Real Steel was the number one film last weekend and the Disney release scores another knockout with $16.3 million as it barely out-dances those pesky teens of Footloose which took in $16.1 million. The PG-13 futuristic action film stars Hugh Jackman as a father who along with his son bring an underdog robot boxing champ back into the ring for another shot at glory. $51.8 million in total prize money awaits the film by the end of the weekend.
Paramount goes totally 80’s this weekend with their remake of the 1984 mega-hit Footloose which took a very close second place. The original starring Kevin Bacon as a renegade teen who wants to bring his dance skills to a small town was the 7th highest grossing film released that year raking in an impressive $80 million (about $192 million in today’s dollars). This new version will bring this story of small town values vs. personal expression to a whole new generation of fans this weekend.
Universal’s The Thing is the latest version of the horror yarn about a group of scientists who are stalked by a murderous shape-shifting alien while trapped in a remote Antarctic outpost. The original version released in 1951 was updated in 1982 by revered horror director John Carpenter, starred Kurt Russell and earned a total of $19.6 million. This version scared up $8.7 million for a third place debut.
Sony’s R-rated political drama The Ides of March starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling enters its second weekend with solid midweek momentum that gave it another $7.5 million in the box office ballot box. The film has generated a positive response from critics and should continue to find favor with discerning audiences.
Rounding out the top 5 Warner Bros.’ Dolphin Tale dives into its fourth weekend with another solid finish of $6.3 million and a total gross approaching $60 million.
Completing the fish and game theme is Fox’s comedic newcomer The Big Year starring Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Steve Martin as a trio of avid bird watchers searching for rare birds. Despite good reviews, the film makes its debut in ninth place with $3.3 million.
Weekend Box Office
Top Movies for Weekend of October 14, 2011 (Estimates)
Movie Weekend Gross Total to Date
1 Real Steel (PG13) $16.3M $51.8M
2 Footloose (PG-13) $16.1M $16.1M
3 The Thing (R) $8.7M $8.7M
4 The Ides of March (R) $7.5M $22.1M
5 Dolphin Tale (PG) $6.3M $58.7M
