Sun Nov 16, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger

'Quantum of Solace' Outguns Competition

Best Bond Opening of All Time

Quantum of Solace exceeded the most optimistic of estimates by taking in an estimated $70.4 million at the box office this weekend. This makes the film the largest opening Bond epic in history, surpassing Die Another Die, which did $47.1 million in 2002. It also nearly doubled the $40.8 million take of Daniel Craig’s first outing as Ian Fleming’s celebrated spy, Casino Royale.

The film had already started opening around the world prior to North America and was raking in the euros.  It has already amassed $251.6 million before even opening in Japan, Australia and Spain. It opened on Friday to largely negative reviews from America critics but the franchise has always been largely critic proof.

"It's totally extraordinary," Columbia Pictures distribution president Rory Bruer said of the film's early box office success. "Everybody is really loving the movie."

They also loved Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which fell to number two, taking in $36.1 million. The other sophomore entry, Role Models, was in third with $11.7 million according to Box Office Mojo.

The teenyboppers have been sated by High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which is slowing down quickly and has fallen to fourth place, totaling $84.4 million after four weeks in play. This is still a hugely profitable film before even considering merchandise and home video.

The top five was rounded out by Clint Eastwood’s Changeling, which took in just $4.2 million and has earned just $27.6 million after four weeks.

The weekend’s other newcomer; Slumdog Millionaire opened to terrific reviews but is in limited release. On just ten screens it brought in A$350 million.

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