U.S Box Office Report - 28th - 30th December 2012

1. The Hobbit - $32.9M - $222.7M
2. Django Unchained - $30.6M - $64M
3. Les Miserables - $28M - $67.4M
4. Parental Guidance -$14.8M - $29.5M
5. Jack Reacher - $14M - $44.7M
6. This Is Forty - $13.1M - $37.1M
7. Lincoln - $7.5M - $132M
8. The Guilt Trip - $6.7M - $21.1M
9. Monsters Inc 3D - $6.3M - $18.4M
10. Rise of the Guardians - $4.9M - $90.3M

A much shorter report this weekend as the huge box office review usually replaces the final report of the year (Still available here) . Three new movies saw release on Christmas Day and with many people taking the entire week off, all films, both old and new, received a boost. Ahead into the new year, we have at least 12 major releases within the first month, with an equally busy February.

The Box Office Review of 2012

1. The Avengers - $207M - $623M - $1.51B
2. The Dark Knight Rises - $160M - $448M - $1.08B
3. The Hunger Games -$152M - $408M - $686M
4. Skyfall - $88M - $289M - $1B*
5. Breaking Dawn 2 - $141M - $286M - $797M*
6. The Amazing Spider-Man - $62M - $262M - $752M
7. Brave - $66M - $237M - $535M
8. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey  - $84.6M - $222M - $686M *
9. Ted - $54M - $218M - $501M
10. Madagascar 3 - $60M - $216M - $742M

[Figure Key: Opening weekend / Domestic Total / Worldwide Total] *Denotes films still on release - List ordered by U.S figures.

Welcome to the Box office review of 2012. It's been another huge year for film, with 2012 having more than its fair share of hits (and misses). There were a few surprises too, as well as more than a couple of upsets. 3D might not have yet had its day, but the public were certainly more wary of the format than they'd been in previous years. Sequels were popular, remakes less so and the overseas market proved yet again to be invaluable to studios - especially those in need of a hit. So, without further ado, here are the big hitters, the failures and everything in between at the box office in 2012.

U.S Box Office Report - 21st - 23rd December 2012

1. The Hobbit - $36.7M - $149.85M
2. Jack Reacher - $15.6M - $15.6M
3. This Is Forty - $12M - $12M
4. Rise of the Guardians - $5.9M - $79.6M
5. Lincoln - $5.6M - $116.7M
6. The Guilt Trip - $5.3M - $7.4M
7. Monsters Inc 3D - $5M - $6.5M
8. Skyfall - $4.7M - $279.7M
9. Life of Pi -$3.8M - $76.1M
10. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - $2.6M - $281.6M

Welcome to the first mini box office report. It's been a busy few days, we've already had two major releases on Wednesday (The Guilt Trip, Monsters Inc 3D) which were joined by three more on Friday in the guise of Jack Reacher, This is Forty and Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away. The well-reviewed Zero Dark Thirty also made its debut at five theatres while The Impossible opened at fifteen. Being so close to the holidays, all the new and existing releases had to contend with not only each other but festive shopping and travelling this weekend, though the coming week should be lucrative for all.

U.S Box Office Report - 14th - 16th December 2012

1. The Hobbit - $84.7M - $84.7M
2. Rise of the Guardians - $7.4M - $71.3M
3. Lincoln - $7.2M - $107.8M
4. Skyfall - $7M - $272.3M
5. Life of Pi -$5.4M - $69.5M
6. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - $5.1M - $276.8M
7. Wreck-It Ralph - $3.27M - $168.7M
8. Playing For Keeps - $3.2M - $10.8M
9. Red Dawn - $2.3M - $40.8M
10. Silver Linings Playbook - $2M - $16.9M

[This week's report is a Hobbit Special Edition. If you wish to skip this section, please scroll down to the ---------- Thank you]

Only one release this weekend but it's one of the biggest and most eagerly awaited of 2012. Peter Jackson unleashes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey into over 4,000 theatres and will be hoping to emulate the success of his Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Ahead we've got a few busy weeks despite the impending holiday. The Guilt Trip, starring Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogen bows on Wednesday, while Tom Cruise appears as Jack Reacher on Friday, joined by Judd Apatow's This Is Forty. Beyond next weekend things are just as busy, with both major and limited releases. But back to this week, and the tale of a Hobbit called Bilbo...

U.S Box Office Report - 7th - 9th December 2012

1. Skyfall - $11M - $261.6M
2. Rise of the Guardians - $10.5M - $61.9M
3. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - $9.2M - $268.7M
4. Lincoln - $9.1M - $97.3M
5. Life of Pi -$8.3M - $60.9M
6. Playing For Keeps - $6M - $6M
7. Wreck-It Ralph - $4.9M - $164.4M
8. Red Dawn - $4.2M - $37.2M
9. Flight - $3.1M - $86.2M
10. Killing Them Softly - $2.7M - $11.8M

We're now in the calm before the storm. This weekend in December is generally the quietest of the entire year. There's rarely more than a single wide release, and 2012 is no different, with rom-com Playing For Keeps being the only new offering this weekend. Next  Friday sees the long-awaited release of Peter Jackon's The Hobbit, followed by Judd Apatow's This Is 40, The Guilt Trip, Jack Reacher and many others, leading into a very busy holiday period.

U.S Box Office Report - 30th Nov - 2nd Dec 2012

1. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - $17.4M - $254.6M
2. Skyfall - $17M - $246M
3. Lincoln - $13.5M - $83.6M
4. Rise of the Guardians - $13.5M - $48.9M
5. Life of Pi -$12M - $48.4M
6. Wreck-It Ralph - $7M - $158.2M
7. Killing Them Softly - $7M - $7M
8. Red Dawn - $6.5M - $31.3M
9. Flight - $4.5M - $81.5M
10. The Collection - $3.4M - $3.4M

A relatively light box office report this weekend with just two new wide releases. Killing Them Softly and horror sequel, The Collection would do battle with a very strong top three that had already managed to see off the big flicks over Thanksgiving. Breaking Dawn 2 and Skyfall would be looking to build upon their success, while Rise of the Guardians hoped for a recovery after last weekend's disappointing debut. Ahead we have comedy Playing For Keeps, followed by The Hobbit a week later.

U.S Box Office Report - 23rd - 25th November 2012

1. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - $43M - $226.9M
2. Skyfall - $36M - $221.7M
3. Lincoln - $25M - $62.1M
4. Rise of the Guardians - $24M - $32.5M
5. Life of Pi -$22M - $30.2M
6. Wreck-It Ralph - $16.7M - $149.5M
7. Red Dawn - $14.6M - $22M
8. Flight - $8.6M - $74.8M
9. Silver Linings Playbook - $4.6M - $6.2M
10. Argo - $3.8M - $98.1M

With Thanksgiving this past week, the three major releases this frame made their bow on Wednesday, hoping to cash-in on the free time people may have. But the new flicks wouldn't have the box office all to themselves, finding tough competition in the guise of Breaking Dawn 2, Skyfall and Lincoln. We're heading for a couple of relatively quiet weekends, before Peter Jackson unleashes The Hobbit on December 14th, after which we'll get seven major releases within the space of just two weeks.

