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‘Salmon Fishing’ successfully lures audiences to box office

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‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’ reeled in a healthy number of moviegoers at the box office this weekend.

The drama, about a scientist and a consultant on a mission to bring fly-fishing to the Middle East, opened in 18 theaters and collected $240,000 domestically, according to an estimate from distributor CBS Films.That amounted to a respectable per-theater average of $13,333.

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The film starring Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor attracted an older female audience, as 71% of the crowd was over the age of 50 and 61% were women. The film has earned so-so critical reviews, but those who saw the picture this weekend seemed to like it: Ticket sales jumped 86% from Friday to Saturday, indicating the movie is benefiting from strong word of mouth.

CBS Films, which had moderate success with its horror release ‘The Woman in Black’ earlier this year, acquired ‘Salmon Fishing’ at the Toronto Film Festival last year. Their latest movie will play in 40 theaters next weekend.

Meanwhile, the romantic comedy ‘Friends With Kids’ also got off to a decent start. Written by, directed by and starring Jennifer Westfeldt, the movie opened in 375 theaters this weekend and grossed $2.2 million. That resulted in a less-robust per-theater average of $5,801.

The movie, about two friends who decide to have a baby together and remain in a platonic relationship, was also acquired at the Toronto fest. The movie was bought by Lionsgate, which is paying to market and release the film through Roadside Attractions.

‘Friends With Kids’ will expand to 600 theaters nationwide next weekend.

RELATED:

Movie review: ‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’

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Jennifer Westfeldt writes her own story line in Hollywood

Box Office: Big budget ‘John Carter,’ Eddie Murphy comedy bomb

— Amy Kaufman

twitter.com/AmyKinLA

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