Last week's box office chart was topped by strong openings for both High School Musical 3: Senior Year and Saw V. Both sold out shows at theaters across the nation on their way to a comfortable spot atop the charts and a commanding lead over all other nationally released films. This week saw one of those two, High School Musical 3, retain a strong hold over the box office.
However, despite the Disney film's retention of the top spot, it did not do so with much conviction. Both it and Saw V's take plummeted from last week, with both posting dips well north of 60%. I guess neither one is going to have the legs to carry them far into the oncoming holiday season. I do have to admit that I thought that the Disney franchise musical would have a better showing this week, even with Friday's Halloween biting into potential business. For what it's worth, High School Musical 3 did do something that three years of Saw films could not do -- post a second weekend finish at the top of the charts.
A pair of new wide releases reached the charts this week. The highest ranked being Zack and Miri Make a Porno, which placed second with a take just north of $10 million. This opening proved to be the second highest of writer/director Kevin Smith's career, coming about a million dollars shy of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and just a hair ahead of Clerks II. I would have thought (translation: hoped) it would have finished higher, but I guess Smith's films being an acquired taste has not allowed that to be possible yet; although I would have thought Seth Rogen's newfound star status might have helped a touch too. Granted, not having seen it yet (something I plan to rectify in the very near future), I didn't personally help the film either.
The other new release this week was the teen horror flick The Haunting of Molly Hartley, which came in fifth. It is a horror film with no bite, no horror, and most importantly, no haunting. This is a cash-in film hoping to entrap teens on Halloween looking for horror. I fell for it. If you are frugal with your cinematic dollar, skip the film.
There was one other new addition to the box office charts over the weekend. The Clint Eastwood directed Changeling went wide and jumped from its opening weekend position of 20 all the way up to number four. Here is a film that is emotionally draining and an experience not to be missed. It is a drama that uncoils itself at an even pace, drawing you in before allowing its secrets to be revealed. Powerful filmmaking.
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