Weekend Box Office: 'Ratatouille' opens first, but not Pixar's strongest. [Archive]

The Clown Prince

07-01-2007, 03:40 PM

Pixar's latest movie Ratatouille garnered probably the best reviews so far this summer (95% rating at RottenTomatoes. 116 Fresh, 6 Rotten (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ratatouille/)), but struggled at the very competitive and flooded summer 2007 box office with a $47.2 million opening. Granted that's nothing to sneeze at (other studios would love to have that opening), but when you compare it to Pixar's last two films. Cars ($60.1 million opening. $244 million domestic finish) and The Incredibles ($70.4 million opening. $261.4 million domestic finish) it definately raises some questions.

There are a number of things that could have happened to have caused Pixar's latest movie to open to it's lowest total since A Bug's Life in 1998 ($33.2 million). Over at Jim Hill Media, there is an article or blog if you prefer that was posted Friday that talked about Disney's low expectations going into this weekend, and Disney figured it would bring in this amount. But why? Best possible explanation yet.... http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/06/28/toon-thursday-why-did-disney-struggle-to-come-up-with-a-ratatouille-marketing-campaign-because-the-mouse-wasn-t-supposed-to-release-this-particular-pixar-film.aspx

But remember, Ratatouille could have strong legs, so for all the Pixar fans out there, this doesn't spell doom at all, not even close.

Meanwhile, the other big release of the weekend didn't do too bad for itself was Live Free or Die Hard which came in second place with $33.1 million and a $48.1 million total since it opened on Wednesday. Probably the biggest surprise for many was that this thing actually did pretty good with critics (78% at RottenTomatoes 100 Fresh, 28 Rotten (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/live_free_or_die_hard/)). It had a budget of $110 million.

In third place was Evan Almighty with $15 million and a $60.6 million total. And if the bomb of the summer so far hasn't suffered enough, it dropped 51.6% from it's opening last weekend.

Coming in fourth was 1408 with $10.6 million and a $40.3 million total.

And rounding out the top 5 is Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer with $9 million and a $114.8 million total.

Also opening this weekend after a one week limited run was Sicko which came in ninth place with $4.5 million and a $4.6 million total.

And the other new film this weekend was Evening which came in tenth place with $3.5 million.

But while Evan Almighty might be the bomb this summer, Knocked Up is proving to be the surprise. Despite the R rating, through good word of mouth and reviews, Knocked Up dropped one spot to sixth with $7.4 million and a $122.4 million total. All on a $30 million budget.

Out of the top 12 this weekend is Nancy Drew (13th), A Mighty Heart (14th), and Spider-Man 3 (16th) which leaves with a $333.6 million total.

Opening next week for 4th of July week(end) are only two new movies. First up is probably the most anticipated film of the summer behind the hype that Spider-Man 3 had going into it, Michael Bay's adaption of the 1980's toy line and cartoon Transformers (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=8437) (rated PG-13) which begins showings Monday night at 8:00pm and then all day starting Tuesday. It stars the voices of Peter Cullen reprising his role as Optimus Prime from the original cartoon and Hugo Weaving as the voice of Megtron. In the live action roles it stars Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, Megan Fox, John Turturro, and Jon Voight.

And the second movie to open this holiday week will be on Tuesday as well going head-to-head with Transformers is License to Wed (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=15855) (rated PG-13) starring Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, John Krasinski, Eric Christian Olsen, Christine Taylor, and Josh Flitter.

Expect big numbers from Transformers when numbers come out next Sunday.

Here are your numbers....

1) Ratatouille- $47,227,000 ($47,227,000) NEW!
2) Live Free or Die Hard- $33,150,000 ($48,178,000) NEW!
3) Evan Almighty- $15,089,000 ($60,625,000)
4) 1408- $10,610,000 ($40,389,000)
5) Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer- $9,000,000 ($114,800,000)
6) Knocked Up- $7,418,000 ($122,407,000)
7) Ocean's 13- $6,050,000 ($102,085,000)
8) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End- $5,015,000 ($295,758,000)
9) Sicko- $4,500,000 ($4,615,000) NEW!
10) Evening- $3,513,000 ($3,513,000) NEW!
11) Shrek the Third- $2,745,000 ($313,811,000)
12) Surf's Up- $2,400,000 ($53,814,000)

The Clown Prince

Space Cadet

07-01-2007, 03:44 PM

I don't think Sam and KuwabaratheMan saw Die Hard making that much money.:eek:

Classic Speedy

07-01-2007, 03:52 PM

I saw Ratatouille and Live Free or Die Hard, which occupied the top two slots. Nice. Also highly enjoyed both of them.

Outside of maybe Sicko, I probably won't be going to the movies at all until Simpsons at the end of the month.

Desensitized

07-01-2007, 03:53 PM

I'm glad for Die Hard, it deserves to make money. However, Ratatouille surprised me a bit. I was certain it'd make more.

Tommy Lawson

07-01-2007, 04:16 PM

This thread is now mirrored in the Disney Animation forum as well.

I don't imagine there will be very many happy Disney shareholders Monday morning. Their attitude might be, "We paid so much for the Fox Family Channel in 2001, and now it seems we overpaid for Pixar too." The non-Pixar Chicken Little opened with a $40.0 million weekend in November 2005, so Ratatouille's opening isn't that much ahead of that one, especially once ticket price inflation is considered. Granted, it's likely to make more than that film over the long run, but in the eyes of movie industry magazines like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, it will likely be discussed in articles there as a flop for Disney/Pixar.

HG Revolution

07-01-2007, 04:37 PM

Ratatouille opened against a sequel. Sequels make a lot of money on their first weekend. Ratatouille will actually have legs, if Disney would just be patient. I mean, even accounting for inflation, this is more than Titanic's opening weekend.

The Penguin

07-01-2007, 04:58 PM

I have a hard time getting over how almost $50 million in one weekend in considered such a disappointment these days. Compared to some of the other Pixar releases I didn't feel like Disney pushed Ratatouille (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=192303) as hard. I'm not sure why, but from when I first heard about the movie, I'd pretty much forgotten about it until just the last few weeks.

Die Hard 4 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=192991) appears to have made more money overall, but in the weekend returns, it did not come within 10 million of Ratatouille as some predicted.

