POLICE STORY 2013 commands final #1 spot of the year!

30 Dec 2013

SINGAPORE - Jackie Chan commands the final weekend of the year with his latest blockbuster POLICE STORY 2013 新警察故事 2013, which grossed US$636,149 over the weekend from 35 screens. The film opened on Christmas eve, which falls on a Tuesday. Its total gross stands at US$1,131,308 to date.

About a year ago, Jackie Chan steered CHINESE ZODIAC 十二生肖 into the box office with US$1,107,550 from 44 screens. That action blockbuster went on to become the top grossing non-domestic Asian film of all time with a final haul of US$4,093,933.

Last week's top film 47 RONIN settles down into the runner-up spot with another US$438,177 boosting its total cume to US$1,981,936.

47 RONIN stakes claim at no. 1!

23 Dec 2013

SINGAPORE - 47 RONIN debuts at no. 1 with US$983,262 from 49 screens (including 3D) and scores a scorching US$20,067 screen average. It's the 18th film to debut with a screen average above US$20k this year. The Keanu Reeves period action fantasy looks set to finish in the range of US$2-US$2.4m.

Dropping into the runner-up spot is THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, which picks up an additional US$695,893 for a US$2,925,486 total to date. It's still on track to finish with about US$4.3m.

The family friendly WALKING WITH DINOSAURS opened to lacklustre results with US$274,872 from 41 screens (including 3D) for a US$6,704 screen average. It may conclude its run in the range of US$690K.

THE HOBBIT 2 finds box office gold

16 Dec 2013

SINGAPORE - THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG debuts at no. 1 with US$1,750,602 from 102 screens for a robust US$17,163 screen average. It's the 18th title to debut above US$1m this year.

Last year, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY started with US$1,729,846 from 107 screens on its way to a US$4,319,103 finish. SMAUG is likely to conclude its run in the same range. Just as with AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, screenings are offered in 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D, IMAX HFR 3D, HFR 3D, 2D ATMOS and 3D ATMOS.

FROZEN claims no. 1 from FIRE!

9 Dec 2013

SINGAPORE - Disney's FROZEN moves up one slot to claim the box office crown. It's only the third film this year to ascend to no. 1. It grossed US$609,005 for a total of US$1,714,125 to date. A finish in the range of US$2-US$2.4m is likely.

After two weekends at the top, THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE dips down to the runner-up spot. It picks up another US$473,117 for a US$4,299,213 cume. That's already more than what the first chapter of THE HUNGER GAMES grossed last year (US$3,729,893). CATCHING FIRE is only the 8th film to cross US$4m this year and is currently the 7th highest grossing film of 2013. Look for it to pick up anything between US$4.5-US$5m when it reaches the finishing line.

No. 1 continues to be CATCHING FIRE!

2 Dec 2013

SINGAPORE - THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE remains at the top of the box office for a second weekend. It grossed another US$978,863 for a US$3,530,040 cume to date. It's currently the 10th highest grosser of 2013, and may finish in the range of US$4.3m to U$5.1m.

FROZEN, the latest Disney animated pic FROZEN (opening in both 2D and 3D) debuts in the runner-up spot with US$802,817 and the week's highest screening average of US$14,085. Expect a finish in the range of US$1.6m to US$2.4m.

Other debuts include Hong Kong vampire flick RIGOR MORTIS 僵尸 (US$173,585 - including sneaks), Ridley Scott's THE COUNSELOR (US$147,143), the biopic DIANA (US$33,120), Spike Lee's remake of the Korean classic OLDBOY (US$18,816) and the comedy drama PARADISE (unlisted and figures unavailable).

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE debuts with US$1.9m!

25 Nov 2013

SINGAPORE - THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE claims the top spot with US$1,998,806 from 91 screens (including IMAX) for a red hot US$21,965 screen average. It's the 8th biggest debut of the year, the 17th film to debut above US$1m and the 17th to achieve a screen average above US$20,000.

CATCHING FIRE debuts stronger than the first film due to a larger screen count, but earned slightly less per screen. Last March, THE HUNGER GAMES started with US$1,374,433 from 56 screens for a scorching US$24,543 screen average and finished with US$3,729,893. CATCHING FIRE could find its way to a US$4.1m-US$5.4m total, which would guarantee it a spot amongst this year's 10 top grossers.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS hijacks No.1 as DARK WORLD becomes 3rd biggest in 2013!

18 Nov 2013

SINGAPORE - CAPTAIN PHILLIPS grabs hold of no. 1 with US$604,232 from 32 screens and a hearty US$18,882 screen average. Throw in sneaks and the Tom Hanks thriller has collected US$698,186 to date. Reviews from critics and the audience are generally strong but the high sea pic will face stiff competition from THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE which opens next week. A final tally in the range of US$1.2m-US$1.6m is likely.

