Weekend Box Office Estimates 2/06-2/08

Much as everyone expected, He's Just Not That Into You came in on top this past weekend, proving that the best kind of date movie is a movie about dating. Don't ask me why, but films that exploit social confusion, poor communication within relationships, and the natural human tendency towards self-doubt and paranoia seem to always draw the biggest crowds.

Of course, considering that the film is based on a book co-written by one of the writers of Sex & the City, the movie was bound to draw at least a portion of that hit show and film's faithful audience. I will admit, however, that I'm just happy to see Ben Affleck in a hit film again, even though he was overshadowed in almost all of the promotional materials by Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. Then again, it's a long, painful road from Jersey Girl and Gigli.

Liam Neeson is kicking major ass in more than just the Luc Besson scripted Taken. Coming in second in its second week with only a 17% drop at the box office, it is obvious that strong word of mouth is drawing more people to watch Liam beat the snot out of bad guys.

Coraline, while not doing to shabby at third place, didn't really get the opening weekend you would want for a 35$ Million dollar kid's film. It looks like there are enough people out there like me who are tired of seeing Tim Burton rehash The Nightmare Before Christmas over and over again.

I could take comfort in that idea if Paul Blart: Mall Cop wasn't a breath away from taking in 100$ Million at the box office. Let's see how long it takes Kevin James to become the next Rob Schneider.

1 He's Just Not That Into You WB (NL) $27,785,487
2 Taken Fox $20,547,346
3 Coraline Focus $16,849,640
4 The Pink Panther 2 Sony $11,588,150
5 Paul Blart: Mall Cop Sony $10,884,825
6 Push Sum. $10,079,109
7 Slumdog Millionaire FoxS $7,177,270
8 Gran Torino WB $7,155,339
9 The Uninvited P/DW $6,262,651
10 Hotel for Dogs P/DW $5,711,229