Box Office News: ‘The Watch’ Opens with Dismal Numbers While ‘TDKR’ Drops

Submitted by BrianTT on July 29, 2012 - 12:23pm

CHICAGO – Critically reviled “The Watch” with Ben Stiller & Vince Vaughn opened with downright depressing numbers, good enough for only third place. Meanwhile, “Step Up: Revolution” claimed fourth while “The Dark Knight Rises” tumbled over 60% in its second frame.

For comparison, “The Dark Knight” fell 52.5% from its massive opening weekend four years ago. Estimates pin “The Dark Knight Rises” at over 60%. Exactly what is keeping people away is unclear (some point to Aurora, some point to the Olympics, and some point to the fact that most viewers don’t consider this film to have the repeat value of its predecessor), but it is clear now that “TDKR” will not top the previous film in overall gross. Still, the film has made over half a billion worldwide already.

As for “The Watch,” horrendous reviews, bad marketing, and maybe even controversy surrounding its subject matter killed this comedy before it even hit theaters. The opening numbers were the lowest for Ben Stiller since 2004’s “Envy.” Ouch.

Next week sees the release of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” and “Total Recall.”

ESTIMATED TOTALS
1. The Dark Knight Rises — $64.1 million — down 60% — $289.1 million total
2. Ice Age: Continental Drift — $13.3 million — down 35% — $114.9 million
3. The Watch — $13 million — new
4. Step Up: Revolution — $11.8 million — new
5. Ted — $7.4 million — down 27% — $193.6 million
6. The Amazing Spider-man — $6.8 million — down 38% — $242.1 million
7. Brave — $4.2 million — down 30% — $217.3 million
8. Magic Mike — $2.6 million — down 40% — $107.6 million
9. Savages — $1.8 million — down 48% — $43.9 million
10. Moonrise Kingdom — $1.4 million — down 51% — $38.4 million