U.S Box Office Report - 16th - 18th November 2012

1. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - $141.3M - $141.3M
2. Skyfall - $41.5M - $161.3M
3. Lincoln - $21M - $22.4M
4. Wreck-It Ralph - $18.3M - $121.4M
5. Flight - $8.6M - $61.3M
6. Argo - $4M - $92M
7. Taken 2 - $2.1M - $134.6M
8. Pitch Perfect - $1.26M - $62M
9. Here Comes The Boom - $1.2M - $41M
10. Hotel Transylvania -$900K - $142.6M
10. Cloud Atlas - $900K - $24.8M
10. The Sessions - $900K - $2.8M

Another big weekend was on the cards as Summit unleashed the final movie in the Twilight franchise, Breaking Dawn Part 2. Edward and Bella would be up against the second frame of Skyfall, which had opened to the best numbers of any film in the series' 50 year history. Steven Spielberg's Lincoln would also be expanding this week after its strong debut at eleven theatres. Ahead and three new releases join the fray on Wednesday, prior to the lucrative Thanksgiving holiday, including the long-delayed Red Dawn remake and Ang Lee's adaptation of Life of Pi.

U.S Box Office Report - 9th - 11th November 2012

1. Skyfall - $87.8M - $90M
2. Wreck-It Ralph - $33.1M - $93.6M
3. Flight - $15.1M - $47.7M
4. Argo - $6.7M - $85.7M
5. Taken 2 - $4M - $131.2M
6. Here Comes The Boom - $2.55M - $39M
7. Cloud Atlas - $2.5M - $22.7M
8. Pitch Perfect - $2.5M - $52.6M
9. The Man With The Iron Fists - $2.4M - $12.6M
10. Hotel Transylvania - $2.3M - $140.9M

Only one major release this weekend, but it was expected to be a big one. Having wooed international audiences, Skyfall was set to debut at 3,505 locations. It would be up against the second frame of two pictures that impressed last weekend, Flight and Wreck-It Ralph, both of which would be hoping to keep their falls to a minimum. In limited release we also have Steven Spielberg's long-awaited Lincoln. Ahead to next weekend, there's the final part of the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn part 2, followed by The Life of Pi and Rise of the Guardians a week later.

U.S Box Office Report - 2nd - 4th November 2012

1. Wreck-It Ralph - $49.1M - $49.1M
2. Flight - $4M - $4M
3. Argo - $10.2M - $75.8M
4. The Man With The Iron Fists - $8.2M - $8.2M
5. Taken 2 - $6M - $125.6M
6. Cloud Atlas - $5.2M - $18.2M
7. Hotel Transylvania - $4.5M - $137.5M
8. Paranormal Activity 4 - $4.3M - $49.5M
9. Here Comes The Boom - $5M - $39.5M
10. Silent Hill: Revelation - $8M - $8M

After disappointment by all the new releases last frame, studios will be hoping for something of a rebound this weekend, but are aware that the effects of last week's terrible storm are still being felt by many. The big release is the animated family feature Wreck-It Ralph, joined by Robert Zemeckis' return to live action fare with Flight, and the directorial debut of the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA with martial arts mash-up The Man with The Iron Fists. This weekend marks the start of a big movie run, which will lead right up to Christmas Day. Next week brings us the 23rd James Bond film Skyfall, followed a week later by the final Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn Part 2. Further ahead there's the long-delayed Red Dawn remake, literary adaptation Life of Pi and the animated Rise of the Guardians.

U.S Box Office Report - 26th - 28th October 2012

1. Argo - $12.3M - $60.7M
2. Hotel Transylvania - $9.5M - $130.4M
3. Cloud Atlas - $9.4M - $9.4M
4. Paranormal Activity 4 - $8.6M - $42.6M
5. Silent Hill: Revelation - $8M - $8M
6. Taken 2 - $8M - $117.3M
7. Here Comes The Boom - $5.5M - $30.6M
8. Sinister - $5M - $39.5M
9. Alex Cross - $5M - $19M
10. Fun Size - $4M - $4M
(13. Chasing Mavericks - $2.2M - $2.2M)

Another busy weekend at the movies with four wide opening releases all set to take on Paranormal Activity 4 and the still white-hot Argo. The audacious Cloud Atlas was set to clash with the Silent Hill sequel, teen comedy Fun Size and real life drama, Chasing Mavericks. Not only would they need to contend with each other but the very real danger created by Storm Sandy attacking huge areas of North America. Next week brings another three releases hoping for glory, with Wreck-It Ralph already expected to see a comfortable victory. But back to this frame, and the now three-week old Argo...

U.S Box Office Report - 19th - 21st October 2012

1. Paranormal Activity 4 - $30.2M - $30.2M
2. Argo - $16.6M - $43.2M
3. Hotel Transylvania - $13.5M - $119M
4. Taken 2 - $13.4M - $106M
5. Alex Cross - $11.7M - $11.7M
6. Sinister - $9M - $31.9M
7. Here Comes The Boom - $8.5M - $23.2M
8. Pitch Perfect - $7M - $45.8M
9. Frankenweenie - $4.4M - $28.3M
10. Looper - $4.2M - $57.8M

With Halloween almost upon us, Paramount roll out the big guns this frame in the guise of the fourth Paranormal Activity movie - but would audiences once again return? Elsewhere, Tyler Perry takes on the role of Alex Cross, a character first bought to the screen by Morgan Freeman. Ahead to next week and we have Tom Twyker/Wachowski Starship's audacious collaboration Cloud Atlas. Joining that will be the Silent Hill sequel, Revelations, Nickelodeon comedy Fun Time and Chasing Mavericks, a surfing drama starring Gerard Butler.

U.S Box Office Report - 12th - 14th October 2012

1. Taken 2 - $22.5M - $86.7M
2. Argo - $20.1M - $20.1M
3. Sinister - $18.25M - $18.25M
4. Hotel Transylvania - $17.3M - $102.2M
5. Here Comes The Boom - $12M - $12M
6. Pitch Perfect - $9.3M - $36M
7. Frankenweenie - $7M - $22M
8. Looper - $6.3M - $51.4M
9. Seven Psychopaths- $4.2M - $4.2M
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower - $2.1M - $6.1M

A busy weekend, with three features opening in over 2,500 theatres, along with another two at 1,000 locations or more. Argo, Sinister and Here Comes The Boom were all set to battle Liam Neeson and Taken 2, with Seven Psychopaths and Atlas Shrugged: Part 2 set to back them up. And after narrowly missing out on a top ten place last weekend, The Perks of a Wallflower gives it one more go as it expands into 726 screens. Ahead to next Friday and we have the return of the Paranormal Activity franchise and the Alex Cross reboot that will see Tyler Perry stepping out of his comfort zone for the first time.

