Wanted Blows Up the box office!
Wanted may not have come in first, with the much-anticipated Wall-E taking first place with a weekend gross of $62.5 million, but Angelina Jolie’s shoot-em-up assassin action movie came in at a fantastic second place, raking in a weekend gross of over $51.1 million. I wish I could remember where I read it, but I recall reading on Saturday morning that the revenue thus far was more than they had anticipated.
It just goes to show that sometimes people just want to see a hot chick with guns kicking some serious ass.
Not only that, but Kung Fu Panda is actually in fourth place on the box office listings, even after four weeks in theaters. It’s currently at a total gross of just under $180 million - for an animated movie, that’s awesome, and it’s even beating out The Incredible Hulk.
Way to go, Angelina, for having two films in the top five! It’s a good summer!
(source)
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POSTED IN: Angelina Jolie, Movies
33 opinions for Wanted Blows Up the box office!
Mary
Jun 29, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Yes, quite a great summer. Two hit movies and two babies, with a hot mama that can kick serious butt with the best of the boys. The studio and most of those people that make predictions felt it would make between 35-37 million. So, it beat all predictions. It was the best June opening ever for an R rated movie and it is number one overseas with more than 33 million. It actually made more per screen than Wall E, so it was quite a nice surprise. Variety, Boxofficemojo and EW all have nice articles. All those involved have quite a bit to be proud of.
timi
Jun 29, 2008 at 8:27 pm
oh yeah!! i’m so happy for angelina and the rest of the cast & crews. they deserve this!
WAY TO GO, ANGIE!!:)
sofia deliopoulos
Jun 29, 2008 at 8:38 pm
OMG i just saw the movie it was so good, she such a badass and it has a very suprissing ending to the people who didnt see it yet.
Esther
Jun 29, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I am a HUGE Angelina fan, and think she has developed into one of the most beautiful women whom I have ever seen! I am greatly inspired by her dedication to her humanitarian work and her obvious love and dedication to her children and displaced refugees and orphans of the world. Perhaps that is why I was mortified after seeing this movie, Wanted last night. Of course, she is gorgeous, an amazing actor, an amazing stunt woman, etc… but I was literally shocked that she chose to be a part of a movie with so much gratuitous violence. She seems to stand for peace and unity and takes a hard line against violence in this world, but this movie was over the top. I was fully prepared for blood, violence, assasin theme, etc…. But the special effects with literal close-ups of dozens of people getting bullets through their heads, eyes, blood splattering, etc… was completely nauseating. To top it off, everytime someone was murdered in the movie, most of the teenagers in the theater were laughing and whooping. Angelina, please pick movie choices that highlight your beauty, adventure, physical ability, drama, etc… not ones that help to desensitize the youth and young adults of America to guns, death, and gory violence. This makes me question her motives and what she stands for, is she selling out for a top-rated movie, popular movie to gain more notoriety? She must get hundreds of offers for other scripts. I know I won’t be popular on this site, but it made a huge impression on me because I am such a big fan. I know many people will say I didn’t have to go if I don’t like violence, but I wanted to see her in action and be entertained like everyone else, and I can usually “handle” R movies. I guess I am just shocked at what can get an “R” rating. My husband also was completely revolted, and we left about 20 minutes before the ending. I was completely nauseated after feeling fine walking in. Input?
DAk
Jun 29, 2008 at 9:12 pm
This movie was so incredibly violent. I couldn’t believe it. I was disappointed that she would participate in a movie so violent. It could have been so much better if they would have used their creative energy to develop the plot instead of violently beat up and kill everybody.
susie
Jun 29, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Yes it is bloody, yes it is ultra violent…but it is just an action/thriller movie that showcases Angie’s versatility to the max. Let’s not so easily forget her golden heart and her admirable causes and who she is in real life just because she’s done this movie that happens to be an opposite of what she’s doing in real life! Let’s just be proud and happy for her for the movie’s huge box office success. We fans know by now that she takes huge risks and in so doing, stirs controversies, but that’s our Angie…living her life boldly. I don’t mean to ruffle any feathers or offend anyone, I’m just stating my opinion on the matter. I think she was amazing in the movie.
Ellie
Jun 29, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I also saw the wanted, and loved it so much. I agree that it was a little violent. But don’t think Angie shouldn’t be here. Because it was fun, exciting film which is expected for summer blockbuster film, and Angie was so good in it. She is an actor and paid for what she needs to do for film. She did wonderful job. And for me, that is good enough.
Unfortunately, this kind of movie is part of hollywood business. Majority of films thesedays are about violence. As long as it is rated as R, I don’t see that much problem.
