Weekend Box Office: 'Prince Caspian' glady takes the crown!

[The Clown Prince]

Debuting number one this weekend was The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspain which opened with $56.5 million and fairly good reviews. 71% at RottenTomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/chronicles_of_narnia_prince_caspian/). Those numbers are down compared to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe which opened in December 2005 with $65.5 million. It finished with $291.7 million and worldwide it finished with $744.7 million.

Falling to second place after two weeks at number one was Iron Man with $31.2 million and a $222.4 million total. Iron Man has become the first film of 2008 to reach $200 million.

In third place was What Happens in Vegas with $13.8 million and a $40.3 million total.

Coming in fourth place is Speed Racer with $7.6 million and a $24.3 million total.

And rounding out the top 5 is Baby Mama with $4.5 million and a $47.2 million total.

Out of the top 12 this weekend is Prom Night (13th), and Redbelt (14th).

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend and one of the most anticiapted movies of the year opens. After 19 years, a new installment in the 'Indiana Jones' series opens... Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=4665) (rated PG-13). Directed by Steven Spielberg it stars Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone, Karen Allen, John Hurt, and Jim Broadbent.

Here are your numbers...

1) The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian- $56,573,000 ($56,573,000) NEW!
2) Iron Man- $31,200,000 ($222,485,000)
3) What Happens in Vegas- $13,850,000 ($40,308,000)
4) Speed Racer- $7,645,000 ($24,367,000)
5) Baby Mama- $4,593,000 ($47,256,000)
6) Made of Honor- $4,500,000 ($33,701,000)
7) Forgetting Sarah Marshall- $2,538,000 ($55,065,000)
8) Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay- $1,800,000 ($33,901,000)
9) The Forbidden Kingdom- $1,000,000 ($50,295,000)
10) The Visitor- $687,000 ($3,403,000)
11) Nim's Island- $580,000 ($45,248,000)
12) Then She Found Me- $528,000 ($1,578,000)

[Ishtar]

Glad to see that Narnia is doing decently well.

[Movie06]

So, is Disney disappointed with the numbers or they're pretty satisfied. The thing is, I think that Disney was probably expecting more than $56 million.

Although, Aslan is going to suffer by a certain character we all know and love since 1981.

[Draft]

Heh, Looks like Narnia 4 isn't a complete given (They started working on 3 already I think). It's a very good opening, but industry analysts thought it was going to be much higher. Walden Media should better hope this thing makes a comparable gross to the next Harry Potter movie, or they're prolly going to be shut down (They're movies of late have had the big red failure stamp, and I don't think any sensible person would think Journey 3-D will do any good).

Well, looks like Speed Racer won't even end up with 60 million, 50 even. That's pretty sad

Okay, Time for the prediction on Indy 4. This is a tough one. I think it'll be around 100 million, just narrowly beating Iron Man for opening weekend this year, and will make 250-350 overall

[HG Revolution]

For what it's worth, if you're copying numbers from BoxOfficeMojo, it seems they've had some issues adding up the numbers for Speed Racer: http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=daily&id=speedracer.htm

Still certain the movie's a failure, though. A shame, really. I haven't seen it so I don't know if it's good or not but it does look like something innovative and different, and God knows how much Hollywood needs new ideas.

[Hanshotfirst113]

Although, Aslan is going to suffer by a certain character we all know and love since 1981.

That movie is probably going to break all kinds of records.

[Lord Dalek]

Heh, Looks like Narnia 4 isn't a complete given (They started working on 3 already I think). It's a very good opening, but industry analysts thought it was going to be much higher. Walden Media should better hope this thing makes a comparable gross to the next Harry Potter movie, or they're prolly going to be shut down (They're movies of late have had the big red failure stamp, and I don't think any sensible person would think Journey 3-D will do any good).
Ironically even though it is underperforming, Caspian made more moolah in its first weekend alone than the bulk of Walden's pandering claptrap did in their entire runs.

That being said, I don't think they're ever going to get to The Horse and His Boy (or at worst The Silver Chair).

[Movie06]

That movie is probably going to break all kinds of records.

Well, people love Indy. :)

[JRP82190]

go iron man 31 million in its 3rd week thats great

[NewcomerDC]

What about Sex and the City? I think that it will break Indy's back during it'ssecond week in the box office.

[HG Revolution]

What about Sex and the City? I think that it will break Indy's back during it'ssecond week in the box office.

Indy has something for everyone, whereas Sex and the City has a more specific audience. I don't think Sex in the City will do any damage to Indy, though I think it will do well. I don't expect a big opening, but it might have stronger legs than your typical blockbuster.

[JRP82190]

What about Sex and the City? I think that it will break Indy's back during it'ssecond week in the box office.
really really doubt that unless your a fan of the show i can't really see that many people going to that

but i could be wrong

[NewcomerDC]

Indy has something for everyone, whereas Sex and the City has a more specific audience. I don't think Sex in the City will do any damage to Indy, though I think it will do well. I don't expect a big opening, but it might have stronger legs than your typical blockbuster.
Alright, thanks for letting me know that. Shouldn'twe try to make a thread of all the movies and predict about how much they will make this summer?

I think it had already been done.


really really doubt that unless your a fan of the show i can't really see that many people going to that

but i could be wrong
Sex and the City is a popular show but while I do not care for it, there had been buzz about this title since last year on all of the entertainment shows. HBO financed it and though they might fail with Kit Ketteridge, they will score on the Sex movie.

[The Clown Prince]

Ironically even though it is underperforming, Caspian made more moolah in its first weekend alone than the bulk of Walden's pandering claptrap did in their entire runs.

That being said, I don't think they're ever going to get to The Horse and His Boy (or at worst The Silver Chair).

