MATRIX SCORES BEST OPENING
EVER FOR R-RATED FILM
The Warner Bros. sequel to 1999's The Matrix took in an estimated $93.3 million from Friday through Sunday, capturing 59.8% of the total gross of the weekend's top 12 films.
The film blew past the previous R-rated weekend record holder, 2001's Hannibal, which brought in $58 million. Matrix Reloaded opened in limited previews Wednesday night, and its total for all five days was estimated at $135.8 million.
Matrix Reloaded becomes the second-highest first weekend grossing film of all time, behind last year's PG-13-rated Spider-Man, which took in $114.8 million its opening weekend.
Overall, however, Hollywood revenues were down, with the top 12 movies grossing $162.6 million, off 4% compared to the same weekend last year.
The film is the second of a trilogy, which will wrap up in November with The Matrix Revolutions.
The movie knocked its sci-fi rival, X2: X-Men United, into third place. X2 took in $17.1 million for a total three-week take of $174 million.
Eddie Murphy’s family comedy Daddy Day Care, which only slipped 30% at the box office in its second week and retained its second-place showing with a three-day gross of $19.2 million, for a three-week total of $51.4 million.
