Weekend Box-Office

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Strike Back below!
by: Mike Sampson Oct. 25, 2009


WEEKEND BOX-OFFICE

Paranormal spooks Saw out of #1 spot!

Every SAW film since SAW II has grossed over $30 million its first weekend and, with the exception of SAW V (which had to open up against the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL powerhouse), opened at #1 at the box-office. But like the WATCHMEN opening credits told us, the times they are-a changin'. SAW VI opened with a paltry $14.8MM, less than half of what it's predecessor grossed. The disappointing weekend for SAW VI left the window open for another film to claim Halloween supremacy and Paramount's indie thriller PARANORMAL ACTIVITY stepped up and took the #1 spot.

PARANORMAL worked its way up to the #1 slot in its fifth week of wide release with an estimated $22MM, bringing its total to $62.5MM off extremely strong word of mouth. Not surprisingly, the surprise success of PARANORMAL has the studio already talking a potential sequel. Meanwhile, the SAW franchise may have finally run out of steam as SAW VI grossed less than even the original film.

The weekend's other Halloween-themed release, CIRQUE DU FREAK didn't even crack the top 5 and was only able to bring in $6.3MM despite Salma Hayek being insanely hot. That's another example of a film looking to start a franchise only to have its initial installment stumble out of the gate. Faring slightly better this weekend was the last new release, ASTRO BOY. Sadly for Summit Entertainment though, their first major animated release didn't find anything on the level of CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, coming up with only $7MM in its opening session.

Last week's #1 film, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE dropped about 55% but still brought in almost as much as SAW VI and finished in 3rd place with $14.4MM. While it may not wind up crossing $100MM, I think it'll wind up being a pleasantly surprising take for Warner Bros. who didn't have much confidence in the film. In other repeat business, while Universal may be bummed about CIRQUE fizzling out, they can still be pleased with the surprise success of COUPLES RETREAT, which is still in the top 5 and brought in $11.1MM to bring its total to $78.2MM.

Next weekend sees the release of only one film coming a bit early on Wednesday, the Michael Jackson concert flick THIS IS IT.

1. Paranormal Activity $ 22 Million $ 62.5 Million
2. Saw VI $ 14.8 Million
NEW
3. Where the Wild... $ 14.4 Million $ 54 Million
4. Law Abiding Citizen $ 12.7 Million $ 40.3 Million
5. Couples Retreat $ 11.3 Million $ 78.2 Million
6. Astro Boy $ 7 Million
NEW
7. The Stepfather $ 6.5 Million $ 20.3 Million
8. Cirque Du Freak $ 6.3 Million
NEW
9. Cloudy With A... $ 5.6 Million $ 115.2 Million
10. Zombieland $ 4.3 Million $ 67.3 Million

ACCESS BOX-OFFICE ARCHIVES HERE

Source: JoBlo.com

25 discussions Expand all
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Donnie_Darko
3:15PM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
NICE!
While I still don't agree with what Paramount did... it worked... the jerks.

I guess the BWP comparisons will continue tho eh? Small indie horror flick shot on a nothing budget that made more money per week as it went on. Will it top BWP's gross earnings? I don't think so, but I'll have a great ride. Now, what will Paramount do with the DVD/BD release? Sell it though 1 store for ...
While I still don't agree with what Paramount did... it worked... the jerks.

I guess the BWP comparisons will continue tho eh? Small indie horror flick shot on a nothing budget that made more money per week as it went on. Will it top BWP's gross earnings? I don't think so, but I'll have a great ride. Now, what will Paramount do with the DVD/BD release? Sell it though 1 store for a week, then branch out into 100, then go exclusive through a chain, then a real wide release 1 month later?

SOOOOO glad SAW didn't take top spot. Now, that won't stop them from making 5 more, but, it's nice to see people seeing a GOOD horror movie, instead of yet another flick in a tired, lost it's welcome franchise.
 
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MovieManiac226
3:14PM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It's about goddamned time. Saw should've stopped at the third one at the latest. It's good to see people are tired of the same garbage rolling out every year and want actual horror. Props to Paranormal Activity for delivering.
It's about goddamned time. Saw should've stopped at the third one at the latest. It's good to see people are tired of the same garbage rolling out every year and want actual horror. Props to Paranormal Activity for delivering.
 
