October 11, 2010

'SOCIAL NETWORK' BEATS NEWCOMERS TO WEEKEND BOX OFFICE FINISH LINE (HWD)

By Paul Dergarabedian

Last weekend's chart-topper, Sony's "The Social Network" had performed well mid-week with grosses in the $2 million range as heavy interest in the film continued. This solid second weekend performance of $15.5 million represented a mere 31%. The film is now closing in on the $50 million mark after just ten days of release.

As for the newcomers, Warner Bros.' romantic comedy "Life as We Know It" took the number two spot with $14.6 million.

At number three with $12.6 million, was Disney's PG-rated horse racing saga "Secretariat"

The 3D and IMAX enhanced "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole" swooped in with $7.01 million in fourth place. The film realized a mere 36% third weekend drop and has clearly benefited from being virtually the only animated family film in the multiplex.

Also opening this weekend was Universal's 3D serial killer horror entry "My Soul to Take" directed by Wes Craven. Horror films have had a tough go at the box office lately, and this was no exception with a fifth place debut of $6.9 million.

At number six with $6.35 million and a tiny fourth weekend drop of 35% is Warner Bros.' "The Town" which is the top performing film of the fall season thus far with close to $74 million in domestic revenue.

Marking what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday on Saturday, October 9, Weinstein Co.'s "Nowhere Boy" celebrated the occasion with the release of this dramatization of Lennon's early life and career. The film saw a solid specialized debut with $56,065 in four theaters.

In the five weekends since Labor Day only one has been up vs. the comparable weekend a year before. Year-to-date revenues stand at $8.3 billion, 3.43% ahead of last year while attendance is still lagging by just over 2%.