Nostalgia ruled at the box office this weekend, with a 3D re-release of 90s favorite “The Lion King” dominating the cinema world.
“Lion King” grossed an impressive $29.3 million, crushing estimates that had it pegged in the high-teens to low-twenties range. Even with its impressive hold, “Contagion,” the second place finisher, was still held back by a significant margin–it grossed $14.5 million.
Well-reviewed newcomer “Drive” was expectedly modest, launching to just $11.0 million. There were certainly no lofty box office ambitions for this one, although if the word-of-mouth does not produce a solid hold next weekend, it will be disappointing.
“The Help” followed in fourth with $6.4 million, positioning itself to cross the $150 million mark by the end of next week.
“Straw Dogs” and “I Don’t Know How She Does It,” the other newcomers, both underwhelmed at the box office. The “Dogs” remake was only good for $5 million and fifth place, while Sarah Jessica Parker-led “Does It” mustered an embarrassing $4.5 million.