2009 at the Box Office

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION was a film no one was interested in either but we all know what happened there. ED WOOD is another one that was a major bomb but found a crowd on video so it's doubtful these films will be dead forever.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Friday Estimates

#1 "He's Just Not That Into You" $10.6 million
#2 "Taken" $6.3 million ($39.4 million) 33% Friday-to-Friday drop
#3 "Coraline" $4.5 million
#4 "Push" $3.5 million
#5 "The Pink Panther 2" $3.4 million
#6 "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" $2.7 million ($88.7 million) 33% Friday-to-Friday drop
#7 "The Uninvited" $2.1 million ($14.1 million) 52% Friday-to-Friday drop
#8 "Gran Torino" $2.0 million ($115.0 million) 25% Friday-to-Friday drop
#9 "Slumdog Millionaire" $2.0 million ($72.0 million) 15% Friday-to-Friday drop
#10 "Hotel for Dogs" $1.1 million ($50.6 million) 41% Friday-to-Friday drop
#11 "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" $1.1 million ($37.0 million) 55% Friday-to-Friday drop
#12 "New in Town" $1.05 million ($9.7 million) 57% Friday-to-Friday drop

New Line/WB looks to have a big hit with "He's Just Not That Into You", which took in close to $11 million during its opening day, while Fox's "Taken" could be headed for a final domestic haul of just over $100 million as it lost only a moderate 33% of its business (thanks to good word-of-mouth) in its Friday-to-Friday numbers.

Both "Coraline" and "Push" will get off to solid starts, but "The Pink Panther 2" looks to be D.O.A. 'Paul Blart', "Gran Torino", and "Slumdog Millionaire" continue their winning ways, as "The Uninvited" may end up having (slightly) better legs than expected.

Overall, this looks to become the first time in history that the first six weeks of the year produced six consecutive $100 million-plus finishes for the top 12 flicks in the land as the box office continues its record-shattering pace.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

I don't even understand why they made a second Pink Panther movie. I don't think anybody liked the first movie and it wasn't that big at the box office, not even passing the $100 million mark domestically, which for a big-budget franchise film of this type, has to be considered an underperformer. Add to the Beyonce isn't back, who had to have been significantally responsible for bringing in much of the younger crowd.

I can't imagine why any thought this would make money.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Because MGM/UA doesn't have any other franchises except 007 (which Sony now has its claws into)

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Yeah, PP2 does seem rather unnecessary. I kind of liked the first film, but have no burning desire to see the second. Though I am intrigued to see John Cleese taking over for Kevin Kline. But it'll still likely wait for a $1 Redbox rental from me.

Still, though, given the choice between being forced to watch Paul Blart or PP2, I'd take PP2.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Weekend Estimates

#1 "He's Just Not That Into You" $27.5 million
#2 "Taken" $20.3 million ($53.4 million) -18%
#3 "Coraline" $16.3 million
#4 "The Pink Panther 2" $12.0 million
#5 "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" $11.0 million ($97.0 million) -21%
#6 "Push" $10.2 million
#7 "Slumdog Millionaire" $7.4 million ($77.4 million) -3%
#8 "Gran Torino" $7.2 million ($120.3 million) -12%
#9 "The Uninvited" $6.4 million ($18.4 million) -38%
#10 "Hotel for Dogs" $5.8 million ($55.2 million) -33%
#11 "Underworld: Rise of Lycans" $3.9 million ($39.7 million) -49%
#12 "New in Town" $3.3 million ($11.9 million) -51%

The month of February got off to a blistering start as the top 12 earned a mammoth $131.5 million, posting the third best top 12 finish ever for the month of February. The $131.5 million mark only trails the $141.9 million third weekend mark of Feb. '07 and the $139.7 million fourth weekend tally of Feb. '04. This weekend's $131.5 million take also marks the best opening weekend gross the month of February has ever enjoyed. Overall, business was up nearly 49% and 43% respectively from this frame in the last two years. Incredible.

