'Van Helsing' stakes its claim: $54.2 million :: Namibia Internet Gateway cc ::

Articles: 'Van Helsing' stakes its claim: $54.2 million

Posted by admin on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 02:01 AM

Universal Pictures' big-budget horror adventure "Van Helsing" kicked off the summer movie season over the weekend with an estimated $54.2 million in ticket sales for an easy win over the competition.
"Van Helsing" also opened internationally in 41 territories, where it made another $53 million for a three-day worldwide total of $107.2 million. Written and directed by Stephen Sommers, the film pits Hugh Jackman's title character against Frankenstein's monster and the Wolfman, in addition to Dracula and his brides. "The end result clearly shows that this is a brand that has global appeal," said Nikki Rocco, Universal's president of distribution. "What's beautiful about this is that it's so appealing to young people, and there's nothing offensive for family audiences." Universal had been conservative in its box office projections, saying "Van Helsing" would open somewhere between 2001's "The Mummy Returns" ($68.1 million) and 1999's "The Mummy," ($43.3 million), two other Universal films directed by Sommers which had also opened in the month of May. The vampire slaying film had the fourth-highest opening debut for a film bowing in the first weekend in May and ranked 12th among all May openings. "They didn't say it would be the biggest blockbuster of all time or set unrealistic expectations," said box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations Co. "It seems that you have to make at least $50 million if you are a so-called event movie in the summer in order to not be considered a disappointment. Every summer movie gets held to a higher summer standard." Warner Bros.' attempt at counterprogramming "Van Helsing" with the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen adventure comedy "New York Minute" flopped. The first feature film headlined by the famous twins opened in fourth place, with just $6.2 million in estimated ticket sales. "It just came into a very competitive marketplace in terms of the female audience," Dergarabedian said. "They are being pulled in a lot of different directions." "Minute" obviously suffered from the continued popularity of "Mean Girls," which appeals to the same young female demographic. "Girls" slipped a notch to second place, as it brought in an estimated $14 million. The cumulative gross for the Paramount Pictures release stands at $42.3 million after two weeks. Denzel Washington's "Man On Fire" finished in third place, earning an estimated $7.9 million. The 20th Century Fox release has grossed $56 million to date. Rounding out the top five is the Jennifer Garner comedy "13 Going on 30." The Sony Pictures Entertainment release grossed an estimated $5.5 million for a cumulative gross of $42.5 million. As Hollywood shifts into high gear with an endless stream of ambitious films in the weeks and months ahead, "Van Helsing" will not have such a wide berth at the box office for very long. On Friday, Warner Bros. will release its epic "Troy," starring Brad Pitt, to be followed five days later by DreamWorks' "Shrek 2."

· 94 Reads ·