It’s that time of the week again, and the box-office results from across the pond are in, and I guess the big question on everyone’s lips is; how did JOHN CARTER do then? Well, as you may be able to tell from our headline, not actually all that good. You have to consider that this film cost a whopping $250 million to make, not including the usual promotional and advertising costs that go with a film of that size. It’s bad news for Disney, as not only did the film fail to hit the number one spot at the box-office in North America, but it also failed to take much in terms of cash too. $30.6 million is the estimate from sources today, leaving THE LORAX to retain that all important top spot for the second week running, with $39.1 million banked over the three days, making it an even bigger hit for Universal Pictures. I bet they’re rubbing their hands with glee.
In other big movie news this weekend, the $12 million budgeted PROJECT X managed to take another$11.5 million over the weekend, sending it’s total to $40.1 million and another number three spot. A massive hit for Warner Brothers, sealing a sequel for sure. There’s also ACT OF VALOR making another $7.1 million, and a total of $56.1 million (that one opens in the UK on 23rd March). Between those two aforementioned films is SILENT HOUSE, which grabbed $7 million.
The huge disappointment this week, apart from JOHN CARTER is the Eddie Murphy movie A THOUSAND WORDS, which only managed $6.3 million and a number six position on the chart. Looks like Murphy’s luck hasn’t changed after all.
Take a look at the rest of the top ten below. Next week the US gets the comedy JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME, the remake of the 80s classic 21 JUMP STREET (expect a site and podcast review from Fordy this week) and the Will Ferrell comedy CASA DI ME PADRE opens too. The US also gets the Nic Cage film SEEKING JUSTICE, the flick released as JUSTICE in the UK earlier on this year, and the Adrien Brody starrer DETACHMENT from director Tony Kaye (AMERICAN HISTORY X).
1 The Lorax $39.1 M, $121.9 M
2 John Carter $30.6 M
3 Project X $11.5 M, $40.1 M
4 Silent House $7 M
5 Act of Valor $7 M, $56.1 M
6 A Thousand Words $6.3 M
7 Safe House $5 M, $115.8 M
8 The Vow $4 M, $117.6 M
9 This Means War $3.7 M, $46.8 M
10 Journey 2: The Mysterious Island $3.6 M, $90.7 M
Source: Box Office Mojo
