Despite a boost thanks to the Thanksgiving 5-day holiday weekend and some record-breaking earnings, the newcomers couldn’t challenge the incumbents at the US box office this week.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 handily retained its crown despite the usual sharp fall after the madness of the opening weekend. It was down 69% but still managed to rake in $43 million and has handily crossed the $200 million domestic sum. Skyfall likewise kept performing well, holding on to second with $36 million. And Lincoln proved it has the resolve of its subject, earning $25 million.
**Rise Of The Guardians **topped the newcomers, but even with a seemingly perfect festive theme (Santa and friends save the world!) it opened softly given its high expectations. It’s the lowest opening for a DreamWorks Animation effort in years, earning $24 million over the three-day weekend and $32.6 million in total. Still, the company will be hoping it has legs as the school holidays hit, and as word of mouth spreads and reassures potential viewers that it has nothing to do with Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'hoole. Life Of Pi took fifth, beating Fox’s predictions with $22 million and $30.1 million overall.
Wreck-It Ralph was down to sixth place, but still drew in $16.7 million for a running total of $149.5 million in the US alone after four weeks. It beat new arrival Red Daw****n, which couldn’t drum up much interest despite Chris Hemsworth in the lead. The remake took in $14.6 million and $22 million for the five days. At eighth, Flight landed $8.6 million, while Silver Linings Playbook jumped into the top 10 with a screen expansion that netted the movie $4.6 million. And at 10th, Argo took in $3.8 million for a running total of $98.1 million, which means it’ll surely crack $100 million Stateside before it leaves cinemas.
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