The Weinstein’s "Hoodwinked" took on a trio of big studio rivals over the MLK holiday weekend, and early estimates for the four-day frame indicate that the little guy (er, girl) came out on top … if only by the slimmest of margins.
An animated comedy about the crazy goings-on over at grandma’s cabin, "Hoodwinked" pulled an estimated $16.6 million payday out of her goody basket, giving the relatively low-budget family flick the #1 spot. The company’s first animated feature debuted in December so as to qualify for Oscar consideration, but only in NY and LA. This weekend saw the flick hit 2,400 theaters.
Close behind in second place was Disney’s basketball drama "Glory Road," which scored about $16.4 million from 2,200 theaters. And not very far behind was Paramount’s Queen Latifomedy "Last Holiday," which made about $15.7 million from 2,500 theaters.
Still going strong in fourth place was Disney’s "The Chronicles of Narnia," which added another $12.2 million to its $263 million total, while the ferocious horror flick "Hostel" fell to fifth place with a haul of $11.6 million ($36.8m total).
Fox’s period romance "Tristan & Isolde" debuted somewhat solidly in 8th place, pulling in $7.8 million from 1,800 theaters.
And in massive primate news, Universal’s "King Kong" clocked in at 7th place with $9.2 million, but it also crossed over the $200m mark, which is something the Kongfans will be happy to learn.
Next week sees the unleashing of only one new wide release: Screen Gems romantic monster action thriller sequel "Underworld: Evolution," which stars several vampires, numerous werewolves, and one seriously hot female in black leather.
As always, you’re more than welcome to visit the Rotten Tomatoes Box Office for a closer look at the numbers.
