The new fantasy kid on the block failed to deliver the cash money New Line had hoped for. We get the scoop today from the professionals at Variety:
New Line’s big-budget fantasy epic “The Golden Compass” had trouble finding its bearings at the domestic box office, grossing an estimated $26.1 million from 3,528 theaters. That’s a soft debut considering the film’s pricey production budget of at least $180 million.
New Line said while the film’s performance fell below expectations–New Line had estimated that the opening haul would be between $30 million and $40 million–“Compass” had a strong international debut, grossing an estimated $55 million from 25 territories in its day-and-date debut.
I enjoyed this film, and to be honest – I am a little surprised that it did not fair better at the box office this weekend. It was the only major release and I thought it would crack 50 million for certain; this is why I don’t gamble professionally. With the benefit of constant news coverage I would have thought it a shoe in for box office plunder.
This movie failed to attract the kids, and they are the ones that bring parents in tow. For whatever reason the advertising was not successful to the demographic it was intended to target, and it did not become a must see film for the youngsters. I would like to do an “in house” poll with those of you that have kids. Did your kids bug you to see this film and if not, ask them why it does not interest them.