The Silver Chair is next in line to be made after Dawn Treader. Remember though, even though Prince Caspian probably won't make what LW&W did here domestically, Prince Caspian is gonna kill in the foreign market. And that alone is what will keep this series going until The Last Battle. Plus you have DVD sales to account for. The 'Narnia' series will finish.

[JRP82190]

Sex and the City is a popular show but while I do not care for it, there had been buzz about this title since last year on all of the entertainment shows. HBO financed it and though they might fail with Kit Ketteridge, they will score on the Sex movie.
I'm not saying it won't make money just that it won't affect Indy that much

[ShadowGUN]

Hey, let not forget that Uwe Boll latest "masterpiece" Postal is coming out on four screens (http://kotaku.com/391105/postal-opening-on-four-screens-yes-four) this week too. So which among is gonna be brave enough to go and see it? Sadly(or is that lucky) neither of those four are near me:p .

[Movie06]

Event hough I doubt Sex and the City would damage Indy, but it might make a decent amount of money. I mean, alot of horny guys would see that movie.

[Ishtar]

The Silver Chair is next in line to be made after Dawn Treader. Remember though, even though Prince Caspian probably won't make what LW&W did here domestically, Prince Caspian is gonna kill in the foreign market. And that alone is what will keep this series going until The Last Battle. Plus you have DVD sales to account for. The 'Narnia' series will finish.
Well, it also depends how difficult some of the remaining books would be to adapt into movies, espicially considering Disney's main target audience, but that arguement is for another thread. I'm sure they are looking for every opportunity out there, as long as they prove to be successful.

[HG Revolution]

Alright, thanks for letting me know that. Shouldn'twe try to make a thread of all the movies and predict about how much they will make this summer?

I think it had already been done.

Well, here's my current guesses for the big summer releases:

Iron Man: $275 million
Speed Racer: $45 million
Prince Caspian: $175 million
Indiana Jones: $350 million (most successful movie of the year)
Postal: $5 million (record-breaking per-screen numbers)
Sex and the City: $100 million
You Don't Mess With the Zohan: $130 million
The Happening: $25 million (huge failure)
The Incredible Hulk: $150 million
Get Smart: $90 million
The Love Guru: $40 million
Wall-E: $250 million
Wanted: $30 million
Hancock: $300 million
Hellboy 2: $70 million
Journey 3D: $40 million
Mamma Mia: $80 million
The Dark Knight: $200 million
Space Chimps: $25 million
Meet Dave: $110 million (the inexplicable hit of the summer)
Step Brothers: $50 million
The Pineapple Express: $75 million
Tropic Thunder: $100 million
The Clone Wars: $80 million

[Lord Dalek]

Well, it also depends how difficult some of the remaining books would be to adapt into movies, espicially considering Disney's main target audience, but that arguement is for another thread. I'm sure they are looking for every opportunity out there, as long as they prove to be successful.
Plus its going to take at least 10 if not 15 years to finish Narnia at the rate they're going. Thats so far spread out that nobody may care when they do get to the end.

[RomanMack]

Hahaha, Speed Racer. I laugh at you.

Anyways, decent opening for Narnia, although it didn't beat the first one in that regard.

[Draft]

Meet Dave: $110 million (the inexplicable hit of the summer)


I'd be suprised if it makes $50 million. It's opening the weekend after the new Will Smith is, as well as against a 2nd rate comic book movie and a big buget family adventure movie with Brendan Fraser.

[HG Revolution]

I'd be suprised if it makes $50 million. It's opening the weekend after the new Will Smith is, as well as against a 2nd rate comic book movie and a big buget family adventure movie with Brendan Fraser.

I wasn't sure about the opening, but remember, Norbit made money.

[Temple Fugate]

I expect most summer movies to do under expectations this year, with the sheer amount of bankable stuff coming on a weekly basis, audiences are going to have to pick and choose what they want to see if they can't afford one or two tickets every weekend. It's why movie theaters wish the studios wouldn't cram all of their big guns into the summer months instead of spreading them out across the year.


I don't usually do this, but I'm feeling confident. Next week I predict:
1. Caspian
2. Iron Man
3. Vegas narrowly edging out Speed this time
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/tjats/i_called_it.jpg

[Ishtar]

I wasn't sure about the opening, but remember, Norbit made money.
Norbit was released during the late winter season, around February. That's completely different compared to the summer, which has so much competition that a comedy movie with Eddie Murphy wouldn't have nearly as much of a chance. Dave could make a little money, but I doubt very much.

[DarthGonzo]

I expect most summer movies to do under expectations this year, with the sheer amount of bankable stuff coming on a weekly basis, audiences are going to have to pick and choose what they want to see if they can't afford one or two tickets every weekend.

Keep in mind that by July it will probably cost most folks more than $5 a gallon to fill their cars with gas just to go see these movies.

[Golgo13]

That's interesting with Caspian's numbers. I remember hearing a rumor awhile back that if Caspian didn't do well, Disney would be dropping it for a new series, but that may have just been a gut reaction after The Golden Compass killed New Line.

[JRP82190]

I've got nothing against caspian but I'm I the only one who's tired of all these family fantasy movies

[Draft]

I wasn't sure about the opening, but remember, Norbit made money.
Norbit made 80 million in the Winter Market, probably the lowest market possible. And lest we forget The Adventures of Pluto Nash, the last Sci-Fi Comedy starring Eddie Murphy (It made an impressive 6 million total)

[The Clown Prince]

That's interesting with Caspian's numbers. I remember hearing a rumor awhile back that if Caspian didn't do well, Disney would be dropping it for a new series, but that may have just been a gut reaction after The Golden Compass killed New Line.

Jim Hill Media first reported that, but then Disney seeing this possible hurtful rumor reacted. Comingsoon.net asked Disney about this and they said it wasn't true at all.