Like with January, this is exactly the kind of start that the studios were hoping for as the box office continues to post record-setting numbers. For the first time ever, the first six weeks of the year have produced six $100 million-plus finishes for the top 12. 2009's year-to-date gross now stands at a towering $1.227 billion, representing an 18% increase over last year ($1.042 billion), up an impressive 43% over '07 ($856.6 million), 34% stronger than '06 ($917.4 million), and a 37% improvement over '05 ($895.1 million).

New Line/WB's "He's Just Not That Into You" topped the box office this weekend as it got out of the gate with $27.5 million haul, representing a stellar average of $8,650 from its 3,175 theaters, which was easily the best of the top 12. The ensemble romantic/comedy, which is based on a popular book of the same name, got off to a bit of a stronger start than initially predicted and looks to have a very healthy run in theaters.

Fox has a big hit on their hands as "Taken" was off by only 18% (wow) this weekend, giving it a ten-day haul of more than $53 million. The studio is now predicting a final domestic haul well north of the $100 million plateau, giving star Liam Neeson the biggest hit he's ever had the sole above-the-title star.

Focus Features' "Coraline" got off to a good start as it debuted with more than $16 million this weekend. The animated flick earned a solid per-theater average of $7,105 from its 2,299 locations, which was second best among the top 12. The studio is expecting this one to have very strong legs in the coming weeks.

Sony's "The Pink Panther 2" was met with a lukewarm reception from moviegoers as it opened with $12 million, earning a less than stellar $3,700 average from its 3,243 theaters. The first film opened with $20.2 million three years ago and ended up with a final domestic mark of $82.2 million. Expect this one to pull a fast fade, ending Sony's hopes of this one turning into a lucrative franchise.

Sony's "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" continues to fill multiplexes as it was off by only 21% this weekend. The comedy has now tallied $97 million and will pass the century mark sometime during this week. Sony is said to be very interested in making a sequel.

Summit Entertainment's "Push" got off to a decent start as it pulled in just over $10 million this weekend. The action flick earned a solid per-theater average of $4,412 from its 2,313 locations, which was the fourth best of the top 12. The jury is still out on whether or not this one will have legs, but the studio is expecting a profitable run.

WB's hit "Gran Torino" has now tallied just north of $120 million. Fox Searchlight's Oscar favorite "Slumdog Millionaire" has so far earned $77.4 million. DreamWorks/Paramount's "The Uninvited" showed surprisingly strong legs this week as it was off by a very moderate 38%. The thriller has pulled in $18.4 million and looks headed for a final mark in the neighborhood of $40 million. DreamWorks/Paramount's "Hotel for Dogs" continues to do well as it has now tallied a little over $55 million. Sony's "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" and Lionsgate's flop "New in Town" round out the top 12. The two films have earned $39.7 million and $11.9 million respectively.

Next weekend will see three new releases enter the marketplace. New Line/WB's remake of "Friday the 13th", Disney's "Confessions of a Shopaholic", and Sony's "The International" will attempt to extend Hollywood's current winning streak at the box office. While holdovers like "He's Just Not That Into You", "Taken", and "Coraline" are expected to continue to post great numbers, many (right now) feel that the battle for #1 next week will come down between "Friday the 13th" and "Confessions of a Shopaholic".

We'll see what happens.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

I'm so glad Taken's a hit I saw it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

And oh look another favourite, Slumdog Millionaire, is doing well on the chart too, nice.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Taken is a pretty good film...anytime Liam Neeson is on screen is a treasure & I'm glad it's doing great business.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

I saw and enjoyed Taken. It was B-movie direct to DVD action, except it starred Liam Neeson. That was enough for me. He is one of the most watchable actors I've ever seen, and I'm thrilled this movie is doing well. I think he's quietly popular, and it'd be nice to see him more.

Hopefully Taken doing the deed will make that happen.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Excellent description Chuck! Nailed it. That's exactly how I feel when he's on screen. The more I watch Batman Begins, truthfully, it's Neeson's presence that gives BB the most of it's substance. Well, there are certainly other performances that do it too, but Liam has such a way about him that is quite mesmerizing. He's got that soft compassionate-quiet strong character, & yet the ability to rip out your liver if needed.

Not an easy feet for actors. Denzel is in that rare group as well.

Here's hoping that we see Liam Neeson more....

