BOX OFFICE REPORT: ‘Christmases’ wraps up box office
Written by Rick From Chicago on November 30th, 2008 in Box Office Report, Movies. 124 views
This past U.S. holiday weekend was the second biggest Thanksgiving period since 2000.
What economic crisis?
The domestic box office flourished over the long Thanksgiving sesh, ending slightly ahead of last year. Better yet, all sorts of films did well, further indication that going to the movies is becoming more and more appealing as worried consumers cut back on more expensive forms of entertainment, including eating out.
Biggest victor in terms of sheer grosses went to Warner Bros/New Line’s Vince Vaughn-Reese Witherspoon comedy “Four Christmases.” Pic — opening Wednesday and coming in far ahead of expectations — grossed an estimated $46.7 million from 3,310 runs for the five-day frame, and $31.7 million for the three-day weekend, according to Rentrak.
The most anticipated Thanksgiving film was 20th Century Fox’s adult-leaning epic “Australia,” from director Baz Luhrmann, which also debuted Wednesday. Film grossed an estimated $20 million from 2,642 runs for the five days, and $14.8 million for the three-day weekend, to place squarely No. 5.
After a soft Wednesday debut, “Australia” noticeably picked up the pace as adults were sprung from holiday duties. Film logged a 96% bump Friday — considered the biggest single moviegoing day of the year — the largest uptick among non-family titles.
Adults also turned out in droves for specialty pic “Milk,” from Gus Van Sant and toplining Sean Penn.
Lionsgate’s male-targeted actioner “Transporter 3,” the third new wide release of the holiday, grossed a solid $18.5 million from 2,626 for the five days, and $12.3 million for the weekend, putting it at No. 7.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theatres, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. “Four Christmases,” $31.7 million.
2. “Bolt,” $26.6 million.
3. “Twilight,” $26.4 million.
4. “Quantum of Solace,” $19.5 million.
5. “Australia,” $14.8 million.
6. “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” $14.5 million.
7. “Transporter 3,” $12.3 million.
8. “Role Models,” $5.3 million.
9. “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas,” $1.7 million.
10. “Milk,” $1.4 million.
[Credit: Variety / Media By Numbers]
