Huge Box Office Stats for "Sex and the City" Opening

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:12:36 PM EST
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Women came out in droves this weekend for the opening of the Sex and the City movie.

The romantic comedy, based on HBO’s long-running television series of the same name, unexpectedly overtook the latest “Indiana Jones” movie at the domestic box office, bringing in an estimated $55.7 million since opening with midnight shows on Thursday, according to Warner Brothers., which released the film.

...85 percent of the ticket buyers [were] women, many viewing in groups — brought the film about $26 million in sales on Friday.

It was the largest weekend opening ever for a movie with a female lead. The numbers were a big surprise:

“It’s a cultural phenomenon; it’s an absolutely incredible opening,” said Dan Fellman, Warner’s president for theatrical distribution...

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Huge Box Office Stats for "Sex and the City" Opening | 66 comments (66 topical)

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I have SO never been a Sex In The City (5.00 / 2) (#2)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:16:22 PM EST

fan, but good for them.

agree with the "good for them" (5.00 / 2) (#8)
by Turkana on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:23:27 PM EST

i watched the show now and then, and occasionally found it amusing, but realized, after a while, that these were four people i just didn't find all that interesting. among other things, they lived in the mighty big apple, and never seemed aware of serious culture or politics. i realized that if i knew them in real life, they were not women i'd ask out on a date, or would even care to hang out with as friends. so, it's great that the stereotype of women not being able to open a summer blockbuster has been shattered, and i may even go see it, but i'd first recommend something like "the visitor."


Honestly... (5.00 / 2) (#15)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:32:09 PM EST

they always seemed much more like gay men than actual women to me.


LOL (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by JavaCityPal on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:43:51 PM EST

Believe me... (5.00 / 2) (#30)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:46:07 PM EST

I'm an artistic type living in New York.

I know whereof I speak. :-)


: Working in West Hollywood, CA, I know what (4.50 / 2) (#32)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:49:16 PM EST

you are talking about....they were like the female equivalent of Queer As Folk, and about half the gay guys I knew.

Indeed. . . (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by andgarden on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:53:13 PM EST

I read somewhere that all the writers for Sex in (none / 0) (#58)
by LibOne on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:41:38 PM EST

the City were gay me.


: gay me = gay men (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by LibOne on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:48:48 PM EST

sorry

See, we are a demographic!! (5.00 / 6) (#3)
by Stellaaa on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:18:26 PM EST

: It goes to show (5.00 / 1) (#59)
by LibOne on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:43:30 PM EST

that if you make a movie that adult women want to see they will actually go to the theater and shell out the eight bucks.

Glad they did well, but my 5 year old (5.00 / 2) (#4)
by jeffinalabama on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:18:36 PM EST

(and papi, I must admit) is waiting for the kung fu panda movie next weekend!

My hubby (5.00 / 1) (#7)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:19:55 PM EST

wants to see that too! LOL


he (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:26:07 PM EST

my youngest is awaiting that one too!


That is one I would like to see, along with (5.00 / 0) (#13)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:29:48 PM EST

The Love Guru, Michael Meyers new movie.


I am sooooo looking forward (none / 0) (#18)
by kredwyn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:33:53 PM EST

to Get Smart.


: Chief, I think it's time... (none / 0) (#21)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:35:53 PM EST

for the Cone of Silence!
:-)

My husband and I (5.00 / 3) (#5)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:19:09 PM EST

walked past a movie theater in NYC on opening night. There were tons of fashionably dressed women milling around and meeting friends - some were even videotaping! It was quite the event.

I'm not surprised by those numbers at all. :-)

I hated that show (5.00 / 3) (#9)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:23:43 PM EST

Darn, the one (5.00 / 5) (#10)
by Stellaaa on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:24:59 PM EST

and only prediction this primary season I could have gotten right and I missed it.


I loved it and have seen every episode (5.00 / 4) (#23)
by Jeralyn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:37:27 PM EST

Many more than once.


