Hitch~ Biggest Romantic Comedy Debut

[Dapper Dan]

Hitch is Biggest Romantic Comedy Debut


Source: ComingSoon.net
February 14, 2005


Columbia Pictures' Hitch (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5800), starring Will Smith (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8351#), debuted in first place with an estimated $45.3 million from 3,575 theaters. The $70 million-budgeted film surpassed last year's Sony release 50 First Dates (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8351#) ($39.9 million) to become the biggest opening for a romantic comedy ever. With Valentine's Day falling on Monday this year, Hitch (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5800) can expect to see a big number for tomorrow as well. The movie also marks the third-biggest opening for the month of February, trailing only Hannibal ($58 milllion) and The Passion of The Christ (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8351#) ($83.8 million).

Sony claimed the first three spots at the box office, which hasn't happened since 1989 when Universal Pictures ruled with Sea of Love, Uncle Buck, and Parenthood. The studio's Boogeyman (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5092) was down a respectable 43% and earned $10.8 million in its second weekend. The $20 million horror movie (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8351#) has collected $33.3 million so far. Third place belonged to Are We There Yet? (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5446), which added $8.5 million and has earned $61.5 million in four weeks.

Out of the Oscar nominees, Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=6264) performed best with $7.6 million in week nine. The $30 million drama has garnered $45 million.

Disney's new animated Pooh's Heffalump Movie (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=6978) rounded out the top five, earning $6 million from 2,529 theaters. The latest in the Winnie the Pooh series was made for about $20 million.

In limited release, Magnolia's Ong-Back: The Thai Warrior (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5220) earned $1.3 million from 387 theaters, Miramax's Bride & Prejudice (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=4613) collected $388,000 from just 32 theaters for a big $12,125 average, and Universal documentary INSIDE Deep Throat (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=7518) made $91,000 from only 12 theaters.

Click here (http://www.comingsoon.net/boxoffice/2005/feb11.php) for the full box office estimates of the top twelve films.

[Dapper Dan]

Hitch Sets New Valentine's Day Record


Source: Columbia Pictures
February 15, 2005




Columbia Pictures' hit romantic comedy (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8379#) Hitch (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5800) generated $7,515,442 on Monday, becoming the biggest midweek Valentine's Day ever at the nation's movie (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8379#) theaters, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, Vice Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The Will Smith (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8379#) romantic comedy directed by Andy Tennant has earned $50,657,656 since opening on Friday. The film set the record over the weekend as the biggest opening ever for a romantic comedy with $43,142,214.

"Audiences are clearly falling in love with Hitch," said Blake. "It's winning combination of comedy and romance made it a perfect choice for Valentine's, or any other day when you are looking for a fun time at the movies."

The previous record high for a Valentine's Day falling on midweek was set by Hannibal (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8379#) on February 14, 2001, when that film earned $5,097,007.

The strong midweek business for Hitch (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5800) continues to position the film well as the comedy heads into the four day President's day weekend.

Hitch (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5800) is the third straight #1 film released by Sony Pictures in 2005. The studio also scored a rare trifecta at the box office this past weekend by releasing the #1, #2 and #3 movies with Hitch (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5800), Boogeyman (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5092), and Are We There Yet? (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5446) The trifecta is first time the same studio has fielded the top 3 films in the past 15 years.

In Hitch (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5800), Will Smith stars as Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, a true urban myth -- a legendary New York City "date doctor" who, for a fee has helped hundreds of men woo the women of their dreams. The ultimate professional bachelor, Hitch discovers that all of his tried and true tricks of the trade are no match for Sara (Eva Mendes), the one woman he truly loves. The film is written by Kevin Bisch and produced by James Lassiter, Will Smith and Teddy Zee.