#BOXOFFICE: “SKYFALL” IS EARTH-SHATTERING AT BOX OFFICE

Although it is no real surprise, Skyfall, the latest in the James Bond Franchise, opens in with some spectacular numbers this weekend. Opening in 3,505 theatres, the Action-Thriller earns $87 million in its North American debut after pulling-in amazing numbers overseas where it opened prior, already earning $321 million in those territories. This qualifies as the highest opening for the Franchise in  Daniel Craig‘s time in the iconic Role, besting Quantum of Solace which opened in North America with $67 million back in January 2009.

Last week’s Champ Wreck-it Ralph still is going strong and Families are responding in droves, earning $33 million in its second weekend of release.  In just two weeks, the Animated Feature from Disney has grossed over $90 million already.

Trailing in a distant third is Paramount Pictures’ Flight starring Denzel Washington, with $15.1 million from 2,047 theatres in its second weekend, just ahead of the amazing Argo in fourth with $6.7 million, now earning over $85 million in its domestic Run for Warner Bros.

The remainder of the Top Ten is rounded out by some Veterans, including Taken 2 in its fifth week taking-in $4 million, edging Pitch Perfect in sixth spot with $2.4 million. Former number one Film Hotel Transylvania, slips to tenths pot with $2.1 million. Sony Pictures just announced a Sequel is on-the-way for the Monster Smash.

Bubbling-under is Disney‘s Lincoln which earned a stellar $900k this weekend from just 11 theatres across North America, where screenings were sold-out almost completely.  The Film is showing exclusively in Toronto at Varsity Cinemas and will continue to expand in coming weeks. Lots of Oscar buzz for Daniel Day-Lewis here; expect this one to be a Player in coming weeks.