[/b] Just go see it before you say anything. This film was obviously for the longtime fans of the franchise and for the fans, it's a thrill. For normal movie-goers, the film was just great visuals and little of anything else. But Matanuki's post sums up everything. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 10:19 AM [b]Totally[/b] I really enjoyed the flick, and I have the century illustrations re-release of TMNT #1-#48 on my bookshelf. This movie was for the fans, they didn't market it at all, and it still grossed 26 mil in one weekend. I am impressed that the Turtles still have some clout. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 10:21 AM In reply to this comment (#859382) I totally agree with you dude. I was shocked after walking out of the theatre that critics almost univerally came together to 'hate' on the turtles. Mind you, it aint high art, but it's something that parents can actually watch with their kids without rolling there eyes and it's definatly better then most of the crap that comes out for kids these days. (Reply to this) |
on Mar 26 2007 12:50 PM In reply to this comment (#859383) How was it for the long term fans? THEY LEFT OUT THE BEST CHARACTER, SHREDDER, AND THEY BASE IT OFF OF A CRAPPY NEW CARTOON THAT A VAST MAJORITY OF TURTLES FANS HAVE NEVER SEEN BECAUSE IT SUCKS COMPARED TO THE ORIGINAL. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 01:18 PM usually aknddon3 doesnt really have a point, but he does this time. i havent seen TMNT, not because i dont like talking turtles (as a child of the 80s i grew up with them) but because the villians look like they should be in some japanese cartoon, not ninja turtles. maybe they couldnt have gotten shredder back (genetically clone him perhaps) but they could have came up with something better than the "monsters from another dimension" angle. i guess i'll see it this week and decide later. as for zodiac, i saw it opening weekend and thought that even though it was not quite the masterpiece that some people said it was, it was still a damn fine movie that deserves better than 31 mil. it says alot when shlock like ghost rider (which ive seen), norbit (i refuse to see it) and all the other crap that comes out and makes triple what zodiac does. obviously im not asking for zodiac to put up 300 like box office (since it is 2 hr 40 mins long and there isnt any "slasher" type scenes) but zodiac deserves better and i think it will have a good run on DVD. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 01:18 PM usually aknddon3 doesnt really have a point, but he does this time. i havent seen TMNT, not because i dont like talking turtles (as a child of the 80s i grew up with them) but because the villians look like they should be in some japanese cartoon, not ninja turtles. maybe they couldnt have gotten shredder back (genetically clone him perhaps) but they could have came up with something better than the "monsters from another dimension" angle. i guess i'll see it this week and decide later. as for zodiac, i saw it opening weekend and thought that even though it was not quite the masterpiece that some people said it was, it was still a damn fine movie that deserves better than 31 mil. it says alot when shlock like ghost rider (which ive seen), norbit (i refuse to see it) and all the other crap that comes out and makes triple what zodiac does. obviously im not asking for zodiac to put up 300 like box office (since it is 2 hr 40 mins long and there isnt any "slasher" type scenes) but zodiac deserves better and i think it will have a good run on DVD. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 01:27 PM I thought TMNT was a fun movie. Yeah, the story was for kids, but there was enough there to keep adults entertained as well. Visually it was awesome, it had some of the best scenery CGI I've seen in a flick. And c'mon, the fight between Raph and Leo..that's cult classic right there. My only real complaint (other than yeah, no Shredder), is that the people (April, Casey, etc.) all looked like trashed designs from The Incredibles. Turtles rule! "YOU, aren't, ready. You're impatient, and hot tempered - and more importantly, I'm better than you..."-Leonardo Love that line... (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 01:42 PM [b]BOTH ON TOP AREN[/b] TMNT has a fan base in 19-25 year olds, as well as being appealing to children because of the animation and fight scenes. They definetely could have done better with this though. The whole "monsters" thing was horrible. The movie was over before they really started developing the story. And it had a REALLY weak ending. 300 doesn't have much more of a plot either, just a 300 battle trained goons who are too stubborn and brainless to retreat and reform with greater numbers, so they fight to the death....not much plot ;) (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 02:30 PM In reply to this comment (#859391) They could not retreat because that was against their law and they were not allowed to go to war because of the corrupt priests. There was a plot you just did not pay attention to it. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 10:36 PM In reply to this comment (#859387) Well, the Turtles have to beat Shredder at some point - otherwise the whole thing gets kinda repetative. It also allows them to introduce some cool characters, like Kurai. Oh, and note what Kurai said at the end of the movie - that the turtles would be soon seeing familiar faces from their past. Shredder, perhaps? From what I've heard/ read, this was an experiment by the studio that created it anyway, so the fact that it's made good money in the first week may give hope for animated movies of other franchises that might otherwise be left to collect dust. Besides, you can't beat Laurence Fishburne, Ziyi Zang, Patrick Stuart, Mako (Uncle Iroh!), and Kevin Smith all doing voices in the same movie! (Reply to this) |
on Mar 26 2007 11:10 PM Aha! Just as I guessed: TMNT pushes 300 to #2. Loved 300. Loved TMNT. Mimzy was okay, but quite decent. I loooved the Leo and Raph fight in the rain...I also liked the new liberties they took via the movie's CGI entirety. There are some things you just can't do with live action/Jim Henson stuff. Plus, it was just fun! :P (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 26 2007 11:37 PM In reply to this comment (#859394) No Shredder or kang or anyone from the original means not a good TMNT movie. (Reply to this) |
|
on Mar 27 2007 12:09 AM In reply to this comment (#859397) Haha, KANG! He should be the villian in the next one, if there's a next one. I always felt he was shafted by never being in the live action flicks...ah man, kang... 300 is overrated. It's what I like to call 'scene' - meaning that, "everyone like, just has to like, like it! It's so edgy and cooool..." Lame. (Reply to this) |
| You must be registered to post comments. Login or Register. |
Related Articles
-
Frank Miller Talks Sin City 2, 300 Follow-Up
(7)
- Exclusive: Milton's Paradise Lost Movie in 3D? (14)
- RT on DVD: WALL-E And An Exclusive Tropic Thunder Deleted Scene! (40)
- Weekly Ketchup: Branagh directs Thor, Seagal vs. aliens? (46)
-
300 Follow-Up Details Revealed
(23)
- Video Exclusive: Gerard Butler talks RocknRolla and 300 sequel with RT (13)
-
Legendary Confirms 300 Follow-Up
(4)
-
300 "Prequel/Sequel" on the Way?
(16)
- Box Office Guru Preview: Clooney Suits Up For Football Fun (6)
- Box Office Guru Preview: Four New Players Join The Game (2)
Most Discussed
- Total Recall: Natalie Portman's Best Movies (79)
- Five Favorite Films with Jason Reitman (55)
- Critics Consensus: Everybody's Fine Is Just OK (50)
- 10 Horrifically Profitable Films (46)
- Sundance 2010: RT's 10 Most Anticipated Movies (41)
- Five Favorite Films with Jesse Ventura (40)
- Weekly Ketchup: Tron Team to Remake The Black Hole (37)
- Awards Tour: National Board of Review Winners List! (28)
- Friday Harvest: Iron Man 2, Harry Potter, and more! (24)
- RT on DVD & Blu-Ray: Terminator Salvation and a Smithsonian Battle (22)
Latest News
- Exclusive: The World of Where the Wild Things Are (1)
- Box Office Guru Wrapup: The Blind Side Takes the Lead (21)
- Weekly Ketchup: Tron Team to Remake The Black Hole (37)
- Friday Harvest: Iron Man 2, Harry Potter, and more! (24)
- Sundance 2010: RT's 10 Most Anticipated Movies (41)
- Awards Tour: National Board of Review Winners List! (28)
- Critics Consensus: Everybody's Fine Is Just OK (50)
- Five Favorite Films with Jason Reitman (55)
- Sundance Announces Out-of-Competition Films Screening At 2010 Festival (2)
- 10 Horrifically Profitable Films (46)
Latest Interviews
- Director Ruben Fleischer Talks Zombieland (2)
- "I Don't Hate Women": Lars von Trier on Antichrist (17)
- Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview (12)
- Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary (23)
- James Schamus talks Taking Woodstock - RT Interview (8)
- John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview (15)
- Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus (22)
- Wes Anderson Talks Fantastic Mr. Fox - RT Interview (9)
- Wolverine Creator Len Wein Talks About the Film (28)
- Gavin Hood Talks Wolverine; Possible Sequel (30)
Latest Features
- Exclusive: The World of Where the Wild Things Are (1)
- Sundance 2010: RT's 10 Most Anticipated Movies (41)
- 10 Horrifically Profitable Films (46)
- Director Ruben Fleischer Talks Zombieland (2)
- Ban Them All! 10 Infamously Controversial Movies (103)
- 5 Facts About The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (106)
- Five Favorite Films With Zombieland Director Ruben Fleischer (25)
- "I Don't Hate Women": Lars von Trier on Antichrist (17)
- Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary (23)
- Five Favourite Films with Ang Lee (35)
IGN RSS Feeds