Not a single new release was able to top $10,000 on the per theater chart this week; in fact, none even came close. But two holdovers were able to accomplish that feat. Leading the way was Volver with an average of $12,675 in 30 theaters, while The History Boys managed $10,359 in 8.

The best of the rest was 10 Items or Less with a mere $36,000 in 15 theaters for an average of $2,395 while The Architect wasn't that far behind with $2,032 in its lone theater. Both of those films are considered bombs, but they were nonetheless miles ahead of Dreamland with an average of $870 in its five theaters. Finally, Christmas at Maxwell's had what could be the worst opening ever with a mere $8,200 in 41 theaters for an average of just $200. Assuming 12 showings a weekend and $6.50 a ticket and that works out to roughly 2.5 people per screening.

This past week also saw milestones reached for a couple Per Theater Charts alumni:

• Dhoom 2: Back in Action held up much better than expected given the post-holiday weekend and the niche market appeal. It held on well enough to make it to $2 million over the weekend, which should please the studio.
• For Your Consideration reached $4 million over the weekend and should make it to $5 million, but that is as far as it will go.

- C.S.Strowbridge

Date posted: 2006-12-05