Audiences gave full disclosure of their fatal attraction toward Michael Douglas. His newest thriller, “Don’t Say a Word,” mustered $17.1 million in a surprisingly strong debut. “Word” barely beat the $16.6 million opening of “A Perfect Murder,” and its per-screen average of $6,097 was louder than the $5,840 average for “Murder.” Following the flop “One Night at McCool’s” which Douglas produced and co-starred in, the producer must be shouting the word from the rooftops; it is his largest opening to date. In addition, “Word” breathed life into the sagging box office and may claim a second weekend at No. 1 since Douglas’ thrillers usually hold up well.
At No. 2, the largely favored “Zoolander” strutted its stuff with a $15.5 million debut. Its writer-producer-director-star Ben Stiller had a bigger directorial opening with “The Cable Guy,” but “Zoolander” gave him a new high as the leading man. Averaging $6,194 per venue, the world of male models has never received such high interest.
Anthony Hopkins devoured $9 million in “Hearts in Atlantis.” While not as ravenous as his cannibal openings, Anthony Hopkins carried “Hearts” by himself to a respectable third place opening. “Hearts” averaged $5,151 per setting and enjoyed good word of mouth across all demographics. Warner Bros. has high hopes that “Hearts” will shine through October.
Snagging fourth place, Keanu Reeves played “Hardball” for $5.2 million. Despite the new competition, “Hardball” lost only 35 percent of its audience and scored $26.3 million total. “Hardball” seems zeroed in on $50 million by the end of its run.
Locked back in its home at No. 5, “The Others” nearly matched its $5.1 million gross last week with $4.8 million this week. It increased its overall gross to $86.7 million.
At No. 6, “Rush Hour 2” jammed on to $2.5 million and $219.2 million overall.
“The Glass House” shattered in its third week, dropping 52 percent to $2.1 million and seventh place. With only $15 million, the audience has huffed and puffed and blown the house down. “The Musketeer” buckled to No. 8. during its final act in the top 10; “Musketeer” took $1.7 million for $25.5 total.
At No. 9, “Rat Race” increased its calling area by $1.7 million for $54.1 million cumulative.
In the 10 spot with $1.6 million, “Two Can Play That Game” jumped to a $20.6 million cumulative.
Next weekend, audiences must decide which is scarier: Paul Walker and Leelee Sobieski in “Joy Ride” or Denzel Washington’s goatee in “Training Day.” For the weak of heart, John Cusack looks for “Serendipity” while families watch “Max Keeble’s Big Move.”