Tweet

 

This past weekend, theaters were filled with talking fish, zombies, and a film rumored to be about Scientology. While the zombies of Resident Evil: Retribution swept the box office, Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master opened to a whopping $729,745. The film only opened in five theaters, in New York and Los Angeles, and set a new record for the opening of an art house film.

 

The Master, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, beat out Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom for an exclusive opening. The film, which has gained a great deal of momentum after being shown at the Toronto and Venice film festivals, has been noted for its controversial script and show-stopping performances by Oscar winner Hoffman and nominee Phoenix.

 

Elsewhere, Retribution took in an estimated $21.1 million at 3,012 locations. It has been predicted that the film will rake in even more money overseas, as the film opened to $10.3 million in Japan and $8.5 million in Russia. Part of this may be because of the support that star Milla Jovovich shows her fans, as well as the universal appeal of a tough gal taking down zombies. (Honestly, who doesn’t want to see that?)

 

As for Finding Nemo, a Pixar favorite, its re-release opened to $17.8 million. Fans of the film were drawn in by the new 3D aspect, as well as the opportunity to see their favorite fish (voiced by Albert Brooks and Ellen Degeneres) take on the Australian coast to find the adorable Nemo once more. The film manages to appeal to movie fans of all ages, and is known for being not only a family film but a great date night movie (like many of Pixar’s films).

 

What did YOU go to see this weekend?

 

 

- Sarah Osman, YH Staff