Not surprisingly, audiences are rushing to catch Disney's new animated movie Wreck-It Ralph. The video game homage was a huge success at the box office this weekend, making $49.1 million, easily putting it in the number one spot. That's the biggest weekend opening ever for a Disney Animation Studios film.
The film did especially well in the Northeast on Friday. The Hollywood Reporter speculates that this regional success was due to families seeking relief from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, since 300 movie theaters which had closed due to the storm were open again this weekend.
The movie's animated format is undoubtedly drawing kids, and the presence of voice talent from John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jane Lynch, Jack McBrayer and others is appealing to adults. Disney's Dave Hollis says, "It's a testament to the storytelling, and it's about connecting with both families and adults."
Number two went to the new Robert Zemeckis/Denzel Washington collaboration Flight, which made an impressive $25 million. The film already has Oscar buzz surrounding it, and Paramount hopes a gradual release will lead to a long run through word of mouth.
Ben Affleck's Argo continued its strong run, coming in third place with $10.2 million.
The Man With the Iron Fists came in fourth, making $8.2 million.