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MastaSlur777
12:35PM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Good
Saw needs to stop. Now.
Saw needs to stop. Now.
 
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RobVanWong
10:41AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Went and watched Law Abiding Citizen and thought it was a solid movie. I'll probably check out Astro Boy sometime this week. Imagi Studios needs the cash to keep the doors open.
Went and watched Law Abiding Citizen and thought it was a solid movie. I'll probably check out Astro Boy sometime this week. Imagi Studios needs the cash to keep the doors open.
 
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optimusprime24
9:38AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Great news. I'm tired of saw already.
Great news. I'm tired of saw already.
 
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mrline
7:52AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Lame
I saw this so called "scariest flick in years" and let me tell you that it is nothing but BS hype and a slick edited trailer. The trailer with the audience in it have to be some of the most lamest people ever who got scared over nothing, but just 4 scenes which were just a bit intense and nothing more. This film is not a patch on "The Descent" or even The Strangers" which i thought were far mor...
I saw this so called "scariest flick in years" and let me tell you that it is nothing but BS hype and a slick edited trailer. The trailer with the audience in it have to be some of the most lamest people ever who got scared over nothing, but just 4 scenes which were just a bit intense and nothing more. This film is not a patch on "The Descent" or even The Strangers" which i thought were far more creepy and nail-biting.
 
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solo the hut
5:12AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
boring ...
... that's what i thought of p/activity.
overhyped for sure.

... that's what i thought of p/activity.
overhyped for sure.

 
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Jack The Narrator
3:16AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I blame THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT's failure on Universal's last minute shift in the film's marketing campaign. Instead of gearing it towards teenagers (which the film clearly aims to please) they instead tried to cutesy the film up in its TV spots and make it more family friendly. Big mistake. It's a shame because it's a good movie that had some strong franchise potential.

ASTRO ...
I blame THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT's failure on Universal's last minute shift in the film's marketing campaign. Instead of gearing it towards teenagers (which the film clearly aims to please) they instead tried to cutesy the film up in its TV spots and make it more family friendly. Big mistake. It's a shame because it's a good movie that had some strong franchise potential.

ASTRO BOY was also poorly marketed by the more teen-centric studio Summit Entertainment. Summit shouldn't even bother dealing with family flicks in the future, like Lionsgate, it's not their strong suit.
 
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antickpix
12:31AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Saw probably grossed the least of the series etc. because it was, for once, up against a bona fide well-received film in the same genre? I'm guessing a LOT of the target audience for Saw.. uh.. saw Paranormal Activity instead - distinguishing from say, opening against High School Musical, which is hardly going to (no pun) cannibalize the target audience.
Saw probably grossed the least of the series etc. because it was, for once, up against a bona fide well-received film in the same genre? I'm guessing a LOT of the target audience for Saw.. uh.. saw Paranormal Activity instead - distinguishing from say, opening against High School Musical, which is hardly going to (no pun) cannibalize the target audience.
 
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writer19
11:47PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I AM SO GODDAMN HAPPY WITH PARANORMAL
but shit i guess there won't be a Saw7,8, and 9
but shit i guess there won't be a Saw7,8, and 9
 
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Lil Sco Rizzle
10:45PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Wrong Week
Hey Sampson, you're a week ahead. Next weekend is only the 30th with the only wide release being "This Is It". Two weeks sees the release of those other flicks.
Hey Sampson, you're a week ahead. Next weekend is only the 30th with the only wide release being "This Is It". Two weeks sees the release of those other flicks.
 
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bigdaddy
9:55PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
don see paranormal save ur money you trendy dummys
paranormal activity is the worst movie i boo all you of you who cheer this movie just because it is indi note to all inde does not always equal good movie i want to enjoy all of a movie not just the last scare at to me this movie was a hor and fifteen of a jack being a douche and 15 minutes of decent movie. saw is the way to go at least u know what ur getting and 6 is the best in the series but...
paranormal activity is the worst movie i boo all you of you who cheer this movie just because it is indi note to all inde does not always equal good movie i want to enjoy all of a movie not just the last scare at to me this movie was a hor and fifteen of a jack being a douche and 15 minutes of decent movie. saw is the way to go at least u know what ur getting and 6 is the best in the series but in my opinion if ur gonna see one movie thats out it should be law abiding citizen.
4 Replies
 
RobVanWong
10:36AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
[link] Awesome.
[link] Awesome.
 
