The Prawns Win

As expected, District 9 took first place this weekend at the U.S. box office.... G.I. Joe The Rise of Cobra takes #2

After you read my review of D-9...analysis follows...



Pamela McClintock of Variety:

Sony's high-concept, sci-fi thriller "District 9" grossed an impressive $37 million from 3,049 theaters to win the race at the domestic box office, largely on the strength of males.

Placing No. 2 for the weekend at the domestic B.O. was Paramount's "G.I. Joe: The Revenge of Cobra," which fell 59% to an estimated $22.5 million from 4,007 theaters for a cume of $98.8 million.

It was a busy weekend at the domestic box as four other new releases opened in addition to "District 9."

Warner Bros. and New Line's romantic drama "The Time Traveler's Wife" came in No. 3, grossing an estimated $19 million from 2,988 runs.

Paramount Vantage's "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" did only modest biz in its opening, grossing an estimated $5.3 million from 1,838 runs to place No. 6 for the sesh.

Disney's "Ponyo" grossed an estimated $3.5 million from 927 screns in its debut to come in No.9.

Not making the top 10 chart in its bow was Summit Entertainment and Walden Media's teen musical-driven comedy "Bandslam," which grossed $2.3 million from 2,121 theaters.

EW's John Young: Low-budget, critically acclaimed movie with no stars, unknown director earns $37M for weekend's top spot...

Plus--Critics Lisa Schwarzbaum and Owen Gleiberman of EW on what makes D-9 so special ...