The rumor was that Disney was going to drop 'Narnia' after Dawn Treader and focus on the John Carter of Mars series of book adaptations as well as Prince of Persia. Disney said that was never true about dropping 'Narnia' and it's their intention to adapt all of the 'Narnia' books while developing 'John Carter' and 'Persia' at the same time. Continued development of 'Narnia' is provided of course the 'Narnia' movies continue to make money. Which they will.

[HomeMoviesFan]

Yeah, well seeing as Caspian way underperformed (it was supposed to do 90), I think Dawn Treader is going to be the last flick.


The Dark Knight: $200 million

What the...?! Think higher...

[Draft]

Yeah, well seeing as Caspian way underperformed (it was supposed to do 90), I think Dawn Treader is going to be the last flick.
Well, once again, you have to think about Foriegn Gross.

For example, The Golden Compass made 80 Million in the U.S., making it a complete failure. However, it made over 280 Million in foriegn territories, and if New Line hadn't sold off the foriegn rights, they would've been able to make x2 the budget. This is the trend for most fantasy movies, they'll make at least x2 their domestic gross.

[The Clown Prince]

Well, once again, you have to think about Foriegn Gross.

For example, The Golden Compass made 80 Million in the U.S., making it a complete failure. However, it made over 280 Million in foriegn territories, and if New Line hadn't sold off the foriegn rights, they would've been able to make x2 the budget. This is the trend for most fantasy movies, they'll make at least x2 their domestic gross.

Thank you! No matter how many times I've said it or someone else points it out, people always forget the foreign market. And the fantasy genre has relatively done well overseas...

The Spiderwick Chronicles- $71.1 million domestic ($88.6 million foreign)

The Golden Compass- $70.1 million domestic ($301.7 million foreign)

Eragon- $75 million domestic ($174.4 million foreign)

The Seeker: The Dark is Rising- $8.7 million domestic ($22.5 million foreign)

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe- $291.7 million domestic ($453 million foreign)

And of course we all know how well the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings movies did in the foreign market as well.

[HG Revolution]

What the...?! Think higher...

Batman Begins didn't do much over $200 million, and I wonder if this movie will be just too dark for some viewers.

[Draft]

Batman Begins didn't do much over $200 million, and I wonder if this movie will be just too dark for some viewers.

I don't think they can really top the darkness from the first movie, and the other Batman movies have been darker and made even more (At least w/ adjusted gross). And lest we forget about all the Heath Ledger fans wanting to see his last movie. I believe a 300 Million total isn't out of the question, but overestimating it (250-275 more likely)

[GWOtaku]

Good to see Prince Caspian pulling in rather good money. I really can't wait for the new Indy movie. It turns out there's a midnight showing on the 21st at the Lowes Georgetown theater in DC, my birthday as it happens...I have a pretty good idea of where I'll be at that time.

[SirLemming]

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is the most popular, iconic, and recognizable (one of those words was redundant) Narnia story. This is what makes the series different from LOTR or Harry Potter; LOTR was a package deal, all or nothing, and the Harry Potter series was so recent that movies and books were being made at the same time. There's a lack of familiarity with the other 6 Narnia books, though, and so lower numbers don't surprise me. But hopefully this movie proves the series has legs of its own, for the long run.

From what I remember, this isn't one of the most interesting books in the series anyway.

[Matt Hazuda]

Event hough I doubt Sex and the City would damage Indy, but it might make a decent amount of money. I mean, alot of horny guys would see that movie.Yeah if they like horse-faced ugly broad and her 3 old hag friends :sweat:

[Crash]

56 mil, huh? Respectable, but certainly not what was expected from the series. Myabe they should have stuck with the winter opening date. Continue with that December/Fantasy tradition that LotR started... Its certainly going to face some competition these next few weeks.

[KCJ506]

This may not have been a good weekend to release this. I realize this is the type of film that is typically released in during the "blockbuster season" that runs from May through early August, but I really think this film would have done a lot better had they released it a little later in the summer or pushed it up to March or April and tried to have the success 300 did last spring. That way it wouldn't have to go against Indiana Jones.

I really hate how few good movies there are from about February through May, and then they release one or two good movies every week from May through July, so you end up having to skip several good movies you would normally see, only to get forced to watch a piece of crap you would normally skip in the winter or fall.

Studios should really release more movies during January through April.

[The Non Human]

This may not have been a good weekend to release this. I realize this is the type of film that is typically released in during the "blockbuster season" that runs from May through early August, but I really think this film would have done a lot better had they released it a little later in the summer or pushed it up to March or April and tried to have the success 300 did last spring. That way it wouldn't have to go against Indiana Jones.

I really hate how few good movies there are from about February through May, and then they release one or two good movies every week from May through July, so you end up having to skip several good movies you would normally see, only to get forced to watch a piece of crap you would normally skip in the winter or fall.

Studios should really release more movies during January through April.

there was a news article on here months ago about that subject...i don't remember much details if someone else had a link on here possibly?..i think it was concerning a thearter owner complaining about the lull and lack of buisness because studios were treading out all the crap during feb through april and holding off on all the blockbusters for the summer...i think he was making some sort of plea about changing it up and spacing out the big movies better.

[Baltofan]

Way to go for Narnia.

Now I'm only waiting for Beverly Hills Chihuahua

[Temple Fugate]

Way to go for Narnia.

Now I'm only waiting for Beverly Hills Chihuahua*watches BHC trailer in front of Narnia*

*gouges out own eyes and ears*

[Hanshotfirst113]

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

I don't even want to know.

[HG Revolution]

Way to go for Narnia.

Now I'm only waiting for Beverly Hills Chihuahua

You still exist? I thought you said this place sucked.

[Movie06]

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

What? You've got to be kidding me.