Me too (5.00 / 1) (#35)
by ruffian on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:56:23 PM EST

I'm still not sure why and don't want to examine it too much.

I'd go see the movie, but now I'm afraid I would be underdressed. It might be best left for video in my den, just like I watched the show.


I loved the movie... (none / 0) (#63)
by Susie from Philly on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 09:08:43 PM EST

And will probably go see a few more times with my friends.

I finally realized who Samantha reminds me of with her facial expressions: Pee Wee Herman!


: Heheh (none / 0) (#64)
by lilburro on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 09:18:16 PM EST

that doesn't seem like the kind of reference Kim Catrall would appreciate! Though I do :)

Why am I not surprised? (none / 0) (#16)
by kredwyn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:33:11 PM EST

Me? I saw Indy.

Very interesting...and an unusual take on the crystal skull mystery.


I want to see that... (none / 0) (#19)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:34:24 PM EST

just for Cate Blanchett. :-)

Plus I heard it was pretty good.


Cate was amazing (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by bjorn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:36:51 PM EST

as usual. She is definitely the Meryl Streep of her generation and the most beautiful woman on the planet!


: I agree about the Meryl Streep comparison! (none / 0) (#26)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:41:10 PM EST

She is an amazing talent! And quite stunning as well. The cheekbones are to die for. :-)

Now there's a shocker. LOL (none / 0) (#17)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:33:47 PM EST

I did (5.00 / 3) (#14)
by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:31:09 PM EST

exactly what the movie execs said. I did "girls night out" and went with 2 gf's to see the movie. I thought it got a slow start but once it got going it was pretty good. I absolutely hated Big for what he did to Carrie in the beginning/middle of the movie. Of course, I got over it later.

My husband asked me before I went to guess how many guys were in the movie. He said there won't be any and I said you don't think some wives/girlfrieds are going to make them go after being forced to sit through a couple of horrid b flicks by their significant other? Long story short, I counted the number of men in the theater. There were six who were obviously forced by wives/gfs whatever to see it. LOL!

I've seen every single episode, (5.00 / 4) (#24)
by Iphie on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:37:50 PM EST

used to read Candace Bushnell's column in The New York Observer and had my advance ticket purchased for Friday night, but gave it away when I found out I had a ticket to the RBC meeting. I'm exhausted, my head still hurts and the abuse meted out by the Obama supporters there is going to stick with me for awhile.

Mebbe I just should have stuck with the STC ticket instead -- everyone who went had a great time. I'm going tomorrow or the next day -- I could really use a couple of hours of fashion p*rn right about now.

You probably are saner for not having (none / 0) (#69)
by scribe on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 02:04:04 PM EST

gone to the premiere.

A friend who worked there told me it was absolute insanity - 8000 tickets (not counting the fakes) issued for 6000 seats was merely the beginning.

For those who are interested, consensus view from People Who Would Know is that there will be a sequel b/c they are just going to make so much money off this film there is no way they won't (can't) make a sequel.


: I thought as much. (none / 0) (#70)
by Iphie on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 09:59:32 PM EST

About the sequel -- I read an interview w/ SJP a couple of weeks ago, and she said something to that effect. I can't remember the exact quote, but it was something about people being very interested in these women's lives, so who knows about a sequel?

I'm shocked that they're shocked (5.00 / 1) (#37)
by Xeno on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:57:09 PM EST

Frankly, I think the reason the studios and box office "experts" are amazed at SITC's numbers is that they rarely target movies at women (especially older women). It's an underserved demographic that is simply starving for films that appeal to their tastes. (Of course, I should be part of that demo but you couldn't get me to a "chick flick" with a Taser and shackles.) If the studios would turn out more good movies aimed at women they could rake in the bucks. Have they forgotten movies like Fried Green Tomatoes and Terms of Endearment?

