Weekend 8 Numbers - Star Trek #8 - $3.6 million - $246.2 million

[MvRojo]

1. Transformers 2 - $112,000,000 - $201,246,000
2. The Proposal - $18,475,000 - $69,050,000
3. The Hangover - $17,215,000 - $183,247,000
4. My Sister's Keeper - $12,030,000 - $12,030,000
5. Up - $13,046,000 - $250,218,000
6. Year One - $5,800,000 - $32,207,000
7. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 - $5,400,000 - $53,406,000
8. Star Trek - $3,606,000 - $246,225,000
9. Night at the Museum 2 - $3,500,000 - $163,248,000
10. Away We Go - $1,678,000 - $4,056,000

Star Trek had another great weekend, dropping on 35% in its 8th weekend (the smallest decline in the Top 10), even with the loss of 21% of its theatres. It also officially made it into the Top 50 All-Time Domestic list, currently as #50. It slipped behind "Up" as the #1 movie of the year and should slip behind "Transfomers 2" in the next few days (it's 5-day total is at $201 million, just shy of "The Dark Knight" which made $205 million in its 5-day).

Star Trek survived another later release as it jumped ahead of "Night at the Museum 2." Despite two new films opening ahead of it, Trek only slipped one spot to #8. "Year One" dropped over 70% and could be another film Trek jumps over going into the holiday weekend.

The global total is over $370 million.

 

[Doggeh]

Well Trek had a good run at number 1. Good for it. Though Up wont be there for long. I expect Transformers to pass it by next weekend.

I think we are for sure gonna cross the $250 million mark though. Which is definitely awesome.

 

[Borgminister]

These are studio estimates--wonder if a Sunday surprise is still in the cards?

If not, still... it outlasted yet another hit movie, and might topple Pelham and Y1, depending on the July 4th weekend and theater count.

MvRojo, do you think a higher theater count would've made a difference?

 

[Kpnuts]

So it'll hit 250 mil right?

 

[SalvorHardin]

I was wondering...
Was there anyone, anywhere and I'm referring mainly to the industry experts on such matters, that had foreseen this rather remarkable performance of Star Trek ?

 

[WarMaster1701]

Its sad Trek got passed by another Pixar crapfest. Pixar films are the most overrated films in Hollywood

The family and little kid advantage always helps these films

 

[Borgminister]

I just read at BOP that, had Paramount not been so all-fired intent on pulling theaters, Star Trek could've had an even better weekend... but then, hindsight...

 

[SalvorHardin]

I just read at BOP that, had Paramount not been so all-fired intent on pulling theaters, Star Trek could've had an even better weekend... but then, hindsight...

Interesting. They even say it could have been a 300 million movie overall. Who knows...

 

[Greylock Crescent]

I was wondering...
Was there anyone, anywhere and I'm referring mainly to the industry experts on such matters, that had foreseen this rather remarkable performance of Star Trek ?

There were plenty that seemed less than optimistic, especially considering the history of the Trek franchise. Personally, I thought it'd be a Top 5 summer flick considering the name recognition and the "reboot" advertising -- which, considering that reboots are all the rage, meant Star Trek had a chance to pull in viewers who are growing accustomed to seeing older ideas in slightly repackaged ways.

All of which is to say that I am pleased, but not entirely surprised by the success.

 

[Flake]

Trek XI Weekend 8: $3,606,000
Trek X Weekend 8: $72,841

 

[Borgminister]

Trek XI Weekend 8: $3,606,000
Trek X Weekend 8: $72,841

What a contrast...

Looks like my "regular" theater in town will cease showing Star Trek on July 1, to coincide with Ice Age.

On the other hand, that will mark the start of its limited run at the local IMAX theater...

I'm so there.

 

[Toruika]

What a contrast...

Looks like my "regular" theater in town will cease showing Star Trek on July 1, to coincide with Ice Age.

We have only one showing for Star Trek left at my local theatre, and because it is late at night (and driving home so late will wake the dogs, who will bark, and wake the rest of the house), I probably won't go. I was thinking about going tonight, but I don't want to wake the family... Which I did, last time I went.

