The weekend box office was surprisingly bountiful for all wide releases as Where the Wild Things Are [WILD] romped to an estimated $32.4 million. Although Where the Wild Things Are was based on a popular children’s book, the PG-rated film did not have a significant bump on Saturday typical of family films, but played out more like one geared towards adult audiences. Word of mouth on the Spike Jonze [SJONZ] adaptation has been mixed, which could result in a shorter ride at the box office.
Law Abiding Citizen [LACTZ] opened in second place with a gangbuster $21.2 million. The R-rated thriller topped 2008’s Righteous Kill as the biggest opening ever for distributor Overture Films.
In its first weekend of wide expansion, Paranormal Activity [PNACT] scared up $20.1 million from just 760 theaters. The low-budget R-rated horror film has already earned $33.7 million.
The Stepfather [STPFT] did not wilt in the presence of Paranormal Activity. The PG-13 rated horror film debuted with a better than expected $12.3 million.
Last weekend’s top film Couples Retreat [CPLRT] declined 48% to $17.9 million.
| Rank | TITLE | F-S-S | TOTAL |
| 1 | WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE | $32,470,000 | $32,470,000 |
| 2 | LAW ABIDING CITIZEN | $21,250,000 | $21,250,000 |
| 3 | PARANORMAL ACTIVITY | $20,163,000 | $33,717,000 |
| 4 | COUPLES RETREAT | $17,948,685 | $63,339,030 |
| 5 | THE STEPFATHER | $12,300,000 | $12,300,000 |
| 6 | CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS | $8,100,000 | $108,284,000 |
| 7 | ZOMBIELAND | $7,800,000 | $60,823,000 |
| 8 | TOY STORY/TOY STORY 2 3-D | $3,011,000 | $28,594,000 |
| 9 | SURROGATES | $1,922,000 | $36,322,000 |
| 10 | THE INVENTION OF LYING | $1,905,000 | $15,495,000 |
Source: Exhibitor Relations Co.
Tag(s): WILD, SJONZ, LACTZ, PNACT, STPFT, CPLRT