Bruno is the Weekend's Number One Film

Posted on July 12, 2009

Sacha Baron Cohen has captivated moviegoers again with his latest fictional character Bruno, a gay Austrian fashion reporter. Bruno was the #1 film in the U.S. this weekend. Sacha Baron Cohen has been doing funny promotions in character for the film over the past several weeks, which had to help get people in theatres.

Box Office Mojo says Bruno's opening wasn't as "brawny" as Borat's opening was. Borat made less money during its opening weekend, $26.5 million, but it opened in just 837 theaters. Bruno made $30.4 million but took 2,756 theatres to do it. Even so, it is still a big win for Sacha Baron Cohen and it gives him two #1 openings in a row.

The film succeeded despite a Bruno backlash. Some in the gay community think that Sacha Baron Cohen's portrayal of the gay fashion reporter Bruno is so over the top that the joke is missed. Cohen has said he is making fun of the stereotypes of gay men, but some gay advocates think the film is not going to help gay causes in any way, shape or form. Apparently, Elton John refused to allow Sacha to use his music in the film.

Ice Age 3 came in second with a take of $28 million in its second week in theatres. Transformers 2 was third, adding another $24 million to bring its leading 2009 box office take to $339 million. Public Enemies slipped to 4th place in its second week. The fifth and sixth spots went to this summer's two funny comedies that have staying power, The Proposal and The Hangover. The $222 million box office gross for The Hangover is looking especially impressive for an R-rated comedy. Hayden Panettiere's comedy, I Love You, Beth Cooper, had a small opening. It made $5 million and came in seventh.

This coming week we are delighted that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is arriving in theatres. It is certain to take the #1 spot as Harry Potter fans flock to theatres in droves.

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