20th Century Fox
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Now, that’s more like it, Box Office! After the success of ‘The Avengers’ the summer box office sort of began stagnating, with ‘Battleship’ and ‘Dark Shadows’ straight up bombing and films like ‘The Dictator’ and ‘Men In Black III’ not living up to expectations. There was a ripple in the waters last week thanks to ‘Snow White and the Huntsmen,’ but after this weekend’s one-two punch of ‘Madagascar 3’ and ‘Prometheus,’ Summer Movies 2012 may not be such a bummer after all. Yes, ‘Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted’ was indeed the number one film at the box office this weekend, pulling ahead of Friday’s leader ‘Prometheus’ and raking in $60.4 million to Ridley Scott’s sci-fi epic’s $50 million. All in all, a very good weekend for both films.

Let’s take a moment though, to sit and ponder. We know that the summer box office is back on track, but what, my good friends, does this weekend’s box office say about us? Well, the adults in the crowd weren’t turned off by the mentions of “heady themes,” “unanswered questions,” and general “not really that many aliens in it.” No, fans still turned out to see what may be the smartest science fiction film in some time. Especially on Friday night when, presumably, many ‘Alien’ universe fanboys and girls showed up giving the film the night with its take of $21.4 million — good enough to be the biggest R rated opening since ‘Paranormal Activity 3.’ Good work! ‘Prometheus’ is great. You should see it. It’s a thinker.
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Then, there’s the kids who turned out in droves for the third installment of a franchise I didn’t even know was a franchise! When was ‘Madagascar 2?’ Kids are always more tuned in than grown ups, you guys. I don’t have much to say about ‘Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted’ as I don’t even know what it’s about (I presume they go to Europe), but I’m pretty sure no one performs a cesarian in space, so I’m not interested.
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Next week, ‘Rock of Ages’ tries to keep the momentum going. We’re better off hoping ‘Madagascar’ and ‘Prometheus’ have big second weeks. ‘Snow White and the Huntsmen,’ ‘Men In Black III’ and ‘The Avengers’ rounded out the top five with $23, $13.5 and $10.8 million respectively.