Scary Movie 4 Sets Box Office Record  4/16/06

'Scary Movie 4' Sets Box Office Record; Film Opens at the #1 Spot Grossing Over $41 Million and Shatters the Record for Easter Weekend

NEW YORK, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weinstein Company today announced that Dimension Films' "Scary Movie 4" opened number one in North America grossing over $41 million, becoming the highest grossing Easter weekend opening ever and giving the film the largest opening for a film released by The Weinstein Company.

The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company. The film was co-produced by The Weinstein Company and Miramax Films. The previous record holder for Easter Weekend was "Panic Room," which brought in $31 million when it opened in 2002.

"We couldn't have asked for a more impressive opening for 'Scary Movie 4' and are so proud to have accomplished this only six months after our company launched," said Bob Weinstein. "This exceptional opening proves that this franchise has tremendous staying power."

"I'm thrilled that people had as much fun seeing the movie as we did making it," said director David Zucker. "I couldn't be happier about this very strong opening."

Steve Bunnell, chairman of domestic distribution for The Weinstein Company said, "The positive exit surveys for 'Scary Movie 4' are in line with 'Scary Movie 3' and demonstrate that audiences are really enjoying the movie."

In "Scary Movie 4" the gang returns with the most hilarious and irreverent installment yet with outrageous send-ups of "War of the Worlds," "The Grudge," "The Village," "Saw" and "Saw II," "Million Dollar Baby" and many more. Legendary comedy director David Zucker and producer Bob Weiss reunite to take aim at some of the best fright films, the latest box office hits, music, current events, pop culture, and your favorite celebrities. 

Anna Faris and Regina Hall are back as the loveable, dim-witted Cindy Campbell and her self-serving, sex-crazed pal, Brenda, respectively -- joined this time around by Craig Bierko ("Cinderella Man"), as the cute-but-utterly clueless Tom Ryan. Together, they battle to save the world from a ruthless alien invasion. And, in true Scary Movie tradition, the outrageous celebrity cameos are non-stop. Those featured include: Carmen Electra, Shaquille O‚Neal, Dr. Phil, Bill Pullman, Charlie Sheen, Anthony Anderson, Kevin Hart, rappers Fabolous and YoungBloodz, Chris Elliott, Molly Shannon, Michael Madsen, rappers Chingy and Lil' John, Leslie Nielsen returning as our fearless Commander in Chief, plus many, many more surprises. In "Scary Movie 4," nothing -- and we mean NOTHING -- is off limits!

David Zucker, the creative genius behind "Airplane!" the "Naked Gun" franchise, "Scary Movie 3," and "Ruthless People" will re-team with Dimension Films to create "Superhero Movie," a spoof on the latest trend of comic-book inspired films including "Spider-Man 3," "Superman Returns," "Batman Begins," "Fantastic Four," and "X-Men 3." "Superhero Movie" is being fast-tracked for a February 9, 2007 theatrical release. 

SOURCE The Weinstein Company

-0- 04/16/2006