Hitch Sets Valentine’s Day Record

Originally Published: February 15, 2005

Columbia Pictures’ hit romantic comedy
Hitch generated $7,515,442 on Monday, becoming the biggest midweek
Valentine’s Day ever at the nation’s movie theaters, it was announced today
by Jeff Blake, Vice Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The Will Smith romantic comedy directed by Andy Tenant has earned
$50,657,656 since opening on Friday. The film set the record over the
weekend as the biggest opening ever for a romantic comedy with $43,142,214.

“Audiences are clearly falling in love with Hitch,” said Blake. “It’s
winning combination of comedy and romance made it a perfect choice for
Valentine’s, or any other day when you are looking for a fun time at the
movies.”

The previous record high for a Valentine’s Day falling on midweek was set
by Hannibal on February 14, 2001, when that film earned $5,097,007.

The strong mid-week business for Hitch continues to position the film well
as the comedy heads into the four day President’s day weekend.

Hitch is the third straight #1 film released by Sony Pictures in 2005. The
studio also scored a rare trifecta at the boxoffice this past weekend by
releasing the #1, #2 and #3 movies with Hitch, Boogeyman and Are We There
Yet?
. The trifecta is first time the same studio has fielded the top 3
films in the past 15 years.

In Hitch, Will Smith stars as Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a true urban myth — a
legendary New York City “date doctor” who, for a fee has helped hundreds of
men woo the women of their dreams. The ultimate professional bachelor,
Hitch discovers that all of his tried and true tricks of the trade are no
match for Sara (Eva Mendes), the one woman he truly loves. Directed by
Andy Tenant, the film is written by Kevin Bisch and produced by James
Lassiter, Will Smith
and Teddy Zee.