'Transformers' pulling ahead of 'Ice Age,' 'Public Enemies' at box office
It's looking like neither prehistoric animals nor John Dillinger will be able take down the "Transformers."
Paramount's big-budget event picture declined 51% on Friday from the same day last week, a relatively small amount for a film with such a massive opening, and sold $17.8 million worth of tickets domestically, according to studio estimates.
"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," which opened Wednesday, came in just a bit behind with $17 million on Friday. Because most Americans were off work Friday, families could have attended matinees just as easily as on a typical Saturday, meaning there's no reason the third film in the series from animation studio Blue Sky couldn't have come in at No. 1 if it were going to win the weekend.
Universal's Michael Mann-directed gangster drama "Public Enemies" was a respectable No. 3 with $10.1 million.
The big question for the industry remains how depressed ticket sales will be today with most Americans celebrating the Fourth of July on a Saturday, traditionally the most busy moviegoing day of the week. According to the Weather Channel, there could be thunderstorms in parts of the Midwest, Southeast and New England, which may be Hollywood's best shot at keeping audiences away from picnics and fireworks and in multiplexes.
Without a surprisingly strong Saturday, however, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" probably will gross close to $50 million for the weekend, while "Ice Age" will end up in the low 40s and "Public Enemies" closer to $30 million. The five-day gross for the latter two films since they opened Wednesday would then be about $70 million and $43 million, respectively -- decent but far from fantastic starts.
The most impressive performance continues to be that of "Transformers." Given its huge $109-million opening weekend, a drop of about 50% would indicate that interest in the film remains very strong and it's on track to ultimately gross well over $400 million domestically, not to mention its impressive foreign earnings.
"Revenge of the Fallen" pulled ahead of "Up" on Friday to become the No. 1 movie at the domestic box office this year, with total ticket sales of $268.7 million. By Sunday it probably will be very close to, and possibly over, $300 million.
-- Ben Fritz
Photo: Johnny Depp in "Public Enemies." Credit: Peter Mountain / Universal Studios
Public enemies should be number 1 great movie seen it 3 times
Posted by: carolyn Stuart | July 04, 2009 at 05:04 PM
public enemies should be no.1 !!!!!!johnny depp and christian bale are the best!!!!!
Posted by: mona | July 05, 2009 at 08:59 AM
I recently viewed the new movie Public Enemies, and even though I enjoyed the movie...I was hoping Mr. Mann would have added some of Johnnie Dillinger's earlier years. Dillinger married my great aunt Beryl Hovious in 1924, and I personally interviewed her before her death. It was the ONLY interview she ever gave.
As for the movie, Mann's close attention to detail with the use of old cars, scenery and many historical sites as a backdrop for the film was impressive. Also good acting by Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and others.
However, the timeline was pretty much out of sequence. The facts were all mixed up and "Hollywoodized!"
I don't understand why Hollywood has to change the facts when the truth is far more fascinating.
The movie has outlaws Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson and Homer Van Meter getting killed before Dillinger and any historian will tell you these outlaws died months after Dillinger was slain by Federal Agents.
I would like to have seen some of Dillinger's family mentioned also. After all, they were a huge part of his life. If any one wants to contact me on Dillinger facts, I can be reached at JohnnieDillinger@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Tony Stewart, author
Dillinger - The Hidden Truth
Posted by: Tony Stewart | July 05, 2009 at 09:20 AM