‘Chance of Meatballs’ tops weekend box office / LJWorld.com

Archive for Monday, September 21, 2009

Associated Press

September 21, 2009

New York — The forecast was bright at the box office for “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” which earned $30.1 million to lead this weekend’s films.

Sony’s 3-D animated family comedy was adapted from the popular 1978 children’s book by Judi and Ron Barrett. Despite schools being back in session, the film still was able to draw kids and their parents to the multiplexes.

That’s good news for other adaptations of classic children’s books on the horizon, namely the much anticipated big screen version of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are.” The Spike Jonze directed adaptation will be released Oct. 16.

Steven Soderbergh’s “The Informant!” came in second with $10.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. That was slightly better than expected for the Warner Bros. comedy, which stars Matt Damon as a bipolar whistle-blower.

Last week’s box-office topper, Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” saw a 57 percent drop for Lionsgate. It still earned $10 million, good enough for third place. That brought its cumulative total to $37.9 million.

Jennifer Aniston’s “Love Happens” (Universal) came in fourth with $8.5 million, suggesting that audiences may be tiring of the actress in romantic comedies. It’s her third film this year.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com.

1. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” $30.1 million.

2. “The Informant!” $10.5 million.

3. “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” $10 million.

4. “Love Happens,” $8.5 million.

5. “Jennifer’s Body,” $6.8 million.

6. “9,” $5.5 million.

7. “Inglourious Basterds,” $3.6 million.

8. “All About Steve,” $3.4 million.

9. “Sorority Row,” $2.5 million.

10. “The Final Destination,” $2.4 million.