What’s the buzz in Hollywood? Texas Chainsaw, that’s what.
The 3-D sequel of 1974’s venerably vile Texas Chainsaw Massacre brap-brap-brapped its way to the top of the box office, chopping down an estimated $23 million in an otherwise sleepy week at the multiplex.
The horror flick benefitted by being the only wide release of the weekend, but it was still a bit disappointing for those of us who kinda hope the moviegoing public would find something better to do. Even as much of the nation debates the influence of violent media and mourns over the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., Chainsaw proves that we’ve not lost our appetite for schlocky splatter cinema. There’s no surer low-risk bet in Hollywood than greenlighting movies that buy fake blood by the barrel.
Speaking of which, Quentin Tarantino’s mega-violent Django Unchained held down its No. 2 position with a $20.1 million take this weekend, pushing its overall box office total to $106.4 million.
Poor ol’ Bilbo Baggins. After three weeks atop the box office, the unassuming hobbit and his nifty ring simply couldn’t parry Leatherface’s chainsaw and Django’s blazing firearms. As such, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey made a not-so-unexpected dip this week, sinking to third with a $17.5 million weekend. But mourn not for Bilbo: The film has earned $263.8 million in its month-long run. (And it’ll likely earn at least another 16 bucks—from my wife and I this weekend.)
Les Misérables, which has tangled with Django since the two Oscar hopefuls were released on Christmas Day, finished fourth this week with $16.1 million. Les Mis is now also slightly behind Django overall, banking $103.6 million during its run.
Parental Guidance rounds out the Top 5 with $10.1 million.
Final Figures update: 1. Texas Chainsaw, $21.7 million; 2. Django Unchained, $20 million; 3. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, $17.5 million; 4. Les Misérables, $16 million; 5. Parental Guidance, $9.7 million
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