Former two week reigning champion THOR: THE DARK WORLD collects another  US$543,610 which boosts the Marvel Asgard pic to an astounding US$5,807,849 tally. It's now the third highest grosser of 2013 and looks set to finish with US$6m-US$6.5m. If it hits the upper range of this forecast, it'll overtake AH BOYS TO MEN 2 新兵正传 II (US$6,366,469) to become the 2nd highest grosser of the year behind IRON MAN 3 (US$10,210,551).

DARK WORLD is no. 1 with US$4.95m and counting!

11 Nov 2013

SINGAPORE - THOR: THE DARK WORLD continues its reign at no. 1, with another US$1,322,714 bringing its total to US$4,954,073. Not only has it outgrossed its predecessor (US$4,250,375), but it's now the 5th highest grossing films of the year, and also one of only 4 films that managed to gross more than US$1m over 2 weekends. The other films being AH BOYS TO MEN 2 新兵正传 II, IRON MAN 3 and DESPICABLE ME 2. The Marvel pic accounted for 58.52% of all tickets sold from Thursday thru Sunday, and its strong second week showing gives DARK WORLD a shot at reaching anywhere between US$5.8m-US$6.4m by the end of its run.

Sci-fi entrant ENDER'S GAME debuts in the runner up spot with US$427,791 from 30 screens and a screen average of US$14,260 - that's just marginally lower than DARK WORLD (US$14,535), the top screen average earner this weekend. A finish in the range of US$892K and US$1.1m is likely.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD makes 2nd Biggest Debut of 2013!

4 Nov 2013

SINGAPORE - THOR: THE DARK WORLD conquers the box office with a total tally of US$2,858,414 from 97 screens for a thunderous US$29,468 screen average, including 3D and IMAX screens. This is the 2nd biggest debut of the year, behind only IRON MAN 3, which soared into cinemas with US$3,761,476 in the final weekend of April. It's also the 4th biggest screen average debut behind IRON MAN 3 (US$37,995), FAST & FURIOUS 6 (US$35,363) and G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (US$30,241).

Two years ago, THOR opened with US$1,777,475 on 70 screens and finished with US$4,250,375. Expect this sequel to gross between US$5.4m to US$5.6m, which will easily guarantee it a spot in the year end Top 5. The current top grossers of 2013 are IRON MAN 3 (US$10,210,551); AH BOYS TO MEN 2 新兵正传 II (US$6,336,469); DESPICABLE ME 2 (US$5,648,430); MAN OF STEEL (US$5,020,889) and FAST & FURIOUS 6 (US$4,719,607).

ESCAPE PLAN leads to no. 1

28 Oct 2013

SINGAPORE - ESCAPE PLAN, which pairs 80s action icons Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger debut at no. 1 with US$663,031 from 33 screens for a muscular US$20,092 screen average. It's only the 15th film this year to manage a screen average above US$20,000. On its current trajectory, it may finish with US$1.48m.

Horror remake CARRIE debuts in the runner-up spot with US$283,490 from 30 screens for an okay US$9,450 screen average. Look for a finish between US$446K to US$589K.

The Oscar hopeful drama THE BUTLER serves up US$68,887 from 15 screens for a lukewarm US$4,592 screen average. Add in sneaks and the total to date is US$87,959. A finish in the range of US$196K to US$250K is likely.

GRAVITY is not letting go of no. 1

21 Oct 2013

SINGAPORE - GRAVITY is not letting go of the no. 1 spot as it becomes the 20th film to cross the US$2m mark this year. Its total tally is now US$2,452,687. A finish in the range of US$3.01-US$3.03m is in sight.

SPECIAL ID 特殊身份, the mixed martial arts action flick starring Donnie Yen is the top new film with US$489,795 from 30 screens for a fantastic US$16,327 screen average. That's the fifth biggest debut for a Mandarin language film this year behind AH BOYS TO MEN 2 新兵正传 II (US$1,237,801), SAVING GENERAL YANG 忠烈杨家将 (US$545,158), JOURNEY TO THE WEST: CONQUERING THE DEMONS 西游.降魔篇 (US$509,337) and TAXI! TAXI! 德士当家 (US$492,010). It may collect US$1m by the end of its run.

Will GRAVITY 3D triumph over 2D in S'pore?

15 Oct 2013

SINGAPORE - If you've heard all that buzz above GRAVITY being the film to watch on the biggest screen in 3D, then Shaw's two IMAX screens and GVmax are going to be your only options in Singapore. Only about 23% of available sessions during the first week are being allocated for 3D, with many of the bigger halls playing the 2D version. So what gives?

GRAVITY debuts strongly at no. 1!

14 Oct 2013

SINGAPORE - GRAVITY, Alfonso Cuaron's space disaster movie starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney lands at no. 1 with US$1,045,014 from 55 screens and an astounding US$19,000 screen average. Throw in sneaks from last weekend and its total stands at US$1,321,669. It's the 15th film to debut above US$1m this year. Ticket sales is likely to have been boosted by IMAX 3D as the film is one of the most highly praised 3D releases since AVATAR. The 3D share of ticket sales is however not available.

