Weekend Estimates: G.I. Joe Enlivens Late Summer Box Office
August 9, 2009
While its hefty price tag means it's got a long way to go before it turns a profit, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra did enjoy a strong opening weekend at the US and international box office, according to Paramount's numbers, released on Sunday.
The action flick stormed to $56.2 million in the US, the 4th biggest August weekend ever (see complete list) and picked up an estimated $44 million internationally for a $100 million worldwide opening.
After a lukewarm reception from critics, Paramount reports a solid response from audiences, which bodes well for healthy numbers for a few weeks.
Second place went to Julie & Julia with an estimated $20.1 million.
Assuming that number holds, that will give Meryl Streep her third consecutive Summer with a $20-million-plus opening, following The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia!.
Universal's A Perfect Getaway picked up $5.8 million... decent business for a low-budget movie, although it will need from do well internationally and on the home market to recoup its costs.
The main disappointment for the weekend was the steep drop for Funny People, which was off 65% at $7.9 million and tumbled to fifth place in its second weekend.
Filed under: Weekend Estimates, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Julie & Julia, Funny People, A Perfect Getaway