LOS ANGELES — James Cameron's space fantasy "Avatar" has launched with a solid $27 million opening day at the box office.
Storms in the East likely will hurt the movie's prospects to approach the December opening weekend record of $77.2 million set by Will Smith's "I Am Legend."
"Avatar" did almost as much business Friday as Cameron's last narrative film, 1997's "Titanic," over its entire opening weekend. "Titanic" had a $28.6 million debut weekend, but remained afloat for months at the top of the box office as it took in a record $600 million domestically.
Set in the 22nd century, "Avatar" stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana in a story of a human-alien conflict on a distant moon.
Entertainment
December 19, 2009
Cameron's 'Avatar' takes off with $27 million
- Entertainment
-
-
Bar offers taste of the Bayou
A Lapel eatery and bar celebrates Mardi Gras year-round with beads, New Orleans-style drinks and even a Bourbon Street mural stretching the length of the bar.
-
Whitney Houston's death spurs look at her doctors, meds
It's become standard-operating procedure when a celebrity dies too young — investigators immediately go looking through their nightstand and medicine cabinet. That effort is well under way in the death of Whitney Houston.
-
Pekingese becomes America's top dog at Westminster
Malachy the Pekingese wobbled off with best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club, becoming America's dog to the delight of an adoring crowd that called his name.
-
In Review: Clown prince spreads God's message of hope
God’s faith in humanity is sometimes demonstrated in ways we humans think are foolish.
-
Funeral for Whitney Houston set for Saturday in New Jersey
Pop star Whitney Houston's funeral service will be held Saturday in the church where she first showcased her singing talents as a child.
-
Local Facebook user organizes online rummage sale group
Accustomed to participating in a neighborhood rummage sale, Lori Baker Penticuff stockpiled all her gently used items that were no longer needed.
-
List of Grammy winners in select major categories
Winners in selected major categories at Sunday's 54th Annual Grammy Awards:
-
Getting Together: Anderson Symphony Orchestra seeks musical connections
Getting patrons in the proper mood for Valentine’s Day, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra delighted its audience with both classical and popular melodies of love on Saturday night. From Tchaikovsky to the Beatles, the professional musicians performed tales of love, tragedy and romance.
-
Adele top winner with 6 Grammys
Adele, who captured the world's heart with an album about a broken romance, emerged as the top winner at Sunday's Grammy Awards, winning six trophies including the prestigious trifecta of record, song and album of the year.
-
Got flowers for Valentine's Day?
If you’re a wife or girlfriend reading this story, avert your eyes. This one’s for the men in your life.
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
ShowBiz Minute: Houston, Minaj, Beckham
Streep Keeps a Firm Hold on Her Pants
Tearful Jolie Premieres Film in Bosnia
Viola Davis' Vera Wang Valentine's Day
Stars Remember Whitney at Elle Style Awards
ShowBiz Minute: Houston, Grammys, BAFTAs
'The Artist' Triumphs at the BAFTAs
Stars Share Heartfelt Whitney Houston Memories
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
Raw Video: Whitney Houston's Last Performance
Fans 'Speechless' Over Houston's Death
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Latest Jason Wu Collection Shows Chinese Roots
ShowBiz Minute: Madonna, Beresford-Redman, Pawsc
Stars Show Support at AMFAR Charity Gala
BCBG Kicks Off NY Fashion Week
The Muppets Are Oscars Bound!
