Weekend Wrap-Up: Twilight Shines Bright for Lionsgate
November 19, 2012
While The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 wasn't quite as strong as predicted, it still had a monster opening. Likewise, the two big holdovers both fell a little further than anticipated. The only film in the top five that really beat expectations was Lincoln. Fortunately, all of the films in the top five came close enough to matching the predictions that the overall box office was still very strong. Compared to last week, the box office grew by 44% to just under $250 million. Compared to last year, the box office grew 12%, which is a much more important number. Year-to-date, 2012 has pulled in $9.41 billion and is now 4.8% above last year's pace. It is still technically possible that 2012 will fail to match last year at the box office, but it is ferociously unlikely.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 didn't do as well as expected, but it still earned $141.07 million. This is the second best opening for November and for the franchise. It is also more than it cost to make, plus, it pushed Lionsgate over $1 billion for the year and it is the first time this has happened. (It turns out buying Summit is already paying off in good news.) With reviews that are nearly the best in the franchise, it could do well in the coming weeks. However, since it is the last film in the franchise, one would think the Fangirls would rush out during the opening weekend making it very front-loaded. We will have a better idea this time next week.
Skyfall fell a little faster than expected down 53% to $41.10 million over the weekend for a total of $160.94 million after two. At this pace, it will reach $200 million by this time next week, which would be a record for the franchise.
Lincoln's expansion went even better than expected with $21.05 million in 1775 theaters over the weekend for an early total of $22.47 million. Its per theater average was $11,859, which suggests some room to expand. Meanwhile, its 91% positive reviews suggests continued Awards Season buzz and long legs. It is nearly impossible to predict where a film like this will end up, because it could still be in theaters in February, or it could have a re-expansion in February, if it earns a lot of Oscar nominations. There are simply too many variables to deal with at this time.
Wreck-It-Ralph fell to fourth place with $18.58 million over the weekend for a total of $121.75 million after three weeks of release. At this pace, getting to $150 million is a solid goal, while $165 million would be nice milestone, as that's how much it cost to make.
Flight rounded off the top five with $8.80 million over the weekend and $61.52 million after three. It was a relatively inexpensive movie to make, so the studio should be happy with its run so far.
On final note, Jab Tak Hai Jaan became the first Bollywood film to reach the top ten earning 8th place with $1.28 million over the weekend for a total opening of $1.94 million. It still only has four reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, but they are all positive, so that could be a good sign for the future. On the other hand, Bollywood films tend to have really short legs.
Filed under: Weekend Estimates, Lincoln, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2, Skyfall, Wreck-It Ralph, Flight, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, James Bond, Twilight