NEWS

Box Office Update 1/4-1/6: National Treasure Sequel Three-peats While Juno Steps Up

Written by Chris Beaumont
Published January 08, 2008

National Treasure: Book of Secrets stood tall at the top of the box office for the third week in a row. It is the first film to make a three-peat since Disturbia back in April. The historically themed adventure has proven to be a potent box office hit and will cruise on by the $173 million take of the 2004 original.

Of course, it has not had much competition since its release, which isn't to say there are no other quality films at the multiplex, but nothing else that has been able to maintain this level of box office interest. It will be interesting to see if it has enough strength for a fourth weekend.

The real battle this weekend was for second place. With barely $300,000 separating second and fourth, it was a hard fought battle with an unlikely winner. I had figured the top three to repeat from last week, with Alvin and I Am Legend picking up the rear. This year's version of Little Miss Sunshine, aka the little film that could, had different ideas. Juno stepped up to the plate and took the bull by the horns (how's that for a mixed metaphor?). It moved into full-fledged wide release and the critical buzz and terrific word of mouth has translated into box office bucks. It jumped up to second place, and if its legs hold out (and there is no reason to believe they won't), it could reach the century mark, and so become the biggest hit ever for Fox Searchlight.

Following close on Juno's tale is the Will Smith smash I Am Legend. Here is a film that is exceeding expectations and is well on its way to topping $250 million and further cementing Will Smith's status as the biggest star on the planet, overtaking the spot vacated by pal Tom Cruise. Right on its tale, in fourth, is the enormous surprise of Alvin and the Chipmunks, a film which will likely top $200 million. Not bad, considering the main focus was to merely recoup the $60 million budget. I wouldn't be surprised if sequels are attempted for both of these films.

Now, way down in fifth place you will find the lone wide release for the weekend. One Missed Call became the first wide release of 2008 and an early contender for worst of the year. It is a leaden misfire of a thriller that, while opening decently, will likely fall pretty quickly in the face of upcoming competition.

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Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about entertainment when he isn't sitting in a movie theater. He is known around the office as the "Movie Guy" and is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests include science fiction, horror, and metal music. His writings can be found at Draven99's Musings.
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Box Office Update 1/4-1/6: National Treasure Sequel Three-peats While Juno Steps Up
Published: January 08, 2008
Type: News
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Film and TV Business, Video: News
Part of a feature: Box Office Update
Writer: Chris Beaumont
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Comments

#1 — January 8, 2008 @ 23:37PM — Matt Paprocki [URL]

Man, AvP2 didn't last long at all. The first one hauled in $80 million. This isn't the best sign for the franchise, though it hasn't exactly been a great one.

#2 — January 9, 2008 @ 10:16AM — Chris Beaumont [URL]

Tell me about it, I've even heard rumors that they were already starting on a third. I bet that stops pretty quick. This one had serious issues, butit was a step up from the first. I guess people don't want to get burned by it.

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