MOONRISE KINGDOM breaks per-theater record for non-animated feature
Wes Anderson's newest quirky comedic drama MOONRISE KINGDOM has been receiving rave reviews since its limited opening on a very small four theaters this past Friday, and as of yesterday, it now holds the distinction of having the highest recorded per-theater average for a live-action movie released domestically.
The original record was set way back in December of 2006 by DREAMGIRLS, which opened on three theaters and had an opening weekend average of $126,317. By comparison, MOONRISE KINGDOM averaged $130,752 on four theaters, with a four day estimated weekend gross of $669,486. This would make the per-theater average $167,371. You might be thinking that the new record holder doesn't deserve it due to it having a four-day weekend thanks to Memorial Day, but the record was broken in advance of the holiday.
The film had the added benefit of premiering at the 2012 Cannes International Film Festival, and over the next several weeks with slowly open in more theaters across the country.
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, MOONRISE KINGDOM tells the story of two 12-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in every which way. Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff, Captain Sharp. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader, Scout Master Ward. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban; and introduces Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the boy and girl.
Source: Press Release
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