By Ryan Parsons | Image property of DreamWorks Animation, Variety
Kung Fu Panda
Proving that CG-animations can still deliver for adults and kids alike, Kung Fu Panda easily took the #1 spot at the box office with an estimated $60 million.
Box Office King: Kung Fu Panda
Though challenged by an opening bow from Sandler's You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Kung Fu Panda delivered the third-highest opening for any DreamWorks Animation film right behind Shrek the Third and Shrek 2. Zohan also pulled strong numbers, however, with an estimated $40 million from 3,462 theaters.
Thanks to both films strong opening bows, the weekend box office was up a whopping 30% from the same frame last year, when Ocean's Thirteen took the top spot with $36.1 million.
As expected, New Line's Sex and the City declined a steep 63%, but still almost earned enough to pass the pivotal $100 million mark; the film currently sits at $99.3 million.
While buzz suggests that audiences were not extremely impressed by Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the film continues to rake in the numbers. The fourth Indy installment declined a miniscule 46% over the weekend to earn an estimated $22.8 million; giving the film the #3 spot at the box office. The strong weekend numbers helped push Indy IV pass the $250 million mark.
The competition between Panda and Zohan was expected to be closer, but the DreamWorks Animation far exceeded expectations that predicted the film would earn between $30 and $50 million. Kung Fu Panda's ability to play to all age groups definitely helped draw in larger audiences.
“It provides a great mix of action, comedy and lots of heart, which appeals to every member of a family. It’s a great start for us,” said DreamWorks Animation’s worldwide marketing topper Anne Globe.
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