December 30th, 2003

King's Ransom

Now with over 200 million in the bank, nothing's stopping The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King as it brought in another 50 million over the weekend. However, the family comedy Cheaper By The Dozen opened incredibly well with 27.5 million and has made over 35 million since opening on Christmas. The Miramax hopeful-Oscar contender Cold Mountain took in 14.5 million and 19 million since Christmas, and is off to a steady start. Holding up well is the romantic comedy Something's Gotta Give wich added another 13.8 million to its tally.

The John Woo helmed Paycheck starring Ben Affleck took in 13.4 million over the weekend and has made 18.6 million since last Thursday. Mona Lisa Smile didn't drop too much as far as gross when compared to last weekend, making 11.3 million over this weekend. The well-recieved Peter Pan had a disappointing start though with 11.1 million and has made 14.6 since Christmas, but word of mouth may keep it going in the coming weeks.

Rounding out the top ten was the Tom Cruise epic The Last Samuari with 8.3 million, while two Christmas-themed movies, Bad Santa and Elf, each took in 4.5 and 3.9 million over the weekend.

With not much new opening, which of these films will have staying power next weekend? We'll have to see, so stay tuned DVD fans and have a Happy New Year!

-Zach B.