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

'Button' sews up foreign box office - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety

'Button' sews up foreign box office
'Curious' pic stands solid in major markets
By DAVE MCNARY

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” taking advantage of its 13 Oscar nominations, ruled the weekend’s international moviegoing with $31 million at 5,126 playdates in 47 markets.
In the first major offshore expansion, Warner Bros. saw solid “Button” launches in a quartet of major markets -- France with $5.1 million, Spain with $5 million, Japan with $3.6 million and the U.K. with $3.2 million.

Most notably, “Button” held impressively in its second German frame with $3.9 million, off only 16% from its debut. The Brad Pitt-Cate Blanchett epic has cumed $72.5 million internationally but -- due to its high pricetag and respectable rather than stellar domestic performance -- will be closely watched for traction outside the United States in the coming weeks.

“Button” opens next weekend in Italy and South Korea. It’s totaled $120 million domestically in seven weeks for Paramount, which co-financed the project with Warner Bros.

“Button,” with a decent $6,072 per-location average, nearly matched the combined grosses of the next four pics -- “Valkyrie,” “Bolt,” “Revolutionary Road” and “Bride Wars.” And it scored the second biggest weekend take of 2009 at the foreign box office, trailing only the $33 million for “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” during the Jan. 2-4 frame.

MGM/UA’s “Valkyrie,” which has led the international box for the past two frames, headed the rest of the pack with $11.2 million at 4,267 in 37 markets. The Tom Cruise WWII thriller, handled by Fox in most foreign markets, has gone past $56 million internationally.

Disney’s “Bolt” fetched $9.6 million at 3,150 in 31 territories, including a $3.9 million launch in France, for a $111 million foreign cume midway through its international run.

Paramount’s “Revolutionary Road,” with three Oscar noms, took in $6.3 million at 2,699 in 47 territories in holdover biz to lift its foreign cume to $37 million -- already double its domestic total.

Three other awards contenders remained in relatively small release -- Disney/Miramax’s “Doubt” with $2.5 million at 600; Universal’s “Frost/Nixon” with $1.2 million at 700 in 22 markets including an Italian launch of $410,000 at 126 and a German opening of $260,000 off 124; and “Milk” with $1 million at 525 in 15 markets. “Doubt” has totaled $7.2 million internationally, followed by “Milk” with $6.5 million and “Frost/Nixon” with $5.7 million.

“Gran Torino” stayed a solid player in Australia as it won with $1 million in its third weekend, topping “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Fox’s “Bride Wars” charmed its way to $6.1 million at 2,539 in 43 markets for a $32.1 million international cume. It opened second in Germany with $1.7 million -- less than half the “Button” launch.

The frame also saw Sony’s “Seven Pounds” weigh in with $5.4 million at 2,600 in 43 markets to lift its foreign take to $79.4 million while Warner’s “Yes Man” remained a positive overseas with $5.2 million at 2,900 in 55 territories for an international total of $107.3 million. Both “Pounds” and “Yes Man” have topped their domestic totals by more than $10 million.

Sony’s “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” scared up $5.2 million at 1,520 in 43 markets to push its early foreign cume to $16.6 million.

Though Disney declined to release numbers, “Bolt” fetched an estimated $3 million in Brit previews, which won’t be counted until its launch next weekend. Its take would have competed for the top slot with “Benjamin Button,” the day-and-date launch of “He’s Just Not That Into You” and the fourth frame of awards season favorite “Slumdog Millionaire.” “Slumdog” has cumed an impressive $23 million in a month in the U.K.

U posted a first-place $1.3 million launch for “Coraline” in Mexico, including a record $400,000 at 60 3-D venues. “Pink Panther 2” took in $375,000 at 139 in Central America, Chile and Malaysia and will hit its first major markets such as the U.K. next weekend.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

what'll be the biggest box office winner in February?

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

"He's Just Not That Into You" is poised to become a leggy hit this month, while big openings are expected for both "Friday the 13th" and "Madea Goes to Jail", but those films may not end up having the strongest legs. Also, don't be surprised if "Confessions of a Shopaholic" ends up becoming a solid performer. Disney is hoping that the Jonas Brothers 3D movie will perform like the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus flick did last year. The jury is out on what to expect on the 'Street Fighter' movie.

