The holiday movie season is off to a great start as box office is set to return to its' "up from last year" ways...
Disney is finally proving itself. Wreck-It Ralph lived up to its' buzz as it earned an estimated $13.4 million on Friday. Comparing recent early-November openings for animated titles, the number was slightly higher than 2010's MegaMind ($12.5 million, on its' way to a $46 million weekend), and was lower than 2008's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa ($17.3 million, on its' way to a $63 million weekend). Given its' strong critical reception and "A" CinemaScore, Ralph should earn around $50 million this weekend, a new high for Disney's 75-year old animation canon and setting itself up well for the next month.
Despite playing in half as many theaters (around 1,800), Denzel Washington's Flight is also off to a strong start. The action thriller earned an estimated $8.2 million, and is well ahead of analysts' expectations. Comparing recent movies from the popular actor, the movie was in line with 2010's Unstoppable ($8 million on its' way to a $23 million weekend), but far from Safe House. Flight earned an "A-" CinemaScore and great reviews, and will likely earn $25 million this weekend.
The other new release, The Man with the Iron Fists, is also doing somewhat better than expected. Despite low anticipation, the martial arts movie was able to muster an estimated $3 million in a distant third place. The Russell Crowe film didn't get as good reception ("C+" CinemaScore despite good reviews), but should be able to earn around $8.5 million this weekend, where it will likely settle for fourth place.
Argo was just $15,000 behind in fourth with an estimated $2.985 million, which is only a 25% drop from last weekend. The Ben Affleck thriller should earn another $9 million this weekend. Rounding out the Top 5 was Taken 2, which eased just 30% from last Friday to an estimated $1.8 million, and should earn close to $6 million this weekend, a very strong hold from last weekend.
Actuals to be reported tomorrow evening...
