“
Star Wars: The Force Awakens” micronized
box office records this weekend, racking up a monumental $238 million opening and justifying the Walt
Disney Company’s $4 billion purchase of LucasFilm.
That 2012 acquisition was intended to launch a cinematic universe set in a galaxy far, far away: a series of interconnected sequels, spin-offs, and prequels that would serve as a filmic parallel to Disney’s Marvel Comics-inspired adventures.
J.J. Abrams’ nostalgic take on the series of space operas George Lucas created four decades ago was a hit with critics and fans, earning strong reviews and an A CinemaScore. Its opening soared past the previous high-water mark of $208.8 million established last summer by “Jurassic World.” It more than doubles “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’s” December record debut of $84.6 million.
Globally, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” scored the second biggest opening in history, earning $517 million worldwide, behind only “Jurassic World’s” $525 million bow. Unlike “Jurassic World,” the seventh film in the “Star Wars” saga did not have the benefit of showing in China on its inaugural weekend. It opens there on Jan. 9.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens'” dominance was a foregone conclusion. It has already shattered pre-sales records, selling more than $100 million of advance tickets. A decade separates Abrams’ film and Lucas’ poorly received (but immensely profitable) prequel films. The absence appeared to have stoked excitement and made the film’s debut a true cultural event. Scalpers sold tickets to prime showtimes, parents weaned on the “Star Wars” saga took their children to introduce a new generation to the epic push-and-pull between the Dark Side and the Light, and theaters were forced to clarify their costume policy, with many chains outlawing masks and blasters. Lightsabers were treated more leniently, but exhibitors such as AMC mandated that they be left off during showtimes.
Men made up the bulk of ticket buyers, comprising 58% of the opening weekend audience. Adults represented 71% of the crowd with families accounting for 20% of consumers. The film with its inter-galactic battles and space-hopping adventures played particularly well in premium formats —
3Dwas 47% of tickets sales, Imax accounted for 12%, and premium large formats were responsible for 7%.
A few, brave films debuted against the “Star Wars” juggernaut. Twentieth Century Fox tried to snag families with young children, offering up “
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip.” The sequel to the on-going “Chipmunks” franchise earned $14.4 million from 3,653 theaters. It cost $75 million to make.
Universal fielded Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s “
Sisters,” a comedy about two siblings who have a raucous house party, to the tune of $13.4 million from 2,952 theaters. The film cost $30 million to produce.
Holdovers “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” and “Creed” rounded out the top five, earning $5.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively. “The Hunger Games” sequel has generated $254.4 million and the “Rocky” spin-off has made $87.9 million.
In the Oscar contender field, Paramount held “The Big Short” steady in eight theaters, making $350,000. The financial crisis comedy has earned $1.3 million since debuting last weekend. It expands nationally on Dec. 23.
Sony Pictures Classics’ “Son of Saul” bowed to $38,891 from three theaters, for a per-screen average of $12,964. The Holocaust drama from Hungarian filmmaker Laszlo Nemees is viewed as a liked Best Foreign Film Academy Award nominee.
but the fukking theatre was already 3/4 sold out on a matinee in 10 days from now 