I suspect that next weekend, there won't be "more than meets the eye" to the box office, it seems pretty clear. ;)

Anarky

07-01-2007, 05:11 PM

I have no desire to see Ratatoille.
I'm not a "Pixar" guy.
The Incredibles was the only Pixar feature I saw at the theatre and that was only due to the superhero aspect of it. I loved the movie and have been hoping for a sequel. However I've read what' comng down the Pixar pipe and I am not inrigued. Toy Story 3 is less about story and more about green: toys, video games, trilogy boxsets, etc...

Temple Fugate

07-01-2007, 05:19 PM

I can't say I really blame the people who didn't want to see Ratatouille. I didn't even want to see it. I don't like rats and I'm a horrible cook (but I'm learning), and throwing the two together is, obviously, going to drive people away the same way the issue was dealt with in the film.

However I bit my lip and saw the film and I've gotta say, it was a great movie. Both Ratatouille and Die Hard deserved more than what they got this weekend, but frankly I think Disney shouldn't be disappointed, especially after reading that article in The Clown Prince's post about how they didn't know what to do to market the film. Hopefully the word of mouth and more positive critical reviews will keep it floating for the next few weeks.

Anarky

07-01-2007, 05:55 PM

Space Cadet

07-01-2007, 05:56 PM

I have no desire to see Ratatoille.
I'm not a "Pixar" guy.
The Incredibles was the only Pixar feature I saw at the theatre and that was only due to the superhero aspect of it. I loved the movie and have been hoping for a sequel. However I've read what' comng down the Pixar pipe and I am not inrigued.

Why did you repeat yourself? We heard you the first time.

Chris Wood

07-01-2007, 06:38 PM

This isn't just a Pixar issue. The glut of cute animal CG movies is probably beginning to lower average box office returns. Shrek 3 did well, but that's an established franchise.

kewlmyc

07-01-2007, 06:52 PM

Pixar shouldn't be too worried, $47.2 million is still a good number. Good job to Die Hard 4 also, I guess the PG13 rating didn't turn everyone off.

You'll have to be a crack head not to guess what's going to be the top movie next week. Transform and Roll Out!

Dudley

07-01-2007, 07:41 PM

Those shareholders better be patient. Since the movie cost $100 million, it'll take at least 3 weeks or a month to recover the cost and make a profit. Don't know how much they spent on marketing, though.

Beat

07-01-2007, 07:50 PM

I don't associate rats with fine dining, so the concept is...odd.

I'm hoping Transformers does huge numbers.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-01-2007, 07:56 PM

I don't think Sam and KuwabaratheMan saw Die Hard making that much money.:eek:

This is about exactly where I saw Die Hard opening. And, as I predicted, it didn't come within $10 million of Ratatouille for the weekend.

Anyways, Ratatouille opens lower than Pixar has in awhile, but their films always have great legs.

I expect Ratatouille will make over $200 million domestic, and probably $400-500 million worldwide.

mookie75

07-01-2007, 07:57 PM

I don't associate rats with fine dining, so the concept is...odd.

I was under the impression that they chose a rat for the main character for that very reason. :shrug:

Beat

07-01-2007, 08:07 PM

I was under the impression that they chose a rat for the main character for that very reason. :shrug:

True, and that's great for the story. But three things that don't resonate with US audiences are rats, bistros, and the French. So despite the story's well meant intentions, audiences would find it odd.

Peter Paltridge

07-01-2007, 08:10 PM

KuwabaraTheMan

07-01-2007, 08:19 PM

Fudge, I hope they use their brains and realize this was a crowded summer instead of saying "Well, you had your chance, Lasseter, now let's replace you with someone who wants to make more video sequels."

Pixar films always do well over time. The test Ratatouille has to face is to see how well it holds up over the coming weeks. It should still do better than pretty much any non-Pixar Disney film has done over the past few years, so there shouldn't be any worries there.

Peter Paltridge

07-01-2007, 08:37 PM

Pixar films always do well over time. The test Ratatouille has to face is to see how well it holds up over the coming weeks. It should still do better than pretty much any non-Pixar Disney film has done over the past few years, so there shouldn't be any worries there.
Next week is Harry Potter; this was Ratatouille's only week to shine. Every kid who might have picked Rat will pick Harry next week.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-01-2007, 08:49 PM

Next week is Harry Potter; this was Ratatouille's only week to shine. Every kid who might have picked Rat will pick Harry next week.

Uh, no. Harry Potter does not come out next week. It comes out in 2 weeks.

Plenty of previous Pixar films have faced competition, too.

It will make over $200 million, mark my words.

Lord Dalek

07-01-2007, 08:52 PM

Next week is Harry Potter; this was Ratatouille's only week to shine. Every kid who might have picked Rat will pick Harry next week.Harry Potter is rated PG-13 and is an adaptation of a book nobody liked. I see it not having as much impact as you would.

Dudley

07-01-2007, 08:59 PM

Harry Potter is rated PG-13 and is an adaptation of a book nobody liked. I see it not having as much impact as you would.

Why did people hate Order of the Phoenix?

The Clown Prince

07-01-2007, 09:02 PM

Disney and Pixar were in a tough position when it came to scheduling this thing. Despite Disney scheduling this weekend long in advance, other studios quickly added their movies and it became very apparent very quick that this was going to be a hellva tough time for ALL the studios. At World's End has suffered when you look at Dead Man's Chest. Shrek 3 has suffered when you look at Shrek 2.

Surf's Up hasn't done all that well. FF: Rise of the Silver Surfer remains to be seen, but I don't think it will match the total the first one did.

Anyways, Disney/Pixar found themselves looking at all the movies around them and found themselves stuck. They couldn't delay it for Thanksgiving/Christmas because Disney has Enchanted (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=13450) opening up November 21st. That one combines live-action with traditional 2-D animation. Disney's first such animated project in a long time, so they have really high hopes for that one. They couldn't move Ratatouille to next summer because of Pixar's other new movie Wall*E.

And they didn't want to move it out of their summer or holiday element and open it say in April where it would have probably done pretty well. But Disney wanted to take advantage of the fact that kids were going to be out of school.

We'll see how it does this work week and next work week before Harry Potter opens up.