I love serious and nonviolent film, too. But also love the film mainly for entertaining. Wanted was that kind of film and one of the good ones.
Also remember. Angie also makes film like ‘Mightly heart’ and ‘Changeling’ and sponsor a couple of independent documentary films. She is making very great balance between films and it is good for her career as movie star.
At last, she donated third of money to charity. Thinking that this type of film usually pay her well (wanted pays her 15 million), I guess it is win for everybody.
I can’t wait this movie comes out as DVD. Maybe, I will see it again before then.
Neela
Jun 30, 2008 at 12:18 am
sorry, but it’s just a film. it’s just her work. i don’t think we have to question her humanitarian motives. i really don’t see the big deal. i don’t mean to offend, but i think some of you are expecting way too much out of angelina, almost to the point of perfection. and really, i don’t think she needs any more notoriety, and i’m sure she’s not seeking it. she already gets enough attention as it is. she has already explained why she did this film, and in some ways, this film was an outlet for some of the personal heavy stuff she was dealing at that time (her mom’s passing).
so, i gotta agree with susie.
Marrissa
Jun 30, 2008 at 12:24 am
OMG i love that movie well id talk about it more but i am super tired if you hadnt seen it go see it ya numb nut
cristine
Jun 30, 2008 at 12:34 am
JUST GOT HOME FROM WATCHING WANTED FOR THE 2ND TIME. WHEN THE MOVIE END I STILL CLAPPED AND IN AWE ABT. ANGIE’S PERFORMANCE! SHE IS THE ONLY ACTRESS WHO CAN PLAY FOX IMO! IT WAS A FULL PACKED MOVIEHOUSE AND EVERYBODY WAS CLAPPING AFTER! A LOT OF PPL ARE CALLING ANGIE’S NAME ENJOYING THE MOVIE! SHE IS JUST AMAZING! NOT SURPRISED IT GRABBED THE #2 SPOT IN THE WEEKEND BOX OFFICE! I’LL SEE IT AGAIN NEXT WEEK!
Neela
Jun 30, 2008 at 12:40 am
^^ would like to see wanted again. heh. wall-e was very good, too. it’s probably the best pixar film i’ve seen. only my opinion.
BlessBrangelina
Jun 30, 2008 at 1:56 am
Wanted was a wonderful film! Will be seeing Wall-e this week.
Rach
Jun 30, 2008 at 3:21 am
I agree with Neela. And i’m fed up of hearing about how if you play a violent character in a film it promotes violence. That’s the difference between fiction and reality. So Angie isn’t a heroin addicted model with mental issues but she still did a damn fine job in the movie Gia and Girl, Interrupted. I ADORE those movies and i adore all the characters Angelina plays. It would be silly to say it’s not right to do a rated-R movie just because she is a humanitarian and a mother. And i can’t see anyone taking this film THAT literally and wanting to start owning guns and starting their own fraternity! People that have said they’ve copied off films to justify some sort of behaviour in the past are looking for an easy way out and have mental issues. WE are all responsible for our own actions not the entertainers on the big screen. It’s so predictable that people will say things about this film as seen as she’s so bad in the film but so good in real life. People should perceive this as talent and a positive thing not a negative, hypocritical action. It’s not Angelina in the film, it’s Fox. I’m glad Angelina has got down and dirty because that’s how i really like her. When she provokes emotion and has an impact. I think she is VERY talented and i’m hoping she’ll do another role like this eventually. Angelina you are amazing and you’ll always be my number one!
fan
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:00 am
Loved this movie, it cements angie box office ability, EVERYONE, was talking about how great angie was in this movie, and to beat MAMS on an opening weekend, go angie,no other actress could have played this part.I get a little chuckle about it being to violent, i guess comedies are their thing,lol,cant wait for the changeling,oscar buzz is already being talked about that, angie#1 actress in hollywood.
Mary Ann
Jun 30, 2008 at 6:18 am
Everyone has a right to their own thoughts, I also want to see this movie for two reasons: my husband loves action movies and I love Angie. Just because my husband loves action movies doesn’t mean he is a violent person. Angie is an actress, this is her job to play many different characters.
irma
Jun 30, 2008 at 6:35 am
I totally agree that “Wanted” is a violent movie but as we all said, it’s just a movie, why do you think it is rated R ? I watched it but I am not a violent person & as an adult I know which one is right & wrong. I don’t glorify violence, movie is just a form of art & all the actors played their part real well.
