Box Office News: ‘Unknown’ With Liam Neeson Tops Low-Performing Weekend

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CHICAGO – A President’s Day weekend without too many highlights produced a relatively-lackluster number one in Liam Neeson’s “Unknown,” racking up $25.6 million over the four days, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film barely beat out the competition as “Gnomeo and Juliet,” “I Am Number Four,” “Just Go With It,” and “Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son” made up a truly uninspiring top five that was down 30% from last year.

Unknown
Unknown
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Liam Neeson has become one of the most unexpected action movie stars after the success of “Taken,” “The A-Team,” and, now, “Unknown,” which was able to beat the DreamWorks-promoted “I Am Number Four” by appealing to older viewers. According to THR, 89% of the audience was over 25 and over half of the audience was over 50. Yes, Hollywood, there are markets besides teenagers and this number one should prove that.

Interestingly, the reasoning behind the success of the #2 is similar in that it tapped a currently-underserved demo. In a field with very few family films, “Gnomeo and Juliet” held on strong with an impressive $24.8 million over the four days and $55.7 million total through Sunday. Believe it or not, the Elton John animated flick is on track to become the biggest February animated film ever. There’s your odd trivia for the day.

“I Am Number Four” had to settle for number three, drawing $22.7 million, a disappointing number for the big-budget flick and well below tracking.

“Just Go With It” with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston drew in another $21.7 million and has made $64.2 million in its first eleven days.

The final premiere was “Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son.” The unscreened-for-critics comedy made an impressive $19 million from 2,821 theaters.

Finally, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” fell 55% from its opening frame, but has made an impressive $51.9 million through Monday.

“The King’s Speech” ($103 million through Sunday), “The Roommate” ($33 million), “The Eagle” ($15 million), and “No Strings Attached” ($66 million) filled out the top ten.

Last year saw a MUCH more robust President’s Day frame with “Valentine’s Day” ($63 million opening), “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” ($39 million) and “The Wolfman” ($36 million).

Will the box office bounce back a bit this weekend with “Hall Pass” with Owen Wilson or “Drive Angry 3D” with Nicolas Cage? Doubtful but we’ll let you know next week.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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