The Clown Prince

The Clown Prince

07-01-2007, 09:07 PM

I have a hard time getting over how almost $50 million in one weekend in considered such a disappointment these days. Compared to some of the other Pixar releases I didn't feel like Disney pushed Ratatouille (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=192303) as hard. I'm not sure why, but from when I first heard about the movie, I'd pretty much forgotten about it until just the last few weeks.

Give this a read, it might answer some of your questions. I mentioned it in the first post, but I don't know if you saw it....

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/06/28/toon-thursday-why-did-disney-struggle-to-come-up-with-a-ratatouille-marketing-campaign-because-the-mouse-wasn-t-supposed-to-release-this-particular-pixar-film.aspx

The Clown Prince

Tay the Cat

07-01-2007, 09:21 PM

Surf's Up hasn't done all that well.
Which sucks, as it's much better than the trailers suggest.

Mek

07-01-2007, 09:22 PM

With Transformers opening this week, I just have one thing to say:

Ratatoulie, we hardly knew ye.

And I agree with Top Cat, 'Surf's Up' is WAY better than even what I expected. It's certainly one of the more underrated animated movies of this year so far.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-01-2007, 09:23 PM

With Transformers opening this week, I just have one thing to say:

Ratatoulie, we hardly knew ye.

I wouldn't expect Transformers to have much impact on Ratatouille. Ratatouille will do the bulk of its business with families. Transformers appeals mostly to teens and 20 something folks who remember the original series.

Lord Dalek

07-01-2007, 09:28 PM

Give this a read, it might answer some of your questions. I mentioned it in the first post, but I don't know if you saw it....

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/06/28/toon-thursday-why-did-disney-struggle-to-come-up-with-a-ratatouille-marketing-campaign-because-the-mouse-wasn-t-supposed-to-release-this-particular-pixar-film.aspx

The Clown PrinceJim Hill is anti-Disney with a capital A. They sacrificed any sort of credibility years ago.

William C. Maune

07-01-2007, 09:28 PM

Ratatouille may not have grossed as much in its opening weekend as other Pixar movies, but most movies would kill for a $50 mil opening. All the talk worrying about how it will be perceived only reenforces the perception that it some how didn't do well. The movie is off to a great start and because 1) it's a family movie and especially because 2) it's highly reviewed (95% at Rotten Tomatoes I believe), Ratatouille will have strong legs. It'll break $200 million easily.

Beat

07-01-2007, 09:55 PM

And it still grossed higher than Bug's Life.

That said, Transformers is going to kill it next week.

Camdon

07-01-2007, 10:18 PM

I'm sure Ratatouille will still make a great amount of money, since the movie could sell itself on Pixar name alone despite its somewhat odd premise. Plus, this is only domestic gross; don't Pixar films usually do great in international markets as well?

Either way, it'll still most likely be in the #2 spot next week, since Transformers is most likely going to out-gross it.

Chris Wood

07-01-2007, 11:46 PM

True, and that's great for the story. But three things that don't resonate with US audiences are rats, bistros, and the French. So despite the story's well meant intentions, audiences would find it odd.

I don't see why US audiences would have any problems with talking animals, restaurants, and the city of light. They flocked to see a farting ogre after all.

kewlmyc

07-01-2007, 11:58 PM

I don't see why US audiences would have any problems with talking animals, restaurants, and the city of light. They flocked to see a farting ogre after all.

True 'nuff.

Next week:
1: Transformers
2: Ratatouille
3: Licence to Wed

Robin2099

07-02-2007, 12:04 AM

I wouldn't expect Transformers to have much impact on Ratatouille. Ratatouille will do the bulk of its business with families. Transformers appeals mostly to teens and 20 something folks who remember the original series.
And younger kids who think it looks cool to see giant robots who transform into cars fight each other. Transformers will defanantly take some of Ratatouille's audience, but it won't take all of it.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-02-2007, 12:17 AM

And younger kids who think it looks cool to see giant robots who transform into cars fight each other. Transformers will defanantly take some of Ratatouille's audience, but it won't take all of it.

A little, maybe. Experience with the Box Office has taught me not to think Ratatouille will be that hurt by TF, though.

HP will hurt it, but it'll have made a lot by then, and it will still hold up alright.

Supernovametalstar

07-02-2007, 12:27 AM

I don't associate rats with fine dining, so the concept is...odd.

I'm hoping Transformers does huge numbers.

I'm getting the feeling that it won't. All the ads on tv that I've seen don't really sell the movie well for a non Trans fan I think. And since Harry "Juggernaut" Potter is coming out the following week, Transformers will barely crack the top 10 in it's second week.

Hanshotfirst113

07-02-2007, 12:30 AM

Toy Story 3 is less about story and more about green: toys, video games, trilogy boxsets, etc...

I said the same about Toy Story 2, and it turned out to be a great movie. Pixar seem to be more than meet the eye.

Harry Potter is rated PG-13 and is an adaptation of a book nobody liked. I see it not having as much impact as you would.

Given the amount of money that the franchise has been taking in, I would bet that...HP will be a hit. Call it a hunch.

I don't see why US audiences would have any problems with talking animals, restaurants, and the city of light. They flocked to see a farting ogre after all.

The farting ogre movie was pretty good. And remember, there is now a MOVIE, a $200 million dollar Hollywood movie directed by Michael Bay, based on a TOY from the 80s.

Lord Dalek

07-02-2007, 12:32 AM

I think whats going to happen is word of mouth is going to keep Ratatouile alive in the top 5 for a few weeks while all these other films suffer massive drops.

Hades

07-02-2007, 12:44 AM

I honestly don't see the appeal in Ratatouille, but I'll rent it when it comes out on DVD because it is a Pixar movie (it has to be better than Cars... right??).

Next weekend is all about the alien robots though, as Transformers is going to dominate the entire week right through next weekend.

Chris Wood

07-02-2007, 12:46 AM

The farting ogre movie was pretty good.

Maybe you're right, but I doubt it's in the same league as the talking rat.

The Penguin

07-02-2007, 12:54 AM

Give this a read, it might answer some of your questions. I mentioned it in the first post, but I don't know if you saw it....

