Quantum of Solace Makes Many Euros, Sets New UK Record
Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 3, 2008
As those of us on this side of the ‘ole pond sit and wait for the 22nd installment of the James Bond franchise, Quantum of Solace to hit theaters on November 14, our friends and allies on the other side of the world are already seeing it — in force. Quantum hit big at the international box office this past weekend, bringing in $38.6 million on 2,123 screens in three overseas markets, taking the international #1 spot with ease.
As well, Bond’s biggest fans in his home country of the U.K. were out in support as well, accounting for $25.3 million on 1,150 screens. That is a ridiculous $22,000 per screen average — not something you see everyday in any country, let alone Britain. The $25.3 million mark makes Quantum the biggest three-day opening for any film in the U.K., surpassing the previous Bond film Casino Royale by 35%.
The real question is whether or not this same sort of success will transfer over when Bond makes his debut here in the states. While it is true that Brits love their Bond even more than we Americans, because he is, in fact, British, it is safe to assume that Quantum of Solace should play well with American audiences. Here are a few things that it has going for it:
- Reviews and Marketing will show it to be one of the more action-packed Bond films ever.
- Casino Royale opened to $40 million on the same mid-November weekend on 2006.
- Olga Kurylenko… is hot.
Okay, that last bullet-point was just for me. Though, it is important to point out that Ms. Kurylenko is, in fact, quite attractive. But having seen Quantum, I can say that Brits are definitely getting their moneys worth as it is one of the most intense Bond films of all-time. As well, the character of James Bond, as played here by Daniel Craig, has never been more of a badass. But more on that later in my full review. For now you should know this: the Bond franchise is very much alive and well, both overseas and at home.
Will you be seeing Quantum of Solace on opening weekend? If not, why not?
Read more articles by Neil Miller
