ROTTEN TOMATOES: "Sith" Smashes Box Office Records All Over the Place

"Sith" Smashes Box Office Records All Over the Place

by Scott Weinberg | May 23, 2005

Needless to say, "Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith" was the number one movie at the box office this weekend ... and it absolutely demolished a few records in the process. "Sith" grossed just over $158 million in its first four days of release as it debuted on over 9,000 screens.

Weekend-wise, "Sith" scored $108 million between Friday and Sunday, which means that "Spider-Man" still holds the opening weekend record with its $114 million haul. But the sixth and final chapter of George Lucas' space saga snagged several box office records, including biggest single day, biggest midnight screening tally, biggest opening day, biggest two-, three- and four-day total, and fastest to $100 million (3 days, tied with "Spider-Man" and "The Matrix Reloaded"). It also broke the record for quickest to $150m, too. Worldwide the prequel has grossed just over $303 million!

As for the other films presently playing in the multiplexes, second place went to the romantic comedy "Monster-in-Law," which pulled in $14 million in its second weekend. The Will Ferrell family flick "Kicking & Screaming" grossed $10.5m for third place, and the top five were rounded out by "Crash" ($5.5m) and "Unleashed" ($3.8m). For a closer look at the box office tallies, feel free to stop by the Rotten Tomatoes Box Office Page.

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Movie:	The Matrix Reloaded
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(1-7 of 7 posts) | Reply

speelbergo writes:
on May 23 2005 10:29 AM

[b]of course it did![/b]
Seeing all those jedi Dead left me Depressed for two days. I couldn't even bring myself to watch a new hope to make me feel better.

(Reply to this)

ccchhhrrriiisss writes:
on May 23 2005 11:39 AM

Hey...I watched the entire trilogy last night (after having watched Revenge of the Sith twice). Wow! George Lucas did a terrific job of bridging these films! I enjoyed the older films even more than I did before!

Next, I will watch those awful prequels (Ep 1 & 2) and hopefully, this film will make those better as well.

(Reply to this)

Revil3_04 writes:
on May 23 2005 04:47 PM

Complete the saga is...

Thank you, George Lucas!

(Reply to this)

arisbot_vn5800 writes:
on May 23 2005 07:12 PM

In reply to this comment (#822358)
It does. Just finished Attack of the Clones and it's suddenly beautiful. I suspect Clones will settle into the series very well in the long run.

(Reply to this)

scottybarkbark writes:
on May 23 2005 11:09 PM

i have to admit iwasn't expecting the bo office take to be that high but damn glad it is. HAHAHAHA!!! eat that spider man, you fucking overrated piece of shit and the even more so sequel

(Reply to this)

ccchhhrrriiisss writes:
on May 24 2005 08:06 AM

This film is definitely my favorite of the prequels. And it rightfully ranks among the films of the original trilogy. It's definitely better than Return of the Jedi. It is probably more emotionally involving than The Empire Strikes Back.

The only hindsight that I can offer is that the entire series of prequels lacked one very important piece that would have put it on par with the original trilogy: It lacked a Han Solo type of wit.

Han Solo's sarcastic, unbelieving character in Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back were crucial to the universal acceptability of the films. The prequels offered no character who doubted "the existence of some all-powerful and all-knowing Force." This was probably Lucas' intention, since the Jedi were well known throughout the Galaxy, and a "doubter" would have looked ridiculous. But as awesome as Jedi are, they have the personalities of well-meaning Catholic priests.

Thus, it would have been great to have had one character with the wit and charm of a mercenary or scoundrel who has been "redeemed" by the "Force." If such a character had been added, I doubt that the prequels would have been critically panned.

Some of the dialogue has been criticized, but I found that (with just a few exceptions) it was surprisingly believable. And the film more than made up for it with its great story, stunning visuals and emotionally disturbing content. The film is definitely a tragedy -- one that world leaders should pay attention to.

No, I do not find it to parallel the current political situation. Emperor Palpatine does not reflect President Bush in the least -- but it does prove to be a warning to all men and women who have power. George Washington refused to assume more power as a President -- power that was within his grasp if desired. He even refused a third term because "power corrupts." Revenge of the Sith can be seen as a parable about what happens (and has historically happened) when leaders desire power rather than servitude. It happened in Rome. It happened with Napolean. It happened with Hitler. It could happen in France, Mexico or even America. I found this part of the film enticingly believable.

Watching Anakin's turn to the "Dark Side" left quite a lump in your throat, especially when you realize that he would soon travel the Galaxy choking people who got in his (or the Emperor's) way. Anakin, now known as Darth Vader, has come to a "point of no return," where he is willing to kill anyone (including friends, foes, or even children) who stands in his way. To me, this makes his redemption at the end of the sage much more compelling.

I enjoyed Revenge of the Sith. Its been a long time since a sci fi film moved me emotionally. This film did that.

Rating: A

(Reply to this)

Shetye writes:
on Jan 08 2006 06:32 AM

[b]Holy Moly[/b]
Holy Moly its huge on the box office I wasn,t expecting this much

(Reply to this)

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