Powered by sold-out midnight screenings and a solid Friday opening, James Cameron’s “Avatar” led the box-office this weekend, taking in $73 million.
The total was far ahead of the second and third place contenders from the weekend and was especially strong given that snowy conditions shut down much of the Eastern U.S.
The test now for the $300 million opus is how it plays through the holidays. Many industry forecasters say the movie will need to do $750 million worldwide to cover marketing and production costs. Figures for the film’s worldwide debut were not available Sunday morning.
The debut also ensures that overall movie ticket sales, already $9.96 billion, will cross the $10 billion mark for the first time.
“The Princess and the Frog” dropped 50% from its debut last week to take second place and $12.2 million. It has done $44.8 million in 10 days.
“The Blind Side”, Sandra Bullock’s football drama, continues to batter the opposition taking in $10 million, good for third place and $164.7 million overall.
The only new movie to open against “Avatar” was the Sarah Jessica Parker-Hugh Grant comedy “Did You Hear About the Morgans?” Not many people did: The film did $7 million, about $6 million below some projections.
The “Twilight Saga: New Moon” rounded out the top five with $4.4 million, lifting its overall gross to $274.6 million.
That was...omg...It was totally awsome! I forgot several times that I watching 3D, it didn't seem like nearly 3 hours had passed and I got so caught up with the worl of Pandora that I keep comparing everything in my day to day life with what it's like there. Must see it again. Oh, and I want a Pandoran horse and dragon, too. Srsly
It really took me back to the feeling I got reading sci-fi and fantasy when I was younger. I haven't been this moved by any movie since Lord of The Rings and I think it even exceeded that. Nothing in recent years even comes close.
I haven't seen it yet but probably will. Everyone who I know has seen it raves about it and ask me what I thought. All I can say is that from what I've heard it was Dances with Wolves in Space. Everyone has the same reaction. A surprised look on their face followed with a " YEAH!" Then they just walk away down trodden.
I guess I will eventually go see it. Perhaps after Sherlock Holmes this weekend.