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/06/28/toon-thursday-why-did-disney-struggle-to-come-up-with-a-ratatouille-marketing-campaign-because-the-mouse-wasn-t-supposed-to-release-this-particular-pixar-film.aspxActually pretty interesting, although I still think it shows something lacking from the marketers working for the "land of imagination."

kewlmyc

07-02-2007, 01:08 AM

I'm getting the feeling that it won't. All the ads on tv that I've seen don't really sell the movie well for a non Trans fan I think. And since Harry "Juggernaut" Potter is coming out the following week, Transformers will barely crack the top 10 in it's second week.

I'm not a tranformers fan but want to see the movie and so do alot of my friends just because it looks like a good action film.

Agree with ya about HP though. It'll dominate the box office, but with Transformers in second.

Leaping Larry Jojo

07-02-2007, 01:24 AM

I have to also add my agreement to the idea that Ratatouille is not a "sexy" concept. Rats and cooks...eh. That said, I'm looking forward to watching it all the same, because Pixar has done some great things with odd concepts before. I felt the same way about Finding Nemo before I actually watched it (Talking fish? ...eh), and I ended up loving it and it became Pixar's biggest hit IIRC.

That said, Pixar seems to be running out of animals and inanimate objects to make movies about. I also think people are tired of the cute animal formula too. When you think about it, things still haven't changed all that much from the 2d era, when cartoons back then were also about talking animals.

I have to admit, a lot of CG cartoons are starting to blend together in my mind now. With the exception of The Incredibles, many of today's CGI releases all LOOK very similar.

Golgo13

07-02-2007, 01:34 AM

This is feeling like the roughest summer ever. The three-quels from May were all duds, but exploded at the box office for the same reason the executives knew they would (established franchises). And out of all the junk coming out this summer, I was sure that Ratatouille would be a breath of fresh air in a cinema world overflowing with films trying to compete for the biggest explosions or best special effects and it was.

But why can't more audiences see that? Has the public finally been drained on animated films? Or is it just Disney's faulty campaign that made the numbers so low? Who knows.

I'm pretty sure it'll be bumped prematurely by Transformers and Harry Potter, two franchise geek-orgies that'll rank in the dough for reasons beyond me.

Discloner

07-02-2007, 01:41 AM

William C. Maune

07-02-2007, 01:45 AM

But why can't more audiences see that? Has the public finally been drained on animated films? Or is it just Disney's faulty campaign that made the numbers so low? Who knows.

The numbers aren't low though. It made almost $50 million and its the 6th biggest opener of the year so far.

Chris Wood

07-02-2007, 02:01 AM

I would also like to point out for all the 'furry talking animal' people - Ratatouille features humans as characters probably more than it does Rats. It's not really in the same category as the afore mentioned 'talking animal' film.

Unfortunately the marketing doesn't give that impression.

The numbers aren't low though. It made almost $50 million and its the 6th biggest opener of the year so far.

But despite inflation it made less than Cars (which many people didn't like), which made less than The Incredibles. It's a worrying trend.

William C. Maune

07-02-2007, 02:06 AM

But despite inflation it made less than Cars (which many people didn't like), which made less than The Incredibles. It's a worrying trend.

Eh, personally I don't think the trend matters if the numbers themselves are still good. Plus, it's hard to compare the trend when the various films were released at different times of the year with different competition, etc.

The Myst

07-02-2007, 05:20 AM

Why did people hate Order of the Phoenix?

I didn't and I don't talk to any other readers of the books (I actually greatly dislike the majority of the fanbase) but I didn't know anybody else did either.

Baltofan

07-02-2007, 05:50 AM

Ratatouille might be #1 next week too.

Jester2415

07-02-2007, 06:05 AM

It might pull a "Six Sense" and have little drop off each week as word of mouth spreads and more and people discover it's the best picture of the summer. Most films' drop off's are over 50%... I see it staying around the 40 mil range next weekend.

Scirel

07-02-2007, 08:55 AM

I didn't and I don't talk to any other readers of the books (I actually greatly dislike the majority of the fanbase) but I didn't know anybody else did either.

That's because Harry Potter has the worst fanbase ever. Say what you will about otaku, but for a significant portion to theaten murder over the fact that Harry didn`t fall in love with hermionie and all of a sudden say they hate HP after years of wallowing in the fandom is just asanine.

Hanshotfirst113

07-02-2007, 09:38 AM

I didn't and I don't talk to any other readers of the books (I actually greatly dislike the majority of the fanbase) but I didn't know anybody else did either.

What've you got against the fanbase?

Mr. Manager

07-02-2007, 10:01 AM

Ratatouille might be #1 next week too.Considering the competition it'll have over the next few weeks... no.

Temple Fugate

07-02-2007, 10:11 AM

For anyone having doubts about Ratatouille, I have to urge you to just see the film. I was on the fence about it going in, but the movie was really good. (Brad "Iron Giant" Bird directed it and got the screenplay credit if that's a selling point.)

As for Order of the Phoenix, this time I'm positive the movie will be better than the stupid book, but I'm still not seeing it. Can't wait for the weeks following the movie, though, as that's the much-anticipated Book VII premiere.

Is anybody else disappointed that they moved up the wide release date of Transformers? I was excited that it was premiering on ID4's 11th anniversary. Now it's coming out on the day before, so that takes some of the majesty out of the event. Oh well. Everybody have a happy Transformers Release Day tomorrow. And I guess you can have a happy Fourth of July too, but since there isn't a Transformers movie coming out on that date anymore I don't see what there is to celebrate.

Hades

07-02-2007, 11:01 AM

I'm not a tranformers fan but want to see the movie and so do alot of my friends just because it looks like a good action film.

Agree with ya about HP though. It'll dominate the box office, but with Transformers in second.

What are you talking about? Transformers will be #2 if not #1 during the weekened Potter is out.

That's because Harry Potter has the worst fanbase ever. Say what you will about otaku, but for a significant portion to theaten murder over the fact that Harry didn`t fall in love with hermionie and all of a sudden say they hate HP after years of wallowing in the fandom is just asanine.

Don't forget Transfans. I am one, but after someone threatened Bay's life over the designs, I am very depressed to call myself one.

Anyway, I'll be seeing Transformers tonight, and again on Wed.

PeppeRaskell1

07-02-2007, 11:22 AM

I suspect a lot of people won't see Ratatouille for the same reason people didn't go to see Snakes on a Plane. Rats have been in the news lately, for all the wrong reasons (remember their little visit to a KFC/Taco Bell in Greenwich Village?), and a lot of people are starting to say, "You've seen one CGI movie with talking animals in it, you've just about seen 'em all."

This being said, I'm still going to see Ratatouille when I have the chance...even though Transformers is starting to arouse my interest.

PeppeRaskell1
"Some folks would rather eat Ratatouille than watch 'Ratatouille'..."

SirLemming

07-02-2007, 11:43 AM

True 'nuff.

Next week:
1: Transformers
2: Ratatouille
3: Licence to Wed

License to Wed beating Die Hard? Not sure about that. It does have Robin Williams in it, but so did RV. Certainly Office fans will flock to see John Krasinski, but that may not be enough. Something about LTW just doesn't scream "blockbuster" to me. But then again, I thought the same thing about The Breakup.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-02-2007, 01:22 PM

Ratatouille might be #1 next week too.

No way. Even if Transformers opens smaller than expected, it will still make more than Ratatouille, which I would expect $30 million or so from next weekend.

kewlmyc

07-02-2007, 04:59 PM

License to Wed beating Die Hard? Not sure about that. It does have Robin Williams in it, but so did RV. Certainly Office fans will flock to see John Krasinski, but that may not be enough. Something about LTW just doesn't scream "blockbuster" to me. But then again, I thought the same thing about The Breakup.
Yeah, but I see LtW getting around $27 million and Die Hard 4 getting around $25 million.

HG Revolution

07-02-2007, 05:28 PM

No way. Even if Transformers opens smaller than expected, it will still make more than Ratatouille, which I would expect $30 million or so from next weekend.

Is it even worth replying to Baltofan's comments in this area? He obviously thinks anything featuring animals=best of the best.

adoptedBatpuppy

07-02-2007, 07:20 PM

I have not a chance to see, it was it as good as Disney advertising it?
Went to see Live Free or Die Hard. Bruce Willis is a good looking actor. :sweat:

HG Revolution

07-02-2007, 09:18 PM

I have not a chance to see, it was it as good as Disney advertising it?
Went to see Live Free or Die Hard. Bruce Willis is a good looking actor. :sweat:

It's better. Essentially what you'd expect from Pixar, albiet still with some of the pacing problems that plagued Cars.

NikD

07-02-2007, 09:49 PM

Several things this thread triggered:

1. I can't believe it when people on the ToonZone boards say they aren't going to see a Pixar film in the theatre. Pixar's producing arguably the best American animation out there, in terms of both storytelling and art. If the people here, supposedly devoted to 'toons, aren't going to support it financially - then I start to lose hope about the lifespan of the animated medium.

2. The Order of the Phoenix was my least favorite of the Potter books. In that one Harry was a whiny git that needed to be smacked. True to the character's age, but I still don't want to spend hundreds of pages with a horomone-plagued teenager. Heck, I don't want to share a car ride with one.

3. License to Wed is funny and well-structured. Better than RV to the nth power. Laughed more than I have at a rom com in a long time.

sdp

07-02-2007, 10:05 PM

Not really a movie "buff" but this year does seem to have well known franchises/hits one week after another. I never really pay much attention to what premiers but this summer does seem big hit after big hit so IMO there is a lot of competition that there normally isn't.

But despite inflation it made less than Cars (which many people didn't like), which made less than The Incredibles. It's a worrying trend.
QFT, you can bet disney is def. taking notice on it even if its still 'goodl'..

I can't believe it when people on the ToonZone boards say they aren't going to see a Pixar film in the theatre. Pixar's producing arguably the best American animation out there, in terms of both storytelling and art. If the people here, supposedly devoted to 'toons, aren't going to support it financially - then I start to lose hope about the lifespan of the animated medium.

I thought the same thing, I am not as much of a animation buff as most people here yet I know Pixar is going to deliver a good movie no matter how unappealing the movie may look.

The Myst

07-03-2007, 06:19 AM

What've you got against the fanbase?

Some points have already been made that I agree with but I'll go ahead and mention another one.

I once read about an HP fan forum which had an argument over which characters should be with who that lasted in one topic for like six years.

These people are just stupidly, ridiculously obsessed with the most trivial things in the fandom.

I'm not saying they're all like that but the majority of the fans I've encountered have left a very bad impression on me. Honestly, my fandom has waned in part because of that. I still have never read Half Blood Prince because I just couldn't be bothered to get involved with the whole thing again.

J'onn J'onzz

07-03-2007, 10:44 AM

Some points have already been made that I agree with but I'll go ahead and mention another one.

I once read about an HP fan forum which had an argument over which characters should be with who that lasted in one topic for like six years.

These people are just stupidly, ridiculously obsessed with the most trivial things in the fandom.

I'm not saying they're all like that but the majority of the fans I've encountered have left a very bad impression on me. Honestly, my fandom has waned in part because of that. I still have never read Half Blood Prince because I just couldn't be bothered to get involved with the whole thing again.
The Harry Potter fandom's pretty awful. I mean, some of the theories they have are immensely stupid. The Ron=Dumbledore theory, for example, is seriously dumb. The fanbase nitpicks on every sentence and twists various minor details in the books to "support" their theories. I'm not saying the entire fanbase is like that, but a lot of it is.

J'onn J'onzz

07-03-2007, 12:55 PM

My local theater isn't putting too much faith in Transformers. Ratatouille and Evan Almighty have more showtimes today than it does.

Hades

07-03-2007, 01:07 PM

My local theater isn't putting too much faith in Transformers. Ratatouille and Evan Almighty have more showtimes today than it does.

It couldn't be because Transformers is 144 minutes whereas the other two are less than 2 hours could it?

Hanshotfirst113

07-03-2007, 01:34 PM

Don't forget Transfans. I am one, but after someone threatened Bay's life over the designs, I am very depressed to call myself one.

Death threats are always sad; it's a movie. There are starving children in Africa. Still, I think that the reason so many Transfans are upset is because their childhood and their favorite franchise was given to the most maligned director in Hollywood.

It couldn't be because Transformers is 144 minutes whereas the other two are less than 2 hours could it?

Could be. What an ungodly length for a movie about talking robots directed by Michael Bay.

Temple Fugate

07-03-2007, 02:38 PM

I'm fortunate to have a lot of friends my age who are big Potter fans, but not crazy enough to write Harry/Draco slashfics in their spare time. When we talk about the books, we actually discuss relevant issues.

This day and age there's a ton crazy fanbases out there. Potter, Naruto, Kingdom Hearts, etc. But how is this any different than a modern, slightly-more-insane version of Trekkies, Star Wars, and Transfans? We all need our obsessions, unhealthy as they are.

What an ungodly length for a movie about talking robots directed by Michael Bay.It's 144 minutes?! Jeez, I'd gladly pay $9 just to see that Optimus Prime BK commercial on the big screen. Michael Bay should have thought about the desperation of most Transfans and just made something short and sweet like that. Would have saved a ton on budget and raked in billions.

DarkAngel

07-03-2007, 03:27 PM

This day and age there's a ton crazy fanbases out there. Potter, Naruto, Kingdom Hearts, etc. But how is this any different than a modern, slightly-more-insane version of Trekkies, Star Wars, and Transfans? We all need our obsessions, unhealthy as they are.
I find myself wanting to distance myself from almost all fanbases. Fans, collectively, seem far too controlling of these universes/worlds. More often than not, they're much too rigid in what they want to see/read, which seems to handcuff the authors/creators, and they complain about the most ridiculous things. There are too many close-minded attitudes and often a lack of objectivity. I feel sometimes like I'd rather remain separated from fanbases, because otherwise too many discussions lead me to extreme aggravation.

The Clown Prince

07-03-2007, 03:33 PM

A quick worldwide Box Office update of the big three so far. Later in a couple weeks, I'll throw in Transformers as the overseas box office numbers begin to come in.

1) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End- $904,603,075

2) Spider-Man 3- $882,506,183

3) Shrek the Third- $575,738,405

At World's End past Spider-Man 3 last week and continues to gain more distance. And At World's End looks to probably become only the 4th film to reach a billion dollars. Dead Man's Chest became the third last year.

The Clown Prince

Silly McGooses

07-03-2007, 05:46 PM

Just got back from Ratatoulle, it kicks the arse of every movie to come out this year so far. I think the word of mouth will really fuel this one, to over $200 million. It didn't have the appeal in advertising most other PIXAR films did, but word will spread.

Lord Dalek

07-03-2007, 06:19 PM

Silly McGooses

07-03-2007, 06:51 PM

Happens quite often. Especially if it's a crappy action movie.

The Clown Prince

07-03-2007, 08:54 PM

How on Earth could a film that has yet to even reach the numbers of its predecessor domestically be catching up with it Worldwide? Thats BS.

Yeah, pretty amazing isn't it? Dead Man's Chest's foreign box office totaled $642,863,913 while it reached $423,315,812 domestically thanks to a slighty shorter run time than AWE, word of mouth and repeated viewings.

At World's End's current foreign box office sits at $608.9 million, while it's domestic is at $296.4 million. With the slow down that it's at here in the states, it's not come near that $400 million mark.

But as Silly McGooses pointed out, it happens. Different audiences in different countries like certain stuff a lot more than American audiences. It goes the opposite as well.

The Clown Prince

The Clown Prince

07-03-2007, 08:59 PM

The first box office numbers are out for Transformers!

Monday nights 8:00, 8:01, and 11:15 showings (all depending on which theaters participated) amounted to a total of $8.1 million. It already has an overseas box office total of $36.2 million in 10 countries so far. Sadly it doesn't open in the U.K. until July 27th and Japan August 4th.

South Korea lead the opening day with $13.1 million followed by Australia with $6.8 million.

The Clown Prince

Silly McGooses

07-03-2007, 11:31 PM

I think that's quite impressive.

The Clown Prince

07-04-2007, 04:05 PM

Transformers had an impressive Tuesday at theaters across the nation as it enjoyed it's first full day of release after Monday night preview screenings.

Transformers brought in an estimated $27.5 million(!) setting a new Tuesday record after beating PotC: Dead Man's Chest record of $15.7 million last year.

Combine that with it's Monday previews of $8.8 million and it's 28 hour total is at $36.3 million! There is no doubt that it's 6 day holiday numbers are gonna be huge when we get numbers estimates on Sunday!

In other opening day news, License to Wed managed $2.2 million on it's opening day Tuesday.

Meanwhile Ratatouille made another $7.9 million Tuesday bringing it's total now up to $61.8 million!

The Clown Prince

William C. Maune

07-04-2007, 04:15 PM

Ratatouille is also doing well considering it opened back on Friday. It made about 7.5 million each day on both Monday and Tuesday so far. At that rate it may have another $30 million before the next official weekend even starts.

Edit: Actually it looks like The Clown Prince already covered that.

Silly McGooses

07-04-2007, 06:27 PM

July 4th should be huge for Ratatouille.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-04-2007, 06:33 PM

Just as a note, Ratatouille's Monday and Tuesday were both the highest for any Pixar film ever.

So, it seems to be having very good Word of Mouth so far.

Lord Dalek

07-04-2007, 06:41 PM

Ratatouille seems to be holding on quite well despite running against Transformers.

TheVofSteel

07-04-2007, 06:42 PM

Ratatouille might be the best animated movie of 2007 IMO. Quite an original concept. ;)

Lord Dalek

07-04-2007, 07:40 PM

Ratatouille might be the best animated movie of 2007 IMO.
*COUGH*Paprika*COUGH*

Silly McGooses

07-04-2007, 09:47 PM

I loved Paprika, but I think Ratatouille is even better. I hope the Simpsons Movie is good, I can't remember such a good year for animated films in memory. There's been some crap like Surf's Up, but there's been a lot of good ones.

Discloner

07-05-2007, 01:40 AM

One of our Ratatouille showings today almost sold out - and while overall attendance at all the shows playing today were higher, Ratatouille probably had the highest amount of traffic at the end of the day. Transformers probably would have been on par if we didn't have it playing on two screens - but as it was the amount of showings it had split up the audience quite a bit.

The Clown Prince

07-05-2007, 03:09 PM

Wednesday July 4th numbers are available!

Transformers continued to show that it's gonna have a big week as it made $29 million Wednesday bringing it's 2 1/2 day total to $65.6 million!

And Ratatouille is showing everyone that it doesn't want to be a box office disappointment as it made $10.3 million and brought it's total up to $72.7 million!

The Clown Prince

Jazman

07-05-2007, 04:27 PM

That's excellent. Glad to hear it have a little momentum, and heck, it's before the weekend starts. It may make it to $90 mil by the end of the weekend.

Hanshotfirst113

07-05-2007, 08:02 PM

Transformers is making so much money; it makes me sad and makes me question my faith in humanity.

William C. Maune

07-05-2007, 08:14 PM

That's excellent. Glad to hear it have a little momentum, and heck, it's before the weekend starts. It may make it to $90 mil by the end of the weekend.

At this rate, while I think it's unlikely, there is an outside chance it could hit $90 before then. I give it $115+ by the end of the weekend.

Silly McGooses

07-05-2007, 10:45 PM

Amazing for Transformers. Actually rose from opening day...

Hanshotfirst113

07-05-2007, 10:55 PM

At this rate, while I think it's unlikely, there is an outside chance it could hit $90 before then. I give it $115+ by the end of the weekend.

What surprises me is how little promotion I've seen Ratatoulie get, expecially for a Disney product.

Artimus Gigan

07-06-2007, 12:10 AM

Transformers is making so much money; it makes me sad and makes me question my faith in humanity.
I'd be curious to see what would happen if Pixar made a giant robot film

However I saw Ratatoulie and Transformers, and I enjoyed both. And I certainly think that we'll see more worthy movies emerge out from both. They're both pretty much making a good ammount of money so I wouldn't be orried.

bigddan11

07-06-2007, 02:19 AM

This is the talkback thread for "Transformers" sets new Tuesday box-office record (http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=17896).

I knew Transformers would do well, but I wasn't expecting it to break any records. At this pace, it could easily become the most attended move for opening weekend as well, and those figures defintley show why they already authorized a sequel. I went on Wednesday, and they said every showing Tuesday and Wednesday had no more than 5 seats left in the theatre at a time. I also have some friends who were going to see it a second time tonight, so it'll finish high with these type of showings. I know I'm getting it when it comes out on DVD for certain.

The Clown Prince

07-06-2007, 04:12 AM

There is already an on going discussion talking about this in the actual box office thread (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=193186&page=5) since Wednesday. Don't be surprised if you see this thread merged with it.

The Clown Prince

bigddan11

07-06-2007, 04:31 AM

I woulodn't be surprised to see it merged, but the front page news didn't link it to a pre-exsisting thread and had me create a new one.

Mynd Hed

07-06-2007, 09:24 AM

I'd be curious to see what would happen if Pixar made a giant robot film

I suppose they could always tap Brad Bird for an Iron Giant sequel.

...Nah. The retro-50's 2D art was too much a part of the first one. Seeing it in CG would hurt my soul.

The Penguin

07-06-2007, 11:47 AM

I woulodn't be surprised to see it merged, but the front page news didn't link it to a pre-exsisting thread and had me create a new one.Surprise!! ;)

Hanshotfirst113

07-06-2007, 02:08 PM

I'd be curious to see what would happen if Pixar made a giant robot film.

I would be that it would be a film with characterization, plot, and cleverness to spare like Pixar's last seven films have been. They've got some kind of Midas touch.

The Clown Prince

07-06-2007, 03:34 PM

Might as well continue the numbers through the holiday week. :)

Thursday numbers have been released and Transformers made another $19.3 million for a total so far now of $84.9 million!

And Ratatouille made another $7.9 million for a total of $80.6 million!

I'll post Friday's numbers Saturday in this thread and then Sunday I'll begin a new one as usual.

The Clown Prince

Rasputin

07-06-2007, 04:13 PM

At this rate, throwing in the international box office, Transformers will make its budget back even before the weekend starts. It's the thing film studios have always dreamed of. An entire summer weekend of pure profit. I can definitely see it making it into the '$300million club'.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-06-2007, 04:56 PM

Also, it looks like Pirates 3 should reach $300 million this weekend.

So Transformers would make it 4 movies this year with $300 million. At the rate it's going, it could potentially win the summer if it holds up over the coming weeks. We'll have to see how it holds up against Harry Potter, though.

Ratatouille is also very impressive. With $80 million already, I'd look for another $30-35 million this weekend, giving it $110-115 million after it's second weekend. $250 million seems a very real possibility at this point.

With Harry Potter a virtual lock for that number, and National Treasure 2 coming out later this year, we should see 7 movies hit $250 million.

Leaping Larry Jojo

07-06-2007, 05:04 PM

Seems like Pixar IS doing a robot movie for 2008 summer release. Too bad, the first thing that went through my mind was, "Argh, another CGI robot movie in the same mold as...Robots. Or Short Circuit."

Ratatouille is a good movie, if you get over the idea of rats in a kitchen. Remy is cool, but his family...still ick. As Hugh Parkfield said, "You're like a flower than grew out of a pot of dirt." :p:p

Silly McGooses

07-06-2007, 05:36 PM

I think Wall E (the "robot movie") looks absolutely amazing. Everything I've heard about it, all the little plot details...seem to be part of a great movie.

Eidan

07-06-2007, 05:55 PM

A lot of people have been saying that one o the biggest threats to Transformers' box office run is Harry Potter, but I'm not understanding why. Usually when people are afraid one blockbuster will hurt another, it's because they share the same fanbase. Transformers, from what I've seen so far, seems to be reaching a far larger, and older fanbase than Potter. The two films will have little impact on one another.

And also, I don't see Order of the Phoenix beating Goblet of Fire.

1) The summer release date has proven to be a poor fit with Potter in the past.
2) Order of the Phoenix is perhaps one of the least preferred books of the series. Goblet of Fire had a lot more hype going for it simply because it was remembered as the first truly "epic" Potter novel, and along with Prisoner of Azkaban, was one of the most revered.

Anyway, I'm hoping Transformers tops Spider-Man 3 to become the top domestic grosser of the year, and hopefully makes it into the top 10. I get annoyed if you don't have at least one movie make the top 10 each year. Hell, in 2004 we had three do it.

