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'Conan' slain by 'The Help' in Friday box office
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Ah, the end of summer, one of the silly seasons in movie-release schedules. A time when barbarians, pint-sized secret agents and vampires roam the cinematic landscape -- and neither of them can get enough moviegoers in theaters to push them to the top of the box office.None of the weekend's new releases -- "Conan the Barbarian," the fourth "Spy Kids" movie, "Fright Night" and "One Day" -- managed to unseat last weekend's leaders, "The Help" and "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," in Friday's (Aug. 19) box office.
"The Help" looks like it will emerge the weekend's leader, having earned an estimated $5.8 million on Friday. It's been doing consistently solid business since its Aug. 10 opening, thanks in part to strong word of mouth from moviegoers.
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes," which is in its third week of release, snagged the No. 2 spot Friday with $4.65 million.
"Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" was the best of the new releases, earning an estimated $4 million in its opening day. "Conan" mustered up only $3.7 million, and "Fright Night" came in at just over $3 million. The modest figures come despite the fact that all three movies are playing in 3-D -- which means higher ticket prices -- at many theaters.
Finally, "One Day," which is playing in about 1,500 fewer theaters than the other three newcomers, earned $1.9 million on Friday.
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Photo/Video credit: Lionsgate
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I didnt even know froght night was in 3D. we went to the theatre and that was the only version playing. forcing ppl to watch it in 3D, we almost didnt go. Fright Night might have done better if gave us an option.
I'd like to see "The Help" (didn't read book and didn't know anything about a movie until I saw the ads) but for some reason our 8 theater complex didn't get it and I'd have to travel over 30 miles to see it. I'm interested in seeing it. I am sure there are a lot of others in our town who would like to see it too. I like macho teen movies (saw most of those types of movies during the summer) but a remake of Conan and Fright Night don't appeal to me.
The Help was excellent! Perfect casting, well-written, and well-acted. Viola Davis and Bryce Dallas Howard should be up for Oscar nominations. It's not just a 'chick flick' either. It stirs your emotions, but it's not at all a downer--although it does make you mad. Go see it!
Bryce Dallas Howard shouldn't get any awards until she loses some weight. She's looking more like her Uncle with each passing donut.
I like it when reboots flop.
Doctor "WHO CARES" starred in Fright Night and obviously no one does !!! so two reboots got the boot ...from the audience !!!
Bryce Dallas Howard isn't fat - she's pregnant. please do your homework before you make rude insensitive comments
@Braystreet,
Are you a shallow moron?