Let me begin by saying that I am quite pleased with one aspect of this week's box office. I am happy that Pink Panther 2 did not open on top. I know, I know, that isn't a nice thing to say about a movie that I haven't even seen, but it's an opinion that I also have for the next X Movie release, whatever that may be. In other words, I was suckered by earlier films and want to avoid paying that price again. Considering the first Pink Panther was an $82 million hit three years ago, with an opening north of $20 million, I was fully expecting this movie to pull similar numbers. To see that the sequel failed to cross the $12 million mark and finished in fourth place brings a smile to my face. Of course, there is always the possibility that I would like it, but I doubt it.
The weekend's top performer turned out to be the ensemble romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You, a film I have not yet had the pleasure of screening. That said, I do plan on catching it somewhere down the line. I think it looks pretty good and the cast appears solid. How can you go wrong with cast members like Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, and Drew Barrymore?
Two other new releases crept onto the top ten charts this week. First is the number three finisher, Coraline, which proved to be much more potent than I was expecting and I could not be happier for it. The stop-motion feature, directed and adapted by Henry Selick, is simply spectacular, not to mention the familiar, yet completely fresh and magical story! It is an absolute wonder of animation and could be the finest 3D film I have seen yet. Make sure you see it soon before the Jonas Brothers steal all those 3D projectors!
The last newbie to join the charge is Push, finishing a disappointing sixth place. I actually enjoyed this film, although the universe presented was more interesting than the story told. It is a take on the X-Men style tale of superheroes without the superheroes. There are people with abilities and they do some crazy things, but without using any costumes. I wonder if everyone getting burned by Jumper last year kept anyone away from this? I do think they cover somewhat similar ground, but I have to say that Push executed it much better. Give it a shot, you may be surprised by what you find.
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