Weekend Wrap-Up: Thor and Bridesmaids Spark Surprise Win
May 16, 2011
A stronger than expected hold by Thor and a better than expected debut by Bridesmaids helped 2011 earn a surprise win in the year-over-year comparison. Granted, with an overall haul of $140 million, it was 16% lower than last weekend, but it topped the same weekend last year... By less than $1 million. Hey, a win is a win and I'll take it. Year-to-date, 2011 is still behind 2010 by $500 million at $3.44 billion to $3.94 billion, but we could see that gap close next weekend.
Thor fell less than 50% during its second weekend of release at the box office, which is impressive, as there were more than a few who predicted a greater than 60% drop-off. I certainly recognized it was possible. Instead, it was down just 47% to $34.70 million over the weekend for a total of $119.46 million after two. With good reviews for a summer blockbuster, and holidays coming up, it has a good shot at reaching its original expectations, but that depends heavily on how well it deals with direct competition next weekend.
Bridesmaids not only beat Thursday's predictions, it beat Sunday's estimates at well, earning $26.25 million over the weekend. It also proved that Kristen Wiig can carry a movie and that comedies aimed at women can be hits. Add in incredible reviews and little direct competition at the box office, and this film could have better than expected legs. We will have a better idea where it will end up this time next week.
Fast Five also topped predictions with $20.44 million over the weekend for a total of $169.69 million after two. At this pace, $200 million is practically guaranteed, as is at least one more installment in the franchise.
The only film in the top five that didn't at least match expectations was Priest, which only managed fourth place with $14.95 million. Given its reviews, and more or less direct competition next weekend, I see no reason to suspect this film will stick around in theaters very long.
There was a surprise entrant in the top five, as Rio dipped less than 3% to $8.28 million over the weekend, lifting its total to $125.24 million after a month. It will likely fade out of theaters before the holidays begin in earnest, but it might last long enough to top original expectations, while its worldwide total it way more than it needs to break even.
Last week's pair of counter-programming offerings both slipped out of the top five, but Jumping the Broom stayed ahead of Something Borrowed with $7.07 million to $6.87 million. The two films' running tallies were equally close at $25.76 million for the former and $25.52 million for the latter.
Filed under: Weekend Estimates, Thor, Priest, Rio, Fast Five, Bridesmaids, Jumping the Broom, Something Borrowed