Avatar Leads Biggest Weekend Ever

Well, Avatar only dropped 3% this weekend to about $75 million continuing its reign at the box office. More surprisingly, Sherlock Holmes did exceptional business raking in over $65 million for a second place finish. And with the addition of The Chipmunks' $50 million debut, this made for the biggest weekend in Hollywood, raking in about $278 million in total box office. The previous record was held in July of 2008 as The Dark Knight debuted.

Weekend Estimates:
Avatar: $75 million ($212.3 million total)
Sherlock Holmes: $65.4 million ($65.4 million total)
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel: $50.2 million ($77.1 million total)
It's Complicated: $22.1 million ($22.1 million total)
Up In The Air: $11.8 million ($24.5 million total)

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This might be set up as the most competitive movie weekend of the year as a slew of new movies open and others gaining a wider release.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel
Why it might be a hit: Every kid under ten is going to drag there parents to this film. And seeing as Disney's The Princess and the Frog is not doing too well, this should easily swipe that target audience.
Why it might tank: Reviews are less than stellar, but that hasn't stopped transforming robots and vampire fighting werewolves to rake in a lot of money.

Sherlock Holmes
Why it might be a hit: Slick crime caper action with Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson.
Why it might tank: Director Guy Ritchie hasn't really been relevant since Snatch.

It's Complicated
Why it might be a hit: Got a few Golden Globe nominations and is the only romantic comedy out this weekend. That romantic comedy that come out last weekend... what was it?... Oh yeah, Did You Hear about the Morgans? has pretty much become obsolete.
Why it might tank: Reviews are so far pretty mediocre.

Nine
Why it might be a hit: The same exact formula, director and target audience from Chicago, and that went on to make $170 million and win best picture.
Why it might tank: Reviews are mediocre at best and comparing it as a weaker Chicago... and I didn't really care for Chicago.

Up In the Air
Why it might be a hit: On lots of top ten lists. Strong word of mouth.
Why it might tank: A smaller movie this huge movie weekend may get lost in the shuffle. However, it might have the legs it needs to do well.

My Predictions:
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel: $56 million
Avatar: $45 million
Sherlock Holmes: $27 million
It's Complicated: $16 million
Nine: $14 million