Lone Survivor Blast at Friday box office, Projection doubles to $ 38 million

The Afghanistan War drama Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Ben Foster hits $14.4 million on its first day and estimated to earn $38 million till the weekend.

The film directed by Peter Berg, also the director of Friday Night Lights and Battleship, is based on Marcus Luttrell's story about a dangerous Navy Seal mission in Afghanistan.

The mixed violence and patriotism in the movie touch the mainstream audience from young, old, male or female.

Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal said that the movie performed well in the Central America and the second biggest film launch in January after Cloverfield in 2008.

Universal targeted the Cities with large military population to add to the major market of the film.

The projected earnings doubled. The Lone Survivor is projected to have $17 million to $28 million according to Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box office tracker Rentrak. "Nothing had it coming close to $40 million" he added.

Disney icy animated Frozen, on its eight week stay in the number 2 spot, earning $15 million. This past the record of The Lion King, 1994 with $312 million earnings.

The Wolf of Wall Street of Paramount, directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio is on No. 3 spot earning $9 million and $78.6 million domestic.

The Legend of Hercules is on the fourth spot, tied with American Hustle with $8 million earnings both.

Here are top 10 lists of box office figures for Friday to Sunday courtesy of Box Office Mojo:

1. Lone Survivor- $38.5 million
2. Frozen -$15.1 million
3. The Wolf of Wall Street -$9 million
4. American Hustle -$8.6 million
4. The Legend of Hercules -$8.6 million
6. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - $8 million
7. August: Osage County -$7.3 million
8. Saving Mr. Banks - $6.6 million
9. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones -$6.3 million
10. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues - $6.1 million

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