Despite a severe snow storm that shut down theaters on the Eastern Seaboard, Avatar [AVATR] grossed an estimated $73.0 million at the weekend box office. James Cameron [JCAME] directed the sci-fi adventure that utilized the latest in 3D and performance-capture technology. 3D screens accounted for 71% of the ticket sales. With stellar reviews and word of mouth, Avatar should exhibit long legs at the box office.
Last weekend's top film, The Princess and the Frog [FROGP] declined 50% to $12.2 million. The last shopping weekend before Christmas as well as the snow storm may have limited family outings to the Disney animated film.
The Blind Side [BLDSD] is still holding strong, tackling abother $10.0 million in its fifth weekend. The football drama now stands at $164.7 million.
Did You Hear About the Morgans? [MRGNS] debuted in fourth place with a weak $7.0 million. The romantic comedy does not seem to hold much appeal with moviegoers.
| Rank | TITLE | F-S-S | TOTAL |
| 1 | AVATAR | $73,000,000 | $73,000,000 |
| 2 | THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG | $12,224,000 | $44,756,000 |
| 3 | THE BLIND SIDE | $10,030,000 | $164,734,000 |
| 4 | DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS? | $7,000,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 5 | THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON | $4,370,000 | $274,560,721 |
| 6 | INVICTUS | $4,170,000 | $15,845,000 |
| 7 | DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL | $3,419,000 | $130,789,000 |
| 8 | UP IN THE AIR | $3,100,000 | $8,106,000 |
| 9 | BROTHERS | $2,630,000 | $22,090,000 |
| 10 | OLD DOGS | $2,289,000 | $43,574,000 |
| 11 | 2012 | $2,150,000 | $158,974,000 |
| 12 | ARMORED | $1,225,000 | $14,195,000 |
Source: Exhibitor Relations Co.
Tag(s): AVATR, JCAME, FROGP, BLDSD, MRGNS