Dear John Tops Avatar For Box Office Win

Years from now it may become a trivia question. What movie ended Avatar‘s reign at the top of the box office after winning seven straight weekends? The answer is the Nicholas Sparks novel adaptation Dear John which soared past all industry expectations to make over $32 million. The military angle may have been what was most underestimated as the film was targeted not just to the younger female demo but also heavily marketed in military areas. Avatar still only dropped 24% to $23.6 million taking its domestic total to $630 million.

Dear John, in comparison to another Sparks’ novel The Notebook, opened nearly $20 million higher. While The Notebook started without a smash opening it burned for a long time as word of mouth spread. It would seem likely that Dear John will see relatively heavy drop-offs over the coming weeks and won’t have near the same longevity. Reviews weren’t strong and next week it will face direct competition from Valentine’s Day which all indications have headed towards a huge opening becoming the date movie of choice.

The other new entry to the market was the John Travolta action pic From Paris With Love which was only able to make $8 million. That put it under even the softer expectations out there. Reviews were mixed and the biggest problem seemed to be a lack of a marketing hook to draw moviegoers out.

1- Dear John $32.4 (OPEN)
2- Avatar $23.6 ($630.1)
3- From Paris With Love $8.1 (OPEN)
4- Edge of Darkness $7.0 ($29.1)
5- The Tooth Fairy $6.5 ($34.3)
6- When in Rome $5.5 ($20.9)
7- The Book of Eli $4.8 ($82.2)
8- Crazy Heart $3.6 ($11.2)
9- Legion $3.4 ($34.7)
10- Sherlock Holmes $2.6 ($201.6)