By Ryan Parsons | Images property of DreamWorks Animation.
Bee Movie
DreamWorks Animation has another reason to celebrate the Veterans Day holiday. Though it lost during its opening bow and faced new competition this weekend, Bee Movie had enough (mind the pun) buzz about it to give it the top spot.
Box Office Winner: Bee Movie
United Artists' first film back, Lions for Lambs, did not fair so well. The political thriller starring Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford only scored $6.7 million during its opening bow. In a film that is about as similar as watching a high-profile debate team, these numbers shouldn't be too surprising; even with all the talent.
The big surprise was Bee Movie, which decline only 32% from its opening weekend to take in another $26 million at the box office.
Coming in under a curtain of negative reviews, Fred Claus faired well with $19.2 million. The comedy took advantage of families craving a non-violent film in a season where crime has ruled.
One such example would be American Gangster. In its second weekend the film took the number two spot with $24.3 million -- a decline of only 44%.
Lions for Lambs could be the nail in the coffin when it comes to political thrillers. Though it didn't earn much, the film still earned more than New Line's Rendition, which bowed to only $4 million. MGM/UA expected low numbers, but I'm sure Cruise would have preferred if Lions didn't become his lowest opener to date.
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, all studios expect their current releases to have some long run potential in the theaters.
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