Animated sequel CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 (also available in 3D) debuts with US$289,982 from 40 screens for an average US$7,250 screen average. Total to date with one week's worth of sneaks thrown in is US$507,721.

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2 opens at No.1!

7 Oct 2013

SINGAPORE - Horror sequel INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2 is the top film this past weekend with US$512,207 from 31 screens for a frightfully healthy US$16,352 screen average. This is already more than the US$312,757 total gross of the original film from 2011. A finish in the range of US$1.24-US$1.44m is likely, which means that James Wan, who also directed THE CONJURING, may end up helming the top 2 horror films of 2013. Sony handled the distribution this time round, while Golden Village Pictures distributed the original film.

Other debuts include Hong Kong disaster flick OUT OF INFERNO 逃出生天 (including a single 3D screen; US$144,265); Malaysian action drama KL GANGSTER 2 (US$30,684); Survivor thriller THE COLONY (US$27,714); Korean viral disaster movie THE FLU (US$18,359): and the single print release, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (US$1,673).

RUNNER RUNNER grabs the gold!

30 Sep 2013

SINGAPORE - RUNNER RUNNER with Justin Timberlake, Gemma Arterton and Ben Affleck claim the top spot this past weekend, becoming the first M18-rated movie to hit no. 1 this year. It grosses US$292,053 from 28 screens for a decent US$10,430 screen average. This is the 3rd consecutive weekend that a film managed to snag the no. 1 spot with less than US$300,000 following PLANES and 2 GUNS.

Coming in at no. 2 is Tsui Hark's period fantasy adventure, YOUNG DETECTIVE DEE: RISE OF THE SEA DRAGON 狄仁杰之神都龙王. Rising Taiwanese heart throb Mark Chao replaces Andy Lau in this prequel which grosses US$266,074 from 27 screens for a good US$9,855 screen average. DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME 狄仁杰之通天帝国 debut with a mightier US$404,768 on 27 screens in 2010 for a US$938,991 finish; while Tsui Hark's last film, FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE 龙门飞甲 (2011) started with US$392,388 from 30 screens for a US$662,765 total.

2 GUNS hits the Bull's Eye!

23 Sep 2013

SINGAPORE - 2 GUNS aims for the top spot and hits the bull's eye with the measly figure of US$271,985 from 28 screens. The gross is the lowest for a no.1 film in about 20 months. Last weekend, PLANES claimed the apex position with only a marginally higher figure of US$272,025.

PRISONERS, the kidnap thriller starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal debut with US$239,067 from 33 screens for the runner-up spot.

Other debuts include Luc Besson's WE'RE A NICE NORMAL FAMILY (US$72,671); Brit comedy THE WORLD'S END (US$42,545) and Peter Chan's AMERICAN DREAMS IN CHINA 中国合伙人 (US$10,927).

PLANES ascend into Peak Position

16 Sep 2013

SINGAPORE - Disney's PLANES ascend to the top spot after debuting at no. 2 last weekend. It's a rare feat for any film to climb to no. 1, and the last film to do so was LES MISERABLES earlier this year. However, PLANES managed to snag the top spot with only US$272,025 - the lowest figure for a no. 1 film in 20 months. Back in early 2012, CONTRABAND debut at no. 1 with just US$190,963. The aero animated toon pic has now picked up US$796,747 to date.

The highest debut of the week is RIDDICK, which commands a monstrous US$17,806 screen average for a scorching US$231,481 total from just 13 screens. Add in sneak previews and the total for the Vin Diesel headlined threequel stands at US$270,148.

PERCY JACKSON Keeps PLANES from Landing at No. 1!

9 Sep 2013

SINGAPORE - PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS holds on to no. 1 for a second weekend, adding another US$529,938 for a US$1,628,354 total to date. The hit pic looks likely to finish with around US$2.1m, which would put it on par with PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF which grossed US$2,101,203 back in 2010.

Landing in the runner-up runway is Disney's PLANES (including some screenings in 3D). The latest animated flick grossed US$389,179 from 38 screens. The edited M18 rated version of WE'RE THE MILLERS follows close behind with a no. 3 debut. US$449,437 has been collected to date, including last weekend's sneak previews.

PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS debuts at No. 1!

2 Sep 2013

SINGAPORE - PERCY JACKON: SEA OF MONSTERS grabs hold of the no. 1 spot with US$911,157 from 49 screens (including sneaks) for a mighty US$18,502 screen average. The Olympian sequel is pretty much on par with PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF which started with a similar US$18,392 screen average 3 years ago. That film ended up holding onto the top spot for 3 weekends, and grossed US$2,101,203 by the end of its run. SEA OF MONSTERS, which starts with 14 more screens (including 3D) looks likely to make as much as US$2.9m.  

The 11th domestic film of the year and the nation's first Cannes award winning film, ILO ILO 爸妈不在家 opens on 15 screens for a US$187,530 total (including sneaks). It scores the third highest screen average of the weekend with US$10,587.

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES finds Box Office Gold!