U.S Box Office Report - 5th - 7th October 2012

1. Taken 2 - $50M - $50M
2. Hotel Transylvania - $26.3M - $75.9M
3. Pitch Perfect - $14.7M - $21.5M
4. Looper - $12.2M - $40.3M
5. Frankenweenie - $11.5M - $11.5M
6. End of Watch - $4M - $32.8M
7. Trouble with the Curve - $3.8M - $29.7M
8. House at the End of the Street - $3.6M - $27.5M
9. The Master - $1.8M - $12.3M
10. Finding Nemo - $1.55M - $38.9M

Another strong weekend was on the cards, as along with Tim Burton's Frankweenie and the return of Liam Neeson in Taken 2, last weekend's surprise chart entry, Pitch Perfect expanded into wide release. They're all taking on the second frame for Looper and the record breaking Hotel Transylvania. Ahead to next week and we have four major releases, including Ben Affleck's Argo, Sinister and comedy, Here Comes The Boom.

U.S Box Office Report - 28th - 30th September 2012

1. Hotel Transylvania - $43M - $43M
2. Looper - $21.2M - $21.2M
3. End of Watch - $8M - $26.2M
4. Trouble with the Curve - $7.3M - $23.7M
5. House at the End of the Street - $7.1M - $22.2M
6. Pitch Perfect - $5.2M - $5.2M
7. Finding Nemo 3D - $4M - $4M
8. Resident Evil: Retribution - $3M - $38.7M
9. The Master - $2.74M - $9.6M
10. Won't Back Down - $2.7M - $2.7M

After the photo finish last frame, things looked to be a bit more clear cut this week, with three new wide releases vying for attention. The family market gets another spooky entry in the guise of Hotel Transylvania while time travel flick Looper was hoping there was still an audience willing to take a chance on a complex, genre bending thriller. There was space for drama too, in the form of Won't Back Down. All three would be up against End of Watch, which finished up on top last weekend. However a limited release would make more than a few headlines.

U.S Box Office Report - 21st - 23rd September 2012

1. House at the End of the Street - $13M - $13M
1. End of Watch - $13M - $13M
3. Trouble with the Curve - $12.7M - $12.7M
4. Finding Nemo 3D - $9.4M - $29.9M
5. Resident Evil 5 - $6.7M - $33.4M
6. Dredd - $6.3M - $6.3M
7. The Master - $5M - $6M
8. The Possession - $2.6M - $45.2M
9. Lawless - $2.3M - $34.9M
10. ParaNorman - $2.2M - $52.5M

A busy weekend at the box office, with four major releases battling it out. They were joined by The Master, which expanded into 788 locations after a stunning debut last week and the second frame for Resident Evil: Retribution. Next week is almost as busy, with the much-anticipated Looper, CGI family film Hotel Transylvania and drama Won't Back Down all entering the fray. But back to this week, and the three way battle for the top spot, which was so close it won't actually be settled until tomorrow, when the 'actual' weekend figures are issued.

U.S Box Office Report - 14th - 16th September 2012

1. Resident Evil: Retribution - $21.1M - $21.1M
2. Finding Nemo (3D) - $17.5M - $17.5M
3. The Possession - $5.8M - $41.2M
4. Lawless - $4.2M - $30.1M
5. ParaNorman - $3M - $49.3M
6. The Expendables 2 - $3M - $80.3M
7. The Words - $2.8M - $9.1M
8. The Bourne Legacy - $2.8M - $107.8M
9. The Odd Life of Timothy Green - $2.5M - $46.2M
10. The Campaign - $2.4M - $82.8M

After the poor showing last weekend, studios are hoping for better results with this week's releases, which include the fifth Resident Evil movie, a 3D re-release of Finding Nemo and the limited roll out of The Master. Four new releases next weekend will also ensure a busier top ten than seen in recent times. Further ahead we have the highly anticipated Looper, followed a week later by the return of Liam Neeson in Taken 2.

U.S Box Office Report - 7th - 9th September 2012

1. The Possession - $9.5M - $33.3M
2. Lawless - $6M - $23.5M
3. The Words - $5M - $5M
4. The Expendables 2 - $4.7M - $75.4M
5. The Bourne Legacy - $4M - $103.6M
6. ParaNorman - $3.8M - $45M
7. The Odd Life of Timothy Green - $3.6M - $43M
8. The Campaign - $3.5M - $79.4M
9. The Dark Knight Rises - $3.2M - $437.8M
10. 2016: Obama's America - $3.2M - $26M
(13. The Cold Light of Day - $1.8M - $1.8M)

A relatively quiet weekend with just two major releases, only one of which is out to a substantial number of screens. Hollywood is still stuck in the doldrums, though hopes are high box office-wise for next weekend's releases, the fifth Resident Evil film and the 3D re-release of Finding Nemo. But back to this week, and the very real chance that no single film would make $10M, something that hadn't happened since 2008 when Nic Cage's Bangkok Dangerous debuted at no.1 with just $7.7M.

U.S Box Office Report - 31st Aug - 2nd Sept 2012

1. The Possession -  $17.7M - $17.7M
2. Lawless - $9.7M - $11.8M
3. The Expendables 2 - $8.8M - $66.1M
4. The Bourne Legacy - $7.2M - $96.1M
5. ParaNorman - $6.5M - $38M
6. The Odd Life of Timothy Green - $6M - $35.9M
7. The Dark Knight Rises - $5.8M - $431.1M
8. The Campaign - $5.4M - $73M
9. 2016: Obama's America - $5.1M - $18.2M
10. Hope Springs - $4.7M - $52M
(18. The Oogilives In The Big Balloon Adventure - $448K - $673K)

It's another mixed bag at the cinema this weekend, with serious drama and horror tussling with a brand new family film. Even with Monday being a holiday in the US, this frame was expected to be as equally poor as the last one in terms of box office takings. As we'll see, at least one of the new films became a record breaker - but for the wrong reasons. Next weekend brings us just one wide opening release, the Bradley Cooper flick, The Words, while further ahead we have the fifth Resident Evil film and the Finding Nemo 3D re-release.

U.S Box Office Report - 24th - 26th August 2012

1. The Expendables 2 - $13.5M - $52.3M
2. The Bourne Legacy - $9.2M - $85.4M
3. ParaNorman - $8.5M - $28.1M
4. The Campaign - $7.4M - $64.5M
5. The Dark Knight Rises - $7.15M - $422.2M
6. The Odd Life of Timothy Green - $7.12M - $27M
7. Premium Rush - $6.3M - $6.3M
8. 2016: Obama's America - $6.2M - $9M
9. Hope Springs - $6M - $45M
10. Hit and Run - $4.7M - $5.8M
(12. The Apparition - $2.9M - $2.9M)

A relatively low key weekend with just three releases, one of which is it at less than 1,000 locations. We're now in the tail end of August, where studios will often off-load movies that they're not quite sure what to do with. According to Box Office Prophets, last frame was only the second time that seven films made more than $10M. This weekend couldn't be further from that, as we will see. Next weekend isn't expected to be very much different,  with only Lawless looking to stand head and shoulders above the competition. But back to this frame and the big news wasn't to do with any of the new releases but a documentary that was already six weeks old....

