by Jeff Leins on: January 31st, 2010
Despite unrivalled jealousy amongst the usual quarters (Critics: People who can only decry other people’s talents) James Cameron’s Avatar won its seventh straight weekend with an estimated $30 million, which puts it within striking distance of the last major record. The expensive science fiction adventure is $6.3 million from passing Cameron’s Titanic to hold both the worldwide and domestic titles for largest theatrical total in history (not adjusted for inflation).
Overseas it added another $95.1 million in 120 markets to rack up a global total of $2.04 billion. Avatar is the first film ever to cross the unbelievable threshold.
Edge of Darkness performed as expected, earning a modest $17.1 million. As an actor, it’s Gibson’s worst wide opening since Braveheart, which doesn’t sound too bad until you remember that was 15 years ago. Not quite the Taken numbers Warner Bros was hoping for, but it’s hard to plan for a giant blue juggernaut and gauge audience willingness to give Gibson a second chance.
Disney’s When in Rome came in third with $12.1 million. The romantic comedy starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel was hammered by critics (19% on RottenTomatoes) and from the looks of IMDB visitors it didn’t fare well with people paying money either.
Dwayne Johnson making a fool of himself took fourth, Denzel Washington slicing and dicing rounded out the top 5, angels battling on Earth dropped drastically to sixth, Peter Jackson’s teen drama ranked seventh, the 19th century bromance hung out in eighth, those annoying rodents took ninth, and the Meryl Streep love triangle landed the ten spot.
The Oscar nominations early Tuesday morning are sure to give a few critical favorites a boost next weekend.
3-Day U.S. Weekend Estimates:
1. Avatar $30 million
2. Edge of Darkness $17 million
3. When in Rome $12.1 million
4. Tooth Fairy $10 million
5. The Book of Eli $8.8 million
6. Legion $6.8 million
7. The Lovely Bones $4.7 million
8. Sherlock Holmes $4.5 million
9. Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 $4 million
10. It’s Complicated $3.7 million
