The Chihuahas can afford the best.
Some surprises this weekend–despite the arrival of some new big names, the top spots at the box office went to a holdover and a low-budget horror movie.
Last week’s winner, Beverly Hills Chihuaha, took first place again with $17.5 million. There is no question that a sequel is already being planned. Quarantine, a horror movie that cost just $12 million to make, came in second with $14.2 million–and that’s playing at almost 1,000 less screens than Chihuaha. (all numbers, btw, come from Variety and are pending final totals on Monday).
Third place went to Body of Lies with $13.2 million. Considering the big names involved–Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott–and the heavy marketing, it’s hard to consider this anything but a disappointment. While it’s easy to write this off as just the fallout from audiences’ current allergy to anything relating to war or politics, that just doesn’t make sense; this film, about a CIA agent tracking terrorists, was really sold as a straightforward actioner and doesn’t seem to be trying to be anything else. The stars were expected to sell it, as well. Good heavens, if Leo can’t guarantee a big opening, then I guess no one can. Was it just that people are really not in the mood for anything that falls even slightly into the drama or heavier than air category? I guess so.
Eagle Eye, a few weeks into its run, came in fourth with $11 million. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist was fifth with $6.5 million.
The Express, another big new release, landed in sixth place with $4.7 million. This year’s entry into the Inspirational True Life Sports Drama category just might not have been flashy enough to get attention. And as good as it may be, I think it’s just the type of movie that people would put aside as something they’re just as happy to see on home video.
The Duchess, with Keira Knightley, expanded from 127 theaters to 1,207, and that pushed it into ninth place with $3.32 million. The thirst for big gowns and big wigs never ends. Appaloosa, in its second week of wide release, was in eighth place with $3.34 million. Everyone I know who’s seen this has loved it, so if you’re on the fence, I recommend it.
City of Ember was in tenth place with $3.2 million. With its studio, Fox Walden, breaking up as it hit theaters, expectations were low for Ember despite its roots as a best-selling children’s book. There wasn’t much advertising, reviews were bad, and the kid audiences went to Chihuaha instead. Don’t feel bad, Bill Murray. If Leo and Russell can’t win people over, you don’t have a chance.
