Corona | Coming Attractions

The Hangover Part II just opened two days ago and it's already proven to be a juggernaut with cinema patrons. On its first day of release (Thursday), the sequel took in $31.6 million dollars, setting a new benchmark for a comedy's opening day.

Yesterday's figures are still being tallied but the estimate for Hangover Part II is $30 mil, easy. By Sunday the movie will cross the $100 million dollar mark and likely close with a three-day weekend gross of $90 million or so.

Let's compare that to the original Hangover. The first picture had a $45 million dollar opening weekend, so The Hangover Part II is doubling its predecessor's gross. The Hangover ended its theatrical run with $277 million dollars domestic and another $190 mil from ihternational venues, making its worldwide gross $467 million dollars. The Hangover Part II could beat $300 million domestic if it proves to have legs; so far the critical reception seems to be favorable, with the majority of reviews saying that it lives up to the first film's bawdy comedy level.

So let's speculate a little. A few things could come from The Hangover Part II's massive success. First, more R-rated adult comedies will likely wind up getting greenlit (Bridesmaids is more proof that this formula is working.) Second, Bradley Cooper is going to be seen as more of an A-list actor; he needs just one major hit outside of his Hangover franchise and he'll be in that exclusive club. Third, a Hangover three-quel is a certainty; I'll be surprised if talk doesn't start immediately with the cast and director Todd Phillips.