26 Aug 2013

SINGAPORE - Young adult fantasy adventure THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES grabs hold of the top spot with US$672,655 from 54 screens (including IMAX) for a screen average of US$12,457.

Other debuts include the comedy THE INTERNSHIP (US$291,827), the adult super-hero sequel KICK-ASS 2 (US$211,757), Thai horror PAWNSHOP (US$27,583) and the Japanese big screen thriller based on the hit television series, THE AFTER-DINNER MYSTERIES (US$25,955).

Nicolas Winding Refn's crime drama ONLY GOD FORGIVES starring Ryan Gosling opens on two screens and grosses US$6,757 while the single print Mexican film, WE ARE WHAT WE ARE picks up US$3,812.

ELYSIUM takes off at No. 1

19 Aug 2013

SINGAPORE - ELYSIUM, the Matt Damon-Jodie Foster sci-fi pic from DISTRICT 9 director Neill Blomkamp debuts at no. 1 with US$732,909 from 46 screens (including IMAX) for a US$15,933 screen average. Also new this week is the biopic jOBS which start with US$161,466 from 16 screens for a US$10,092 screen average.

Other debuts include the edited M18-rated version of the horror omnibus TALES FROM THE DARK PART 2 奇幻夜 (US$33,058), Steven Soderbergh's BEHIND THE CANDELABRA (US$20,823) and the Robert DeNiro-John Travolta thriller KILLING SEASON (US$23,160).

THE SMURFS 2 Grab Box Office Gold

12 Aug 2013

SINGAPORE - THE SMURFS 2 return to the top of the box office almost 2 years after the original made its way to no. 1. Grossing US$896,663 from 55 screens for a US$13,514 screen average, its box office glow isn't as bright as the last outing, which started with US$1,088,177 from 51 screens and a US$21,337 screen average.

Starting in the runner-up spot is this week's top screen average earner, THE CONJURING which grossed US$717,166 from 31 screens for a terrifyingly good US$23,134 screen average. The film has already smashed passed the US$1m mark with sneak previews added in; its total tally is now US$1,078,999.

THE WOLVERINE Maintains Hold on #1

5 Aug 2013

SINGAPORE - THE WOLVERINE maintains its hold on no. 1 as it becomes the 9th film to cross US$3m this year with US$3,179,103 in the bank and counting. It has already overtaken WOLVERINE (2009) which grossed US$2,559,609.

The action comedy RED 2 debuts in the runner-up spot with US$460,933. Crawling into the 3rd spot is the Dreamworks animated feature TURBO (available in 2D and 3D) with US$346,275.

Other debuts include Michael Bay's action caper PAIN & GAIN (US$72,325) and Mira Nair's thriller THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST (US$14,456). Horror pic THE CONJURING picks up US$243,414 from sneak previews.

THE WOLVERINE Claws Its Way to #1

29 Jul 2013

SINGAPORE - THE WOLVERINE debuts at the top of the box office with a monstrous US$2,036,815 in both 2D and 3D versions. Opening on 98 screens, it's the 6th biggest debut and the 6th film to start above US$2m this year. It bests the debuts of fellow mutant flicks WOLVERINE (2009) and X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (2011), which started with US$1,462,183 and US$1,724,673 respectively.

However, those films opened on less screens; screen average wise, THE WOLVERINE's US$20,784 is marginally lower than WOLVERINE (2009)'s US$21,040 and X-MEN: FIRST CLASS's US$24,638. Nonetheless, the monetary results are spectacular as all the super hero flicks released this year have proven to be box office gold.

PACIFIC RIM spends 2nd Week at No. 1

22 Jul 2013

SINGAPORE - The battle between monsters and robots continue as PACIFIC RIM holds on to the top spot. The blockbuster pic has now grossed US$3,058,893 after just two weekends. It's the eighth film to cross US$3m at the box office this year.

Meanwhile, DESPICABLE ME 2  has overtaken MAN OF STEEL to become the year's third highest grosser to date with US$5,054,364 in the bank. What's spectacular is the US$21,983 screen average during its third weekend, a feat that shows the hit toon pic is not showing any signs of slowing down just yet.

PACIFIC RIM Commands Top Spot!

15 Jul 2013

SINGAPORE - PACIFIC RIM opens with a monstrous US$1,674,706 on 72 screens (including 3D and IMAX 3D) for a hefty US$23,260 screen average. It's the 13th film to debut above US$1m this year.

Meanwhile, DESPICABLE ME 2, the top animated film of the year reached new heights with a US$4,237,753 tally after just 2 weekends. It's the 6th film to cross US$4m this year.

Other debuts include THE ROOFTOP 天台 (US$142,531), MAN OF TAI CHI (US$40,287), ARTHUR NEWMAN ($7,211) and LESSON OF THE EVIL (U$6,860).

For the fifth consecutive weekend in a row, over US$3m worth of tickets were sold as the top ten films grossed US$3,355,914; a miniscule dip of 0.3% from the last weekend. It's up 43.01% over the same frame a year ago when ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT commanded the no. 1 spot.

