The Lorax... a record breaker? Given its bland marketing and so-so response from critics the success was unlikely, but if Sunday's estimated numbers are proven correct, the CG rendition of Dr. Seuss' story will not only be the top opening of the year so far, it will also have narrowly received the second highest ever opening for a non-sequel animated film.
Up until now Pixar's The Incredibles held that honor with $70.5 million, right behind the top opener The Simpsons with its $74 million opening. The Lorax banked an estimated $70.7 million for an easy weekend number one win.
The impressive achievements don't stop there. Despite being one of Seuss' more obscure titles, the opening is the highest for a Seuss adaptation, topping the $55 million haul enjoyed by How The Grinch Stole Christmas in 2000. It's important to note that given average ticket prices, Lorax may have made more money but Grinch was more popular, selling more tickets on opening weekend. Of course, that means more money for less paper tickets printed. No doubt the Lorax would approve.
The other new movie in theaters, Project X settled for a comparatively sleepy $20 million debut in a distant second place. Meanwhile major Oscar wins for The Artist garnered it more attention at the box office. The Best Picture winner expanded its presence in theaters and took in enough cash to edge into the number ten spot.
For the full top ten details, check out the chart below:
