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Posted: Sun Dec 9th, 2007 07:07 pm |
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By Pamela McClintock
New Line's big-budget fantasy epic "The Golden Compass" couldn't find its bearings at the domestic box office, grossing an estimated $26.1 million from 3,528 theaters. That's a poor debut considering the film's pricey production budget of at least $180 million.
"Compass," the only new wide release of the frame, took No. 1.
The weekend box office was far cheerier on the limited side, with Fox Searchlight's quirky laffer "Juno" and Focus Features' "Atonement" both scoring strong openings.
"Juno" grossed an estimated $420,113 from seven theaters in Los Angeles and New York for a boffo per location average of $60,016, according to Rentrak. That bests the openings of two other Searchlight pics, "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Sideways," which opened on a comparable number of screens.
Opening wider, "Atonement" grossed an estimated $816,883 from 32 theaters in top cities for a hefty per location average of $25,528.
"Compass," directed by Chris Weitz and starring Dakota Blue Richards, is based on the young adult book trilogy by Brit author Philip Pullman.
New Line said while the film's performance fell below expectations--New Line had estimated that the opening haul would be between $30 million and $40 million--"Compass" had a strong international debut, grossing an estimated $55 million from 25 territories in its day-and-date debut.
At the same time, New Line's overseas take will be capped, since it sold off all international territories.
Looking to replicate the blockbuster success of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, New Line is banking on "Compass."
But "Compass" could have little time, or room, in which to chart a better heading, as several other big year-end titles prepare for release. This coming weekend, Warner Bros. bows Will Smith sci-fi tentpole "I Am Legend." On Dec. 21, Disney unspools sequel "National Treasure: Book of Secrets."
Coming in No. 2 for the weekend after "Compass" was Disney's princess tale "Enchanted," which crossed the $80 million mark domestically. Film, starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden, declined just 35% to $10.7 million from 3,520 theaters for a cume of $83.9 million.
"Enchanted" wasn't the only holdover displaying strong legs.
Taking the No. 3 spot was Sony's African-American holiday entry "This Christmas," followed by Paramount's "Beowulf," Warner Bros.' "Fred Claus," and Miramax's "No Country for Old Men."
WB's "August Rush" took No. 7, followed by MGM's "Awake," Par's "Bee Movie," and MGM's "The Mist."
The above article is taken from an email transmission by Variety, a publication of the entertainment industry.
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