WEEKEND BOX OFFICE : ‘Big’ Looks Like a Big Hit

“Big” was the big news of the weekend. Tom Hanks’ fans landed his comedy a number two spot in the weekend box-office competition, behind only “Crocodile Dundee II.” “Big,” the Penny Marshall-directed story of a boy who is granted his wish to turn into an adult, grossed $8.2 million at 1,132 theaters, an average of $7,258 per screen. The light-hearted “Crocodile” continued to edge out the most expensive film in the summer lineup so far, “Rambo III,” which grossed $7.7 million or $3,105 a screen over the weekend. Another high-cost film, George Lucas’ “Willow,” was topped by Chevy Chase’s latest exploits in “Funny Farm.”

* “Beetlejuice,” the surprise comedy hit of the spring, continues to show strength. Since its release, the film has grossed $63.4 million.

Weekend Gross/ Screens/ Weeks Movie (Studio) Total (millions) Average in Release 1. “Crocodile” Dundee II $12.7 2,837 2 (Paramount) $47.6 $4,482 2. Big $8.2 1,132 1 (20th Century Fox) $8.2 $7,258 3. Rambo III $7.7 2,478 2 (Tri-Star) $32.3 $3,105 4. Funny Farm $5.7 1,557 1 (Warner Bros.) $5.7 $3,632 5. Willow $5.0 1,035 3 (MGM-UA) $25.4 $4,834 * Beetlejuice $1.4 1,307 10 (Warner Bros.) $63.9 $1,084

SOURCE: Exhibitor Relations Co.