I am so happy that Wanted is a huge success at the box office, once again Angie proves how versatile she is as an actor, so proud of her & I’m sure Brad too.
God bless the Jolie-Pitt’s.
irma
Jun 30, 2008 at 6:36 am
Why in moderation?
BAMPZS fan
Jun 30, 2008 at 8:09 am
The only thing that surprised me was her tiny naked butt. She looked great, I guess the camera really does add weight because when she was filming this she was really thin from breast feeding and the loss of her mother. Pictures of her she looked like a skeleton but looked great on film. I don’t think this film is any more bloody than a lot of movies these days. i like fast paced movies, infact I rented a Mighty Heart and did not finish it. I think too because I knew the ending. She is a good actress.
kim
Jun 30, 2008 at 8:48 am
If you have ever read the illustrated novel Wanted, You would realize that they really toned down the movie. I thought it was great, and I like the way they rewrote the novel so it was more mainstream with out wreaking the whole story.
sarita
Jun 30, 2008 at 8:58 am
I can understand people who were shocked at the violence in this film. I think if it weren’t for Angie, a lot of women might not have gone to see it.
Overall, I dislike violence in films, but not from a moral perspective. I’m just a wuss!
Still, when it comes to film violence, I didn’t find Wanted to be nearly as bad as other movies I’ve seen, and Angie’s presence really adds something extra to the mix. The film was completely ridiculous, yes, but Angie’s performance was great. I don’t think being in Wanted takes anything away from her humanitarian efforts. Angie is a complicated woman; she’s not just a “good girl”, and that’s part of her appeal. It was nice to see her in a role that actually played up her sexuality and her fierceness.
ligaya
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:18 am
What Mary Ann, Rach, Irma, Neela, Ellie & Susie said. Just because Sir Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lecter, it doesn’t make him a cannibal nor does it inspire other people to be cannibals. Like most people, I can tell the difference between real violence & movie violence. WANTED is sooo over-the-top, it’s like cartoon violence and comics. People my age probabloy remember the Road Runner, Tom & Jerry, Sylvester & Twitty Bird, Bugs Boy!, those were violent. So is that cat & dog show Bart & Lisa watch.
ligaya
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:20 am
umm, that was supposed to be “Bugs Bunny. Boy!”
ligaya
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:38 am
WHEE!! ANGIE’S #1 & #2 punch! More great news for Angelina, WANTED & KFP!
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i8338a3cc42d9fb021b08db10dcffa8a0
‘WANTED’ IS TOPS OVERSEAS
Universal THRILLER NABS $33 MILLION IN 22 TERRITORIES
By Frank Segers, June 29, 2008, 05:26 PM ET
Universal International’s “Wanted” proved to be the international circuit’s most desired title during the weekend, grabbing the No. 1 BOXOFFICE SPOT with an action packed $33 million from 1,922 screens in 22 territories. “Wanted’s” early worldwide gross tally is *****$84.1 million.*****
Based on a comic series by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones, “Wanted” starring James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman, had a *****smashing Russian opening, grossing $11 million from 612 sites for a rousing per-screen average of $18,000. Generally, it finished at No. 1 in almost all territories that it played.*****
The director of the action title — about a put-upon office nerd’s conversion into a world-class assassin — is Kazakhstan-born Timur Bekmambetov, whose past two fantasy thriller titles (”2004’s “Night Watch” and 2006’s “Day Watch”) were substantial hits in Russia.
Finishing in the No. 2 international weekend spot was DreamWorks Animation/Paramount’s “King Fu Panda,” which had POWERHOUSE BOWS in six territories and landed with ***$21.5 MILLION*** overall from 3,401 sites in 24 markets. Its international gross total stands at ***$98.5 MILLION***, while the worldwide tally is ***$277.8 MILLION.***
Mary Ann
Jun 30, 2008 at 11:21 am
Ligaya, you are so right about all those cartoons and I was 2 when Pearl Harbor happened and for years after that we would all play war games in the fields. We all had play guns and knives. We heard so much on the radio at that time and we were scared to death but we still played the war games and none of grew up to be killers. This is a job for this women, and it has nothing to do with all the good works she does for others. She is a wonderful person.
irma
Jun 30, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Ligaya: I am really happy that her movie “Wanted” is doing well all over the world. Though, she has a supporting role, people mentioned her name than the lead actor JM. I think the success of Wanted is due mostly to Angie & Brad fans, like I, I went out to see it because of Angie even brought along my husband. God bless.
