It appears that America had an appetite for evil this weekend as Anthony Hopkins' devlish thriller scared up a number one debut. Elsewhere, horny Natalie Portman tussled with well-armed Jason Statham, as No Strings Attached and The Mechanic came in at two and three, respectively. Your weekend receipts are here.
1. The Rite
Gross: $15,005,000 (new)
Screens: 2,985 (PSA: $5,027)
Weeks: 1
As you might be able to guess from a quick glimpse at Rotten Tomatoes, this is a stinker of a film. So, I'll just put this clip from a much better Satan-tinged movie right here. You're welcome.
2. No Strings Attached
Gross: $13,650,000 ($39,742,000)
Screens: 3,022 (PSA: $4,517)
Weeks: 2 (change: -30.5%)
America, take advantage of this attractive couple that would make sense in real life while you can. Next week, the movies will ask you to believe that Brooklyn Decker and Jennifer Aniston find pudgy, schlumpy Adam Sandler sexually irresistible.
3. The Mechanic
Gross: $11,500,000 (new)
Screens: 2,703 (PSA: $4,205)
Weeks: 1
I actually liked this movie, though it's not what I would call Oscarbait. Ben Foster and Jason Statham are two of my favorite actors, and sometimes, you just wanna sit back, watch sh*t blow up and see a dude kill another dude with home improvement tools.
4. The Green Hornet
Gross: $11,500,000 ($78,800,000)
Screens: 3,524 (PSA: $3,263)
Weeks: 3 (change: -34.9%)
Reading the casting new for the latest superhero movie, I realized that Henry Cavill would've made a great Green Hornet. As would almost anyone else. Dakota Fanning? Better than Seth Rogen! John Goodman? Better than Seth Rogen! Recently deceased Barbara Billingsley? The CGI budget would be bigger, but still! Better than lazy, limited, Seth Rogen!
5. The King's Speech
Gross: $11,102,000 ($72,217,000)
Screens: 2,557 PSA: $4,342)
Weeks: 10 (change: +41.3%)
And while I'm kicking dirt on them, do you think the producers of The Green Hornet are pleased that The King's Speech will almost certainly outgross their 3D superhero movie?
[Numbers via Box Office Mojo]