[Michael24]

I don't even want to know.

http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=210306

The horror . . . the horror . . . :D

[kewlmyc]

http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=210306

The horror . . . the horror . . . :D
What the hell is that?!?!?!

Edit by Bird Boy: No censor skirting plz.

[Desensitized]

... My eyes.

Thank you for sharing that with us.

[Movie06]

http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=210306

The horror . . . the horror . . . :D

Oh my God... :eek:

[FightingDreamer]

A little part of me died inside when they played that trailer before Prince Caspian. How was this even greenlit? Much like the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie (which I refuse to see), they should just post an "Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here" sign in front of the theater door.

[Lord Dalek]

Now I'm only waiting for Beverly Hills ChihuahuaPlease stop.

[Hanshotfirst113]

*watches BHC trailer in front of Narnia*

*gouges out own eyes and ears*


What? You've got to be kidding me.


http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=210306

The horror . . . the horror . . . :D


What the hell is that?!?!?!


... My eyes.

Thank you for sharing that with us.


Oh my God... :eek:


A little part of me died inside when they played that trailer before Prince Caspian. How was this even greenlit? Much like the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie (which I refuse to see), they should just post an "Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here" sign in front of the theater door.

"Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate..."


URGE TO KILL RISING...

There seems to be a consensus here...

[Draft]

Now I'm only waiting for Beverly Hills Chihuahua

*Kidnaps and ties to chair in a locked room, puts on a TV with a good animated movie*

^-You are now saved, you should thank me right now

[HG Revolution]

*Kidnaps and ties to chair in a locked room, puts on a TV with a good animated movie*

^-You are now saved, you should thank me right now

Will that really help him? He has strange ideas of good. He dislikes Pixar, of all things.

[Temple Fugate]

*Kidnaps and ties to chair in a locked room, puts on a TV with a good animated movie*

^-You are now saved, you should thank me right nowTonight's thrilling all-new episode of Toon Zone: "I've Got Baltofan in my Basement."


Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[The Penguin]

I'm gonna make a prediction right now, Indiana Jones will be number one next week. Just you wait and see.

;)

[Hanshotfirst113]

I'm gonna make a prediction right now, Indiana Jones will be number one next week. Just you wait and see.

;)

My crystal ball says that you may be right ;)...

[Movie06]

Sound the trumphets! ;)

*Cue Raiders of the Lost Ark theme*

[Draft]

Tonight's thrilling all-new episode of Toon Zone: "I've Got Baltofan in my Basement."


Sorry, I couldn't resist.

you sir, win


Will that really help him? He has strange ideas of good. He dislikes Pixar, of all things.

No use saving I guess

I'm pretty much asking for my 4th warn right now aren't I? Sorry Baltofan bla bla bla...Have right to enjoy/dislike whateveryou want bla bla bla..there you go..

[DarthGonzo]

Please stop.

I don't think he can stop. He honestly adores these movies. Don't ask me why (though I'm sure I know) but he does.

[TheVileOne]

Remember folks, Alvin and The Chipmunks did make over $200 million.

I wasn't excited, but at the advanced screening in which I saw Prince Caspian, the Chihuahua trailer did get a big reaction . . . it was mostly a crowd of little kids and their parents though.

Also great for Iron Man. There is nothing stopping this juggernaut of a summer movie. It is well on its way to $300 million US and $600 million WW.

And wow, what a low opening for Prince Caspian. I wonder if this will be the tone of the summer, with a lot of the bigger movies or sequels having disappointing openings. Outside of Iron Man, that's been the story for the summer so far.

[Temple Fugate]

Remember folks, Alvin and The Chipmunks did make over $200 million.I don't doubt that Disney has another hit on its hands. Lots of people respond positively to chihuahuas. And each and every single one of those people have my sincere contempt. ;)


And wow, what a low opening for Prince Caspian. I wonder if this will be the tone of the summer, with a lot of the bigger movies or sequels having disappointing openings. Outside of Iron Man, that's been the story for the summer so far.I just hope we don't get a repeat of summer 2005's highly publicized and overinflated box office panic. "Hollywood is imploding! Movies aren't making money! There's something terribly wrong with the entertainment industry!"

[Scirel]

Keep in mind that by July it will probably cost most folks more than $5 a gallon to fill their cars with gas just to go see these movies.


thank god my new job in sept. isn`t an hour away like my current one. Already nearly half of my paycheck is spent on *#@&$(*ing getting to work.

Anyway, it seems that list is pretty solid aside from postal, which is obvioulsy a joke. XD

[TheVileOne]

Industry will always come up with fancy ways to deflect blame from where it belongs. A few years ago it was people texting to their friends about movies while in the theatres so no one will go see it. Then its piracy, et al

This year the industry will probably say its because of the bad economy and gas.

Iron Man remains the true winner of the summer so far. After Memorial Day weekend you'll be able to see if it can break $300 million or more.

Prince Caspian desperately needs a decent Memorial Day second weekend to help salvage its run.

The gas thing I think is a little silly. If you live in a decent sized town, you won't have to drive far to get to a theatre. It's the art houses so see the smaller, indy, art house movies that take longer, to get to. Blaming low ticket sales on gas is really a scape goat. A scape goat from higher prices at movie theatres for one ;) .

Also in a hot summer, global warming and all ;), people are going to want to get cool inside. Movie theatres are cool.

One thing that's consistent every year, is general BO profits going down, and ticket price sales going up.

[AlphaPrime]

Everyone knows Indy will be #1 next weekend, the question is, what will be #2? Caspian or Iron Man jumping back to that spot? hehe.

[maximumzero]

Speed Racer's success or lack thereof bums me out, particularly because it's my favorite movie of the summer and probably my favorite movie ever.

[TheVileOne]

Everyone knows Indy will be #1 next weekend, the question is, what will be #2? Caspian or Iron Man jumping back to that spot? hehe.