U.S Box Office Report - 17th - 19th August 2012

1. Expendables 2 - $28.5M - $28.5M
2. The Bourne Legacy - $17M - $69.9M
3. ParaNorman - $14M - $14M
4. The Campaign - $13.3M - $51.6M
5. Sparkle - $12M - $12M
6. The Dark Knight Rises - $11.1M - $409.9M
7. The Odd Life of Timothy Green - $10.9M - $15.1M
8. Hope Springs - $9.1M - $35M
9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - $3.8M - $38.7M
10. Total Recall - $3.5M - $51.7M

Something for everyone this week, with four major releases and a potentially interesting limited one.  The Expendables 2 will be looking to open stronger than the first film, while ParaNorman offers fresh family entertainment. Meanwhile, Sparkle and The Odd Life of Timothy Green hope to play well as counter programming. They'll all be facing of against the second frame for The Bourne Legacy and The Campaign, two films which opened quite well last weekend. Next frame brings us action-comedy Hit & Run and the delayed Joseph Gordon-Levitt film, Premium Rush.

U.S Box Office Report - 10th - 12th August 2012

1. The Bourne Legacy - $40.2M - $40.2M
2. The Campaign - $27.4M - $27.4M
3. The Dark Knight Rises - $19.5M - $390.1M
4. Hope Springs - $15.6M - $20.1M
5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - $8.2M - $33.4M
6. Total Recall - $8.1M - $44.1M
7. Ice Age: Continental Drift - $6.7M - $144M
8. Ted - $3.2M - $209.9M
9. Step Up Revolution - $2.8M - $30.1M
10. The Watch - $2.2M - $31.3M

This week brings us three major releases, one opening Wednesday, the other two on Friday. The Bourne Legacy will be looking to finally knock the Batman off his perch and establish a Matt Damon-less franchise, while the makers of The Campaign hope the public aren't too tired of politics to come and see their movie. Meanwhile, Hope Springs, which opened midweek, entered the weekend with a few million dollars under its belt. How it would fare against the flashier releases, however, remained to be seen. Last weekend Total Recall got off to a poor start and would need all the help it could get just to stay above water, especially with the increased competition. Ahead on to next week, we have four new releases, including The Expendables sequel.

U.S Box Office Report - 3rd - 5th August 2012

1. The Dark Knight Rises - $36.4M - $354.6M
2. Total Recall - $26M - $26M
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - $14.7M - $14.7M
4. Ice Age: Continental Drift - $8.4M - $131.9M
5. The Watch - $6.4M - $25.4M
6. Ted - $5.4M - $203.4M
7. Step Up: Revolution - $5.3M - $23M
8. The Amazing Spider-Man - $4.3M - $250.6M
9. Brave - $2.8M - $223.3M
10. Magic Mike - $1.3M - $110.8M

Parts of this report have previously appeared at Mendelson's Memos

Blockbuster season begins its wind down as we enter August. Only a handful of major tent-pole releases remain, and they'll be surrounded by smaller films, along with those which the studios want to quietly offload. This week it's the turn of Sony's costly Total Recall re-imagining and the third in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Dog Days. Last week's openers, The Watch and Step Up Revolution will be hoping for anything they can get after such weak starts (especially for the former) while The Dark Knight Rises will be hoping to make three weeks at the top. Next weekend sees the release of The Bourne Legacy, along with the Will Ferrell/Zach Galifianakis comedy, The Campaign.

U.S Box Office Report - 27th - 29th July 2012

1. The Dark Knight Rises - $64M - $289M
2. Ice Age: Continental Drift - $13.3M - $114.8M
3. The Watch - $13M - $13M
4. Step Up: Revolution - $11.8M - $11.8M
5. Ted - $7.4M - $193.6M
6. The Amazing Spider-Man - $6.8M - $242M
7. Brave - $4.2M - $217.2M
8. Magic Mike - $2.5M - $107.5M
9. Savages - $1.8M - $43.9M
10. Moonrise Kingdom - $1.3M - $38.3M

Something of a shorter report than last weekend's epic Batman-themed one. Two new films joined the fray on Friday, but all eyes were on the second frame of The Dark Knight Rises. Events in Colorado left many wondering how it would affect the film's debut and opinions were mixed, though few could deny that its $160M start wasn't impressive on a number of levels. Looking ahead to next week, we have the costly Total Recall remake, followed seven days later by The Bourne Legacy, and then we're all but done with summer blockbuster season - unless a last minute sleeper turns up like The Help did back in August of 2011.

U.S Box Office Report - 20th - 22nd July 2012

The vast majority of this report was completed prior to the terrible events that took place in Colorado on Friday morning. My thoughts and sympathies are with those involved and affected by what occurred there. As a mark of respect, Warner Bros. opted not to issue weekend figures for The Dark Knight Rises, and they were joined in this by Rentrak, the industry-standard box office tracker, who announced they too, would not be issuing any box office figures until Monday.

This is now the full, updated report.

1. The Dark Knight Rises - $160.8M - $160.8M
2. Ice Age: Continental Drift - $20.4M - $88.8M
3. The Amazing Spider-Man - $10.8M - $228.6M
4. Ted - $10M - $180.4M
5. Brave - $6M - $208.7M
6. Magic Mike - $4.2M - $101.9M
7. Savages - $3.3M - $40M
8. Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection - $2.2M - $60.2M
9. Moonrise Kingdom - $1.8M - $36M
10. To Rome With Love - $1.4M - $11.1M

This report contains a history of Batman's journey on the screen, starting with his first appearance in 1943 and ending with the The Dark Knight Rises. Should you wish to skip this part of the article, please scroll down to the ---------------------. Thank You.

The Avengers aside, this is the weekend that cinemagoers have been waiting for since 2008, as Christopher Nolan returns with the final part of his Dark Knight trilogy. Studios know better than to risk a release up against it, and for those films already in theatres, the best they can do is hold on and hope for the best. The Dark Knight Rises was set to open incredibly wide and would be looking to surpass the $158M opening made by its prequel, while also hoping to take The Avenger's amazing three day record. Elsewhere, Ice Age: Continental Drift would be hoping to play as solid alternate programming, aiming to recover somewhat from its disappointing last frame, but ultimately, this weekend was all about the Batman.

U.S Box Office Report - 13th - 15th July 2012

1. Ice Age: Continental Drift - $46M - $46M
2. The Amazing Spider-Man - $35M - $200.8M
3. Ted - $22.1M - $158.9M
4. Brave - $10.7M - $195
5. Magic Mike - $9M - $91.8M
6. Savages - $8.7M - $31.4M
7. Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection - $5.6M -$55.6M
8. Katy Perry: Part of Me - $3.7M - $18.5M
9. Moonrise Kingdom - $3.6M - $32.4M
10. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted - $3.5M - $203.7M

Just the one new release this frame, in the guise of family film Ice Age: Continental Drift. While the sequel is expected to perform well, most eyes will be on The Amazing Spider-Man and how well it handles its second frame. Its opening few days were the source of much debate last week as to whether $137M was a great, or simply good start. Time is limited as we're now just four short days away from what is sure to be one of the biggest films of 2012, and certainly the most eagerly awaited - The Dark Knight Rises. Beyond that, we only have a few weeks of major releases before we hit the studio dumping ground of Mid-August.

