Hop Tops the Box Office

Every year in late November–after stores have been stocking Christmas merchandise for a few months–at least one Christmas-themed kid’s movie makes its way to the box office, hoping to capitalize on the holiday fervor. But why should Christmas have a monopoly over holiday-themed fare? Last weekend’s number one movie, Hop (about the Easter Bunny’s rebellious, aspiring rock-and-roller son, voiced by Russell Brand), got in on the action, earning $38.1 million in its first weekend. If Hop‘s earnings don’t drop off too rapidly, we might be seeing other holidays get the Hollywood treatment. Valentine’s Day and the upcoming New Year’s Eve have their respective holidays covered, but expect something like Chris Columbus (“He discovers America. . .in 3D!”) to hit theaters next October.

The second place finisher, Source Code, earned $15 million in its first weekend, while number three went to new release Insidious, which earned $13.4 million. Rounding out the top five were Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (weekend gross $10.2 million, total gross $38.3 million) and Limitless (weekend gross $9.4 million, total gross $55.6 million).

Last weekend saw a slew of new limited releases hit theaters, including The Last Godfather ($103,350), Trust ($60,019), Super ($50,200), In a Better World ($35,379), Queen to Play ($32,667), Cat Run ($30,100), Rubber ($15,500), Circo ($51,100) and Wrecked ($1,800).

Next weekend’s new releases are Your Highness, Hanna, Soul Surfer and Arthur, starring Russell Brand (there’s a December 2011 release called Arthur Christmas, which does not star Russell Brand). Blank City, American: The Bill Hicks Story, Ceremony, Henry’s Crime, Meek’s Cutoff and Born to be Wild are all coming out in limited release next weekend.