From the department of easy to write openings:** Kick-Ass** didn’t exactly punch above its weight this weekend across the pond, with early estimates forecasting that it’ll lose the top spot to DreamWorks’ How To Train Your Dragon.
The animated adventure soared back up to the top of the charts, earning $20 million this weekend, compared to the comic book pic’s $19.75 million. That could all change by Monday when the final tallies are counted, but it’s not looking great for Matthew Vaughn’s film. Still, given Kick-Ass’ relatively low cost, perhaps word of mouth will give it some legs and it’ll end up in profit.
Date Night dropped to third place with $17.3 million, but that was enough to keep it ahead of new arrival Death At A Funeral, which despite healthy reviews, could only launch in fourth place with $17 million.
Fifth was Clash Of The Titans, which has begun to sink faster, making $15.7 million in its third week.
The rest of the chart runs thusly – The Last Song in sixth, Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too at seventh, Hot Tub Time Machine eighth, Alice In Wonderland at ninth and The Bounty Hunter lounging at 10th.
Your full chart for those inclined to analysis can be found at Box Office Mojo.
UPDATE: Good new, Kick-Ass fans! The final tally has indeed changed the box office results for the weekend, with **Kick-Ass **snatching a wafer-thin victory over Dragon with $19.8 million compared to the CG 'toon's $19.6 million. What's with all the photo finishes and sudden reversals? Oh, well - we're pleased for Matthew Vaughn and the Kick-Ass crew.