U.S Box Office Report - 6th - 8th July 2012

1. The Amazing Spider-Man - $65M - $140M
2. Ted - $32.5M - $120.2M
3. Brave - $20.1M - $174.5M
4. Savages - $16.1M - $16.1M
5. Magic Mike - $15.6M - $72.7M
6. Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection - $10.2M - $45.8M
7. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted - $7.7M - $196M
8. Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D - $7.1M - $10.2M
9. Moonrise Kingdom - $4.6M - $26.9M
10. To Rome With Love - $3.5M - $5.2M

[This week's report contains an extended history on Spider-Man's journey to the screen. Should you wish to skip this part, please scroll down to the --------- line. Thank you]

After a surprising weekend last frame, with both Ted and Magic Mike wildly over-performing, all eyes have been on the Amazing Spider-Man since Tuesday. Arguably the second of the three biggest summer films (The Avengers being the first, Dark Knight Rises being the last), Sony had a lot riding on Marc Webb's reboot of the already hugely successful franchise. Elsewhere we had the Katy Perry concert movie, Part of Me, and a violent thriller from Oliver Stone in the guise of Savages. All that, and the second frames for last weekend's big openers.

U.S Box Office Report - 29th June - 1st July 2012

1. Ted - $54.1M - $54.1M
2. Magic Mike - $39.1M - $39.1M
3. Brave - $34M - $131.6M
4. Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection - $26.4M - $26.4M
5. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted - $11.8M - $180M
6. Abramham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - $6M - $29M
7. Prometheus - $4.92M - $118.2M
8. Moonrise Kingdom - $4.8M - $18.4M
9. Snow White and the Huntsman - $4.4M - $145.5M
10. People Like Us - $4.3M - $4.3M

After comfortably sliding into the top spot last frame, Brave will planning on staying there, at least for a few more days. It finds itself in mixed company this weekend in the guise of the R-rated Magic Mike and Ted. Joining those is the drama People Like Us and a return for Tyler Perry's Madea, in Madea's Witness Protection. Both old and new releases know they've only got until Tuesday to make as much money as possible before Sony unleash The Amazing Spider-Man, which will impact everything in the top ten, until the release of The Dark Knight Rises on July 20th. But back to this week, with Brave hoping to make it two for two...

U.S Box Office Report - 22nd - 24th June 2012

1. Brave - $66.7M - $66.7M
2. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted - $20.2M - $157.5M
3. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - $16.5M - $16.5M
4. Prometheus - $10M - $108.5M
5. Snow White and the Huntsman - $8M - $137M
6. Rock of Ages - $8M - $28.8M
8. That's My Boy - $7.9M - $28.1M
7. The Avengers - $7M - $598.2M
9. Men in Black III - $5.6M - $163.3M
10. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - $3.8M - $3.8M

With a disastrous start from last weekend's major releases, Hollywood is covering all bases this frame with a family movie, an R-rated action horror and a romantic comedy drama. The aforementioned disasters, Rock of Ages and That's My Boy will be looking for anything they can grab while The Avengers continues to edge closer to the big 600. Next frame is more of the same, with the return of Tyler Perry's Madea, Seth McFarlane's feature debut Ted and the Channing Tatum stripper pic, Magic Mike, alongside the drama People Like Us.

U.S Box Office Report - 15th - 17th June 2012

1. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted - $35.5M - $120.4M
2. Prometheus - $20.2M - $88.8M
3. Rock of Ages - $15M - $15M
4. Snow White and the Huntsman - $13.8M - $122M
5. That's My Boy - $13M - $13M
6. Men in Black III - $10M - $152.6M
7. The Avengers - $8.8M - $586M
8. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - $2.2M - $35.1M
9. Moonrise Kingdom - $2.1M -$6.7M
10. What To Expect When You're Expecting - $1.3M - $38.7M

Two new releases enter the summer slam this weekend, the musical Rock of Ages is joined by Adam Sandler's That's My Boy. They'll be taking on not only each other but the second frames of Madagascar 3 and Prometheus - two pictures which opened above $50M seven short days ago. Next week sees the release of what some are calling Pixar's wild card, Brave, which will be joined by the action horror Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and the comedy drama Seeking a Friend For The End of The World.

U.S Box Office Report - 8th - 10th June 2012

1.     Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted  - $60.3M - $60.3M
2.     Prometheus  - $50M - $50M
3.     Snow White and the Huntsman  - $23M - $98.4M
4.     Men in Black III  - $13.5M - $135.5M
5.     The Avengers  - $10.8M - $571.8M
6.     The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - $3.2M - $31M
7.     What to Expect When You're Expecting  - $2.7M - $35.7M
8.     Battleship  - $2.2M - $59.8M
9.     The Dictator - $2.1M - $55.1M
10.     Moonrise Kingdom - $1.5M - $3.7M

With summer season barely a month old, there are still plenty of major releases yet to grace our screens. This weekend it is the turn of Prometheus, director Ridley Scott's long awaited return to the science fiction genre. It's joined by the third entry in the Madagascar series: Europe's Most Wanted. Elsewhere, Snow White and The Huntsman will be hoping for a decent second frame hold while Men in Black 3 will be aiming to clear $130M. Looking ahead, next weekend sees the release of the musical Rock of Ages and Adam Sandler's That's My Boy, followed a week later by Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Pixar's Brave. Summer is just warming up.

U.S Box Office Report - 1st - 3rd June 2012

1.     Snow White and the Huntsman     - $56.2M - $56.2M
2.     Men in Black III - $29.3M - $112.3M
3.     The Avengers - $20.3M - $552.7M
4.     Battleship - $4.8M - $55.1M
5.     The Dictator - $4.7M - $50.8M
6.     The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - $4.6M - $25.4M
7.     What To Expect When You're Expecting - $4.4M - $30.7M
8.     Dark Shadows - $3.6M - $70.8M
9.     Chernobyl Diaries - $3M - $14.4M
10.     For Greater Glory - $1.7M - $1.7M

With the 'four day' weekend, most films received a boost on Monday. Men In Black 3's victory last frame was bolstered by a solid Memorial Day while The Avengers managed to get within $10M of The Dark Knight's finishing figure. A week on and we've got a single solitary release opening wide, Snow White & The Huntsman. The aforementioned MiB3 would be hoping to hang on to the top spot, while The Avengers hoped to push over $550M. Next frame promises to be a very interesting one, with the release of Ridley Scott's Prometheus.

U.S Box Office Report - 25th - 27th May 2012

1.    Men In Black 3 - $55M - $55M
2.    The Avengers -    $36.9M - $513.6M
3.     Battleship - $10.7M - $44.2M
4.     The Dictator -    $9.6M - $41.4M
5.    The Chernobyl Diaries - $8M - $8M
6.     Dark Shadows -    $7.5M - $62.9M
7.     What To Expect When You're Expecting     - $7.1M - $22.1M
8.     The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - $6.3M - $16M
9.    The Hunger Games - $2.2M - $395.2M
10.    Think Like a Man - $1.4M - $88.2M

Memorial Day weekend in North America this frame and that means potentially bigger Sunday figures as people take advantage of not working Monday with a late weekend cinema trip.  After Dark Shadows and Battleship, the big guns arrive this frame in the guise of Will Smith and Men In Black 3. The Avengers made it three at the top last weekend, but a fourth win looked out of reach - not that it would bother the billion dollar grosser. Hoping for a quick hit would be producer Oren Peli, who returns with another horror picture, this one set in the shadow of Chernobyl. Elsewhere, the aforementioned Battleship would be looking for a minor miracle to salvage its domestic performance.