I say Iron Man, and I also say that Iron Man will be #1 for the summer as well.

[Temple Fugate]

No doubt in my mind Indy 4 will take first next week, followed by Narnia and very closely by Iron Man.

[Lord Dalek]

#1 is clearly going to be that flick with that guy with the hat with 100-150 million (maybe 200 million!).

Suspect Narnia will fall about 50% from last weekend and make about 25 mil. largely from stragglers who couldn't get into sold out Indy showings with Iron Man making more or less the same it did last week.

[Draft]

Don't fantasy movies (sans when bombs) relativitly hold aucidences? Nevertheless, Even Narnia can't drop low enough for Iron Man to beat it unless Narnia's word of mouth is really bad (which is doubtful IMO)

[Raidon Makoto]

Iron Man was dethroned. Ah well, it was inevitable. Surprised Narnia didn't make as much this time around.

Next week, I predict:
1) Indiana Jones
2) Narnia
3) Iron Man

[Temple Fugate]

Don't fantasy movies (sans when bombs) relativitly hold aucidences? Nevertheless, Even Narnia can't drop low enough for Iron Man to beat it unless Narnia's word of mouth is really bad (which is doubtful IMO)The word-of-mouth I've seen, not just here but around everywhere, is that the people who didn't like the first movie just decided not to see this one, so it's only the people that liked the first movie and came back for more who are talking about the film. And those people more or less were either slightly satisfied or very satisfied. Overall, Prince Caspian seems to have a surprisingly stable word-of-mouth for a summer blockbuster. Most everyone who I hear condemning the movie are those who didn't bother seeing it and just base their accusations on TLtWatW.

It's rather interesting...

Week 1: Iron Man: "YEAH THAT MOVIE WAS AWESOME!"
Week 2: Speed Racer: "WHAT A PILE OF ***** ****!"
Week 3: Narnia: "All right. Narnia."

[Movie06]

It's rather interesting...

Week 1: Iron Man: "YEAH THAT MOVIE WAS AWESOME!"
Week 2: Speed Racer: "WHAT A PILE OF ***** ****!"
Week 3: Narnia: "All right. Narnia."

And for Indy 4:

"Oh my God! This is the greatest movie! Yeah!" ;)

[Lord Dalek]

Ironically I wasn't particularly thrilled with Lion... and yet I still went to see Caspian last weekend. Since I got the same experience of being somewhat bored by an overlong meandering pseudo-epic by a director who has yet to prove his strength, I'm not surprised the haters stayed away.

[Ioz]

Most movies would love to have Prince Caspian's opening, but it was a little disappointing for Disney. I still expect to see the Dawn Treader get made which I believe starts shooting in October. I'm guessing they will now take a wait and see attitude on how Dawn Treader does in the B.O. before committing to another one. Really, this movie should have opened in December. The first one made good money there and it had strong legs. You don't get that in May opening between Iron Man and Indiana Jones. At least it didn't bomb like Speed Racer. Right now, Dawn Treader is scheduled to open May 7, 2010 on the same day as Shrek Goes Fourth. They better get out of there.

[RonDrakenfan17]

So cool how well Iron Man is doing. I mean 3 weeks?? Wow. Come on week 4!!!
Poor Speed Racer though, I liked the ending at least.

[Draft]

And for Indy 4:

"Oh my God! This is the greatest movie! Yeah!" ;)

I saw some people are giving it bad reviews, and comparing it to Phantom of the Menace (Real critics, not angry Star Wars fanboys)

You make a good point Temple, but still, those Christians love that jesus allegory lion, and we all know what happened with the last big Christian movie (Passion of the Christ). My point's a little weak, I know, but to say that Narnia won't top Iron Man is pretty hard for me to believe. Iron Man won't make more than 20 million [Based on that it drops less than 35%, which is rare for almost every wide release, especially comic book movies{Iron Man is being an exception though)]. Based on the dips for Harry Potter 5 (-57.8%) and Lion-Witch-Wardrobe (-51.4%), I assume the max drop would be 60%, which would give it a total of 22 Million. Iron Man will be close, but Narnia should fair well (Wait, why am I tryin to defend Narnia 2, I hate the Narnia books and I hate Disney even more, great, now I just wasted 10 minutes for nothing)

[The Clown Prince]

Considering the budget for Prince Caspian was $200 million (the cost shared by Disney and Walden Media), it should have no problem making that up when you include overseas b.o. and video sales. But Disney should maybe be slighty be nervous. But I don't think they will yet until foreign numbers start coming in and they see exactly what is going on.

But Temple Fugate brings up a good point. Those that saw LW&W and didn't like it, are not/will not see Prince Caspian which explains one reason why we see the dip in opening box office for Prince Caspian.

You have to trust that those in charge of deciding a release date for a movie know what they are doing and have weighed every scenario possible. But as we saw last summer with at least one new huge movie opening on average of a week or two a part, the movies, while they made money probably didn't make more money like they should have because of the fact there were so many movies to choose from. Those that would get second or third viewings weren't because people were going to the newest movie a week or two later.

That's why LW&W did so well because it opened in December and it's run went right into January and Februray where movies that open there aren't strong.

I would hope Disney would reconsider the release date for Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Currently Disney has it opening May 7th, 2010. But if they want part 3 to do better than Prince Caspian, they really should delay it until December. I love these movies, want to see them succeed and want to see all of the books adapted. If it fails to happen, it will be soley Disney's fault for not better timing it's release.

I know the studios think and believe they can maxamize a movie's ticket selling potential by releasing it in the summer. Kids are out of school, parents and non-parents are on vacation etc. (Paramounts reasoning for delaying Star Trek from this December to next summer), but again, too many big event movies hurt box office. It's what theater owners have been complaing about for a while now and will continue to complain about it.