Leaping Larry Jojo

07-06-2007, 05:58 PM

Eidan

07-06-2007, 06:37 PM

Hahaha, yeah, I'm aware there are plenty of adult Potter fans. But it hasn't been shown that there are plenty of adult Potter-movie fans. IF anything, it has been shown that the Potter films follow a pretty standard formula of absurdly strong opening weekends, and astronomic falls afterward. So far, the Potter films have never "hurt" another film that was doing well before it was released. Many predicted Shrek 2 to take a hit once Prisoner of Azkaban was released...and we all saw how that ended up.

The Clown Prince

07-06-2007, 09:05 PM

Just for fun...

Numbers in parentheses are worldwide totals...

1) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- $317.5 million ($976.4 million)
Released November 16, 2001

2) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets- $261.9 million ($876.6 million)
Released November 15, 2002

3) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- $249.5 million ($789.8 million)
Released June 4, 2004

4) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- $290 million ($892.2 million)
Released November 18, 2005

1) The summer release date has proven a poor fit with Potter in the past.

We only have one 'Potter' movie that released in a summer, so we can't really say that a 'Potter' movie's summer release is bad.

Even after all this time, Sorcerer's Stone is still the best performing movie, and that's pretty good when you count today's inflation. It's been 5 1/2 years since it's release. The two following movies both dropped domestic and at the foreign box office with the second movie having opened in a November.

PoA was the best reviewed movie up to that one (89% with 218 reviews at RottenTomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_prisoner_of_azkaban/)), but still has the lowest return at this point and time, it just happened to open in the summer. Goblet of Fire, (89% with 204 reviews at RottenTomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_goblet_of_fire/)) a favorite book of many fans ended up being the most successful movie since Sorcerer's Stone. It won't be until Order of the Phoenix's final tally that maybe we can say that 'Potter' movies that open in the summer don't do as well. But as already pointed out, OotP is the least liked book of the series, so it'll be interesting to see it's final tally.

Right now there are 10 reviews counted (90% at RottenTomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_order_of_the_phoenix/)) with 9 of them being good for Order of the Phoenix. But even the good reviews aren't overly postive on the movie. Fans may feel the same way. But we'll see. More reviews will be coming hot and heavy starting next week.

The Clown Prince

The Clown Prince

07-07-2007, 03:19 PM

Numbers for Friday are in!

Transformers made another $22.4 million for a total of $107.3 million!

Ratatouille added another $9.4 million for a total of $90 million!

The Clown Prince

Jazman

07-07-2007, 10:08 PM

That's awesome. I think 'Ratatouille" will do just fine. The first real road block will more than likely be Potter on Wed. If it can get to 115 by the weekend and keep the numbers it has, it will do just fine even with Potter next weekend.

Discloner

07-08-2007, 12:01 AM

Seems like Pixar IS doing a robot movie for 2008 summer release. Too bad, the first thing that went through my mind was, "Argh, another CGI robot movie in the same mold as...Robots. Or Short Circuit." There's only been one CGI Robot movie...and it came out years ago. Short Circuit is from the 80's...and it doesn't have ANY CG in it. Your reaction baffles me! That's like saying "Argh, another Wizard movie in the same mold as Lord of the Rings. Or Willow." because Harry Potter is coming out! :p

Lord Dalek

07-08-2007, 12:22 AM

$107.3 million!

I'd say something hurt Transformers, it should have made that in one to two days not five.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-08-2007, 12:26 AM

I'd say something hurt Transformers, it should have made that in one to two days not five.

Only 4 full days, though. And most of those were weekdays, just with one holiday.

It's doing pretty well so far. Looks to be on track for $300 million plus if it keeps this up.

Discloner

07-08-2007, 12:33 AM

I'd say something hurt Transformers, it should have made that in one to two days not five.
Wait...what? Are you delusional?

Lord Dalek

07-08-2007, 12:34 AM

It's doing pretty well so far. Looks to be on track for $300 million plus if it keeps this up.I'd give you 200, 300 is pushing it and I see the potential for a huge drop off next weekend.

KuwabaraTheMan

07-08-2007, 12:40 AM

I'd give you 200, 300 is pushing it and I see the potential for a huge drop off next weekend.

It'll have made $150 million by Sunday, in just 6 days of release. Only a few movies have ever done that, and every single one of them has made at least $300 million.

$250 million is a lock at this point, and it's held up really well. It looks like it could get 6 straight days of $19 million, which is incredible. I know Spider-Man 2 did that, but I don't think any other film has.

Artimus Gigan

07-08-2007, 03:24 AM

I would be that it would be a film with characterization, plot, and cleverness to spare like Pixar's last seven films have been. They've got some kind of Midas touch.
Yeah but that doesn't figure in to how they would work in the giant robots. Would it be like GGG or Godannar with humanoid esque themed robots/pilots? Macross type piloted robots styled after existing machinery? Mazingkaiser-esque with old style super robot action?

The type of robots you choose depend on what type of story it essenialy can turn out to be

Ratatouille seemed to be based on alot of golden age animation designs(the human character propotions especialy) and themes. The Incredibles took alot from the 1960's-70's era of super heros. So It would be interesting to see a Pixar movie with a modern futuristic setting.

Rasputin

07-08-2007, 05:40 AM

According to the 'Fantasy Moguls' site, Transformers notched up $25.42 million on Saturday for a cumulative box office of $132.8 million domestic. Ratatouille snapped up $11.11 million while Live Free or Die Hard notched $6.74 million, for a total of $101.1 million and $78.8 million respectively. Pirates 3 clawed its way past the $300 million mark.

These are just early estimates, but the site's been pretty accurate up to now, so I'm inclined to trust it: http://news.fantasymoguls.com/originalcontent/2007/07/transformers-tr.html

Interesting analysis, too. At this rate it will be the highest-grossing non-sequel, beating out Spiderman. By the end of this weekend, Transformers will undoubtedly have reached $150 million, and the pattern for non-sequels is that the first 7 days account for around 40% of total box office income, while sequels garner 50% of their total in the same time period. This suggests that Transformers will not only be capable of entering the prestigious $300 million club, but has a reasonable shot at becoming the largest grosser for the year.

Harry Potter could still rain on its parade, but Transformers looks like it has legs. It'll be interesting to see how it fares in the international market.