The times aren't up for next week, but I am guessing Star Trek will be gone after Wednesday.

 

[indranee]

I just read at BOP that, had Paramount not been so all-fired intent on pulling theaters, Star Trek could've had an even better weekend... but then, hindsight...

Interesting. They even say it could have been a 300 million movie overall. Who knows...

I don't understand how these things work. why would Paramount be so intent at pulling Trek out of theaters? is there a reason for it?

I do believe that the IMAX run contributed heavily to the numbers. once we lost that, understandably, we slowed down.

 

[Borgminister]

I just read at BOP that, had Paramount not been so all-fired intent on pulling theaters, Star Trek could've had an even better weekend... but then, hindsight...

Interesting. They even say it could have been a 300 million movie overall. Who knows...

I don't understand how these things work. why would Paramount be so intent at pulling Trek out of theaters? is there a reason for it?

I do believe that the IMAX run contributed heavily to the numbers. once we lost that, understandably, we slowed down.

Well, I did kind of glance at the "bang for the buck" stat, i.e., dollars per theater, and it is following a very slow descent. Although had more theaters stayed open, perhaps they would've been occupied. I defer to the expert(s) on that one.

With respect to IMAX--mine's getting it, likely on July 1 to coincide with the end of Star Trek's run at the cineplexes in this area.

 

[indranee]

is yours a wraparound IMAX screen, Borg? is it good?

 

[trampledamage]

Crikey, I hope Year One was cheap to make - it's made hardly any money at all!

 

[Warp Coil]

I honestly didn't think ST'09 would hit $250 million. Before the film premiered, my box office prediction was $150 million domestic. Once I saw the film and saw the box office figures, I revised my estimate to $200 million. This film has exceeded all of my expectations. I'm genuinely impressed and thrilled that Trek has been so well received by the general public.

 

[Borgminister]

is yours a wraparound IMAX screen, Borg? is it good?

It will be showing at this IMAX... I've been there once to see The Dark Knight, and was... very pleased.

It is a 290 seat facility with a 65 foot wide screen (average is supposed to be 72), so it may be a tiny bit smaller than the norm, but man, the sound as I recall was unbelievable.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

I was wondering...
Was there anyone, anywhere and I'm referring mainly to the industry experts on such matters, that had foreseen this rather remarkable performance of Star Trek ?

I don't recall any links I can point to, but I can't say I'm surprised. All the earmarks were there from the start - taking the safe and sensible approach of returning to the 'core brand identity' of Star Trek (Kirk/Spock/Enterprise), casting the roles very well, and writing a script that would honor Trek's past, and incorporate the ideas that give it substance, yet recognize that the general audience expects a summer blockbuster to deliver thrills and visual/visceral impact and not require a lot of background knowledge. It also helped that Trek's early-summer competitors were flops or disappointments to one degree or another, and Nimoy's participation was another plus.

I never bought all that post-ENT-cancellation nonsense about "Trek is oversaturated" or it needs to "rest" for X number of years. All it ever needed was competent people in charge who knew how to deliver what the audience wanted. That never wears out its welcome and people have an insatiable appetite for it, no "resting" needed.

There were plenty that seemed less than optimistic, especially considering the history of the Trek franchise.

I remember those, but I also discounted them because the writers didn't necessarily have the kind of indepth take on Trek that we are privvy to - watching VOY and ENT for year after dreary year, and really getting to see just why Trek is tired and worn-out, due to being handled by tired, worn-out hacks. Once you realize what the real problem was, then you see that the Star Trek brand is in no way to blame for anything, and in fact still retains that essential brand recognition that will give an added boost to competent handling. Replace the hacks with people who know what they're doing, and it zooms straight to the top. Never doubted for a moment it could happen.

 

[Similitude]

Its sad Trek got passed by another Pixar crapfest. Pixar films are the most overrated films in Hollywood

The family and little kid advantage always helps these films

Pixar crapfest? What in the world are you talking about? Both Wall-E and Up! have been amongst the best movies of each year. Pixar makes excellent movies and has really only had one bump with its horrible Cars.