It was a stellar week at the US box office with a number of new releases debuting to impressive numbers. But it was a Hobbit holdover that brought in the biggest audience this weekend with $32 million over the three day weekend. Add to that a Christmas week holiday haul of an additional $25 million for an impressive $221 million grand total to date. The film is playing well across all demographics. $300 million is well within reach and bodes well for the next two installments. In spite of critical ambivalence and a technological gaffe with 48fps, audiences still seem very interested in Middle-earth with Jackson at the helm.Quentin Tarantino's insane spaghetti western Django Unchanined opened big. Since Christmas Day it has brought in $64 million, including $31 million dollars for the weekend, which was good enough for the number two spot. The word of mouth is strong in spite of some controversies being bandied about in the press. Expect Django to hold strong in coming weeks as the award season kicks in.
Speaking of award season, one of the projected Best Picture nominee front runners Les Miserables debuted on Christmas Day to strong numbers and has brought in $66 million since its opening, with a weekend take of $27 million for third place. Les Miserables has been a polarizing film. Some critics are declaring it the best of the year while others are calling it an unmitigated, laughable disaster. Audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and the ticket sales have been healthy. Both Django Unchained and Les Miserables will easily cross the $100 million mark which bodes well for the forthcoming Academy Award nominations.
The family friendly comedy Parental Guidance starring Billy Crystal debuted at number four with a $14.4 million weekend and nearly $30 million since its release on Christmas Day. The film seems to fill the 'inoffensive comedy' category for audiences who found The Hobbit too challenging.
Jack Reacher rounds out the top five with $14 million. The latest Tom Cruise action film isn't a disaster, but it's failed to click with audiences. I'm not sure whether you can blame the marketing or the amount of competition in the marketplace. Just about everyone agrees the film is an effective and entertaining thriller, though the interest level is just not there.
Next weekend is pretty low key with one new release and one expansion. The new release is the latest take on the classic Texas Chain Saw Massacre with Texas Chainsaw 3D. I'm betting a third dimension will really help flesh things out. Also, the Gus Van Sant directed drama Promised Land goes from limited to wide release. I don't expect either to do much. I think it's going to be a three way punch 'em up between Hobbit, Les Mis, and Django for the number one spot next week.
Here's your top films for North America...
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Weekend Estimate: $32 million; $221 million total
2. Django Unchained
Weekend Estimate: $31 million; $64 million total
3. Les Miserables
Weekend Estimate: $27 million; $66 million total
4. Parental Guidance
Weekend Estimate: $27 million; $66 million total
5. Jack Reacher
Weekend Estimate: $14 million; $44 million total
Anghus Houvouras