April 13-15, 2001

Around the World Round Up
by Kenan Bresnan

Bridget Jones's Diary smashed into the U.K. with a record-breaking $10 million on 414 screens over the 4-day Easter holiday weekend. That is the best opening weekend performance by any U.K. film and Universal's (through United International Pictures) second biggest opening there behind recent release, Hannibal. The Renee Zellweger/Hugh Grant starrer also ranks as the territory's eighth-biggest debut of all time. Slated openings on May 31st in Argentina, June 7th for The Netherlands, and Spain on June 8th should add to the possible $40 million plus performance in Blighty.

Another foreign film debuting in the United States, Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles, made its debut in its native country, Australia. Paul Hogan's 13 year absence in the Dundee trilogy looks to have cost him where the film only popped out $1.1 million in a five day holiday weekend on 228. The original Crocodile Dundee held Australia's all-time total gross for over 10 years until Titanic's $1.8 billion worldwide run hit. But the film is just following redundancy. The second film only grossed half of the original and LA will most likely do the same or worse.

Over in Japan, an outstanding performance from Hannibal has minted an additional $3 million in its second course on just 363 (sliding by a reasonable 36%), hoisting its nine-day tally to $11.2 million. Look for $30-$40 million final on this one. The foreign total is $148,634,945 and is on course to surpass the domestic $163.4 million.

Another U.K. opener, Spy Kids. Miramax's kids flick cruised to a promising $1.3 million on 402 screens which is better than George of the Jungle and just shy of 102 Dalmatians. Expect business there to actually pick up next week or stay neutral.

In Mexico, the Easter holiday break for the kids racked in a splendid $2.2 million in 10 days for The Emperor's New Groove and Rugrats in Paris: The Movie grabbed second with $1.1 million. New Groove has an estimated cume of $52 million while Rugrats enjoyed second rounds from the U.K. ($1.8 million) and Australia ($636,000) where it improved.

The Easter holiday has delayed many of the results.

Next week Girlfight, The Hole, The Tailor of Panama, One Night at McCool's, and The Contender in the United Kingdom. Valentine and You Can Count on Me open in Germany with several local hits. Australia takes on domestic success Exit Wounds and domestic dud Tomcats in its first overseas appearance. France gets local fav 15 Aout and Finding Forrester, Dude, Where's My Car?, The Gift, and Remember the Titans. The Mexican and Lucky Numbers debut in Japan and the last stop for The Whole Nine Yards.

The U.K.'s top three most likely won't change. One Night at McCool's should do well and The Tailor of Panama should have a great screen average. The Contender could get the 15th spot. Valentine may get fifth in Germany while it could be led by Miss Congeniality again for its fourth lap. Exit Wounds won't dethrone Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles but may get third as Tomcats may get the tenth spot. The Mexican and The Whole Nine Yards should do fairly well in Japan, but Hannibal will continue to reign. Be sure to check the French box office forecast coming this weekend.

Check out the France Forecast