Source: Box Office Mojo

It's DESPICABLE at No. 1!

8 Jul 2013

SINGAPORE - DESPICABLE ME 2 opens at the top of the box office with a massive US$2,524,600 haul from 72 screens, including 3D and IMAX 3D options and sneak previews from last weekend. This is the 3rd biggest opening this year; and already the top animated film and 7th highest grossing film of the year to date!

The much loved animated sequel opened significantly higher than the original film from 2010 which started with US$868,279 on its way to a US$2,917,270 final.

Opening to less excitement in second place is THE LONE RANGER from the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN team of star Johnny Depp, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski. Its S$572,509 gross from 49 screens for a screen average of US$11,684 is lower than last year's Johnny Depp vehicle DARK SHADOWS which started with US$613,223 from 34 screens for a higher US$18,036 screen average.

Zombies Keep WHITE HOUSE DOWN from #1

1 Jul 2013

SINGAPORE - WORLD WAR Z holds the top spot at the box office for a second weekend, grossing US$782,630 for a US$2,838,066 total to date. The action buddy pic WHITE HOUSE DOWN debuts in second place with US$762,651 and scores the top screen average of the week (US$16,227).

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY collects another US$690,518 for a US$2,269,065 total so far. It's already passed THE CROODS to become the top animated film of the year.

Meanwhile, MAN OF STEEL overtakes FAST & FURIOUS 6 to become the 3rd highest grosser of the year. The super hero action pic has already flown to the bank with a total tally of US$4,811,165. Rounding out the Top 5 is the surprise hit NOW YOU SEE ME which has taken US$2,301,161 to date.

Zombies and Monsters Push Box Office to 2nd Highest Weekend of 2013!

24 Jun 2013

SINGAPORE - WAR WORLD Z and MONSTERS UNIVERSITY lead the box office and become the 10th and 11th films to cross the US$1m mark in their debut weekends. This is the only instance this year where a pair of debut films achieve this feat concurrently. Both films are also released with 3D options though the days when the number of 3D prints outnumber the 2D version is over.

WORLD WAR Z's tally now stands at US$1,558,091 while MONSTERS UNIVERSITY has grossed US$1,113,200. Last week's top film MAN OF STEEL, which has banked US$4,245,605 to date drops to third place at the box office.

MAN OF STEEL leads Box Office to 2nd Highest Weekend of Year!

17 Jun 2013

SINGAPORE - MAN OF STEEL flies to the top of the box office as it collects US$2,557,868 from 97 screens (including 3D and IMAX 3D) with a monstrous US$26,370 screen average. It's now the 5th highest grosser of the year to date.

Other debuts include Thai horror PEE MAK, which scares up US$248,455 (including sneaks from last weekend) on 15 screens and a strong screen average of US$13,086.

The Andy Lau thriller SWITCH 天机：富春山居图 opens on 10 screens with US$72,022 and a US$7,202 screen average.

Animated adventure TAD THE LOST EXPLORER (which includes a single 3D screen) starts off on 8 screens for a weak US$3,925 screen average and a US$31,396 first weekend total.

AFTER EARTH and NOW YOU SEE ME dominate top spots!

10 Jun 2013

SINGAPORE - Will Smith and son conquer the box office with AFTER EARTH while crime thriller NOW YOU SEE ME debuts in the runner-up spot. Only a mere US$19,290 separate the two titles, making this the tightest race for the top spot this year.

AFTER EARTH opens on 55 screens for a US$847,858 total; while NOW YOU SEE ME which opens on 30 screens grossed US$828,568 for a sizzling US$27,619 screen average - the 5th highest of the year to date behind IRON MAN 3 (US$37,995), FAST & FURIOUS 6 (US$35,363), G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (US$30,241) and AH BOYS TO MEN 2 新兵正传 II (US$28,132).

Both AFTER EARTH and NOW YOU SEE ME may end their runs in the region of US$1.7m each; although NOW YOU SEE ME may reach as high as US$1.9m if it holds up well in the coming weeks.

FURIOUS 6 maintains lead as HANGOVER III Opens Big!

3 Jun 2013

SINGAPORE - FAST & FURIOUS 6 maintains its lead over new arrivals, including THE HANGOVER PART III which scores one of the biggest openings for a M18 rated film.

FURIOUS 6 dips an understandable 59.7% and adds another US$927,441 which totals up to US$3,933,147 so far. It's already outgrossed FAST & FURIOUS 5 (US$3,514,117) to become the top film in the lucrative franchise and is currently the 4th highest grossing film of 2013.

FURIOUS 6 is now on course to finish with US$4.6m-US$5.5m - much lower than the US$6m projected last week but still fantastic numbers overall for a film released without any 3D or IMAX screens.

FAST & FURIOUS 6 races pass US$2.4m in Opening Week!

27 Feb 2013

SINGAPORE - FAST & FURIOUS 6 zooms pass all competitors and arrives at the top of the box office with US$2,417,921 from 65 screens (including Wednesday sneaks), accounting for 65.47% of all tickets sold this weekend.

