Industry sales rose for the first time since the weekend of July 18, when the Batman film `The Dark Knight’ debuted with a record $158.4 million. The top 12 films out recently grossed $86.6 million, up 72 percent from last weekend and 35 percent more than a year ago. See photos and video below.
“Burn After Reading” is No.1 Film
The Coen brothers comedy `Burn After Reading’ opened as the top film in U.S. and Canadian theaters this weekend, taking in $19.4 million. The movie edged out three other new releases.`The Family That Preys’ was second with $18 million, box- office tracker Media By Numbers LLC said today in an e-mailed statement. `Righteous Kill,’ starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, was third with $16.5 million, and `The Women’ was fourth with $10.1 million.
“This particular combination of films is what the industry needed to break this downtrend,” Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers.
‘Burn After Reading, starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Frances McDormand and John Malkovich, is about a fitness instructor who accidentally gets hold of an ex-spy’s confidentials.`The Family That Preys Together’ follows two matriarchs who must guide their families through a series of crises. The film stars Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates.
For third place in sales is `Righteous Kill,’ starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino playing veteran police officers working to identify the possible connection between a recent murder and a case they believe they solved years ago. The movie also co-stars Donnie Wahlberg.
“The Women,” starring Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing and Jada Pinkett-Smith and “House Bunny,” starring Anna Faris, round out the top five list.
More Photos and Video of “Burn After Reading” Trailer below
Photos of the Top Movies
Burn After Reading trailer video
Photos: Wenn