In what looks like a new record for a March opening, 300 blasted by expectations and pulled in an estimated $70 million at the box office over the weekend. Based on Frank Miller's (Sin City) graphic novels, the film features a digitally enhanced, hyper-stylized look that tells the tale of 300 Spartans battling a vast army in the Battle of Thermopylae. The opening was also the third highest gross for an R-rated movie, just behind The Matrix Reloaded and The Passion of the Christ.
The rest of the top ten pack held strong, with Wild Hogs falling into second place with a respectable $28 million, and Bridge to Terabithia and a Ghost Rider in third and fourth place with just under $7 million . Overall, ticket sales are up 39 percent above the same time frame last year.
Last weekend's full top 10 was as follows:
1. 300 - $70 M
2. Wild Hogs - $28 M
3. Bridge to Terabithia - $6.9 M
4. Ghost Rider - $6.8 M
5. Zodiac - $6.8 M
6. The Number 23 - $4.3 M
7. Norbit- $4.3 M
8. Music and Lyrics - $3.8 M
9. Breach- $2.6 M
10. Amazing Grace - $2.5 M
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