RUMIEZ
2:47AM on 10/26/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Wow! Spell much, besides saw 6 could very well be one of the best of the series. But people are done wasting money after they have been ripped off from 2, 4, 5!
Wow! Spell much, besides saw 6 could very well be one of the best of the series. But people are done wasting money after they have been ripped off from 2, 4, 5!
 
justinpdrew
10:24PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
You are illiterate.
You are illiterate.
 
LoCkEd_N_LoAdEd
10:24PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
you're an idiot
you're an idiot
 
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X-KID
9:41PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Paranormal Activity
I saw Paranormal Activity and I must say it's the scariest movie in decades! and it's not overrated, if anything it needs the word of mouth it's been getting because it is definateley a scary ass movie, the perfect Halloween film if you want a good scare, I've been done with the Saw films after the third so it's no surprise these movies are making less and less money each time they come out.
I saw Paranormal Activity and I must say it's the scariest movie in decades! and it's not overrated, if anything it needs the word of mouth it's been getting because it is definateley a scary ass movie, the perfect Halloween film if you want a good scare, I've been done with the Saw films after the third so it's no surprise these movies are making less and less money each time they come out.
 
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BojacRedleif
8:51PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Glad to see an Indie hit #1.
I gave up on Saw after #4. Paranormal Activity was decent enough. But I went and saw ZOMBIELAND again. Still the best Horror film of the year and in my top 5 movies of the year.
I gave up on Saw after #4. Paranormal Activity was decent enough. But I went and saw ZOMBIELAND again. Still the best Horror film of the year and in my top 5 movies of the year.
 
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alucard_467
7:32PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Just got back from saw6 and thought it was great, second best of the series for me. Still glad PA, with mega low budget came out on top though.
Just got back from saw6 and thought it was great, second best of the series for me. Still glad PA, with mega low budget came out on top though.
 
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sbunn10
7:20PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm glad PA beat Saw, but PA was really not very good at all. Definitely the most over-hyped film of the year, if not the decade.
I'm glad PA beat Saw, but PA was really not very good at all. Definitely the most over-hyped film of the year, if not the decade.
 
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fury159
7:01PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Pretty surprised that Amelia couldn't even crack the top ten...
Pretty surprised that Amelia couldn't even crack the top ten...
 
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ANTI
6:52PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I didn't care for either one.
I didn't care for either one.
 
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hunter21291
6:35PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Kinda sucks to see Saw VI disappointing, especially since it's the best sequel in the series. It'll have good word of mouth though and we'll still see Saw VII next year.
Kinda sucks to see Saw VI disappointing, especially since it's the best sequel in the series. It'll have good word of mouth though and we'll still see Saw VII next year.
 
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director1990
6:31PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm glad Paranormal took the #1 spot. It's not the best thing ever but it's better than Saw VI. Though I must say that Saw VI was definitely better than parts IV and V (which resulted in a bunch of fans giving up on the series). Still, though they're both good movies, it's time Saw took a step down.
I'm glad Paranormal took the #1 spot. It's not the best thing ever but it's better than Saw VI. Though I must say that Saw VI was definitely better than parts IV and V (which resulted in a bunch of fans giving up on the series). Still, though they're both good movies, it's time Saw took a step down.
 
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j-hern
6:06PM on 10/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Good, I guess
I can't say I'm a fan of the Saw franchise at this point so I think that this will make them reconsider some of the further sequels they have planned out. I haven't seen Paranormal Acitvity either, but I'm happy that such a small film was able to take on an established franchise.
I can't say I'm a fan of the Saw franchise at this point so I think that this will make them reconsider some of the further sequels they have planned out. I haven't seen Paranormal Acitvity either, but I'm happy that such a small film was able to take on an established franchise.
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