‘Tropic Thunder’ Rolls

Published by Jeff Leins on August 24, 2008

Four new wide releases this weekend took a backseat to last week’s opener Tropic Thunder, which rolled to the top spot again with an estimated $16.1 million.

The R-rated comedy had no trouble overcoming the controversy from protesting minority groups, dropping only 38% from last weekend on its way to a $65.7 million total. With no Michael Phelps to compete with this time, it gathered more business against a packed crowd of newcomers.

The House Bunny lead on Friday, but its limited female audience wasn’t able to give it more than $15.1 million. It didn’t open on enough theaters to win, but in “per theater average” it pulled impressive numbers. Anna Faris stars, but it’s also the debut of “American Idol” runner-up Katherine McPhee. Because if you can come in second on a TV singing competition, why shouldn’t you get acting roles? The PG-13 comedy is about a former Playboy bunny that moves into a sorority house. Playboy? What year is it?

Still, it did much better than expected, beating Death Race, the remake driving movie experts favored to win the weekend. The R-rated movie from Paul W.S. “Not the Good One” Anderson (Alien vs. Predator) made only $12.3 million.

Next up was The Dark Knight, which has barely made any money at all. It added $10.3 million to its measly $489 million total. It’s only the second largest movie of all time.

Feel-good sports movie The Longshots came in eighth with just $4.3 million. The PG movie was directed by Fred Durst formerly of the band “Limp Bizkit” and stars Ice Cube. I’ll wait why you laugh… It’s ok, go ahead… Ok, now the neighbors can hear you.

The last wide opener was The Rocker starring Rainn Wilson from “The Office.” It bombed in 12th place with a terrible $2.8 million. It only averaged $987 per theater over the weekend. To be fair, it opened on Wednesday when it made $577,000. I guess we won’t be seeing anymore movies with Wilson headlining.

1. Tropic Thunder $16.1 million
2. The House Bunny $15.1 million
3. Death Race $12.3 million
4. The Dark Knight $10.3 million
5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars $5.7 million
6. Pineapple Express $5.6 million
7. Mirrors $4.9 million
8. The Longshots $4.3 million
9. Mamma Mia! $4.3 million
10. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor $4.1 million