Box Office Report: G.I Joe is Box Office Hero

After months of hearing negative buzz for G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra the one voice that matters finally spoke: the public. With an opening weekend of $54.7 million audiences clearly didn’t allow any bad buzz prevent them from seeing this summer popcorn movie. Led by a mediocre cast including Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, and Sienna Miller, G.I Joe exceeded expectations with a monster opening. Despite poor reviews, the film has managed to attract the coveted 18-34 year old male demographic. The action flick directed by Stephen Sommers had little competition this weekend as Meryl Streep and Amy Adams were the only real contenders with their Julie and Julia comedy that banked an impressive $20 million opening weekend. Continue reading for a full recap of the weekend box office.

G.I Joe is sitting at a low 40% on the fresh meter with Rotten Tomatoes however negative reviews didn’t seem to hurt this movie. While some gave the flick scathing reviews, many critics embraced the fun adventure for what it is. Our own critic, Jordan Tunney gave the film a B- and while he realized there were numerous flaws in the movie he was ultimately entertained. I expect this film will hold up nicely over the next few weeks as people want to check out a fun mindless action movie.

While G.I Joe took top honors this weekend here is what the rest of the weekend box office looked like:

Mery; Streep and Amy Adams scored a hit coming in at number two with Julie and Julia. The comedy about chef Julia Child brought in $20 million for the weekend and should hold on strong with older audiences.

The other new wide release this weekend was the crime thriller The Perfect Getaway which bombed with a number 7  finish and only $5.9 million in the bank.

Last weeks number one film, Funny People, took a not so humorous nose dive in its second week of release. The Adam Sandler Seth Rogen comedy/drama dropped 65% in week two and only managed to make $7.9 million for a number 5 finish. After two weeks the Judd Apatow production has only made $40.5 million.

The number three spot went to the Disney kids movie G-Force which made another $9.8 million. After three weeks of release G-Force stands at a strong $86 million and counting.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince took the fourth place spot with $8.9 million. The sixth Harry Potter movie has now made $273.8 million. That is a lot of cash, however I would have anticipated this film to do well over $300 million. To put this in perspective for you the summer comedy The Hangover has currently made $261 million and that had no following. Feel free to draw your own conclusions.

That does it for this weekends box office report. Check back with us next week for a recap of District 9, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and all of this weekends leftovers that shoot for the number one spot. See you at the movies!

Box Office figures courtesy of Box Office Mojo.