If I had to guess, I think "He's Just Not That Into You" could end up being the month's biggest earner. While reviews were decidedly mixed, the film's target audience (women) seem to be absolutely loving it according to the exit polling. So much so that WB execs think the movie could ultimately crack the century mark domestically. We'll see what happens.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Just loved My Bloody Valentine in 3D. Wey cool..

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

i'd place my bets on madea, it's got both tyler perry and madea in the movie title .

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

My black friends tell me it's their duty to go out and see anything Tyler Perry or they'll take hell for it. Talk about a one man brand.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Friday Estimates

#1 "Friday the 13th" $19.1 million
#2 "He's Just Not That Into You" $5.0 million ($40.5 million) 52% Friday-to-Friday drop
#3 "Taken" $4.7 million ($63.4 million) 25% Friday-to-Friday drop
#4 "Confessions of a Shopaholic" $4.4 million
#5 "Coraline" $3.0 million ($23.2 million) 33% Friday-to-Friday drop
#6 "The International" $2.6 million
#7 "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" $2.4 million ($101.2 million) 12% Friday-to-Friday drop
#8 "The Pink Panther 2" $1.9 million ($15.2 million) 44% Friday-to-Friday drop
#9 "Push" $1.8 million ($14.2 million) 50% Friday-to-Friday drop
#10 "Slumdog Millionaire" $1.5 million ($80.9 million) 21% Friday-to-Friday drop
#11 "Gran Torino" $1.4 million ($123.5 million) 28% Friday-to-Friday drop
#12 "The Uninvited" $1.3 million ($20.7 million) 38% Friday-to-Friday drop

"Friday the 13th" dominated the landscape on Friday as it got off to a much stronger start than expected. The movie earned a very impressive $19 million on opening day and looks to have a four-day holiday mark in the neighborhood of $45-$50 million.

"He's Just Not That Into You" took a Friday-to-Friday hit of 52%, but should end up with about $20 million for the four-day frame. "Taken" continues to impress as its Friday numbers were off by only 25%. "Confessions of a Shopaholic" got off to a solid start as it looks to tally about $15 million over the course of the four-day session.

The box office continues its torrid pace as this will mark the most successful President's Day weekend in history. The industry could be looking at a four-day tally of more than $200 million. Incredible.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

People are supposedly sick of remakes, they moan and groan, and yet the new Friday the 13th will end up grossing more in it's opening weekend than any of the original series did in their entire run.

That's why remake-mania won't go away, there are misses like The Hitcher and The Wicker Man remakes but occasionally they hit the jackpot. Nightmare on Elm Street the Remake is out next year, but without Robert Englund in his iconic horror role it just won't be the same, Billy Bob Thornton? It'll be like seeing Lon Chaney Jr take over from Boris Karloff as the Frankenstein Monster.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Yep. Why bother making films like Milk or Frost/Nixon when a low budget remake of a no budget horror film from 30 years ago can gross mega-millions?

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Stupid/dumb movies are winning the box office each and every week so it should come to no shock that F13 is going to be huge. I really enjoyed the film and I loved the original movies but it is sad when stuff like THE READER, DOUBT, MILK, FROST/NIXON and so on aren't doing so well and this thing is going to probably going to make all of them put together.

But, it's what people want.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

As for the 'Nightmare on Elm Street' remake, rumors are circulating that Jackie Earle Haley ("Little Children", "Watchmen") has apparently emerged as the top candidates to fill the role of Freddy Krueger.

As I've stated before, people can't really blame the studios for not being "original", because with numbers like the ones being put up by "Friday the 13th" and other successful (or moderately successful) reboots, the suits would be idiots to pass on making them.

"It's just good business."

