Last week I wondered aloud if Cars 2 would be the first Pixar dud. I was wrong. The film took the top spot on its debut weekend and based on the numbers I found on the-numbers.com, the estimated $68 million Cars 2 earned this last weekend makes it the fifth highest grossing Pixar film on opening weekend.
| Year | Film Title | 1st Weekend Gross |
| 2010 | Toy Story 3 | $110,307,189.00 |
| 2004 | The Incredibles | $70,467,623.00 |
| 2003 | Finding Nemo | $70,251,710.00 |
| 2009 | Up | $68,108,790.00 |
| 2011 | Cars 2 | $68,000,000.00 |
| 2008 | WALL-E | $63,087,526.00 |
| 2001 | Monsters, Inc. | $62,577,067.00 |
| 2006 | Cars | $60,119,509.00 |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | $57,388,839.00 |
| 2007 | Ratatouille | $47,027,395.00 |
| 1998 | A Bug’s Life | $33,258,052.00 |
| 1995 | Toy Story | $29,140,617.00 |
Did anyone see it this weekend? Your impressions?
I liked this one more than the first Cars, although they are my two least favorite Pixar films. This one was fast-paced at least. What amazed me most was the level of detail. Some of the backgrounds were on screen for a couple of seconds (during a race, say) but totally crammed with detail. Seems like a lot of work for such a short viewing. But the 7-10 year old boys in the audience seemed to love the movie.
It’s probably worth noting that Up, Toy Story 3 and Cars 2 were all released in 3D, which gives a nice boost to opening week totals.
Speaking of nice backgrounds, I saw Dreamworks’ “Kung Fu Panda 2” over the weekend and have to say I have not seen a better-looking animated film; the color pallete, the storybook-style depictions of the mythical, ancient Chinese civilization were really quite beautiful. The blend of computer and traditional line art animation was great too. Their “How to Train Your Dragon” was also pretty terrific in the visual dept.
I haven’t seen Cars 2 yet, but did see Kung Fu Panda 2. I loved the art like Pete said, but thought the story was okay.
It’s looks like based on the ending, KFP 3 is only three years away. Kinda wished Mars needs Moms would come back, missed that when it first came out.
I went and saw it with my teenage daughter, despite the predictions by many that this would be Pixar’s first dud. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The story, the animation and the voices were all Pixar-strong.
It’s not a dud, but it’s not a kaboom (or ka-chow). Felt more like a “direct to video” production with amazing backgrounds.
Still, Mater was my least favourite character from the original film, so I’m biased against his starring role. Too much Mater spoils my appetite.
OF COURSE Mater is the least favorite character of a guy who spells it “favourite.” Larry the Cable Guy is a comedy god down here in the lower 49, you Canucklehead you!
Here’s a pertinent story on the blazing success of the ‘Cars’ merchandising bonanza:
http://old.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110621/ap_en_ot/us_film_cars_merchandise_1
The box office + merchandising money makes ‘Cars’ the biggest moneymaker for Pixar.
It’s more “action” than “story” so it has a very different feel than the first movie. A lot of gun play going on that I wasn’t expecting.
I did enjoy it. And my six year old and eight year old REALLY enjoyed it.