By the way, I saw Iron Man last night and it was terrific. It was even better than the comic books, which I loved. I definitely got my ten bucks' worth and more. My true demographic, the comic book/science fiction geek crowd, will always be well served by studios. I can't wait for Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers, Ant-Man, The Hulk....

Iron Man... another one my 5 y.o. (none / 0) (#38)
by jeffinalabama on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:58:56 PM EST

wants to see-- how is it for younger kids?


I saw that a couple weeks ago (5.00 / 0) (#45)
by kayla on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:06:58 PM EST

There's a tiny but of rolling around in the bed in the beginning, but nothing too bad. Not much cursing or anything. Just a lot of excitement and snarkiness from Mr. Tony Stark. And it's pretty funny watching him build and perfect the suit through trial and error. Robert Downy Jr. is great in it, of course.

I took my 9 year old nephew to see it and he loved it. I thought it was fun, but not as great as all the hype makes it seem.


I enjoyed it... (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by kredwyn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:27:49 PM EST

But I don't know about younger kids.

I'd say that 11 and up might be okay. I think I was 11 when I saw Star Wars...

The early parts made me think about soonergrunt...and worry about some others I know.


hear, hear. (none / 0) (#55)
by jeffinalabama on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:29:08 PM EST

: My brother wasn't allowed to go see (none / 0) (#56)
by kredwyn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:31:49 PM EST

Star Wars...he was way younger. And later claimed that not seeing it on screen had caused him developmental damage re: popular culture.
::snort::

Oh no...not the 5 year old. (none / 0) (#41)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:02:06 PM EST

Too violent.

It's a great flick if you're 13 and up, though. :-)


I say we all go to the opera.... :) (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:03:44 PM EST

: Well, the child does like the overture to (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by jeffinalabama on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:06:28 PM EST

Tannhauser... and NASCAR. Got to learn him all about culture, knowhudimean?

it does open with a sex scene (none / 0) (#43)
by bjorn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:05:58 PM EST

doesn't it? Although everyone is covered.


: Not quite... (none / 0) (#53)
by kredwyn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:28:32 PM EST

think Afghanistan.

It depends on the kid, I think (none / 0) (#57)
by Xeno on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:39:56 PM EST

It opens with a convoy of Humvees in Afghanistan getting attacked, then proceeds to briefly show Tony Stark being waterboarded. People do die in the movie, some at Iron Man's hands (and guns, and flamethrowers), but without unnecessary gore. The sex scene was brief and both actors were fully clothed. It was played for laughs and I'd suspect that very young children would just get the slapstick and miss the passion.

Overall, it isn't terribly graphic but the violence might be disturbing to some children. Other kids might approach it as a big screen version of a video game or cartoon. There was a young child, maybe 4 or 5, in my row who seemed wowed by the sfx and unfazed by the violence. So you have to judge, bearing in mind the violent elements and your own little boy's disposition.


I love Sex and the City (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by kayla on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:59:02 PM EST

..in all it's ironic, annoying, punny glory. It came out when I was like 12 and I used to sneek into the living room to watch it, thinking I was being scandalous, but the older I got the more I realized it wasn't very in line with reality... but I still think it's a great show. I don't care who knows!

I'm probably not going to bother seeing the movie, though. I hate when good movies/tv shows/books come back in movie form. It always ruins the magic.

I'm more excited for Hancock (I love Jason Bateman) and The Dark Knight (I love Batman).

I'm not a fan (5.00 / 0) (#46)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:07:54 PM EST

but I can see the fan-ship.

I have in the past been a huge fan of Dancin' With the Stars. I ask myself why and I couldn't figure it out. I am not one to care about "glitter" (that's an understatement). After this season, I realized the truth. My fanship was due to my crushes on Apollo Ono, Emmitt Smith and Hélio Castroneves. Without them, the show gets old after awhile.

Anyway, so I don't deny anyone their simple pleasures! ;-).

I prefer (5.00 / 1) (#48)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:19:44 PM EST

"So You Think You Can Dance," myself.