Plus, with these tough economic times, people just want to go to the movies and forget their troubles by watching dumb and mindless flicks.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Weekend Estimates
(4-day estimates will be posted tomorrow)

#1 "Friday the 13th" $42.3 million
#2 "He's Just Not That Into You" $19.6 million ($55.1 million) -29%
#3 "Taken" $19.3 million ($77.9 million) -6%
#4 "Confessions of a Shopaholic" $15.4 million
#5 "Coraline" $15.3 million ($35.6 million) -9%
#6 "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" $11.7 million ($110.5 million) +8%
#7 "The International" $10.0 million
#8 "The Pink Panther 2" $9.0 million ($22.3 million) -22%
#9 "Slumdog Millionaire" $7.2 million ($86.5 million) Even
#10 "Push" $6.9 million ($19.3 million) -32%
#11 "Gran Torino" $6.8 million ($128.9 million) -6%
#12 "The Uninvited" $4.8 million ($24.1 million) -24%

The industry enjoyed the biggest President's Day weekend in history as moviegoers spent nearly $170 million just on the three-day portion of the holiday frame (four-day estimates will be released tomorrow). Business was up a whopping 40% compared to last year, as well as being about 13% stronger than this frame in '07. Industry watchers are expecting tomorrow's holiday to push the $168 million mark past the double-century plateau. This is also the seventh consecutive weekend that the top 12 has tallied more than $100 million. This is unprecedented for the January-February frame.

2009 is now sitting on a staggering domestic mark of $1.459 billion, representing a 20% increase over last year's year-to-date gross ($1.213 billion), up an impressive 44% over '07 ($1.011 billion), 36% stronger than '06 ($1.076 billion), and a 38% improvement over '05 ($1.054 billion). This month has already tallied just over $444 million and is now expected to top last year's record haul of $695.3 million to become the biggest February mark in history. The studios are making money hand-over-fist right now.

New Line/WB's "Friday the 13th" easily led the field this weekend as it earned the fifth biggest opening weekend tally ever for the month of February, coming in well ahead of most industry predictions. It trails the debut hauls of 'The Passion' ($83.8 million), "Hannibal" ($58.0 million), "Ghost Rider" ($45.4 million), and "Hitch" ($43.1 million). "Friday the 13th" also ranks as only the 15th film with an R rating to ever earn more than $40 million during its opening weekend, as well as the best debut ever for a slasher flick. The film's robust $13,605 (are you kidding me?) per-theater average from its 3,105 locations was far and away the best of the top 12.

The horror/reboot's $42.3 million haul also ranks as the best total domestic mark for the entire "Friday the 13th" franchise. Overall, the "Freddy vs. Jason" crossover flick ($82.6 million) is the most lucrative big screen appearance for the character of Jason Vorhees, for the time being anyway. At a cost of only $19 million, the "Friday the 13th" reboot is on its way to becoming one the most profitable films of the year. New Line/WB execs are already talking sequel.

New Line/WB also took the #2 slot this weekend as "He's Just Not That Into You" continues to impress at the box office. The film suffered only a 29% dip in business this weekend and has so far tallied more than $55 million. As the studios predicted, this one looks like its going to end up legging its way to a final tally of more than $100 million.

Fox's "Taken" continues to blow away industry expectations as it was off by only 6% this week, representing the third best hold of the top 12. The movie has so far earned just under $78 million and is now clearly headed for a final cume well north of the century mark.

Disney's "Confessions of a Shopaholic" got off to a really good start this weekend as it debuted with more than $15 million, giving it an average of $6,145 from its 2,507 theaters, which was the fifth best average of the top 12. The studio is expecting this one to have strong legs in the coming weeks.

Focus Features' "Coraline" took a minor 9% hit this weekend and has now earned close to $36 million. The film looks headed for a final tally in the neighborhood of $70-$75 million, making it a very nice sized hit for Focus.

Sony's "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" became the first official '09 release to top the $100 million mark this weekend ("Gran Torino" is technically an '08 release despite going wide last month). The comedy has now tallied $110.5 million and also saw an 8% increase in business this weekend, representing the best hold of the top 12. Sony is currently gathering ideas for a sequel and star Kevin James has just launched himself into a higher pay grade in the industry.

Sony's "The International" opened with $10 million this weekend, earning a decent average of $4,230 from its 2,364 theaters. At a cost of $50 million, the studio is really hoping this one has some staying power in the coming weeks.

