U.S. actress Christina Ricci poses during the German premier of the movie "Speed Racer" in Berlin April 28, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)
"Speed Racer," Warner Bros' big budget family adventure from directors Andy and Larry Wachowski ("The Matrix" trilogy), crashed and burned at North American box offices this past weekend, according to final figures released on Monday.
While initial estimates gave the film, which cost 150 million U.S. dollars to make according to some media reports, a disappointing second-place finish with $20.2 million in ticket sales -- barely beating out Fox's poorly reviewed "What Happens In Vegas," -- revised figures have now down-shifted that total to $18.6 million and a weak third place finish.
The revised figure put "Vegas," which turned in a final figure of $20.7 million, at second place behind "Iron Man."
Going into the weekend, "Speed Racer" had been Warner's best hope of giving the current box office champ a run for its money. But "Iron Man" trounced its competition, scoring a weekend box office of more than $50 million and pushing its roughly two-week total to $177 million.
(China Daily/Agencies May 13,2008)
