Transformers lit up the box office last week.
From the $8 million it made at the Monday preview shows, to its record setting Tuesday and Wednesday takes, right on through the weekend, there was only one movie everyone was talking about. The cartoon/toy adaptation gave Michael Bay the biggest opening of his career, and is well on its way to giving him the biggest hit of his career.
Likewise, star Shia LeBeouf continues the roll he's been on this year. After the surprise hit Disturbia, his star is definitely on the rise (not to mention his being cast in Indy IV). Transformers is going to challenge the big boys for the box office title this summer, and could help 2006 be the first year with four $300 million domestic earners.
One other new release debuted in the top ten this week, even though it pulled in less than expected. The Robin Williams vehicle, License to Wed, brought in less than $11 million for the weekend, finishing fourth. Maybe there is a correlation between quality and box office take. Or maybe not. Either way, I really wanted to like this one. But it just failed to deliver on the comedic potential of its premise.
Back up to the number two slot, Pixar's latest, Ratatouille, slipped a mere 33%. I was very happy to see it do so well, as it is one of the best films of the summer and of the year. It is a step up from last year's hit Cars, and another feather in the cap of writer/director Brad Bird. It is a movie filled with magic, wonder, humor, and fantastic characters. If you have not seen it, do so.
Following on its tail is the triumphant return of Bruce Willis as John McClane in Live Free or Die Hard. Sure this one could have used some blood and vulgarities, but it still delivers the goods in an adrenaline filled action ride.
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