As expected Transformers: Dark of the Moon had no problem dominating the box office over the long Independence Day weekend setting a new record for the time slot (Spider-Man 2 with $88.2 million was the previous holder). Cars 2 had the biggest 2nd weekend drop ever for a Pixar flick while newcomer Larry Crowne disappoints, more after the break.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon grossed 97.8 million over the 3-day weekend or $115.8 million if we count the 4th of July that fell on a Monday. In total the 3rd robot extravaganza made $180.6 million in 6 days, more then the $155.4 million made by Transformers in 2007 but less then Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with $214.9 million in 2009. This week is going to be crucial for the final tally of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, depending on weekdays and the coming weekend, we will know with a certain degree of accuracy how much it will gross when all is said and done in North America. At the moment I’m going to say it should finish somewhere between Transformers ($319.2 million) and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ($402.1 million).
Cars 2 is another big hit that (as the title suggests) features, well, cars. With $26.2 million over the 3-day weekend this had by far the biggest 2nd weekend drop for a Pixar movie. After 11 days Cars 2 has grossed $122.5 million, neck a neck with the original Cars that had $121.5 million at the same point. A week ago it had $6 million over Cars, now it is down to $1 million and when all will be said and done, it might not even make it to $200 million, a far cry from the $244 million of the original.
Bad Teacher was another movie that took a bigger dive then expected, down 54.1% for $14.5 million and 3rd place. With $62.7 million after 11 days, I’m starting to have doubts regarding the possibility of this finishing above $100 million in North America.
Larry Crowne, the Tom Hanks directed, written and starred romantic comedy, also featuring Julia Roberts, made only $13 million over the 3-day weekend and another $3 million on Monday. Definitely a lot less then the 20+ expected from the two once huge stars.
Super 8 rounded out the top 5 with $7.9 million for a total of $110 million after 25 days. If it keeps going at this rate, this should finish with over $130 million in North America, more then enough considering the $50 million budget.
The last opener of the weekend was Monte Carlo and that made $7.4 million for 6th while Green Lantern kept plummeting, down 63.6% for $6.5 million and $103.6 million in 18 days. This will stop around $115 million and I can’t really imagine how Warner must feel right now after spending $200 million on it.
Other noteworthy movies:
- Bridesmaids finally became the highest grossing Judd Apatow movie ever with $153.7 million in 53 days;
- X-Men: First Class will reach $140 million sometime today or early tomorrow;
- The Hangover Part II is now at $248.6 million while Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is at $234.1 million, both should be passed by Transformers: Dark of the Moon before the end of the week;
