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Despite early expectations that it would top $20 million in its opening weekend, The Heartbreak Kid failed to knock off The Game Plan at the box office. Though it's actually better than its fairly dismal reviews, The Heartbreak Kid could only muster $14 million in its debut frame, while The Game Plan reigned for the second straight weekend with $16.2M ($42.8M) and is now, unfortunately, a bona fide hit. Damn you, America! Can't you bring your damn kids to see good movies? My dad took me to Private School when I was twelve!
The Kingdom and Resident Evil: Extinction followed in third and fourth with $9.3M ($31.3M) and $4.3M ($43.4M), respectively. Kiddie newcomer The Seeker: The Dark is Rising was not rising at all. It managed only a weak $3.7M, just ahead of the crappy, soulless, evil Good Luck Chuck ($3.5M, $29M). The weekend's final wide newbie, Feel the Noise, was not felt by audiences whatsoever ($3.4M). After that, it was all hold-overs: 3:10 to Yuma ($3.0M, $48.5M), The Brave One ($2.2M, $34.3M) and Mr. Woodcock ($2.0M, $22.3M).
Limited release was the place to be this weekend as several movies did good to excellent business. Michael Clayton was the big fish, averaging $46,933 in 15 theaters. Blade Runner: The Final Cut did a hair better, with a $47,500 per, but in only 2 venues. Finishing the Game was solid ($13,900 per) while My Kid Could Paint That ($4042), The Good Night ($6350) and Lake of Fire ($3000) were all average to mediocre.
Photo courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures
