Twi-Hards Turn Box Office Upside Down

Despite the best efforts of South Carolina's Matt Rape, "Twi-Hards" still lined up two by two to experience the cinematic experience we all know as "New Moon". Crushing most estimates, including my estimate of 100 - 110 Million, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" pulled in an incredible 140 Million + this past weekend. The fans have spoken and the message is loud and clear. A property with a dedicated fanbase that is injected with some action, drama, and fun will open huge. It's not rocket science and "Twi-Hards" are not rocket scientists.

"New Moon" becoming # 1 on Fandago's and MovieTicket.com's Top 10 Advance Ticket Sellers of All time last week should have been the first clue. The second clue could have been tickets via Fandango selling at more than a 10 per second clip on Friday. Maybe the droves of teenage girls pitching tents in front of multiplexes indulging in board games while they waited for the midnight showing might have tipped some of us off. If you weren't paying attention by then, when the records started falling I bet you took notice.

Midnight Opening Record: $26.27m
All Time Friday & Single Day Record: $72.7m
Biggest Two Day Total: $115.9m
Biggest November Opening: 140.7m
3rd Biggest Opening All Time: 140.7m

Not only did this movie explode domestically, it took tore away at the competition overseas pulling in $118.1m away from the comfort of the U.S. borders in 25 international markets between Wednesday and Sunday. This gives "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" a 5 day total of $259.8 million worldwide. Although those enormous numbers are nothing to laugh at, leave it to a combination of Brandon Routh and Martha MacIsaac to turn it all into a joke with a "Twilight" inspired parody. Find out what happens when a vampire discovers their girlfriend has their period.