SHOW BIZ: Weekend Movie Box Office Estimates: April 22-April 24, 2011

Rank	Film	Distributor	Weekend Total	# Of Screens	Weeks Playing	Cumulative Box Office
1	Rio	Fox	$26,800,000	3,842	2	$81,261,000
2	Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family	Lionsgate	$25,750,000	2,288	1	$25,750,000
3	Water for Elephants	Fox	$17,500,000	2,817	1	$17,500,000
4	Scream 4	Universal	$12,461,000	3,616	4	$100,500,000
5	African Cats	Weistein Company	$7,154,000	3,314	2	$31,158,000

For more information, access the complete chart on boxofficemojo.com.

1. "Rio:" 'Rio' is a 3-D animation feature from the makers of the 'Ice Age' films. Set in the magnificent city of Rio de Janeiro and the lush rainforest of Brazil, the comedy-adventure centers on Blu, a rare macaw who thinks he is the last of his kind. When Blu discovers there's another -- and that she's a she -- he leaves the comforts of his cage in small town Minnesota and heads to Rio. But it's far from love at first sight between the domesticated and flight-challenged Blu and the fiercely independent, high-flying female, Jewel. Unexpectedly thrown together, they embark on an adventure of a lifetime, where they learn about friendship, love, courage, and being open to life's many wonders. 'Rio' brings together a menagerie of vivid characters, a heart-warming story, colorful backdrops, energizing Latin and contemporary music, and family-friendly song and dance.-moviefone.com

2. "Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family:" Adapted from the multi-talented playwrightfilmmaker's hit stage play of the same name, Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family finds the cantankerous family matriarch using her unique brand of tough love to help her family weather some particularly rough waters. Madea's niece Shirley has received a frightening medical diagnosis, and she's having a hard time figuring out how to break the news to the rest of the family. Unfortunately she's not the only one in the midst of a crisis, either: Kimberly is suffering from anger issues that are threatening to destroy her marriage; Tammy's marital problems are being compounded by her disobedient children; and Byron is struggling to stay out of the drug trade after spending two years behind bars. Later, as a skeleton in the family closet pops into the picture, Madea and Aunt Bam show their love and laugher can help to overcome even the biggest obstacles. - Jason Buchanan, Rovi

3. "Water for Elephants:" Based on the acclaimed bestseller, 'Water for Elephants' presents an unexpected romance in a uniquely compelling setting. Veterinary school student Jacob meets and falls in love with Marlena, a star performer in a circus of a bygone era. They discover beauty amidst the world of the Big Top, and come together through their compassion for a special elephant. Against all odds -- including the wrath of Marlena's charismatic but dangerous husband, August-- Jacob and Marlena find lifelong love. -moviefone.com

4. "Scream 4:" In 'Scream 4', Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey and Gale, who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (played by Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately Sidney's appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.-moviefone.com

5. "African Cats:" Nature filmmakers Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill team to co-direct this documentary released as part of Walt Disney Studios' Disneynature banner and following three mothers -- a lioness, a leopard, and a cheetah -- as they prowl the plains of Africa on a mission to protect their cubs and teach them the ways of the world. - Jason Buchanan, Rovi

 

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.