U.S Box Office Report - 18th - 20th May 2012

1.    The Avengers - $55.1M - $457.1M
2.    Battleship - $25.3M - $25.3M
3.    The Dictator - $17.4M - $24.5M
4.    Dark Shadows - $12.7M - $50.9M
5.    What To Expect When You're Expecting - $10.5M - $10.5M
6.    The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - $3.2M - $8.2M
7.    The Hunger Games - $3M - $391.6M
8.    Think Like a Man - $2.7M - $85.8M
9.    The Lucky One - $1.7M - $56.9M
10.  Pirates! Band of Misfits - $1.4M - $25.3M

Something of a busy weekend release wise, with three new films joining the summer battle. All will be attempting to knock the record breaking Avengers off its top perch, with one of them, Battleship, standing the best chance. Elsewhere, Dark Shadows will be hoping  for a decent second frame while the limited release, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, looks for another top ten finish despite being at a fraction of the screens of any other chart release. Next frame sees the return of Will Smith after a gap of four years, with Men In Black 3. He'll be joined by Oren Peli's latest found-footage horror movie, The Chernobyl Diaries. Summer still has plenty of surprises in store.

U.S Box Office Report - 11th - 13th May 2012

1.     The Avengers -    $103.1M - $373.1M
2.     Dark Shadows -    $28.8M - $28.8M
3.     Think Like a Man - $6.3M - $81.9M
4.     The Hunger Games - $4.4M - $386.9M
5.     The Lucky One - $4M - $53.7M
6.     The Pirates! Band of Misfits - $3.2M - $23.1M
7.    The Five-Year Engagement - $3M - $24.4M
8.     The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - $2.6M - $3.72M
9.    Chimpanzee - $1.6M - $25.5M
10.  Girl In Progress - $1.3M - $1.3M

The second weekend of blockbuster season brings us another major release in the guise of Dark Shadows. The Tim Burton directed picture won't have an easy time of it though, having to face off against the second frame of the record breaking Avengers. After opening above $200M, the Marvel release will be hoping for a sub-60% drop this weekend. Next frame we've got three wide opening releases, followed a week later by the return of Will Smith in Men In Black 3.

U.S Box Office Report - 4th - 6th May 2012

1. The Avengers - $200.3M - $200.3M
2. Think Like a Man - $8M - $73M
3. The Hunger Games - $5.7M - $380M
4. The Lucky One - $5.5M - $47.9M
5. The Pirates! Band of Misfits - $5.4M - $18.5M
6. The Five-Year Engagement - $5M - $19.1M
7. The Raven - $2.5M - $12M
8. Safe - $2.4M - $12.8M
9. Chimpanzee - $2.3M - $23M
10. The Three Stooges - $1.8M - $39.6M

Please Note: This report contains a brief history of The Avengers, along with details of the previous Marvel films set within the same universe. There are also end credit spoilers for The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Thor and both Iron Man films. Should you wish to skip the extensive report and spoilers, please scroll down to the section separated with ----------. Thank you.

After months of waiting, summer blockbuster season is finally here, and it comes complete with what is sure to be one of the biggest films of 2012 - The Avengers. From now until well in August, there'll be at least one major potential blockbuster every weekend - sometimes even two or three. The box office is more than ready for the big films too, according to sources, Thursday was the first day this year in which no single film made over $1M. The first week in May is often seen as one of the strongest release dates of the season, giving a film little competition in general - at least for seven days. Elsewhere, The Five Year Engagement will try and recover from a poor first frame and The Pirates! will be hoping that the family market give it another shot.

U.S Box Office Report - 27th - 29th April 2012

1.     Think Like a Man - $18M - $60.8M
2.     The Pirates! Band of Misfits - $11.4M - $11.4M
3.     The Lucky One -     $11.3M - $39.9M
4.     The Hunger Games - $11.2M - $372.4M
5.     The Five-Year Engagement - $11.1M - $11.1M
6.     Safe - $7.7M - $7.7M
7.     The Raven - $7.2M - $7.2M
8.     Chimpanzee - $5.46M - $19.1M
9.     The Three Stooges - $5.4M - $37.1M
10.     The Cabin in the Woods - $4.5M - $34.6M

A busy weekend at the box office, with four wide opening releases joining the current crop, all hoping for one decent frame before the big films of summer move in. This is really the last weekend for studios to chance a release of which they've been unsure - both The Raven and Safe fall into this category. Elsewhere we've got a rom-com and a family flick. Of the returning releases, Think Like A Man would be the one to watch, having debuted to $33M, with The Lucky One a distant, but respectable second.

U.S Box Office Report - 20th - 22nd April 2012

1.     Think Like a Man - $33M - $33M
2.     The Lucky One -     $22.8M - $22.8M
3.     The Hunger Games - $14.5M - $356.9M
4.     Chimpanzee - $10.2M - $10.2M
5.     TheThree Stooges - $9.2M -  $29.3M
6.     The Cabin in the Woods - $7.7M - $26.9M
7.     American Reunion - $5.2M - $48.2M
8.     Titanic 3D - $5M - $52.8M
9.     21 Jump Street - $4.6M - $127M
10.     Mirror Mirror - $4.1M - $55.2M

A relatively quiet week, a calm before the summer storm, but that isn't to say this weekend is without its share of drama. The Hunger Games made it four weekends at the top last frame and with seemingly limited competition this week, could it make it five? Elsewhere, The Three Stooges surprised by opening much stronger than expected, while Cabin in the Woods did ok, though paled when compared to recent found-footage horror pictures. This week, The Lucky One is our only wide opening release, and it is joined by limited openers Chimpanzee and Think Like a Man. But as we'll see, a limited release doesn't necessarily limit a film's box office... Next weekend is a busy one with four major releases, followed a week later by The Avengers.

U.S Box Office Report - 13th - 15th April 2012

1. The Hunger Games - $21.5M - $337M
2. The Three Stooges - $17.1M - $17.1M
3. The Cabin in the Woods - $14.8M - $14.8M
4. Titanic 3D - $11.6M - $44.4M
5. American Reunion - $10.6M - $39.8M
6. Mirror Mirror - $7M - $49.4M
7. Wrath of the Titans - $6.9M - $71.2M
8. 21 Jump Street - $6.8M - $120.5M
9. Lockout - $6.2M - $6.2M
10. The Lorax - $3M - $204.4M

Three new films enter the fray this weekend, but speculation was rife running up to their opening day that The Hunger Games would make it another weekend at the top - something which no film had achieved since Avatar in late 2009. Last weekend, Titanic 3D and American Reunion had underperformed to some degree, and in their second frames they'd be facing off against The Three Stooges, Cabin in the Woods and Lockout - along with expansion to over 880 locations for the well received action flick The Raid: Redemption. We're now just three weeks away from Summer blockbuster season, which kicks off on May 4th with The Avengers.

U.S Box Office Report - 6th - 8th April 2012

1. The Hunger Games $33.5M - $302.8M
2. American Reunion - $21.4M - $21.4M
3. Titanic 3D $17.3M - $25.7M
4. Wrath of the Titans - $15M - $58.8M
5. Mirror Mirror - $11M - $36.4M
6. 21 Jump Street - $10.2M - $109.5M
7. The Lorax - $5M - $198.1M
8. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen - $0.97M - $4.6M
9. John Carter - $0.82M - $67.9M
10. Safe House - $0.5M - $124.7M

This weekend marks the return of two films who have their origins in the 1990s. One was shrouded in high drama and teetered on the verge of disaster, while the other launched a franchise and a number of tenuous spin-offs. Titanic (In 3D) and American Reunion (aka American Pie 4) found themselves facing off against the still strong Hunger Games, now in its third frame, with the respective studios also hoping there would be room for Wrath of the Titans and Mirror Mirror amongst the ticket buying public.

Welcome to Box Office Voodoo

Welcome to Box Office Voodoo, a new website for the archives of the RLLMUK forum weekly U.S box office report. I've been writing these reports since 2005 and decided it was about time to make things a little more official looking. A new report will appear each Sunday evening, some time between 4pm and 6pm and it will cover that weekend's box office happenings.

The existing reports are all archived below, stretching back to the very first one that was still available. Reports prior to that have sadly been lost. Like the old archive site (known as The Shark Broke The Mould), Box Office Voodoo will offer one of the quickest reports to appear online, each and every Sunday. It will hopefully continue to be one of the more detailed ones too.

Many thanks for taking the time to visit Box Office Voodoo, I hope you'll follow the site on Twitter and Facebook and visit each Sunday for the very latest U.S box office report.

U.S Box Office Report - 30th March - 1st April 2012

1. The Hunger Games - $61.1M - $251M
2. Wrath of the Titans - $34.2M - $34.2M
3. Mirror Mirror - $19M- $19M
4. 21 Jump Street - $15M - $93M
5. The Lorax - $8M - $189.5M
6. John Carter - $2M - $66.2M
7. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen - $1.2M - $3.1M
8. Act of Valor - $1M - $67.7M
9. A Thousand Words - $0.9M - $16.5M
10. Journey 2 - $0.8M - $98.4M

After its stunning debut, to the tune of $152M, The Hunger Games would be up against the newcomers, Wrath of the Titans and Mirror Mirror. All three films would impact each other, and while Wrath was arguably the bigger competition for the top spot, the family angle of Mirror Mirror couldn't be ignored. Next frame sees the return of the former biggest film of all time, Titanic, in 3D for its re-release and American Reunion, the official fourth American Pie movie.

U.S Box Office Report - 23rd - 25th March 2012

1. The Hunger Games - $155M - $155M
2. 21 Jump Street - $21.3M - $71M
3. The Lorax - $13.1M - $177.3M
4. John Carter - $5M - $62.3M
5. Act of Valor - $2M - $65.9M
6. Project X - $1.9M - $51.7M
7. A Thousand Words - $1.9M - $14.9M
8. October Baby - $1.7M - $1.7M
9. Safe House - $1.3M
10. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - $1.3M - $97.1M

There's only one major release this weekend but it's a big one. The Hunger Games is expected to take over from Twilight and Harry Potter as the next major franchise, and it's been gaining enough pre-release hype to pull it off. Many have tried but it looked like this one may succeed. Elsewhere we've got the second frame for the well received 21 Jump Street and we find out how close to $200M The Lorax can get in its fourth weekend on release.

U.S Box Office Report - 16th - 18th March 2012

1.     21 Jump Street     - $35M - $35M
2.     Dr. Seuss' The Lorax - $22.8M - $158.4M
3.     John Carter - $13.5M - $53.2M
4.     Project X - $4M - $48.1M
5.    A Thousand Words - $3.7M - $12.1M
6.     Act of Valor - $3.6M - $62.3M
7.     Safe House - $2.7M - $120.2M
8.     Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - $2.4M - $95M
9.     Casa Di Mi Padre - $ 2.2M - $2.2M
10.    This Means War - $2.1M - $50.5M


With only one new wide-opening release this frame, almost all of the top ten gets something of a breather before the onslaught that will be The Hunger Games and Wrath of the Titans. The former is already generating incredible buzz with many expecting it to open above $100M while the latter should do well despite the poor taste left by the prequel back in 2010. Wrath will also steal a number of 3D location from John Carter, as will the re-release of Titanic a week later. One thing is for sure, the warm up for the summer blockbuster season is well under way.

U.S Box Office Report - 9th - 11th March 2012

1. Dr. Seuss' The Lorax - $39.1M - $122M
2. John Carter - $30.6M - $30.6M
3. Project X - $11.5M - $40.1M
4. Silent House - $7M - $7M
5. Act of Valor - $7M - $56.1M
6. A Thousand Words - $6.3M - $6.3M
7. Safe House - $4.9M - $115.7M
8. The Vow - $4M - $117.6M
9. This Means War - $3.7M - $46.8M
10. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - $3.6M - $90.7M

This frame brings us one of the costliest films in box office history, alongside a little hyped horror film with a gimmick and a long delayed Eddie Murphy Vehicle. John Carter will be facing off against Silent House but may find tougher competition in the guise of last frame's stupendous winner, The Lorax, which opened with the third biggest March weekend in box office history. We're now gearing up for a very busy few weeks that'll lead into the summer blockbuster season, which unofficially kicks off with The Avengers at the start of May.

U.S Box Office Report - 2nd - 4th March 2012

1. The Lorax - $70.7M - $70.7M
2. Project X - $20.8M - $20.8M
3. Act of Valor - $13.7M - $45.2M
4. Safe House - $7.2M - $108.1M
5. Tyler Perry's Good Deeds - $7M - $25.7M
6. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - $6.9M - $85.6M
7. The Vow - $6.1M - $111.7M
8. This Means War - $5.6M - $41.4M
9. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance - $4.7M - $44.8M
10. The Artist - $3.9M - $37M

And so we come to what could be the verge of summer movie season. From next frame, we have potential blockbusters almost every weekend until August. John Carter kicks us off, and he's followed by 21 Jump St, The Hunger Games, Wrath of the Titans, Mirror Mirror, American Reunion, Titanic 3D.....But this week brings a much needed family movie and yet another found-footage flick. They'll go up against the second frame for Act of Valor and Good Deeds.

U.S Box Office Report - 24th - 26th February 2012

1. Act of Valor - $24.7M - $24.7M
2. Good Deeds - $16M - $16M
3. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - $13.4M - $76.7M
4. Safe House - $11.3M - $98M
5. The Vow - $10M - $103M
6. Ghost Rider: Sprit of Vengeance - $8.8M - $37.8M
7. This Means War - $8.5M - $33.5M
8. Wanderlust - $6.6M - $6.6M
9. Gone - $5M - $5M
10. The Secret World of Arrietty - $4.5M - $14.6M

Despite there being four new releases this frame, only one of them, Act of Valor, is out at more than 2,200 locations. Joining that film is a new comedy from the director of Role Models, a thriller starring Amanda Seyfried and the return of Tyler Perry. These new releases take their place along side last weekend's disappointing new movies and the still dangerous Safe House and The Vow, the former performing that rare act last frame of moving up into the top spot.