It's the 3rd biggest opening film this year, behind IRON MAN 3 (US$3,761,476) and G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (US$2,428,150) and the 9th biggest opening film in seven years. It also scores the second highest screen average during this same period (US$35,363), behind IRON MAN 3 (US$37,995) and ahead of AH BOYS TO MEN 新兵正传 (2012) (US$33,321).

The latest instalment of the lucrative franchise is also the biggest, opening significantly stronger than FAST & FURIOUS 5 (2011) which started with US$1,411,648 on 40 screens on its way to a US$3,514,117 finish.

STAR TREK Plunges #1 INTO DARKNESS

20 May 2013

SINGAPORE - STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS debuts at no. 1 with US$1,377,918 (including 3D, IMAX 3D and sneak previews over the last weekend) on 86 screens, easily toppling IRON MAN 3 which had spent the last 3 weeks as the top choice amongst filmgoers.

INTO DARKNESS has already outperformed STAR TREK (2009), which grossed US$1,195,561. J.J. Abrams' second Enterprise outing looks set to finish with around US$2.4m - more than twice what the previous film grossed.

IRON MAN 3, which sits comfortably in the runner-up spot added another US$443,047 for a US$9,759,139 tally. The Marvel Studios pic has been holding up rather well with a screen average that has yet to dip below US$10,000. The top grosser for 2013 has now jumped ahead of AVATAR to become the second highest grosser of all time behind THE AVENGERS (2012) (US$11,172,253). A final tally in the range of US$10m is a very possible scenario.

IRON MAN 3 crosses US$9m and is now All-Time No. 3!

13 May 2013

SINGAPORE - IRON MAN 3 holds on to the top spot for a 3rd consecutive week, grossing US$852,821 for a US$9,103,895 total to date. The Tony Stark pic has now flown past TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (2011) to become the 3rd highest grossing film of all time in Singapore. By this time next week, it could overtake AVATAR (2009) and occupy the runner-up spot.

The Marvel Studio pic is now trailing 10.25% behind the other Marvel Studios pic, THE AVENGERS (2012) when final grosses for both films after their third weekends are compared. THE AVENGERS grossed a total of US$11,172,253 to become the all time box office champion last year. IRON MAN 3 could now finish somewhere between US$9.5m to US$10m - which is way past my original prediction of US$7.3 to US$8.2m.  

IRON MAN 3 is now 4th Biggest All-Time Grosser!

6 May 2013

SINGAPORE - With US$7.8m in the bank, IRON MAN 3 is now the top film of 2013 and the 4th highest grossing film of all time in Singapore after just two weeks. The Marvel Studios blockbuster grossed another US$1,899,314 and has amassed US$7,837,528 to date. It will very likely gross US$9.6m to US$10.1m by the end of its run, which means it may just overtake AVATAR as the second highest grossing film of all time.

Last year, THE AVENGERS set the record for the highest grosser of all time with US$11,172,253. This week, IRON MAN 3 is trailing 9.78% behind THE AVENGERS, which had grossed US$8,687,604 by the end of its second weekend. Despite opening on 25 screens less than THE AVENGERS, IRON MAN 3 enjoyed a higher screen average of US$19,581 in its second weekend vs. US$16,142 for THE AVENGERS. The first IRON MAN grossed US$3,823,968 in 2008 while IRON MAN 2 made US$4,194,650 in 2010.

IRON MAN 3 Powers Weekend Box Office Pass US$4m!

29 Apr 2013

SINGAPORE - IRON MAN 3 opened on 99 screens (including 3D and IMAX 3D) and set a new record for the highest one-day box office gross with US$1.38m (S$1.7m) on its opening day. By the end of its first weekend, the film had grossed a total of US$3,761,476. That's more than what THE AVENGERS managed over its opening weekend (US$3,441,766) on a higher 124 screen count.  

A clearer picture between the two films may only be formed next week as THE AVENGERS had already grossed a higher US$5,766,054 by the end of its first weekend with an earlier opening on the Labour Day holiday which fell on a Tuesday. IRON MAN 3 opened on a Friday with evening sneaks on Thursday with the Labour Day holiday falling on an approaching Wednesday.

OBLIVION and OLYMPUS fend off JUDGMENT DAY

24 Apr 2013

SINGAPORE - OBLIVION and OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN hold off against a slew of new releases to rule the box office.

With no new major blockbusters in release, Golden Village Pictures unleashes JUDGMENT DAY - the 9th domestic release of the year, which debuts at no. 3 on the box office chart compiled by CFEA. The film is missing from Box Office Mojo but is reported in a Straits Times article on 24 Apr to have grossed S$200,000 (US$161,699) as of Monday (22 Apr).

Last month's domestic release GHOST CHILD debuts with US$179,396 from 23 screens and wrapped up its run with US$422,147 while TAXI! TAXI! collected US$373,460 from 21 screens during its opening weekend and finished with US$1,168,419. JUDGMENT DAY opens on 14 screens and may end up with around US$380,000.

