Lee Daniels' The Butler has shown incredible strength heading into the Fall season, and is the first movie of the year to top the box office for three consecutive weekends (sort-of, it was first for the extended frame, second for the traditional three-day frame). The word-of-mouth hit was off just 10% for the three-day stretch to $14.9 million, and $20.2 million for a 18-day pick-up of a great $79.5 million. and will likely go well past $100 million by the time its' done. Definitely starting to perform like this year's The Help, Butler should play through September and even into October if strong legs persist.
We're The Millers is definitely being a trouper, off a slim 3% to $12.7 million over the three-day and $16.3 million over the extended frame. Since its' debut 26 days ago, the latest R-rated hit has picked up $113.2 million, becoming the 20th film of the year to pass the century mark. The flick's chances of reaching $150 million are getting stronger and stronger.
Debuting in just 347 locations, Instructions Not Included shockingly took fourth place for the 3-day frame (fifth over the extended period) with an incredible $7.8 million, for a per-venue average of an unbelievable $22,547. That's amazing, though August and September has seen other limited releases break out. With $10.4 million for the four-day stretch, Instructions could wind up a strong hit over the early part of the Fall season (especially with an "A+" CinemaScore).
Disney's Planes has spent four-straight weekends in the Top 5 as it catches up with family audiences, off 10% to $7.8 million for the three-day, and $10.9 million for the four-day stretch. With $74 million in 25 days, it looks well-positioned for a $85-$90 million finish, which would be ahead of Turbo and The Smurfs 2 among this summer's animation line-up.
Showing a strong hold is Elysium, off 7% to $6.4 million over the three-day stretch and $8.4 million over the extended period, for a $80.5 million gross in 25 days. This proves that audiences are liking what they are seeing. But unless it holds well against Riddick next weekend, there's no chance that the Matt Damon thriller becomes a hit in this country. At least its' done great overseas. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones surprisingly had a good hold in the face of One Direction, off 41% to $5.5 million over the three-day, and $7.1 million for the extended frame. The latest YA disappointment has earned $24.5 million in 13 days, and will likely finish at just over $30 million.
Fellow second-weekend release The World's End was down 43% to $5 million over the 3-day weekend and $6.5 million over the 4-day period. With $18.3 million in 10 days, the latest British import will likely settle for a finish just over $25 million. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters continued to play well, off 15% to $4.5 million (10th place) over the three-day and $6.2 million (9th place) over the four-day. Since its' debut 27 days ago, the fantasy sequel has picked up $56.7 million and should settle for a $65 million finish.
Overseas was quiet, as Elysium regained the top spot with a $17.9 million gross from most territories, with its' overseas gross approaching $100 million. One Direction: This is Us debuted in 53 territories and earned a surprisingly strong $14.3 million. The Conjuring added $12.1 million from 41 markets, and has earned close to $250 million worldwide. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters added $11.4 million for a worldwide tally of around $140 million with still some strong markets to open. Jurassic Park 3D added $8-$10 million from China this week to round out the Top 5.
