Box Office Update 6/1-6/3: Pirates Gets Knocked Up

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End keeps up the trend of monster openings with second weekend drops of over 60%. May was a huge month, and was absolutely draining in terms of hype and the rapidity with which these films came out. I cannot recall the last time that a month contained three such highly touted films.

While the studios had a lot riding on them, they were placed so closely together and were so front-loaded that the big drops had to be expected. Also, no matter how much Hollywood would like you to believe that these quick drops and lower than expected returns are a disappointment, don't kid yourself — these movies are raking it in, and when you consider overseas receipts and eventual DVD sales, somebody is making a lot of bank.

So, now that the big three are out, and we may have a bit more of an objective view on things, how do you feel that May's big three turned out? For me, I think Spider-Man was an entertaining spectacle, although it pales in comparison to the first two. I was very disappointed, but still entertained. In its third weekend, it fell to fifth, and may well end up the top grosser of the big three. Then came Shrek the Third; now this had a number of laugh-out-loud moments, but the story really fell flat. There were long segments that dragged, and I feel as if the franchise has lost its way, stepping away from the fractured fairy tale roots. Still, the kids seem to like it, and it is sure to end up with a tally north of $300 million. Finally, there is Pirates, the most successful in my opinion, but perhaps released too close to the second outing.

Three new movies entered the top ten list this week. Leading the charge is Knocked Up, one of the best movies of the year. It surpassed my expectations, and having added my few dollars to the bottom line, I am glad to say that I am happy it did. This was a raunchy with heart romantic comedy that fires on all cylinders and flat-out delivers the goods. Next up is the new Kevin Costner outing, Mr. Brooks. Now this is a movie that I cannot call good, but still entertained me to no end. It opened up with a decent $10 million for fourth place. Lastly, there is Gracie, the inspirational sports coming of age drama based partially on the life of Elisabeth Shue; it came in seventh place.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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