It took an Adam Sandler animated movie about Dracula, who runs a high-end resort, to breathe new life into box offices everywhere.
In what has been called a lackluster summer as far as receipts go, “Hotel Transylvania” brought in an estimated $43 million, one of the strongest starts ever for a movie opening in September. The PG-rated movie, which features the voice talents of Sandler, Kevin James, Selena Gomez and Steve Buscemi set the new record for the best September opening beating 2002’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Another new release, “Looper,” starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, debuted in a strong number two position with an estimated $21.2 million.
Last week’s number 1 movie, “End of Watch,” fell to the number 3 spot pulling in an estimated $8 million, raising it’s total take to $26.2 million.
Here is how the top 10 stacked up:
1. “Hotel Transylvania,” $43 million
2. “Looper,” $21.2 million
3. “End of Watch,” $8 million.
4. “Trouble with the Curve,” $7.5 million.
5. “House at the End of the Street,” $7.2 million
6. “Pitch Perfect,” $5.2 million.
7. “Finding Nemo,” $4.1 million
8. “Resident Evil: Retribution,” $3 million
9. “The Master,” $2.75 million.
10. “Won’t Back Down,” $2.7 million.
