“Secretariat” has hardly slowed down since it opened in theaters two weeks ago, putting it at the head of a pack of several films that have enjoyed strong second, third or even sixth laps around the box office track recently.
Most movies see ticket sales fall about 50% on their second weekend in theaters and end up grossing a little less than three times their opening take.
However, Disney’s horce racing drama has dropped only 25% and 26% on its second and third weekends in theaters since its weak $12.5 debut. Thanks primarily to smaller midwestern markets, it’s now on its way to a respectable if not great domestic gross of more than $50 million and possibly more than $60 million.
“Red,” an action movie about a group of aging assassins and former CIA agents, held onto its adult audience nicely after a so-so $21.8-million opening, dropping only 31%. It should end up with a solid box office total of more than $80 million.
“The Social Network” has fallen 33% or less for three straight weekends since its decent $22.4-million debut and is on track to end its domestic run at close to $90 million.
— Ben Fritz