During the non-summer season, adults and kids do usually have the weekends off. Big event movies do make money in November, December, and January. January when people wait for crowds to die down or go see it again.

[Movie06]

I saw some people are giving it bad reviews, and comparing it to Phantom of the Menace (Real critics, not angry Star Wars fanboys)

But the only difference is that Speilberg makes more classics than George Lucas.


(Wait, why am I tryin to defend Narnia 2, I hate the Narnia books and I hate Disney even more, great, now I just wasted 10 minutes for nothing)

So it's not just me? Because I'm not very fond of both Narnia and Disney.

[Robin2099]

I saw some people are giving it bad reviews, and comparing it to Phantom of the Menace (Real critics, not angry Star Wars fanboys)

hey the movie still has an 80% rating, so more critics are liking it then are hating it.

[Ykwia]

Guess it seems like Narnia is the popular destination to go huh?

[Hanshotfirst113]

I saw some people are giving it bad reviews, and comparing it to Phantom of the Menace (Real critics, not angry Star Wars fanboys)


hey the movie still has an 80% rating, so more critics are liking it then are hating it.

Doesn't really matter. The film is going to shatter box office records. It has the words "Indiana" and "Jones" in the title, stars Harrison Ford, is executive produced by George Lucas, and directed by Steven Spielberg. It could be worse than Gigli, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Batman and Robin, and Jaws: The Revenge combined. It wouldn't matter. It's critic-proof.

[Fresh V]

It'd be awesome if this was a huge upset and the film only did average.

That won't happen, but it'd be awesome, just because of the amount of shock, oh and this forum will explode if that happens.

[Temple Fugate]

It'd be awesome if this was a huge upset and the film only did average.

That won't happen, but it'd be awesome, just because of the amount of shock, oh and this forum will explode if that happens.Waaaaay back in 1999 I imagined the same thing for Episode I. For some reason I just wanted to see the almighty Star Wars franchise implode for absolutely no understandable reason. ("And now, your nightly news: The highly anticipated and much-hyped Star Wars Episode I mysteriously came in fourth place among movies this weekend, shocking 20th Century-Fox and George Lucas. When asked what the cause of this lackluster demand could be, many Star Wars fans simply responded, 'Meh.'")

And this was before the movie came out and the actual subsequent backlash, BTW. In early 1999, Star Wars was still a holy name.

I think the human psyche has a deep-rooted and often unacknowledged fetish for seeing powerful people and organizations completely and utterly stripped of their might, no matter if we actually like them or not.

[Draft]

Doesn't really matter. The film is going to shatter box office records. It has the words "Indiana" and "Jones" in the title, stars Harrison Ford, is executive produced by George Lucas, and directed by Steven Spielberg. It could be worse than Gigli, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Batman and Robin, and Jaws: The Revenge combined. It wouldn't matter. It's critic-proof.

Oh, I never said that it wouldn't. What I was implying was it might turn out to be like Spider Man 3 (1/3 gross was Opening Weekend, gets somewhat panned by viewers and hugely panned by fans)

[Hanshotfirst113]

It'd be awesome if this was a huge upset and the film only did average.

No comment.


That won't happen, but it'd be awesome, just because of the amount of shock, oh and this forum will explode if that happens.

May things would probably explode :p.


Oh, I never said that it wouldn't. What I was implying was it might turn out to be like Spider Man 3 (1/3 gross was Opening Weekend, gets somewhat panned by viewers and hugely panned by fans)

Possibly. The buzz is a bit mixed at this point. When the thing hits, then we'll see what kind of legs it has between fan reaction and the Tomatometer.

[Michael24]

The buzz is a bit mixed at this point.

Haven't heard too much negativity, but then again I've been avoiding a lot of online Indy stuff since the weekend. But I've seen several positive mentions, and even Ebert gave it 3.5/4 (or was it 4.5/5?) Not to mention the reported 3-minute standing ovation after the Cannes premiere. But I'm willing to bet some (many?) critics will have it out for the film just because of Lucas.


and the Tomatometer.

Which we all know is the ultimate deciding factor in what to see and what to skip. ;)

[Hanshotfirst113]

Haven't heard too much negativity, but then again I've been avoiding a lot of online Indy stuff since the weekend. But I've seen several positive mentions, and even Ebert gave it 3.5/4 (or was it 4.5/5?) Not to mention the reported 3-minute standing ovation after the Cannes premiere. But I'm willing to bet some (many?) critics will have it out for the film just because of Lucas.

I doubt that most critics care about Lucas. Fanboys, yes. But I think that most critics don't hold the same grudge. And for me to think that that would matter to most audiences, I'd have to be pretty deluded indeed.


Which we all know is the ultimate deciding factor in what to see and what to skip. ;)All that I meant was that it would give us a general idea of the critical consensus, no more, no less ;).

[Rasputin]

Okay, I know bringing back last weekend's box office thread is positively obscene at this stage, but I thought I might as well share by two shiny pennies while this week was still relevant:

I know every moviegoer and their grandmother is saying 'I thought this might happen' when Prince Caspian unexpectedly underperformed, but hear me out. I really did think that Prince Caspian wasn't going to make as much business as everyone thought it would. The reason is pretty straightforward: the 'evangelical market' that the first Narnia film was sold to was a flash-in-the-pan that just isn't going to work twice. Film studios realised they could court it after The Passion made tremendous box office, and treated it as a demographic to be bought and won over. The problem with that was that the first Narnia was a mixed experience, and most of its initial audience weren't really typical fantasy moviegoers. Honestly, I think they felt duped into seeing a film they didn't much care for out of religious obligation. Once that 'obligation' bubble is popped, the potential market shrinks remarkably, and that seems to have happened.

