RICHARD GERE - EAGLE HAS LANDED WITH $2.2 MILLION

EAGLE HAS LANDED WITH $2.2 MILLION

Paramount/DreamWorks' Eagle Eye took off at the box office over the weekend, flying far higher than most analysts had predicted. According to studio estimates, the movie took in $29.2 million and rescued the box office from two months of ennui. According to Media by Numbers, the film became the fourth-highest money maker among September releases. In an interview with today's (Monday) Los Angeles Times Media by Numbers President Paul Dergarabedian commented that the film's performance "proves that even though there is a summer season, there are opportunities all over the calendar." Coming in second was Nights in Rodanthe , starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, with $13.5 million -- also well above expectations. However, Spike Lee's latest film, Miracle at St. Anna , fell below analysts' predictions, which weren't high to begin with. The movie took in just $3.5 million to place ninth. The biggest surprise was the strong opening of Fireproof , starring Kirk Cameron. Although it debuted in fewer than 1,000 theaters, it earned $6.5 million to place fourth. It was heavily promoted among church groups. Overall, the box office was up 15 percent from the comparable weekend a year ago.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Media by Numbers 1. Eagle Eye, $29.2 million; 2. Nights in Rodanthe, $13.6 million; 3. Lakeview Terrace, $7 million; 4. Fireproof, $6.5 million; 5. Burn After Reading, $6.2 million; 6. Igor, $5.5 million; 7. Righteous Kill, $3.803 million; 8. My Best Friend's Girl, $3.8 million; 9. Miracle at St. Anna, $3.5 million; 10. Tyler Perry's the Family That Preys, $3.2 million.

29/09/2008