Numbers mean nothing. If this doesn't do well in theaters, it will go boffo on DVD.

But if numbers mean nothing, why does it matter how it does on DVD?

I was referring to weekend box office numbers, obviously. Even supposedly huge movies aren't making all their money back in the theaters. With movie prices going up and so many movies coming out each weekend, it is getting harder and harder for movies, especially R-rated puppet movies to big in the big bucks on the opening weekend. For some reason, I have a feeling that this will climb rather than fall in the next few weeks, once all the little kids have seen Shark's Tale.

Of course 'numbers mean nothing' when a movie people like does crappy at the theater. However, if a fanboy movie is the top spot, numbers must mean something then since the #1 spot is often used to show that it is great.

Just an observation.

FYI, I haven't even seen the movie yet, I'm neither a fan nor a hater. I'm also just making an observation. But thanks for subtly calling me a "fanboy." Is there any way to censor that word here, I am really sick of seeing it used in any context where someone wants to start something.

I really couldn't care less how much any movie makes, it isn't an accurate indicator of the quality of the film. I don't only go see the biggest money-making movies, expecting them to be good. So to me, numbers really don't mean anything. I was just making an observation on the fact that an R-rated puppet movie probably isn't going to pull in amazing numbers, especially going up against a kids movie like Shark Tale.

I don't think the expectations for Team America were much higher then what it actually took in, and it ought to make back close to its budget from its theater run.

I am glad to see FNL hanging in there as it is a good movie.

I didn't think Shark Tale would hang in there that long at #1. Guess family entertainment can be golden if you put it out in a time typically littered with more mature themed movies.

It's obviously a Film Actors Guild conspiracy.

When I saw Team America yesterday afternoon the theater was nearly empty.

Fanboy, ha. Yeah, this movie did fine. With a 2,500 screen count (far less than Shark Tale) and it's R rating, plus it's not so big budget, this movie did just fine. I do know for this movie the R rating hurts it big time, as theater are more prone to enforcing that rating on this film, whereas the audience is largely, well, from the 17 and under crowd. So, DVD will be much bigger for this one I imagine. South Park: BLU opned to disapointing (well according to expectations) numbers when it came out also.

Of course, the success of Friday Night Lights and Shark Tale is still pretty impressive.

Ha, I'm kinda laughing at the whole numbers thing. Could have been better? Yeah. But considering Southpark BLU had a Opening Weekend of $11,335,889 on (2,128 theaters, $5,327 average)

that seems about right. Now why didn't I think like this when I longed the movie. son of a....

DVD sales will be good. But that isn't saying much because EVERYTHING has good dvd sales now a days. If it doesn't bring in enough in the theater, it of course will bring up the number in home sales.

You are overlooking the marketing budget which added about 100 million to the budget. This is very, very bad for Paramount (who has had a bunch of duds lately).

Um, are you joking? Of course marketing added to the budget, but this film only cost what, 40 million total with marketing included? It's not that much, and this movie will bring the profit in for Paramount. If anything it seems to be mirroring the Parker boys last release the South Park movie, which had a similar budget and opening weekend.

I agree though, Paramount is hurting, but this movie is playing right about where it should be.

$12.3 mil for a movie with strings attached to the lead characters ain't half bad!!!

As Roeper says "Best R rated movie with puppets I ever saw!"

There's no chance in hell marketing costs were 100 million dollars.

Most people I talk to, even South Park fans, think Team America is going to be stupid. They make comments like, "You can even see the strings." Yeah, that's kind of the point...

I am too busy working this coming week to see it, but hopefully I can see it sometime next week.

Of course Shark Tale and Friday Night Lights beat Team America...which movie do you think all the underagers bought tickets for to sneak into Team America!@ DUH!!! For what it's worth, when I saw it on Friday night, it was sold out... I think for a movie that only cost 30million and whose marketing wasn't overly expensive, this film is going to turn a profit... maybe not now, but with dvds, you bet your ass... I know I'm seeing it again and telling everyone and their brother to go see it.

MATT

so.. what is the marketing cost? Because it was really tossed out there. That would be an interesting thing to hear.

Any SP fan who thinks that must be blind to the quality of the cartoon. I mean, geez, that's half the fun about SP... the crappy look of the show (crappy in a good way).

Yeah it would be. I'm guessing probably in the 15 million dollar range at most though.

Of course, I've also heard the budget is really 20 million, not 30 or 32 million as stated elsewhere. So perhaps that 32 million is with marketing rolled in. Who knows. I know Sky Captain had supposedly inflated budget reports (stating 70 million costs, whereas it supposedly was more like 40) so it's possible they're doing that here again, as it is Paramount once more.

I do have to say...those panthers couldn't have been cheap, they looked so real!

Abranut, spill the info you inside source!

100 miiiillion dollars!

Ya...I have several friends who are cheap...or looking for a more ideal date movie...or want to see/do other stuff with their tight funds. Im college aged and ive had at least three friends say "ill buy it for sure on dvd cause i know ill love it...and i can get the unedited version" so...i guess that goes for that. who knows though...I loved the movie and plan on seeing it 2-3 tiems in theater! but i am pathetic...

Yes, it is inevitaberl.

A per screen average of $4800 for an opening weekend is pretty darn good for a puppet movie with no big stars.