It might still have done fair business, but now is a bad, bad time for movies with the economy tanking. Latest news is that Indy 4 did $20-25 million. Stellar opening Thursday business for any other franchise, but that's not even half what Revenge of the Sith raked in on its opening Thursday, which would be a fair comparison for this sort of movie. I anticipate this will be a substantially under-performing summer.

[Movie06]

I know every moviegoer and their grandmother is saying 'I thought this might happen' when Prince Caspian unexpectedly underperformed, but hear me out. I really did think that Prince Caspian wasn't going to make as much business as everyone thought it would. The reason is pretty straightforward: the 'evangelical market' that the first Narnia film was sold to was a flash-in-the-pan that just isn't going to work twice. Film studios realised they could court it after The Passion made tremendous box office, and treated it as a demographic to be bought and won over. The problem with that was that the first Narnia was a mixed experience, and most of its initial audience weren't really typical fantasy moviegoers. Honestly, I think they felt duped into seeing a film they didn't much care for out of religious obligation. Once that 'obligation' bubble is popped, the potential market shrinks remarkably, and that seems to have happened.

I never thought of it that way but that makes sense.

[The Clown Prince]

Okay, I know bringing back last weekend's box office thread is positively obscene at this stage, but I thought I might as well share by two shiny pennies while this week was still relevant:

It's not obscene. :) In fact this thread is still relative until Sunday/Monday when new numbers become available. In the past, on a 4 day holiday weekend, numbers wouldn't be released on Sunday, but Monday. We'll see what happens on Sunday though.


I know every moviegoer and their grandmother is saying 'I thought this might happen' when Prince Caspian unexpectedly underperformed, but hear me out. I really did think that Prince Caspian wasn't going to make as much business as everyone thought it would. The reason is pretty straightforward: the 'evangelical market' that the first Narnia film was sold to was a flash-in-the-pan that just isn't going to work twice. Film studios realised they could court it after The Passion made tremendous box office, and treated it as a demographic to be bought and won over. The problem with that was that the first Narnia was a mixed experience, and most of its initial audience weren't really typical fantasy moviegoers. Honestly, I think they felt duped into seeing a film they didn't much care for out of religious obligation. Once that 'obligation' bubble is popped, the potential market shrinks remarkably, and that seems to have happened.

You bring up some points there and I won't argue them because I think what has happened with this movie's first weekend performance has been a combination of things, possibly some of it involving what you said. My main thing is I think Disney/Walden Media just simply misjudged this films release timing. LW&W did very well in December/January and frankly Disney should have stuck to that forumula because competition isn't as fierce as it is in the summer. Disney just plain stuck this thing in the middle of another highly competitive summer. Summer 2007 was bad enough, but summer 2008 is just as equally as bad. Also, another reason for it's lower numbers is something Temple Fugate pointed out; that those that went to the theater and saw the first one and didn't like it, didn't and won't be seeing Prince Caspian.

Usually films drop about 50% in it's second weekend and going into a weekend with Indy 4, I really hope it doesn't drop lower than 50% because that will mean a $27.5 million second weekend (but that's Friday-Sunday. It's a major holiday weekend this weekend so it should benefit from the extra day). It's a good movie and really shouldn't drop that far after weekend 2. I'm hoping the good worth of mouth and more Christian audiences will turn out to see it this weekend. Because really, that's what made the first film a big success. Christian audiences, and the fact that it was an old book that generations of people grew up with.


It might still have done fair business, but now is a bad, bad time for movies with the economy tanking. Latest news is that Indy 4 did $20-25 million. Stellar opening Thursday business for any other franchise, but that's not even half what Revenge of the Sith raked in on its opening Thursday, which would be a fair comparison for this sort of movie. I anticipate this will be a substantially under-performing summer.

Numbers are in for Thursday and Indy 4 did $25 million Thursday! That's $25 million less than Revenge of the Sith as you pointed out which has the record for all-time best opening Thursday. Best all-time opening day goes to Spider-Man 3 with $59.8 million which opened on a Friday.

I was playing around with numbers and going off of Thursday's numbers, Indy 4 will do anywhere from $100 million to $125 million over the course of it's 5 day opening (Thursday-Monday). Paramount thinks it will do higher than $125 million but that's just my guess though.

[Hanshotfirst113]

Okay, I know bringing back last weekend's box office thread is positively obscene at this stage, but I thought I might as well share by two shiny pennies while this week was still relevant:

Not at all. You've still got about two more days.


I know every moviegoer and their grandmother is saying 'I thought this might happen' when Prince Caspian unexpectedly underperformed, but hear me out. I really did think that Prince Caspian wasn't going to make as much business as everyone thought it would. The reason is pretty straightforward: the 'evangelical market' that the first Narnia film was sold to was a flash-in-the-pan that just isn't going to work twice.

How so? There are still plenty of religious people :p.


Film studios realised they could court it after The Passion made tremendous box office, and treated it as a demographic to be bought and won over. The problem with that was that the first Narnia was a mixed experience, and most of its initial audience weren't really typical fantasy moviegoers. Honestly, I think they felt duped into seeing a film they didn't much care for out of religious obligation. Once that 'obligation' bubble is popped, the potential market shrinks remarkably, and that seems to have happened.

Good point. I think that that was a part of the problem too, in marketing it to such a demographic instead of fantasy fans, who'd probably long awaited it.

I
t might still have done fair business, but now is a bad, bad time for movies with the economy tanking.

Quite, quite so


Latest news is that Indy 4 did $20-25 million. Stellar opening Thursday business for any other franchise, but that's not even half what Revenge of the Sith raked in on its opening Thursday, which would be a fair comparison for this sort of movie.

Very fair. To be honest, I'd have probably expected 50, but maybe I'm aiming too high.


