'FOCKERS' A BOX OFFICE POWER SEQUEL'S $42.1 MILLION TAKES '04 OVER THE LINE.Byline: Greg Hernandez Staff Writer Hollywood set a new single-year box office revenue record of $9.4 billion in 2004, thanks, in part, to the staggering popularity of the comedy ``Meet the Fockers,'' which gave year-end ticket sales an unexpected boost, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. figures released Sunday. Despite a slight decline in movie attendance over 2003, higher ticket prices last year also helped revenue surpass 2002's record of $9.317 billion, the box office tracking firm Exhibitor Relations Co. said. Few had expected the previous record to fall until Universal Pictures' ``Fockers'' took multiplexes by storm on Dec. 22. In less than two weeks, the sequel to 2000's ``Meet the Parents'' has already grossed an estimated $163.4 million and set several single-day revenue records along the way. ``We owe the record in large part to 'Fockers,''' said Paul Dergarabedian of Exhibitor Relations Co. ``There's no question that that film has performed at a level I don't think anyone had expected and was a major factor. Nobody thought anything could compare with 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' performance at end of last year, but this is just a very pleasant surprise and much needed.'' He said that the figures were preliminary and that official year-end figures, as well as three-day weekend totals, were scheduled to be released today. Overall revenue was bumped up by average ticket price inflation of 19 cents, up to $6.22 from $6.03 last year. Attendance in 2004 fell 1.7 percent to 1.51 billion, down from last year's 1.537 billion. The contemporary record of 1.6 billion was set in 2002. ``Fockers,'' which stars Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro Noun 1. Robert De Niro - United States film actor who frequently plays tough characters (born 1943) De Niro , Dustin Hoffman Noun 1. Dustin Hoffman - versatile United States film actor (born in 1937) Hoffman and Barbra Streisand Noun 1. Barbra Streisand - United States singer and actress (born in 1942) Barbra Joan Streisand, Streisand , had another historic weekend on its way to grossing an estimated $42.8 million. Already the biggest Christmas Day movie ever, ``Fockers'' achieved the highest New Year's Eve gross in history, with $12.2 million, topping the $8.5 million earned by ``Cast Away'' in 2000. On Saturday, it scored the biggest New Year's Day New Year's Day, among ancient peoples the first day of the year frequently corresponded to the vernal or autumnal equinox, or to the summer or winter solstice. In the Middle Ages it was celebrated among Christians usually on Mar. 25. gross on record with $18 million, well past the previous best of $12.8 million set last year by ``Return of the King.'' ``What a way to end 2004 and to begin 2005,'' said Nikki Rocco, Universal's president of distribution. ``How happy could we be? Every day was fabulous so we are just thrilled thrill v. thrilled, thrill·ing, thrills v.tr. 1. To cause to feel a sudden intense sensation; excite greatly. 2. To give great pleasure to; delight. See Synonyms at enrapture. . It's beyond our expectations.'' Paramount Pictures' ``Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events'' claimed a distant second place by adding an estimated $14.7 million. That film, starring Jim Carrey “James Carrey” redirects here. For the murder conspirator, see James Carey. James Eugene Carrey (born January 17, 1962) is a Canadian actor and comedian. and Meryl Streep Noun 1. Meryl Streep - United States film actress (born in 1949) Streep , has grossed $94.7 million to date, is Paramount's highest-grossing 2004 release, and is a shoo-in to cross $100 million by next weekend. Miramax Films' ``The Aviator'' and 20th Century Fox's ``Fat Albert'' took the third and fourth spots, respectively, while fifth place ``Ocean's Twelve'' crossed the $100 million mark on Friday. The all-star sequel to ``Ocean's Eleven'' grossed an estimated $9.2 million for a total of $106.9 million to date. Two Disney releases also achieved significant milestones as No. 6 ``National Treasure'' passed the $150 million mark in domestic grosses by adding another $7 million to its total, while 12th place ``The Incredibles'' passed the $250 million mark. Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed ac·claim v. ac·claimed, ac·claim·ing, ac·claims v.tr. 1. To praise enthusiastically and often publicly; applaud. See Synonyms at praise. 2. ``Sideways,'' released by Fox Searchlight searchlight, device, usually swiveled, using a lens and reflecting surface to direct a powerful beam of light of nearly parallel rays. In 1892 such apparatus was used along the English Channel in coastal defense and later, in the South African War, as an aid to , continues to do impressive business in limited release. Playing in just 373 locations, the film added $2.1 million in ticket sales for an overall total of $22.4 million. Its business was up a stupendous stu·pen·dous adj. 1. Of astounding force, volume, degree, or excellence; marvelous. 2. Amazingly large or great; huge. See Synonyms at enormous. 84 percent from the weekend before. Greg Hernandez, (818) 713-3758 greg.hernandez(at)dailynews.com TOP MOVIES Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.: 1. ``Meet the Fockers,'' $42.8 million. 2. ``Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events,'' $14.7 million. 3. ``The Aviator,'' $11.2 million. 4. ``Fat Albert,'' $10.7 million. 5. ``Ocean's Twelve,'' $9.2 million. 6. ``National Treasure,'' $7 million. 7. ``Spanglish,'' $6.3 million. 8. ``The Polar Express,'' $5.7 million. 9. ``The Phantom of the Opera,'' $4.8 million. 10.``Darkness,'' $4.5 million. CAPTION(S): box Box: TOP MOVIES (see text) |
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