January 6th, 2004

"Ring" Leader

Yep, the juggernaut of The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King stayed in first place for the third weekend in a row, making a lump sum of 28.1 million and stands to cross 300 million this week. Chances are good that the final installment will cross 400 million domestically, and with fans loving it to death and awards season, expect to see the movie on the top ten list for awhile.

Unchanged in position and dropping slightly in gross was the fun family comedy remake Cheaper By The Dozen with 21.6 million which should make 100 million by next weekend. Also holding up incredibly well is Something's Gotta Give which took in another 11.7 million and should pass 100 million as well this month.

While it's not making in big money like LOTR, the Miramax Civil War epic Cold Mountain took in 11.5 million and should keep making a steady sum in the weeks ahead, especially as Oscar nods approach. Paycheck took in 9.8 mil this past weekend while Peter Pan took in 8.8. How they will do in the weeks ahead remains uncertain.

Mona Lisa Smile won't be one of Julia Robert's bigger hits, but is doing decent business. Bringing in 8.3 million over the Friday-Sunday period, so far it has made a decent 50 million. Also hanging on is The Last Samuari which is headed for 100 million box office and made 7.3 this weekend. Speaking of big stars and big movies, it seems like this won't be a major smash for Cruise either.

Expanding to more theaters but still in limited release was the British comedy Calendar Girls with 4.4 million and the sleeper dark comedy Bad Santa with 2.9 million. With only the teen romantic comedy "Chasing Liberty" opening next weekend, most of these movies will probably stay on the list. But how will they do? Stay tuned, DVD fans... stay tuned.

-Zach B.