Box Office Report: 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' Scores Big with $54 Mil Opening

I had a busy weekend, so I wasn't able to catch it. But everyone that I know that saw it, gave it two thumbs up. So I will catch it next week some time.

The apes have conquered the multiplex.

Fueled by great word of mouth, 20th Century Fox's Rise of the Planet of the Apes opened to $54 million at the domestic box office—$20 million more than the best forecast. The pic easily placed No. 1.

Overseas, the prequel also exceeded expectations, grossing a stellar $23.4 million from 25 territories, including only four major markets, Australia, Spain, Russia and Taiwan, where it came in No. 1

Rise of the Apes is particularly drawing notice for its photo-realistic apes, which were created by Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital using advanced performance capture technology. Andy Serkis plays the ape Caesar, and is the movie’s lead character.

"The combination of never-before-seen special effects combined with a powerful, emotional story made for a supremely satisfying experience at the movies," Fox senior vice president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson said.

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