Despite Shooting Tragedy, "Dark Knight Rises" Racks Up Huge $75 Million Friday...

Before I report numbers, I'd like to take a minute to offer my condolences to the families of the victims of the Colorado movie theater shooting (In case you didn't know, during a Midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises near Denver, Colorado, someone began shooting at the audience, with 12 dead and 50+ wounded as a result).  My prayers go out to you guys, and may God be with you in this time of grieving.

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Out of respect to the families of the victims, Warner Bros. will not report grosses for The Dark Knight Rises until Monday.  But as of now, sources indicate that the blockbuster did open huge, with average estimates pointing towards a $75 million Friday, give or take a million or two.  If that holds true, then that would be the third-biggest opening day of all-time, behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part II and The Avengers.  The film recieved great word-of-mouth from audiences, with an "A" CinemaScore.  Right now, a $175 million weekend looks likely.

Ice Age: Continental Drift was down 55% from last Friday to an estimated $7.5 million, which isn't a terrible hold for a major animated film.  Expect $25.5 million for the weekend.  The Amazing Spider-Man was down nearly 60% in third place to an estimated $4 million, in what should be a $14 million weekend.  Ted followed with a 48% drop to an estimated $3.4 million, and a $13 million fourth weekend, while word-of-mouth finally began to catch up with Brave, which eased just 30% to an estimated $2.5 million, rounding out the Top 5 on Friday.  Pixar's latest should reach $8 million for its' fifth weekend.

Projected weekend estimates coming tomorrow afternoon...