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 The seventh installment in the "X-Men" franchise topped U.S.
and Canadian movie charts with $111.0 million from Friday
through Monday, according to estimates from tracking firm
Rentrak. The film earned an additional $191.0 million at
theaters around the world, Fox said.
The "X-Men" sequel was boosted by strong reviews, including a 91
percent positive rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website, and an
"A" grade in audience polling by CinemaScore, Fox executives
said. The film drew an ethnically diverse audience that was 56
percent male and 44 percent female, said Spencer Klein, senior
vice president and general sales manager for 20th Century Fox, a
unit of 21st Century Fox
"The movie broadened out to a general audience," he said.
From Friday through Sunday, "X-Men" racked up global ticket
sales that beat the December 2009 debut of Fox's "Avatar," the
sci-fi adventure that started with $241.5 million worldwide and
became the best-selling movie of all time, grossing $2.8
billion, according to Box Office Mojo.
"X-Men" collected global sales of $261.8 million over its first
three days in 119 territories, including $37.7 million in China,
the world's second-largest film market. "Avatar" did not open in
China during its first weekend of release.
In the latest installment in the Marvel Comics series, Hugh
Jackman's sharp-clawed Wolverine travels back in time to try and
save the mutants from future destruction. To alter history, he
is drawn into battle with the blue, shape-shifting Mystique,
portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the $200 million production.
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The film had to contend with a dose of unwelcome publicity after two
men accused director Bryan Singer of sexually abusing them as
teenagers, charges he denies.
The stampede of "X-Men" knocked monster hit "Godzilla" to second
place at U.S. and Canadian theaters. The remake of the 1954 Japanese
film took in $39.4 million domestically from Friday through Monday,
and brought its global total to $324.5 million, according to Warner
Bros., which produced "Godzilla" with Legendary Pictures.
New romantic comedy "Blended" came in third, falling short of
forecasts with $18.2 million in domestic ticket sales through
Monday. The movie stars Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler as single
parents on vacation with their kids at an African resort.
Seth Rogen comedy "Neighbors" landed in fourth place with $17.2
million, ahead of superhero sequel "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" in the
No. 5 slot with $10.0 million.
Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros. distributed "Godzilla" and "Blended."
Comcast Corp's Universal Pictures released "Neighbors." Sony Corp's
movie studio distributed "Spider-Man 2."
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Diane Craft)
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