The box office results for the weekend of June 8th – 10th sees two blockbusters share the wealth on their respective opening weekends. Madagascar 3 and Prometheus drew the majority of attention while Snow White and the Huntsman manage to hold their own despite the two massive arrivals. Here are the studio estimates:
1. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted ($60.3 million)
2. Prometheus ($50 million)
3. Snow White and the Huntsman ($23 million)
4. Men in Black 3 ($13.3 million)
5. Marvel’s The Avengers ($10.8 million)
6. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ($3.2 million)
7. What to Expect When You’re Expecting ($2.7 million)
8. Battleship ($2.2 million)
9. The Dictator ($2.1 million)
10. Dark Shadows ($1.3 million)
Analysis
Hollywood suits were probably excited to see the top 5 all have reasonably healthy takes this week. Usually one sees two films hogging all the cash while others plummet down the rankings during the summer session. Whether that holds up as we enter the meaty part of the season will be telling on just how profitable the theatrical runs are on the domestic side for respective studios.
Since there isn’t any direct competition in the fam-friendly genre, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted capitalized on the soft release schedule. The opening was about the same as Madagascar 2 (2008 – $63.1 million) and should be able to bank on strong overseas play to help recoup the $145 million production budget. The previous two installments went on to gross at least $180 million stateside. Reviews from both the lovely critics and audiences have been solid.
Prometheus also took advantage of not having the typical Sci-Fi blockbuster around at theaters and was able to corner that niche market for a nice debut. Budgeted in the $120-$130 million range, next week will be telling if this can reach others outside of the loyal fan-base within in the genre. And more specifically, fans of the Alien franchise and director Ridley Scott. Domestically, this will become the highest grossing flick in the Alien franchise (just has to pass $85 million). Plus, the added benefit of 3D ticket prices and the international contingent should give this a shot at the black ink during its theatrical run.
The Avengers currently holds the longest streak in the top ten with 6 weeks. Domestically, the juggernaut has reached $571.8 million. Worldwide: $1.37 Billion.
The Hunger Games became the 14th film to eclipse the $400 million mark on the domestic all-time chart. The first blockbuster of 2012 took 12 weeks to reach that milestone.
This Friday more variety enters the summer season as the adapted Broadway musical, Rock of Ages, is released along with the latest comedy (I hope) from Adam Sandler titled, That’s My Boy. Reviews will be right here my fellow Shockers!
