Despite the critics Gibson’s Apocalypto is box office win
Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" debuted as the No. 1 weekend film.
"Apocalypto," a Disney release set in the Mayan civilization and told in an obscure Mayan language, opened with $14.2 million, as China Daily reports.
Gibson's last film - "The Passion of the Christ" went on to do $370 million domestically.
"Apocalypto" overcame the baggage of Gibson's personal troubles as well as its difficult subject matter, which features a no-name cast in a hyper-violent tale that includes beheadings and images of hearts ripped from people's chests.
"The movie obviously succeeds on its own level. I think people probably are a bit on the surprised side around town that it's No. 1. Two months ago, nobody would have bet on that", said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney.
Romance "The Holiday", directed by Nancy Meyers debuted at No. 2 with $13.5 million. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law star into the film.
Thriller "Blood Diamond," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou, opened at No. 5 with $8.5 million.
The comedy "Unaccompanied Minors" premiered at No. 6 with $6.2 million.
The animated hit "Happy Feet" and James Bond adventure "Casino Royale," which were the top-two films for three-straight weekends, slipped to Nos. 3 and respectively No.4.
"Happy Feet" took in $12.7 million, raising its total to $137.7 million, while "Casino Royale" grossed $8.8 million, lifting its total to $128.9 million.
The publicity over Gibson's problems and his contriteness since last summer may have stoked interested in "Apocalypto," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers.
There the top movies list:
1. "Apocalypto," $14.2 million.
2. "The Holiday," $13.5 million.
3. "Happy Feet," $12.7 million.
4. "Casino Royale," $8.8 million.
5. "Blood Diamond," $8.5 million.
6. "Unaccompanied Minors," $6.2 million.
7. "Deja Vu," $6.1 million.
8. "The Nativity Story," $5.6 million.
9. "Deck the Halls," $3.9 million.
10. "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," $3.3 million.
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