So far, it’s been a very lucrative holiday week for newly released movies. At the top this season is Angelina Jolie‘s ‘Unbroken’ with $15.592 million in ticket sales. ‘Into the Woods’ is a close second, grossing $15.084. Rounding out the top five are: #3 – Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ at $13.4 million; #4 – Shawn Levy’s ‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’ at $7.35 million; and at #5 – Paramount’s remake, ‘The Gambler’ at $5 million.
But, what about that international-headline-capturing-Sony-hacking-assassination-farce about North Korea’s communist dictator, Kim Jong Un? Interestingly, with limited release, it has grossed $1 million in slightly over 300 independent theaters at an average of $3,142 per theater. Over time, this movie may perform as well as, or better than some of the opening day receipts of other popular movies. Who knows, it could turn out to have a cult-like following. ‘The Interview’ has the potential to become a huge “tool of protest” against Kim Jong Un’s oppressive control over the North Korean people. It could happen, after all, this is America.
(Update: ‘The Interview’ racked up more than $15 million via online sales since Wednesday. It’s been rented or purchased 2 million times. Controversy pays big yet again.)
Yes, I went there, but now I’m back…Whichever movie you decide to see, remember to enjoy your splurge and bring extra money for the concessions, unless you’re inclined to sneak in your snacks. (My own personal protest against the ridiculous price of popcorn.) Happy New Year to all movie goers!!
