After setting the midnight and opening day records, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”‘s next target was the opening weekend mark. Could it top the $158.4 million posted by “The Dark Knight?”
It did not. Though the anticipated sequel dominated its weekend with a strong performance, it was unable to reach the top of the all-time leaderboard, landing at $140.7 million for the weekend. Historically, the figure ranks “Twilight”‘s opening weekend at third, behind both “The Dark Knight” and “Spider-Man 3.”
Elsewhere, Sandra Bullock-starrer “The Blind Side” was a sleeper success with a $34.5 million finish in second place. Performing well with older women unlikely to be as entertained by the “Twilight” sequel, the film far surpassed industry projections.
“2012,” which won last weekend’s box office race, fell nearly 60% to $26.5 million.
“Planet 51,” the only other major new release, was in fourth place with $12.6 million.
Weekend Top Ten:
1) The Twilight Saga: New Moon – $140.7 million
2) The Blind Side – $34.5 million
3) 2012 – $26.5 million ($108.2 million)
4) Planet 51 – $12.6 million
5) A Christmas Carol – $12.2 million ($79.8 million)
6) Precious – $11 million ($21.4 million)
7) The Men Who Stare at Goats – $2.8 million ($27.6 million)
8) Couples Retreat – $2 million ($105 million)
9) The Fourth Kind – $1.7 million ($23.3 million)
10) Law Abiding Citizen – $1.6 million ($70 million)
