'Alice in Wonderland' set to stay on top

(All Rights Reserved)

As the biggest opening 3D film to date, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland should maintain its hold on the US box office this coming weekend over competition.

Based on the estimate that blockbusters usually drop in attendance by approximately 30 percent from the previous week, Alice could haul in $81 million in the US for a total of $147 million worldwide this coming weekend, keeping the number-one spot.

Alice in Wonderland even beat Avatar's first weekend in the US, since it screened in more 3D and IMAX theaters. Plus the star power of Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway has drawn audiences, as well as Burton's wild imagery.

Any other weekend, Matt Damon's Green Zone might have taken the lead, especially after another war film, The Hurt Locker, won the Oscar. Also playing is Remember Me, with Robert Pattinson attracting female Twilight fans.

But with the few films releasing on Friday that appeal to a variety of audiences, from action to comedy fans, the number of offerings could spread out ticket sales to water down the competition.

Internationally, Alice in Wonderland opened in only 60 percent of the markets, so there's room for overseas expansion. The adventure of Alice in Wonderland is poised to continue to charm the curious.

RC