G.I. Joe Wins more than Half the Battle

As expected, G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra took first place this weekend with over $56 million. This is pretty much in line with director Stephen Sommers other movies: The Mummy ($43.4 million), The Mummy Returns ($68.1 million), and Van Helsing ($51.7 million). However, we'll have to wait and see how G.I. Joe does over time, as it recoups it's $175 million budget.

In other news, Adam Sandler's and Judd Apatow's, Funny People took a 65% blow from last weekend, knocking it down to 5th place. This may become a disappointment in wake of other Apatow movies like Knocked Up and The 40 Year Old Virgin.

Also, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is now the third biggest movie of the year, behind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Up.

Weekend Estimates:
G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra: $56.2 million ($56.2 million total)
Julie & Julia: $20.1 million ($20.1 million total)
G-Force: $9.8 million ($86.1 million total)
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: $8.8 million ($273.8 million)
Funny People: $7.9 million ($40.4 million total)

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Three new movies duke it out this weekend. One real American hero, one blogging chef, and an island getaway.

G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra
Why it might be a hit: The last big, action-packed movie of the summer.
Why it might tank: They have opted not to screen it for critics, which usually doesn't bode well.

Julie and Julia
Why it might be a hit: Meryl Streep and Amy Adams seem to be a strong shoe-in for the female audience.
Why it might tank: Doesn't really look as appealing as other counter summer movie fare.

A Perfect Getaway
Why it might be a hit: Thriller with Milla Jovovich.
Why it might tank: I don't think a lot of people know its hitting theaters this weekend.

My Predictions:
G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra: $51 million
Julie and Julia: $16 million
Funny People: $14 million
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: $9 million
G-Force: $8 million