The box-office breakdown (based on studio estimates):
1. Baby Mama – $18.2 million
2. Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo – $14.6 million
3. The Forbidden Kingdom – $11.2 million
4. Forgetting Sarah Marshall – $11 million
5. Nim’s Island – $4.5 million
6. Prom Night – $4.4 million
7. 21 – $4 million
8. 88 Minutes – $3.6 million
9. Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! – $2.4 million
10. Deception $2.2 million
The big story is comedies ruling the top five.
Critics had questioned Universal’s decision to release "Baby Mama" so closely on the heels of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," thinking it would cannibalize the comedy-seeking public. "Comedy is definitely king right now," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of tracking firm Media By Numbers LLC. "Audiences are definitely showing an interest in going to the movies and having a good time and having a laugh." [Source]
It’s a big change from last year, when audiences went to movies to touch pricks and play mah-jongg. Upon hearing the good news, Hollywood execs snorted coke and called each other "Genius!" By Monday morning, there were many tired gun fingaz.