‘Terminator 2’ Demolishes Field; ‘Dalmatians’ Top Dog in Animation

Tri-Star’s “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” continued to roll over a crowded field, taking in $20.7 million at the box office over the weekend. At the current pace, the sequel--which cost a reported $90 million before marketing costs are added--is expected to pass the $100-million mark by midweek.

The picture is the only film other than “Batman” to accomplish this feat in two weeks or less.

Disney also entered the record books as its “101 Dalmatians” recorded the highest opening weekend gross ever for an animated film. The picture, which took in a hefty $10.3 million, landed in the No. 2 spot. The Disney movie was first released in 1961.

“Boyz N the Hood,” despite reports of dozens of movie-goers injured at several theaters nationwide, chalked up a surprisingly strong $10-million gross and an impressive $12,223-per-theater average.

Overcoming negative reviews, Fox’s “Point Break” rode the crest of strong surfing and sky-diving scenes to snag an $8.6-million gross and the fourth-place position.

Though Paramount had hoped to capture the adult audience with Mike Nichols’ drama “Regarding Henry,” starring Harrison Ford and Annette Bening, the studio had to settle for a respectable if unspectacular $6.2 million and seventh place after the picture opened to lukewarm notices. The movie was edged out by the studio’s own “Naked Gun 2 1/2” which took in $7.3 million in its third week of release.

Warner Bros.’ “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and Columbia’s “City Slickers,” both in release for over a month, continued to hold strong, with “Robin Hood” becoming the summer’s first $100-million movie last Tuesday and “City Slickers” racking up $84 million thus far.

Weekend Box Office

Weekend Gross/ Screens/ Weeks in Movie (Studio) Total (millions) Average Release 1. “Terminator 2” $20.7 2,289 2 (Tri-Star) $90.4 $9,060 2. “101 Dalmatians” $10.3 1,777 1 (Disney) $10.3 $5,784 3. “Boyz N the Hood” $10 829 1 (Columbia) $10 $12,223 4. “Point Break” $8.5 1,615 1 (Fox) $8.5 $5,272 5. “Naked Gun 2 1/2” $7.3 2,307 3 (Paramount) $56 $3,176

SOURCE: Exhibitor Relations Co.