Tina
Jun 30, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Wanted movie blew me away that I saw it was twice 27 and 28th! It was a definitely violent movie I agree. I think I was more squirmish the second time around. Putting aside all the violence, the whole story is about justice (granted it is not the democratic way; since the guys that are being killed were bad. “Kill one, save a thousand.” It’s also believing and living one’s life according to the “code,” whatever that maybe for all of us. Bottom line is, it is just a movie. It’s all a made up story. My husband loved it since he likes playing those war games where there’s a lot of shooting. Though I can see how it could be really violent for some people. I guess that’s why its rated “R” - not really for everyone.
Passerby
Jun 30, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I betcha if Wanted wasn’t rated R it would have grossed so much more. For I know many teens had to sneak in to see that movie. (me included.)
anita
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I planned to watch this movie last night with my husband, but 411 info directed us to the wrong theatre so I was so diappointed. We will definitely see it tomorrow as it is Canada day .
REGARDING THE VIOLENCE IN THE MOVIE, IT GOES TO SHOW THE VERSATILITY OF ANGIE AND THAT SHE CAN IMMERSE HERSELF IN ANY ROLE AND BE CONVINCING ENOUGH THAT ONE OF HER FANS COULDNT STAND THE VIOLENCE AND LEAVE 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE MOVIE ENDED.
ANGIE IS ONLY PORTRAYING A CHARACTER AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HER HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS AND I’M SURE YOU WILL AGREE THAT SHE WILL ALWAYS BE A BIG DEFENDER OF HUMAN RIGHTS ,VIOLATION AND OPPRESSION OF MEN IN GENERAL.
mORE POWER TO ANGIE AND TO THE JOLIE-PITT CLAN.
ANGIE IS BLESSED TO HAVE A WONDERFUL PARTNER LIKE BRAD AND BEAUTIFUL KIDS. CHEERS TO ALL THE BRANGLEINA FANS.
Lucy
Jun 30, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I saw this movie once on Saturday with my husband and Sunday with my Filipino friend Sonya. It is Rated R which means for adult audience. An adult who can differentiate art from reality. An adult who can put his or her shoes in the mind of an assassin. After two hours, and consuming your popcorn and turning on your cell phone, you go on with life as usual. You can go on the internet and donate to the U.N. You don’t meditate, how cruel was Morgan Freeman, how beaten up was James McAvoy! You call your friend instead and say, wow that was a thrill ride and what a fantastic car chase scene. It reminds me of James Bond and Indiana Jones. Angelina is so superb an actress, so convincing. She is Brad’s acting coach. And yes, she made this movie on Brad’s suggestion because she needs something physical to keep her mind of Marcheline’s passing. Also, on the contrary, I went to an IMAX showing and her naked butt looks mighty fine which my husband readily agreed. I respect the fans who missed the ending and want to remind them that Will Smith, Bruce Willis have also made box office movies for the sake of top rating that were way too bloody and violent than this movie. I don’t see their names as big charity donors, sad.
truhbesaid
Jul 1, 2008 at 1:20 am
The reason I saw Wanted was Angelina Jolie. And By God she really delivered!!!! Love her character , Love Fox!!! And whether you like it or not , this is what she does best.
I like watching her in other roles but being a vamp-up ultra beautiful kick-@ss action hero is trully what she does best and there is none comparable to her…… (once , Geena Davies was also very good in these kind of tough action heroine roles) But Angie is much , much better!! I wish the ending is a little different but I suppose that has to happen…….
naty
Jul 1, 2008 at 1:27 am
HI sherry thanks for the update, we watch angelinas movie today in hongkong but wanted is full packed than her animation film kung pu panda in all theatres here in hongkong. wanted is action suspense and every body likes it, shes realy very good esp. in action.
naty
Jul 1, 2008 at 4:29 am
I read all your comments guys, actually its not really totally violence. alot of american movies is more violence than wanted anyway its some opinions but we have no right to blame angie right? shes a good actress and she can portray any roles from action to thriller and comedy too but one thing is wanted is blockbluster in hongkong.
ligaya
Jul 2, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Lucy, you saw it in IMAX? I am sooo jealous - they didn’t show WANTED in IMAX in the SF Bay Area. :-( The 2 nearest IMAX theaters near me are at least showing KUNG FU PANDA :-) .
I had to close my eyes during parts of WANTED - a lot the 1st time I saw it, not as much the 2nd time, but even with the 3rd time I couldn’t open my eyes for the 2 knife fights. Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and the Tarantino/Rodriguez two-fer are just as violent.
I can’t watch modern horror gore. But what I really can’t stand is torture porn like the Saw & Hostel movies, which I think are morally offensive. I hope they go out of fashion soon.
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