Juno has Legendary Start on Per Theater Chart

December 19, 2007

Despite expanding from 7 theaters to 40, Juno remained in first place on the per theater chart with an average of $35,686. The number one overall film, I Am Legend, had to settle for second place with a still very impressive $21,412. Another holdover, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, remained nearly flat, earning an average of $18,855 in three theaters, but it better expand soon before it's too late. Atonement earned nearly $2 million over the weekend in just 117 theaters for an average of $15,443. Despite weaker than expected reviews, The Kite Runner opened with nearly $500,000 in 35 for an average of $13,478. The final film in the $10,000 club was the second wide release to reach that mark this weekend; Alvin and the Chipmunks opened with an average of $12,750 in nearly 3,500 theaters over the weekend.

No other new release came close to $10,000, at least not over the weekend. Nanking earned $11,603 in one theater since Wednesday, but only $6,316 of that came from Friday to Sunday. Arranged was close behind with $5,560 over the weekend, also in one theater. Youth Without Youth earned less than $30,000 in 6 theaters for an average of $4,758, which is less than some expected, but more than some feared. Finally, Half Moon barely managed more than $1,000 during its opening, and that was in two theaters, giving the film an average of just $563.

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

  • Juno reached its first milestone early in the weekend, and its second before the weekend was done. It should have little trouble reaching $3 million and $4 million this weekend, perhaps more if it continues to expand.
  • Atonement hit $1 million just before the weekend started and nearly hit $3 million before the weekend ended.
  • Gone, Baby, Gone made it all the way to $20 million just before the weekend. However, while this is an impressive feat, it might not be enough for the film to be a major player during award season.

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Filed under: I am Legend, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Juno, Atonement, Gone Baby Gone, The Kite Runner, Le Scaphandre et le Papillon, Youth Without Youth, Nanking, Arranged, Niwemang