Fueled by crazy good reviews, Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity managed to shatter October box office records this weekend, opening to a massive $55.6 million total in North America—nearly double the amount that was predicted prior to its release. According to NBC News, Gravity is now the top October release of all time, and the best three-day release for both stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Previously holding the October record was Paranormal Activity 3, which was released in 2011 to $52.6 million.
Apparently, most of Gravity's success comes from its run in 3D and IMAX: About 80 percent of its revenue came from 3D screens, which is one of the highest amounts of all time (rivaled by Avatar, which earned 72 percent of revenue from 3D screens). Gravity's success gives 3D movie a much needed boost—reportedly, attendance has seen a huge decline in the recent years.
Gravity's huge numbers also come after great critical reaction, and tons of rave reviews which released following its premiere at both the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival (you can read our review here).
The same, unfortunately, cannot be said for this weekend's other new release, Runner Runner—the Justin Timberlake- Ben Affleck-starring film reportedly tanked in the box office this weekend, pulling in only $7.6 million total despite its big name stars. It's only "saving grace" is reportedly the fact that its budget was only about $30 million.
RELATED: TIFF Review: The Awe-Inspiring "Gravity" Sends Sandra Bullock and George Clooney into Outer Space
[via NBC News]
