Variety reports Twilight took in more than $7 million during last night’s midnight screenings, a number that clobbers the $2.5 million New Line’s Sex and the City took in earlier this year, but still nowhere near The Dark Knight‘s $18.4 million box-office record. Early tracking from Fantasy Moguls for Twilight had it hitting a potential $64.3 million while early projections had it coming in at a more modest $50 million range. Our very own Box-Office Oracle projected a $54.7 million three-day take.
Sex and the City ultimately managed a strong $57 million opening back in May but with the early number to pad its weekend tally I don’t see why Twilight can’t edge closer to that $60+ million number.
Fandango reports Twilight is selling five tickets per second, as of early Friday morning making it the company’s fastest-selling film since The Dark Knight. Twilight sites at the #3 spot on Fandango’s list of Top Advance Ticket-Sellers of all-time. Over at MovieTickets.com the film ranked #14 as of yesterday on their Top-15 Presellers of All-Time.
I guess the success of the film depends on fan approval and whether or not they want to go back again over the course of the weekend. I was surprised at a couple of comments on my review of the film when a few people reported back saying:
Brandi: “i was extremely disappointed. it was coated with cheese. and it was funny. the book written by stephanie meyers was not meant for comedy.”
Caitlin: “I love the Twilight book series yet this movie was a disaster!!!”
Rush: “The acting was HORRIBLE, the time setting was off and unrealistic, they left out a lot of details, where events took place in the book they were way off in the movie… Grade: F”
Will this be the agreed upon feeling by all Twilight fans? Vicki Martinez added a comment in another section of RopeofSilicon saying she took her kids and loved the film, “Everyone will love this movie! It is a little scary how I am pushing fifty years old but also have that insane obsession with Rob Pattinson. He is perfect and deserves a nomination for his acting skills.” For some reason I think Vicki takes it a little farther than most will.
Stay tuned, I will be back late tonight with early Friday estimates and a full weekend report on Sunday.