OBLIVION takes hold of no. 1

15 Apr 2013

SINGAPORE - OBLIVION opens at no. 1 with US$1,152,146 from 52 screens, including IMAX for a strong US$22,157 screen average. It's the 4th film this year to collect more than US$1m over its opening weekend.  

Last year this time, BATTLESHIP opened on 65 screens with a mighty US$1,668,591 (including sneaks) and a slightly higher weekend screen average of US$24,207. BATTLESHIP ended its 8-week run with US$4,189,981. 

The Tom Cruise led MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL (2011) grossed US$5,037,487 while JACK REACHER (2012) took in only US$1,383,532. OBLIVION is directed by Joseph Kosinski, whose previous film TRON: LEGACY (2010) grossed US$2,019,304. OBLIVION is likely to finish with around US$2.8m.

G.I. JOE keeps GENERAL YANG from No. 1

8 Apr 2013

SINGAPORE - G.I. JOE: RETALIATION grossed an additional US$828,338 in its second weekend - enough to hold on to the top spot despite a hefty 64.9% drop. This is similar to CLASH OF THE TITANS (2010) - another March blockbuster that opened big above US$2m on 70+ screens but dropped a hefty 68% in its second weekend. If it follows the same trajectory as CLASH, a US$4-US$4.4m final tally seems more likely rather than the US$5m predicted last week. So far, RETALIATION has amassed US$3,688,782. The road ahead will be rocky when OBLIVION - the next big budget action film starring Tom Cruise opens this week.

Making a huge debut in the runner-up spot is SAVING GENERAL YANG - it grossed US$545,158 for an amazing US$19,470 average from 28 screens. It's the highest screen average this week and the biggest debut for a China/Hong Kong release so far this year.

RETALIATION debuts with massive US$2.42m haul over 5 days!

1 Apr 2013

SINGAPORE - Opening twice as strongly as the first film and stomping its way to the top of the box office (with 3D and IMAX options), G.I. JOE: RETALIATION proved to be one of the biggest opening films in the last five years. The film gobbled up US$2,358,814 during its opening weekend across 78 screens for a mighty US$30,241 screen average. Add in Wednesday sneak previews and the total stands at US$2,428,150.

It's the 8th biggest opening film since 2007 when Box Office Mojo's data started being published, behind THE AVENGERS (2012) (US$5,766,054*), TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (2011) (US$4,162,564*), TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN (2009) (US$3,155,292*), HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 2 (2011) (US$3,020,290), THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)  (US$2,650,244), THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (US$2,647,533*) and KUNGFU PANDA 2 (2011) (US$2,627,425). [* includes sneaks]

THE CROODS find their way to no. 1!

25 Mar 2013

SINGAPORE - THE CROODS claim the box office crown with US$823,466 from 54 screens for a US$15,249 screen average and a US$1,103,098 total including sneaks. These numbers are pretty good for a major animated film released in March. Back in 2010, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON started with a similar US$816,212 gross on 51 screens and ended its run with US$2,968,823.

THE CROODS also opened stronger than both DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX from last year (US$411,708 opening weekend/US$1,601,837 final gross) and RANGO (US$308,799/US$977,083) from 2011.

Other debuts include works by some of the most prolific filmmakers from American today - DJANGO UNCHAINED (US$163,662) by Quentin Tarantino, SIDE EFFECTS (US$99,182) by Steven Soderbergh, PROMISED LAND (US$7,820) by Gus Van Sant and GAMBIT (US$9,414), which is written by Ethan & Joel Coen. Also debuting is the Japanese drama HELTER SKELTER (US$22,206). The horror anthology V/H/S is also released (probably on 6 screens) but is unranked (and probably grossed less than US$42,670).

BODIES warms its way to No.1

18 Mar 2013

SINGAPORE - It's the start of the one week school break as a whopping 11 films debut - none of which proved to be exceptional box office performers.  

Leading the pack is the horror romance comedy WARM BODIES, which crawls its way to the no. 1 spot, toppling OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL by a narrow margin. Released on 34 screens, WARM BODIES grabs hold of US$473,970 for a decent US$13,940 screen average - it's a modest no.1 debut as only two other films opened to lower numbers at the top this year - GANGSTER SQUAD (US$362,354) and THE IMPOSSIBLE (US$382,475). Last year, 5 films managed to debut at no.1 with a gross that's less than US$500,000.

The big budget fantasy adventures films OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL and JACK THE GIANT SLAYER managed to hold off the rest of the new releases. OZ grossed another US$468,716 to push its total to US$1,494,973 while JACK adds another US$187,828 for a US$2,061,878 tally - becoming the 3rd film to cross US$2m this year to date.

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL debuts at no. 1

11 Mar 2013

SINGAPORE - OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL opens on top of the box office with US$846,163 from 56 screens (including 3D and IMAX) for a US$15,110 screen average. That's less than last week's similar fabled-based JACK THE GIANT SLAYER which opened to US$1,097,754 on a slightly stronger US$16,143 screen average.