Those people are AMAZING. :-)


Top Chef (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by andgarden on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:26:35 PM EST

: Top Chef....I love it....waiting for Iron Chef (none / 0) (#60)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:43:48 PM EST

right now. How cool is it Top Chef is going to Puerto Rico for the last 4 weeks...Who do you think will win? I am putting my money on, oh hell, her name escapes me now. Not, Lisa and not Stephanie, the other girl.

They are true dancers, once you get past (none / 0) (#50)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:24:26 PM EST

the try-outs, which are great if you are feeling down...lots of entertainment. Did you see that one kid from Venice Beach who danced robotlike? He was very good!


Yes, but it was such a treat to see Emmitt (none / 0) (#47)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:12:09 PM EST

improve and become such an accomplished dancer, and his smile did light up the place. I was, however, very glad to see Christie win this year...she danced her heart out. Lots of great talent this year, including Jason Taylor...


: I totally (none / 0) (#54)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:28:42 PM EST

thought Christie was a ringer and that bothered me.
But yes, they were all good.

Obviously I'm not a target demographic... (none / 0) (#25)
by Addison on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:39:46 PM EST

...but to me it seems that narcissistic, materialistic excess is a little unappealing these days. I don't know how this show/movie holds appeal except for -- to use a cross-gender analogy -- the type that made Rambo such a big hit. Were I woman I don't know if I'd trumpet these numbers, necessarily.

PS: hopefully this is viewed as part of a discussion and not a trollish comment on Jeralyn's post.

PPS: and dogmatic asceticism is obviously not the right approach either.

Oh Addison... (none / 0) (#27)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:42:18 PM EST

you're not going to give it all up and join a monastery?

;-)


Not yet! (none / 0) (#29)
by Addison on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:44:15 PM EST

And certainly not because of Sex and the City.


: Ha! Good... (none / 0) (#31)
by madamab on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:47:39 PM EST

I treat it as mindless entertainment (none / 0) (#36)
by andgarden on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:56:30 PM EST

rather like James Bond.


More my younger sister's kind of movie (none / 0) (#34)
by andgarden on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 07:54:41 PM EST

than mine. I'd be surprised if she hasn't seen it yet.

But I did occasionally enjoy the show.

O/T Kinda, sorta...Yves St. Laurent Died (none / 0) (#40)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:01:05 PM EST

Maybe they have worn some of his clothes in SITC, so then it won't be too far off topic...

: Well, he did design the first pantsuit (5.00 / 0) (#62)
by FlaDemFem on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:54:38 PM EST

for women, so maybe you should mention it on a Hillary thread. He would have loved her wardrobe.

: RIP (none / 0) (#49)
by kredwyn on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:21:54 PM EST

He was a classic...as were his designs.

I was left to sit home (none / 0) (#65)
by Slado on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 07:38:39 AM EST

and babysit while the wife went with her gf's. I was pretty disapointed because I watched every episode with my wife when it was on HBO and really enjoyed the show.

Oh well some things are for the girls and she promised to watch it with me when it comes out on video.

Something to look forward to.

Since we're showing skeletons:)... (none / 0) (#67)
by kdog on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 09:20:53 AM EST

I kinda liked the tv show too, an ex-girlfriend was a big fan.

I've loved Kim Catrall since "Porky's".


: It really was a good show... (none / 0) (#68)
by Slado on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 10:10:11 AM EST

and remember it's written by males not women so it's a little more oversexed then what an all women's writing team would probably put together.
It's one of my guilty pleasures and I tried replacing it with Lipstick Jungle (written by the origianal creator) but it's not the same.
Like I said, I'm looking forward to watching it at home with the wife later this year.

women as leads (none / 0) (#66)
by diogenes on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 07:44:44 AM EST

Sexy women can sell anything. Is this some sort of feminist victory? I'm sure that a Desperate Housewives movie will do well too.