Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” held onto the top spot for the third weekend in a row at the U.S. domestic box-office, holding steady against key newcomers “Django Unchained” and “Les Miserables” which still pulled in impressive numbers.
Dropping just 11% from last weekend, “The Hobbit” took an estimated $ 32.9 million which gives it a total thus far of $ 222.7 million.
Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” scored an estimated $ 30.7 million in its first weekend and, with its mid-week opening numbers added, already has grossed around $ 64 million. That puts it well ahead of “Inglourious Basterds” at the same point in time a few years ago with ‘Django’ likely to become QT’s highest-grossing movie.
“Les Miserables” came in third with $ 28 million, giving it a six-day total thus far of $ 67.5 million. The film is expected to double that by the end of its run.
The Billy Crystal-Bette Midler comedy “Parental Guidance” also did better than expected with $ 14.8 million over the weekend and a $ 29.6 million total thus far. The Tom Cruise-led “Jack Reacher” dropped 10% to $ 14 million, giving it a $ 44.7 million total so far.
“This Is 40” actually improved by 14% from last week with an additional $ 13.2 million over the weekend. Its total remains a fairly anaemic $ 37.1 million, but it will outgross Apatow’s “Funny People”.
Finally, “Skyfall” passed the $ 1 billion worldwide mark and is on track to surpass “The Dark Knight” by next week.
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