'Golden Army' takes the gold
Hellboy II: The Golden Army earned $34.5 million in its debut, knocking off fellow crime-fighter Hancock from its perch as the nation's top movie. Hellboy II was released by Universal after Sony, who released the original Hellboy, passed. Sony may be wanting a do-over on that one, as the sequel earned $11 million more than the original on opening weekend.
The up side
Journey to the Center of the Earth was widely viewed as a test-case for the public's interest in 3-D movies, and a close look at the numbers offers evidence that crowds are into the third dimension. Of the 2,800 screens the film opened on, less than one-third of them showed the film in 3-D. But those that did accounted for more than 50 percent of the movie's $21 million take.
Bomb Squad
The Squad was about ready to close up shop for lack of new membership when along comes Meet Dave. The Eddie Murphy science-fiction comedy bombed about as bad as a movie can, taking in just $5.2 million -- or about $50 million less than the movie cost. Fox will be feeling this one for a while.
Swami Sez
Swami held out for some heroes, and they delivered.
Prediction: Hellboy II earns $32 million to win the weekend.
Result: Just $2.5 million short of the total.
Prediction: Hancock holds on to the No. 2 spot with an additional $28 million.
Result: About $4 million short on this one, but No. 2 indeed.
A place in history
There are some who think that The Dark Knight could make a serious run at surpassing Spider-Man 3's opening weekend record of $151 million. Between the buzz and stellar reviews, it would seem to have a shot. But while it is opening in a few more theaters than Spidey did, the availability of screens in those theaters due to its late-summer release and its 152 minute running time may slow it down.
Prediction: The Dark Knight earns $140 million, falling short of Spider-Man 3's $151 million opening-weekend record. Still, it bests the $135.6 million that Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest earned in weekend one to become the second-highest grossing opening in history.
Whoa, 'Mamma'
Believe it or not, there are other movies opening this weekend besides The Dark Knight. Chief among them is Mamma Mia!, counter-programming if ever there was such a thing. So will the smash-hit musical translate to a big-screen smash?
Prediction: I'll say yes -- Mamma Mia! earns $27 million, good for the No. 2 spot.
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