Friday Box Office Analysis (2/11)

With the marketplace having lacked an efficient comedy since Meet the Fockers, moviegoers flocked out in full force to Hitch, bringing it $14.5 million in ticket sales. Booked in 3,575 theaters, the Will Smith/Kevin James duo averaged a robust $4,043 per-screen. Though the figure outdid director Andy Tennant?s previous romantic comedy, Sweet Home Alabama ($13.1 million), the Reese Witherspoon picture averaged a nearly identical $3,984 per-screen.

In April of 2003, Anger Management debuted in 3,551 theaters and grossed $15.4 million and $4,330 per-screen. The movie rose to $17.5 million on Saturday ? a 14% increase. Similarly, Sweet Home Alabama increased 12% to $14.7 million and $4,466 per-screen. Though Hitch will draw in guys easier than the latter and will cross over, racially, in its appeal, a similar jump on Saturday could result. On the other hand, What Women Want turned in $11.3 million ($3,761 per-screen) and jumped 19% to $13.5 million ($4,484 per-screen). That flick didn?t cross over, racially, as significantly as Hitch has the potential for, which could help in a stronger increase. Saturday could look like $16.0 - 18.5 million, with the weekend shaping out to be $42.0 - 44.5 million.

Pooh?s latest adventure, Heffalump Movie, experienced similar fate (per-screen wise) as The Wild Thornberrys flick ($1.7 million - $557 per-screen), turning in $1.3 million in 2,529 theaters for a dead $512 per-screen. The new installment couldn?t even live up to Piglet?s New Movie, which bowed quietly to $1.7 million and $833 per-screen; however, it did only end up at $6.0 million.

Saturday and Sunday should make up for the extremely weak business, but Pooh?s weekend figure will still likely be a far cry from the $9.4 million take of The Tigger Movie. Saturday could increase up to 125% or in the 75 - 85% range, with Sunday likely to be anywhere from 35 - 65% stronger than Friday. Pooh?s Heffalump Movie should gross $6.0 - 6.5 million for the weekend.