Sony also took the eighth slot as "The Pink Panther 2" had a very nice hold this weekend, falling by only 22%. After a disappointing opening, this one could actually end up making a nice chunk of change if it continues to show strong legs. Fox Searchlight/WB's Oscar favorite "Slumdog Millionaire" was even with last weekend's tally and is now sitting on a domestic mark of $86.5 million. The film's expected Best Picture win at the Oscars next weekend should be enough to eventually push this one past the century mark.

Summit Entertainment's "Push" also had a solid hold as it lost a moderate 31% of its audience from last weekend. The film has now banked just under $20 million and looks to end its run in the area of $35-$45 million. WB's "Gran Torino" has so far tallied just under $129 million. DreamWorks/Paramount's "The Uninvited" rounds out the top 12. The horror flick has earned a little over $24 million thus far.

Next weekend will see Lionsgate's "Madea Goes to Jail" and Sony's "Fired Up" enter the marketplace. 'Madea', the latest from writer/director/producer Tyler Perry, is expected to top the box office heap next weekend. Also look for "Fired Up" to get off to a decent start. Next weekend should continue the industry's current hot streak at the box office.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Are you sure those are only three-day estimates? Those holds are insane: single digit drops for Taken, Coraline and Gran Torino; an actual BOOST for Mall Cop; the worst hold of the top ten suffered a drop of only 32 percent.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Going to see Taken tonight. Coraline, Push, and The International are the other three that I'd like to see, but they still haven't opened up where I live. Slumdog Millionaire is the only Academy BP nominee that has made up here so far.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Yep, these are just the three-day numbers. The four-day estimates won't be released until tomorrow. The industry is absolutely over the moon right now because of how strong the box office has been performing. You've already seen the first billion-dollar January, and this month is very likely going to earn best-ever numbers for a February session of business (possibly earning north of $800 million). Plus, "Watchmen" looks to not only get March off to a big start, but could also challenge "The Matrix Reloaded" for the title of biggest opening ever for an R rated flick.

In the first seven weeks of the year, the industry has seen a little over 200 million theater admissions sold. Last year at this point, 168 million tickets had been sold. Past years saw 147 million, 164.3 million, and 164.0 million admissions sold respectively in '07, '06, and '05. 2009 is on a scorching pace right now.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Those are INSANE numbers for Taken! Wow! Unreal.

Good stuff Terry.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Thank you sir.

I'm happy "Taken" is doing so well. I really dug the movie and it'll definitely be added to my DVD collection later this year.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

'Benjamin Button' stays on top overseas

'Benjamin Button' stays on top overseas
Oscar contender's international gross passes $118 mil
By Frank Segers

Lavished with 13 Oscar nominations, Warner Bros.' "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is already showing considerable pre-Academy Awards strength on the international circuit, claiming the No. 1 boxoffice spot for the second consecutive weekend with an estimated $31 million from about 5,990 screens in 53 markets.

The David Fincher-directed film with Brad Pitt was propelled by first place debuts in Italy ($4.6 million from 505 screens), South Korea ($2 million from 212 sites) and Taiwan ($1 million from just 105 screens).

A No. 1 Paris finish portends a France tally of $4.6 million from 566 screens in "Button's" second frame in the market, while in Spain it held the No. 1 spot with $3.3 million from 461 sites. A first-place finish in Japan ($3.1 million from 427 screens) and a muscular holdover in the U.K. ($2.6 million from 474 situations) helped the weekend tally.

So far, "Button" has grossed $118.6 million overseas.

With its Oscar nomination in the best animated film category, Disney's "Bolt' has been showing real spunk internationally, finishing second and pushing its overseas cume to $131.8 million thanks to a $16.5 million weekend from 3,696 screens in 38 territories. A strong U.K. bow ($7.8 million from 563 screens including previews) helped as did solid bows in Holland and Belgium.

Other Oscar bidders are doing nowhere near as well. Focus Features/Universal's "Milk" has accumulated $7.5 million overseas so far thanks to a $625,000 weekend at 430 screens in 15 markets. Universal's "Frost/Nixon" has grossed $6.4 million foreign so far with a weekend tally of $700,000 from 623 screens in 30 markets.

