Easily the most highly anticipated film of this still young year, Watchmen opened to wildly mixed reviews. Even with the split critical word, the film managed to easily win the weekend with a box office total that is more than the rest of the top ten combined. Despite its initial success, and the fact that I loved it, I suspect that it will suffer a pretty big dip come next weekend. The film is definitely worth spending time with, so long as you do not expect a traditional superhero film.
Coming in a distant second is the latest Tyler Perry film, which debuted as a strong number one a couple of weeks back, is showing a sign of leveling off after a steep second week drop. I have not seen the film, so I cannot comment on the quality.
In third place is one of the great stories so far of 2009. The Liam Neeson thriller Taken continues to surge along, it has past the $100 million mark and is showing no signs of slowing. It has certainly struck a chord with audiences, demonstrated by the small week- to-week drops.
Fourth place is another film that is something of a phenomenon. Oscar winner for Best Picture (and seven others), Slumdog Millionaire is still packing them in seventeen weeks after it first appeared. and has taken in more than $120 million. The film is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and hope in your heart.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop is another great success story for 2009. How could anyone have guessed that this modest Kevin James family comedy would be such a success? On top of that, the movie is legitimately funny and actually safe for family consumption.
Sixth place is held by He's Just Not That Into You. This romantic ensemble keeps marching along. It has lost a little steam along the way, but still doing well. I enjoyed the film, although I would have thought it would have fallen further and faster by now.
Coraline is still doing well, despite having its 3D projectors poached by a clearly inferior film. Fortunately, I still suspect the film will play well flat, and I highly recommend you avail yourself given the opportunity. This is a magical film and has some of the finest stop-motion animation ever produced.
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