‘Stooges’ shtick can’t stop ‘Hunger’ streak
‘Games’ lands at No. 1 for fourth week
The Hunger Games slapped The Three Stooges silly this weekend, fending off the newcomer to claim the No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive week.
The adaptation of the best-selling book took in $21.5 million, according to studio estimates from Hollywood.com.
The movie became the first in three years to capture the No. 1 spot for a month straight. “The last film to do this was Avatar” in 2009, says Paul Dergarabedian of Hollywood.com.
The movie has earned $337.1 million since its release four weekends ago and fell just 35% from its haul last weekend, indicating a strong word of mouth — strong enough to hold off Larry, Moe and Curly.
The Three Stooges, the latest comedy from the Farrelly brothers, took second place with $17.1 million, slightly ahead of projections. Though only 42% of critics gave it a thumbs-up, 72% of moviegoers enjoyed it, says Rottentomatoes.com.
The Cabin in the Woods opened to a solid $14.9 million, riding a wave of unusually solid reviews for a horror film. According to the amalgam site, 92% of re- viewers recommended the film, compared with 81% of moviegoers.
Box Office Mojo’s Ray Subers says Hunger Games capitalized on a gender gap: “Male moviegoers were split between three new releases, which allowed the femaleskewing Hunger Games” to take the crown again.
Re-release Titanic 3D was fourth with $11.6 million, followed by American Re
union with $10.6 million. Ticket revenue remains up 19% ahead of the same time last year, and attendance is up 22% over 2011, according to Hollywood.com.
Final figures are expected today.