Miramax/Disney's "Doubt" has rolled up $10.3 million abroad thanks to a $1.8 million weekend from 903 screens in 27 territories. DreamWorks/Paramount's "Revolutionary Road" has an international cume of $43 million thanks to a $3.3 million weekend from 2,817 screens.

Finishing No. 3 was 20th Century Fox's release of United Artists' "Valkyrie," which expanded its run to include 18 markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. Weekend tally was $11.9 million from 4,500 screens in 55 markets, for an international cume of $72 million. As per Fox calculations, the historical drama with Tom Cruise opened No. 1 in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Mexico ($1.5 million from 534 locations).

No. 4, New Line's "He's Just Not That Into You," broadened its overseas run to 2,087 screens in 16 markets for a weekend estimate of $11.4 million. The comedy with Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson and Drew Barrymore opened No. 1 in Australia with $3.8 million recorded from 230 situations for a per-screen average of more than $16,500. Cume stands at $16.5 million.

Finishing fifth was the dusted off and rebooted "Friday the 13th," which slashed its way to an estimated $10.4 million from 2,172 overseas situations -- for a $4,788 per-screen average -- in 30 markets, which Paramount Pictures Int'l. says is the biggest international opening of any title in the horror franchise's 29-year history.

Opening day-and-date with its No. 1 domestic bow, the New Line/Paramount redo (via Platinum Dunes Productions) featuring machete-wielding Jason in a hockey mask grabbed $2 million from 268 spots in the U.K., $1.7 million from 300 locations in Russia, and $1 million from 174 sites in Italy. In Spain, the tally was $1.1 million from 230 spots, while Germany produced $1 million from 192 screens. As per Paramount, the U.K. opening for "Friday the 13th" was 61% ahead of the comparable market bow of 2003's "Freddy vs. Jason," the last of the franchise's titles.

Disney opened "Confessions of a Shopaholic" in five overseas markets for an estimated $2.8 million from 540 screens. Sony's "The International" with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts debuted at $2.7 million from 570 sites in three foreign markets including Germany, where the espionage thriller played the Berlin Film Festival.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

i'm not black, but i luv tyler perry's films and i watch almost all of them opening weekend.

Re: 2009 at the Box Office

Weekend Estimates

3-day (Revised)
#1 "Friday the 13th" $40.7 million
#2 "He's Just Not That Into You" $19.6 million ($55.1 million) -29%
#3 "Taken" $19.0 million ($77.7 million) -8%
#4 "Confessions of a Shopaholic" $15.1 million
#5 "Coraline" $14.8 million ($35.0 million) -12%
#6 "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" $11.0 million ($109.8 million) +1%
#7 "The International" $9.4 million
#8 "The Pink Panther 2" $8.5 million ($21.8 million) -27%
#9 "Slumdog Millionaire" $7.3 million ($86.7 million) +2%
#10 "Push" $6.9 million ($19.3 million) -31%
#11 "Gran Torino" $6.5 million ($128.7 million) -9%
#12 "Hotel for Dogs" $4.4 million ($60.3 million) -24%

4-day
#1 "Friday the 13th" $45.2 million
#2 "He's Just Not That Into You" $23.4 million ($58.8 million) -16%
#3 "Taken" $22.2 million ($80.9 million) +8%
#4 "Coraline" $19.1 million ($39.3 million) +13%
#5 "Confessions of a Shopaholic" $17.3 million
#6 "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" $13.9 million ($112.7 million) +27%
#7 "The Pink Panther 2" $10.8 million ($24.1 million) -7%
#8 "The International" $10.7 million
#9 "Slumdog Millionaire" $8.7 million ($88.1 million) +22%
#10 "Push" $7.9 million ($20.3 million) -21%
#11 "Gran Torino" $7.6 million ($129.7 million) +6%
#12 "Hotel for Dogs" $5.7 million ($61.7 million) Even

The four-day holiday frame earned a staggering $192.5 million, making this the biggest President's Day weekend in history. The $192.5 million top 12 haul easily out-distanced the old record of $167.8 million from '07. The $45.2 million four-day gross of "Friday the 13th" ranks as the second best ever for the holiday, trailing only the $52 million debut of "Ghost Rider" two years ago.