The critics may have just liked I Am Legend, but apparently America loved it. Will Smith cemented his super, crazy, mega-star status this weekend when he beat both his own opening weekend record ($52.2 million for I, Robot) and the overall December record set by Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
In less encouraging news, The Perfect Holiday, which stars Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut, didn't have the same successful opening as This Christmas. It made $2.5 million and came in at No. 6.
Lastly, Alvin and the Chipmunks had an undeniably successful opening but still came in after Will Smith's blockbuster. Let this be a lesson to animators. Don't turn 80s classics into CGI nightmares. Okay, since it made money this is probably not a lesson, but more like a plea. Check out the box office top 10 after the jump.
Movie, # of Weeks In Theaters, Weekend Gross (millions)
1. I am Legend, 1, $76.5
2. Alvin and the Chipmunks, 1, $45
3. The Golden Compass, 2, $9
4. Enchanted, 4, $6
5. No Country For Old Men, 6, $3
6. The Perfect Holiday, 1, $2.5
7. Fred Claus, 6, $2.3
8. This Christmas, 4, $2.3
9. Atonement, 2, $1.8
10. August Rush, 4, $1.8
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I saw it on IMAX. I LOVED it. I'm gonna go again. I love WILL and he ALWAYS shows up at 'SAVE THE WORLD - BLOCKBUSTER' TIME.
Did the Denzel movie come out this weekend?
Nope - not til the 25th. Whew - you made me think I had missed my other celebrity crush in action.
The film snob in me still refuses to like this flick…99.9% b/c of him. Damn.
I'm seeing it on IMAX tonight. Will's films can be hit or miss with me, but this one looks good to me.
I will probably go see this movie, too.I've not ever been a Will Smith fan. Any movie I've seen with him in it was for the story, not because of his presence. I thinks because his "Girls Aint Nothing But Trouble" as well as "Parents Just Don't Understand" turned me all the way off. cliche cliche cliche.
Alvin and the Chipmunks made $45M? DAMN. This writers' strike has got people going crazy.
I want that dog, but they need space so instead I'm getting a maltipoo.
You are going to love, love, love, your maltipoo!
Will is now the biggest movie star in the business.
All his movies have made 4.4 Billion dollars combined, more than any other movie star.
THE most bankable star in HollyLand.
he gets $20 million a picture and I believe his studio produced I am Legend for Warner Bros.
I don't think he cares if some don't like his acting.
That is real truth you're laying on us. I've got to meditate on that ish.
Yep. Will Smith doesn't care that some don't like his product(s).
I just love that he knows that he's not the best actor but just works at it. Really, that honestyis so refreshing.
I can't wait for my Maltipoo. I picked the name (Mr.) Darcy. I'm probably going to get a brown or black-haired one. They have such great temperaments, they can stay home alone and very smart. Perfection! I want a Maltipoo now and a Newfoundland that weighs as much as I do in a year or two. Newfs are also really good apartment dogs because they just lay around, can stay home alone but also like running which is good for me.
Daria I agree, but, is there such a thing as THE best actor?
Some actors excel at certain roles and if you put them in others they stink.
Remember there are categories as best "character actors" (they never become stars)
"best action actors" (they tend fizzle out)
"most charismatic actors" (with a little skill they become stars)
Mosts beautiful actors (hit or miss draw)
My point is, there is no one standard.
In fact I would venture that Will Smith by ratio has had more successful movies than all these best actors.
"I don’t think he cares if some don’t like his acting."
You're right. He doesn't care. But as someone who works in the movie business (below the line), I am less concerned with Will's box office take and more concerned with his talent. And my opinion - which is the only ONE that I am concerned with says that he isn't that great of an actor and I don't pay to see his movies. So my $$ ain't going into that 4.4 billion, ya dig? What matters is that I don't support something I feel unworthy of my money. And Will Smith is not worthy. :-0
Opinions are like assholes. Or are assholes like opinions? I forget.
Ummmm….my post above came off a little harsh*. My apologies to the blog.
*rain doesn't do wonders for my disposition. Ugh.