I anticipate this will be a substantially under-performing summer.

I doubt it, but maybe. That will be MOST interesting if it actually happens.


Numbers are in for Thursday and Indy 4 did $25 million Thursday! That's $25 million less than Revenge of the Sith as you pointed out which has the record for all-time best opening Thursday. Best all-time opening day goes to Spider-Man 3 with $59.8 million which opened on a Friday.

I was playing around with numbers and going off of Thursday's numbers, Indy 4 will do anywhere from $100 million to $125 million over the course of it's 5 day opening (Thursday-Monday). Paramount thinks it will do higher than $125 million but that's just my guess though.

I was guessing about 150, maybe even around 200. It'll probably do 500 worldwide, easily.

[TheVileOne]

I think releasing Caspian over the summer was the biggest reason. It's really not a good summer release type of movie. Should not have come out in such a crowded summer season.

Also, it's not just Caspian. Look at Indiana Jones which opened nowhere near as big as the tracking, hype, and expectations it was getting. While Iron Man is really still the most dominant movie of the year so far, BO-wise.

[Rasputin]

I think releasing Caspian over the summer was the biggest reason. It's really not a good summer release type of movie. Should not have come out in such a crowded summer season.

Also, it's not just Caspian. Look at Indiana Jones which opened nowhere near as big as the tracking, hype, and expectations it was getting. While Iron Man is really still the most dominant movie of the year so far, BO-wise.

Iron Man really is the exception that proves the rule this summer. No one expected anywhere near the box office take it's garnered, and it's proving to have great legs. Other, far more anticipated films are having their egos popped.

Good news for Indy is that it substantially improved in ticket sales on Friday in early estimates, getting $30 million and in with a chance of a $100 million weekend, with the possibility of a £150 million 5-day a very real possibility.

Not such good news for Prince Caspian. It's forecast to have got $6.5 million on Friday and Fantasy Moguls is anticipating a $22 million weekend, a drop substantially more than 50% (in fact, possibly 60%...I'm sorry, Clown Prince). Iron Man is estimated to have pulled in $5.3 million Friday, which would be enough to push it over $250 million if this performance keeps up over the weekend.

Source: http://news.fantasymoguls.com/originalcontent/2008/05/early-friday-bu.html

[TheVileOne]

Chances are that Iron Man will get a boost on Saturday and Sunday as it has the past couple weekends. Plus Monday, so I think it could get as high as $25-28 million for the weekend.

However for Indy, tracking and hype was saying $160-180 million for the weekend for Indy.

Iron Man and $300 million HERE WE COME!

[Cartoon_Kid]

Well, here's my current guesses for the big summer releases:

Iron Man: $275 million
Speed Racer: $45 million
Prince Caspian: $175 million
Indiana Jones: $350 million (most successful movie of the year)
Postal: $5 million (record-breaking per-screen numbers)
Sex and the City: $100 million
You Don't Mess With the Zohan: $130 million
The Happening: $25 million (huge failure)
The Incredible Hulk: $150 million
Get Smart: $90 million
The Love Guru: $40 million
Wall-E: $250 million
Wanted: $30 million
Hancock: $300 million
Hellboy 2: $70 million
Journey 3D: $40 million
Mamma Mia: $80 million
The Dark Knight: $200 million
Space Chimps: $25 million
Meet Dave: $110 million (the inexplicable hit of the summer)
Step Brothers: $50 million
The Pineapple Express: $75 million
Tropic Thunder: $100 million
The Clone Wars: $80 million

add the messangers
and I am going to see narnia this week.

[Draft]

I think releasing Caspian over the summer was the biggest reason. It's really not a good summer release type of movie. Should not have come out in such a crowded summer season.

Well, if you look at Harry Potter, the 2 movies in the Summer(271 Million) made a lot less than the Winter ones (290 Million each). However, they all made over 75 Million on their First Weekend gross (Something Caspian was unable to do).

Box Office Mojo has Indy 4 making 25 Million on Thurs, and 31 Million on Friday (Behind Iron Man). I'm still sticking with my initial guess of 100 Million this weekend, 125 Million over 5 day Memorial Weekend

[The Clown Prince]

Good news for Indy is that it substantially improved in ticket sales on Friday in early estimates, getting $30 million and in with a chance of a $100 million weekend, with the possibility of a £150 million 5-day a very real possibility.

Well, I'm happy to see the jump in box office for Indy 4. I finally saw it this morning and enjoyed it a lot more than what a lot of the critics have been saying about it. It's a good fun movie and deserves the box office.


Not such good news for Prince Caspian. It's forecast to have got $6.5 million on Friday and Fantasy Moguls is anticipating a $22 million weekend, a drop substantially more than 50% (in fact, possibly 60%...I'm sorry, Clown Prince).

Man, that blows. Based off of Friday's numbers alone I can guess $18-$20 million for Friday-Sunday. Adding in Monday and probably $22 to $25 million. Which does make it sink about 60% from last weekend. Disney really blew it here. They really need to rethink Dawn Treader's May 7th, 2010 release. Especially with Iron Man 2 only a week before that date. Just push it off for November/December.


Box Office Mojo has Indy 4 making 25 Million on Thurs, and 31 Million on Friday (Behind Iron Man). I'm still sticking with my initial guess of 100 Million this weekend, 125 Million over 5 day Memorial Weekend.

That was my guess yesterday. $125 million for the 5 days. Which as has been mentioned before is about $50 million less than what Paramount originally thought.

[Draft]

That was my guess yesterday. $125 million for the 5 days. Which as has been mentioned before is about $50 million less than what Paramount originally thought.

Well, as we've seen, Studios have over estimated movies as of late (Speed Racer, Narnia 2, etc). But it is still suprising that it will probably only make the same amount that Spider Man 3 made in 5.