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Fireproof stays in top 10 in averages


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Bolstered by its opening in more than 100 new theaters, “Fireproof” finished in the top 10 again on a per-theater average gross over the weekend according to studio estimates — an unusual feat considering it has been in theaters now for six weekends.

The latest release from the makers of “Facing the Giants,” Fireproof grossed an average of $1,979 per theater, placing it at No. 9 in that category. It ended up No. 13 in weekend gross with $1.75 million, helping it pass $26 million in total gross.

Perhaps most impressive, it lost only 18.5 percent from the previous weekend — the second smallest drop among all movies in the top 20 that have been out more than one weekend.

It played in 887 theaters over the weekend, and movie officials said it was still playing in 80 percent of the theaters in which it opened.

Some moviegoers and bloggers have watched with interest how the Christian movie fares against “Religulous,” an anti-Christian, anti-religion documentary starring comedian Bill Maher. So far, Fireproof has won that contest. Released one week after Fireproof, Religulous beat Fireproof on a per-theater average its first two weekends, but has dropped significantly since then and has lost to Fireproof on a per-theater average the last three weekends — even though Fireproof has been in theaters one week longer. Religulous finished No. 21 in weekend gross ($550,000) and averaged $1,358 at theaters over the weekend. It has grossed $11.4 million in five weekends. Religulous cost $2.5 million to make; Fireproof cost $500,000.

Fireproof tells the story of how a firefighting captain played by Kirk Cameron works to save his failing marriage. “The Love Dare,” a book featured in the movie,” was No. 1 for three straight weeks on The New York Times’ paperback advice bestseller list before dropping to No. 2 in the Oct. 31 list. It is published by B&H Publishing Group.

Fireproof was made by Sherwood Pictures, which is owned by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga.
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Compiled by Michael Foust, assistant editor of Baptist Press. Box office data compiled from BoxOfficeMojo.com. For more information about “Fireproof,” visit FireproofTheMovie.com. For resources, visit FireproofMyMarriage.com.

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