Box-Office Wrap-Up: Aug. 6 – Aug. 8, 2010

The box office was down from this time last year; it was also the weakest weekend we’ve had since early June. Comedy looks to be what’s needed while 3-D is being actively avoided. Plus, a surprise guest in the #10 spot. Let’s break this thing down!

#1 movie predicted correctly: 8 Weeks In A Row

2. Inception

It’s cracked $400m in worldwide cume after putting up bleeds of 32, 36, and 32 percent. The people have spoken, they are definitely interested in what Inception is selling.

Result: $18.6 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #3 with $17.754 million, which is $0.846m off for a 4.55% error.

3. Step Up 3D

This is a poor result given the numbers we talked about on Thursday. Less than two million tickets sold, making imaRinger’s $15.3m call sparkly. I think the younger generations are far more likely to turn against 3-D. They have less discretionary income and way more things to do. Good thing the budget was probably minimal, as filming dancing doesn’t cost much.

Result: $15.5 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #2 with $20.28 million, which is $4.78m off for a 30.84% error.

4. Salt

The new trailers here are just silly, quoting Ebert and RollingStone. I don’t know why those guys gave fawning reviews, but you don’t need to spend your money on this.

Result: $11.1 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #4 with $11.683 million, which is $0.583m off for a 5.25% error.

5. Dinner for Schmucks

Only Charlie St. Cloud dropped faster than this one. And that’s due to massive demo frontloading, Schmucks getting crushed by Other Guys is a clear call on quality.

Result: $10.5 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #5 with $11.292 million, which is $0.792m off for a 7.54% error.

6. Despicable Me

The budget was only $70m and they are above $250m in worldwide cume. Looks like the good guys win this one.

Result: $9.4 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #6 with $10.29 million, which is $0.89m off for a 9.47% error.

7. Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore

The budget here was $85m. That can’t be good.

Result: $6.9 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #7 with $7.367 million, which is $0.467m off for a 6.77% error.

8. Charlie St. Cloud

A 62 percent drop. As we said when we were in Cannes, that’s a definite non bon scenario.

Result: $4.7 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #8 with $5.699 million, which is $0.999m off for a 21.26% error.

9. Toy Story 3

It will hit $900m in worldwide cume. Now if only we could get Pixar to fix our political situation.

Result: $3 million

My rank: I picked it to finish #9 with $2.711 million, which is $0.289m off for a 9.63% error.

10. The Kids are All Right

Boom, The Kids are All Right slipped into the tenth slot like a thief in the night. I’m pleased. It’s a nice little drama.

Result: $2.6 million

My rank: Not Ranked

How say you? Any surprises? Happy to see Step Up 3-D fail, even though it wasn’t post-production 3-D? Am I off on my take on The Other Guys‘ financials? Weigh in now, before it’s too late!

Movie News

Marvel and DC

X