Friday Box Office Analysis (6/9)

Cars came in just a slight notch below The Incredibles on Friday, delivering $19.5 million from 3,985 theaters, averaging $4,890 per-screen. By comparison, Incredibles had taken in $20.5 million in 3,933 theaters for a $5,213 average. The per-screen average is most comparable to Pixar?s A Bug?s Life, which had earned $4,752/screen in 2,686 theaters ($12.8 million).

Though the debut was very close to the previous Pixar pic, Cars seemed to lack some of the appealing elements of the studios? other works. Owen Wilson and Paul Newman aren?t names that jump out on the page, and the entertainment value looked strictly for kids ? whereas Incredibles, Nemo, and Monsters Inc. had a solid amount of interest in every age quadrant.

A Saturday jump of a little over 30% could result for Cars, which could mean up to $65 million for the weekend. The Incredibles and Finding Nemo had grossed $70.5 million and $70.3 million, respectively, while Monsters Inc. had taken in $62.4 million.

Robert Altman?s A Prairie Home Companion debuted decently on Friday, delivering $1.4 million in 760 theaters for a $1,867 average. The film could see a Saturday boost of 45 - 55%, followed by solid business on Sunday, likely giving it roughly $4.5 million for the weekend.