No less than six films broke the $10,000 per theater average barrier over the weekend. Paranormal Activity topped the per theater chart with its record-breaking weekend, earning an average of $49,379 in 160 theaters. An Education was relatively close behind with an average of $39,754 in 4 theaters, which is a spectacular result at any time. A Serious Man remained strong with an average of $21,872, which is enough to suggest further significant expansion over the coming weeks. The number one film at the box office, Couples Retreat, was next with an average of $11,429. Yes Men Fix the World and Bronson had nearly identical averages at $10,956 vs. $10,940.

There were a ton of other new releases this week with the best of the rest being Passport to Love with an average of $7,669 in 6 theaters. Good Hair earned more than $1 million over the weekend in 186 theaters for an average of $5,611. The Damned United opened with an average of $5,344, which is weak compared to its reviews, but not bad for its sub-genre. Visual Acoustics opened with $3,517 in one theater. Peter and Vandy opened in three theaters with an average of $2,441. Adventures of Power barely topped the Mendoza Line with an average of $2,127.

Several new releases were not as lucky, starting with The Wedding Song, which made just $1,240 in one theater. From Mexico With Love was right behind with an average of $1,193 in 279 theaters, which is way too much for a limited release. Trucker earned $7,200 in 9 theaters for an average of $811. Despite playing in 260 theaters, Free Style earned less than $100,000 for an average of just $376. That wasn't the worst performer though, as St. Trinian's averaged just $197 in 76 theaters.

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

• I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell reached $1 million, but that's as far as it will go.
• On the other hand, Good Hair opened with more than $1 million, and it has a chance at expanding a little more.
• Bright Star made it to $2 million and will likely get to $3 million before the weekend.
• The September Issue reached $3 million since last weekend, and it has a small chance at getting to $4 million.
• Capitalism - A Love Story hit $5 million since this time last week, and it is nearly at $10 million.
• Paranormal Activity went from under $1 million to over $5 million since this time last week. It has already reached $10 million on Monday. It has much further to go.

- C.S.Strowbridge

Date posted: 2009-10-13