In comparison, OZ's debut is similar to parent company Disney's JOHN CARTER and HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS. JOHN CARTER opened with US$868,818 on the same weekend a year ago while the (also) fabled-theme special effects heavy HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS started with US$878,605 but a higher NC16 rating 6 weeks ago. CARTER finished its 5-week run with US$2,070,634 while HANSEL & GRETEL has collected US$1,736,257 after 7 weeks. OZ looks likely to finish in the same range as well.

GIANT SLAYER climbs to top of box office

4 Mar 2013

SINGAPORE - JACK THE GIANT SLAYER climbs to the top of the box office with a US$1,097,754 haul from 68 screens (including 3D and IMAX) for a US$16,143 screen average. It's a stronger debut than A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD - the top Hollywood film in Singapore to date this year, which started with US$799,183 from 54 screens over the Lunar New Year period. DIE HARD 5 has amassed US$2,087,479 in its 4th week of release. JACK also looks likely to cross US$2m when it reaches the finishing line but it will be facing strong competition from OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL opening this week.

AH BOYS TO MEN 2 - last week's no.1 film drops 48.2% and collects another US$271,906 for a US$6,070,803 total to date. BOYS 2 has been depreciating at a rate that is a rarity and the envy of most blockbuster releases. A spot as one of the year's Top 5 grossers is almost a given.

AH BOYS 2 continues record setting streak with 4th week at no. 1!

26 Feb 2013

SINGAPORE - AH BOYS TO MEN 2 continues to rewrite records as it picks up another US$524,400 for a US$5,663,674 total over the weekend. By Monday, the film had grossed S$7.08m and became the 10th highest grossing film of all time in Singapore just behind SPIDER-MAN 3 (S$7,922,865). It's also the first film to command the no. 1 spot for 4 straight weeks since Box Office Mojo started tracking the Singapore box office in April 2007. It's also the top screen average movie of the weekend with US$14,983 from 35 screens.

The other Lunar New Year blockbusters continue to hold off new contenders as A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD and JOURNEY TO THE WEST: CONQUERING THE DEMONS take the no. 2 and 3 spots, with cumulative grosses standing at US$2,009,597 and US$1,639,545 respectively.

It's AH BOYS all the way with 3 weeks at no. 1!

20 Feb 2013

SINGAPORE - AH BOYS TO MEN broke a record untouched for 14 years. The sequel smashed that record in less than 2 months as AH BOYS TO MEN 2 is now the highest grossing local and Asian film in Singapore of all time. The film also achieved the rare feat of holding the no.1 spot for 3 consecutive weeks (2 of those grossing above US$1m) and maintaining a consistent screen average of US$28K - something almost unheard of. The film has grossed US$5,091,158 as of Tuesday (19 Feb), outpacing the US$5,088,413 collected by the first film.

AH BOYS 2 sets new record for highest debut for domestic film!

4 Feb 2013

SINGAPORE - AH BOYS TO MEN 2 easily tops the box office, becoming the first film in 2013 to gross over US$1m in its debut weekend. A new record is also set for the highest debut for a domestic film (US$1,237,801). The previous record holder was its predecessor, which started with a marginally lower US$1,232,895 but a stronger screen average of US$33,321 from 37 screens.

Regardless, BOYS 2's screen average of US$28,132 from 44 screens is still spectacular, with only two films scoring screen averages above US$28K in 2012. BOYS and BOYS 2 have already grossed a combined total of US$6,316,725. If BOYS 2 follows the same trajectory as the first film, the combine gross could cross US$10m.

HANSEL & GRETEL Claims Box Office Crown

28 Jan 2013

SINGAPORE - HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS claim the box office crown with US$829,085 from 60 screens (including IMAX 3D) for a screen average of US$13,818 and a cumulative total of US$878,605 to date.

Also making its debut is the Oscar Best Picture nominated film ZERO DARK THIRTY, which collected US$190,670 from 22 screens for a screen average of US$8,667. Fellow Oscar nominees THE SESSIONS and THE MASTER also debut but to the dismal sums of US$23,500 and US$6,009 for gross and US$2,136 and U$3,005 for screen averages respectively.

Tsunami Survivor Drama clinches Top Spot

21 Jan 2013

SINGAPORE - The total box office slips further for a 4th straight week as 3 new releases generate decent debuts with screen averages above US$10,000 each. THE IMPOSSIBLE tops the box office with US$382,475 from 36 screens and a screen average of US$10,624, MAMA grosses US$293,209 from 29 screens for a screen average of US$10,111, while CLOUD ATLAS collects US$147,789 from 14 screens for a US$10,556 total.

Also opening is the Korean comedy RUNWAY COP, which grosses US$31,396 from 6 screens for a US$5,233 screen average. 10 YEARS, the high school reunion drama comedy starring Channing Tatum scores one of the worst openings in recent years with US$4,347 from 11 screens for a disastrous US$395 screen average. The lowest screen average of 2012 was for the single print release, THE VOICE MAKES A MIRACLE which started with US$432.