U.S Box Office Report - 17th - 19th February 2012

1. Safe House - $23.9M - $78.2M
2. The Vow - $23.6M - $85.5M
3. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance - $22M - $22M
4. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - $20M - $53.2M
5. This Means War - $17.5M - $19.1M
6. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - $7.8M - $33.7M
7. Chronicle - $7.5M - $50.9M
8. The Woman in Black - $6.6M - $45.2M
9. The Secret World of Arietty - $6.4M - $6.4M
10. The Grey - $3M - $47.9M

After last weekend's huge box office, Hollywood would be hoping for more of the same a week later. Two major releases join a well received Studio Ghibli release, as they battle with The Vow, Safe House and Journey 2, three films that opened incredibly strong last frame. Next frame is just as busy, with four releases, though only one of them is at more than 2,000 locations.

U.S Box Office Report - 10th - 12th February 2012

1. The Vow - $41.7M - $41.7M
2. Safe House - $39.3M - $39.3M
3. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - $27.5M - $27.5M
4. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - $23M - $23M
5. Chronicle - $12.3M - $40.1M
6. The Woman in Black - $10.3M - $35.4M
7. The Grey - Awaiting Figures
8. Big Miracle - $3.8M - $13.1M
9. The Descendants - $3.5M - $70.7M
10. Underworld Awakenings - $2.5M - $58.9M

Given it is essentially Valentine's Weekend, it's certainly a busy one filmwise. Hollywood have decided to go with "Throw everything at the public, something will stick" release pattern as we've got a rom-com, a 3D re-release, an action thriller and a family adventure (also in 3D). That's before we get to the second frames for Chronicle and The Woman in Black. One thing was evident by Saturday afternoon - this was going to be a big weekend, with all four of the new releases debuting to more than $20M.

U.S Box Office Report - 3rd - 5th February 2012

1.     Chronicle -    $22M - $22M
2.     The Woman in Black -    $21M - $21M
3.     The Grey -    $8.1M - $34.7M
4.     Big Miracle -    $8.4M - $8.4M
5.     Underworld: Awakening - $5.6M - $54.3M
6.     One for the Money -    $5.2M - $19.6M
7.     Red Tails -    $5M - $41.3M
8.     The Descendents -    $4.6M - $65.5M
9.     Man on a Ledge -    $4.5M - $14.7M
10.     Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close -    $3.9M - $26.7M

A mixed bag for Superbowl weekend. We've got a found-footage superhero flick, a Gothic horror marking Daniel Radcliffe's first major role since Harry Potter, and a true life drama featuring Drew Barymore attempting to save trapped whales in Alaska. We've also got the second frame for The Grey, which opened in the top spot to the tune of $19.6M.

U.S Box Office Report - 27th - 29th January 2012

1. The Grey - $20M - $20M
2. Underworld: Awakening - $12.5M - $45.1M
3. One For the Money - $11.7M - $11.7M
4. Red Tails - $10.4M - $33.7M
5. Man on a Ledge - $8.2M - $8.2M
6. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - $ 7.1M - $21.1M
7. The Descendants - $6.5M - $58.8M
8. Contraband - $6.5M - $56.4M
9. Beauty and the Beast 3D - $5.3M - $41.4M
10. Haywire - $4M - $15.2M

This week brings us three new films, one based on a successful series of books, and two action dramas - both of which will be fighting for similar audiences. We've also got the second frames for Underworld: Awakenings and Red Tails, while Oscar hopeful The Descendants expands into 1,900 locations.

U.S Box Office Report - 20th - 22nd January 2012

1. Underworld: Awakening - $25.4M -$25.4M
2. Red Tails - $19.1M -19.1M
3. Contraband - $12.2M - $46.1M
4. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - $10.5M - $11.1M -
5. Haywire - $9M - $9M
6. Beauty and the Beast 3D - $8.5M - $33.3M
7. Joyful Noise - $6M - $21.9M
8. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - $5.5M - $197.3M
9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - $4.8M - $178.6M
10. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - $3.75M - $94.7M

After the three new releases last frame, things step up again with four new films being thrown into the mix, along with the critically lauded (and Golden Globe winning) The Artist breaking out into 700+ locations. Next weekend there'll be another three films entering the fray, followed by another three the week after.

U.S Box Office Report - 13th - 15th January 2012

1. Contraband - $24.1M - $24.1M
2. Beauty and the Beast 3D - $18.4M - $18.4M
3. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - $11.5M - $186.7M
4. Joyful Noise - $11.3M - $11.3M
5. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - $8.4M - $170M
6. The Devil Inside - $7.9M - $46.2M
7. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - $6.8M - $87.9M
8. Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked - $5.8M - $118.7M
9. War Horse - $5.6M - $65.7M
10. The Iron Lady - $5.3M - $5.9M

It's the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in the US, which generally means a stronger Sunday and Monday haul than on a normal weekend. Three new releases enter the fray this frame, along with the expanding Iron Lady. We've got an action flick, a family re-release and a feel good drama. There's also the second frame of The Devil Inside, which impressed last weekend with its $32M+ haul.

U.S Box Office Report - 6th - 8th January 2012

1. The Devil Inside - $34.5M - $34.5M
2. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - $20.5M - $170.2M
3. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - $14.1M - $157.4M
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - $11.4M - $76.8M
5. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked - $9.5M -$111.6M
6. War Horse - $8.6M - $56.8M
7. We Bought a Zoo - $8.4M - $56.4M
8. The Adventures of Tintin - $6.6M - $61.8M
9. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - $5.3M - $9.9M
10. New Year's Eve $3.2M - $52M

While everyone recovers from Christmas and New Year, Hollywood keeps things low key, at least for one more week. But rest assured, this is just a temporary measure as January has ten major releases lined up, with Contraband, Beauty & The Beast 3D and Joyful Noise all due next Friday. But this week we've only one new release, The Devil Inside, while the well received Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy expands into 800+ locations. Still a force to be reckoned with is the fourth Mission: Impossible film and the second Sherlock film, A Game of Shadows.

U.S Box Office Report - 30th Dec - 1st January 2012

1. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - $31.6M - $134.5M
2. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows- $22M - $132.1M
3. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked - $18.2M - $94.5M
4. War Horse - $16.9M - $42.9M
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - $16.3M - $57.1M
6. We Bought a Zoo - $14.3M - $41.7M
7. The Adventures of Tintin - $12.2M - $48M
8. New Year's Eve - $6.7M - $46.3M
9. The Darkest Hour - $4.3M - $13.2M
10. The Descendants - $3.6M - $39.6M

Another shorter report this weekend due to the time taken to write the huge box office review of 2011 (link below if you've not had chance to skim/read it yet). The time between Christmas and New Years can be a bumper one for the right films. This year is no different, especially for Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, which has had a number of very strong days - in fact, according to Box Office Prophets, the film has had at least five days bigger than the day it expanded into wide release. This weekend it managed to add another $31M, which pushed it passed what M:I3 made in its entire theatrical run. With a few more good weekends, it could well become the biggest film of the series (currently that stands with part 2's $215M finish). Furthermore, Ghost Protocol is set to cross the $200M mark on the international market this weekend. Tom Cruise, it would seem, is back, thanks in part to sterling work from director Brad Bird.