A Christmas Carol limps in at number 1
A CHRISTMAS CAROL tops the UK Box Office this week, knocking Jacko off his perch. Robert Zemeckis’ motion-capture festive treat only managed £1.9m which is a pretty disappointing a figure. Maybe we’re just not feeling Christmassy in the second week of November!
Abbie Cornish & Ben Whishaw - Bright Star
Meanwhile, another Recommends title, AN EDUCATION, had a strong second week. Sexual awakening in the ’60s clearly an easier sell.
Across the Pond
Jim Carrey’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL was number one in the US but similarly failed to meet industry expectations. However, Christmas films opening at this time of year usually enjoy good legs and reach totals five to six times their opening weekend takes so let’s watch this space…
The hard-hitting, inner-city drama PRECIOUS debuted to spectacular results enjoying one of the most impressive limited release debuts ever. Lionsgate chose to open the critically acclaimed awards contender in four industry towns – New York, LA, Chicago and Atlanta – homes of executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.
Military dramedy THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS enjoyed a comfortable start for Clooney, Spacey and Bridges and received mixed reviews from the critics.
LAW ABIDING CITIZEN enjoyed a super hold, slipping only 17% now in its fourth week
UK Top Ten 6-8 November
1. A Christmas Carol, 446 sites, £1,917,539 (New)
2. Michael Jackson’s This Is It, 486 sites, £1,355,855. Total: £8,114,380
3. Up, 512 sites, £1,293,662. Total: £31,403,801
4. The Men Who Stare at Goats, 306 sites, £1,211,791 (New)
5. The Fourth Kind, 338 sites, £851,476 (New)
6. Fantastic Mr Fox, 474 sites, £784,233. Total: £6,831,974
7. Jennifer’s Body, 314 sites, £736,535 (New)
8. Saw VI, 337 sites, £345,570. Total: £4,684,976
9. An Education, 100 sites, £283,080. Total: £960,875
10. Couples Retreat, 243 sites, £213,883. Total: £5,418,638
