‘The Matrix’ Takes Effective Action

“The Matrix,” a visual effects-laden sci-fi film starring Keanu Reeves, took in $27.8 million over the weekend--and $37.4 million since its opening last Wednesday to sweep the competition.

So far this year, Warner Bros. has had three No. 1 movies: the Kevin Costner romantic comedy “Message in a Bottle,” the Robert De Niro-Billy Crystal mob comedy “Analyze This” and now “The Matrix.”

The teen-oriented “10 Things I Hate About You” took in $8.3 million for second place; “10 Things,” which also opened last Wednesday, has taken in $11.5 million so far. “The Out-of-Towners,” which opened Friday, grossed $8.2 million for third.

*Director Robert Altman’s new film, “Cookie’s Fortune,” took in $186,827 in limited release.

Weekend Box Office

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Three-day gross/ Screens/ Weeks in Movie (Studio) Total (millions) Average Release 1.”The Matrix” $27.8 2,849 1 (Warner Bros.) $37.4 $9,754 2.”10 Things I Hate About You” $8.3 2,271 1 (Disney/Touchstone) $11.5 $3,668 3.”The Out-of-Towners” $8.2 2,102 1 (Paramount) $8.2 $3,913 4.”Analyze This” $6.3 2,335 5 (Warner Bros.) $78.5 $2,712 5.”Forces of Nature” $6.2 2,278 3 (DreamWorks) $36.5 $2,722 6.”EDtv” $4.4 2,631 2 (Universal) $15.4 $1,690 7.”Shakespeare in Love” $3.16 1,735 17 (Miramax) $84.1 $1,795 8.”Doug’s 1st Movie” $3.07 2,268 2 (Disney) $9.3 $1,354 9.”Life Is Beautiful” $2.7 1,130 24 (Miramax) $44.7 $2,362 10.”The Mod Squad” $2.6 2,290 2 (MGM) $10.4 $1,122 *”Cookie’s Fortune” $186,827 10 1 (October) $186,827 $18,683

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SOURCE: Exhibitor Relations Co.