'Ted' Box Office Earnings Dominate 'Magic Mike'

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Monday, July 02, 2012

This weekend's box office earnings have surprised critics as the comedy "Ted" trumped "Magic Mike."

"Ted," starring Mila Kunis and Mark Wahlberg, raked in $54.1 while Channing Tatum's movie about male strippers earned far less with $39.2 million.

Furthermore, moviegoers praised "Ted," with about 68 percent of critics giving it a thumbs up, according to RottenTomatoes.com.

The film sees John Bennett, portrayed by Wahlberg, living alongside a teddy bear, Ted, that came to life as a result of his childhood wish. The pair's friendship is tested when John's girlfriend Lori (Kunis) wants more from their relationship.

The film's opening was the third-highest R-rated comedy debut, behind last year's "Hangover 2" and 2010's "Sex and the City 2," and it was the biggest R-rated non-sequel comedy opening. Directed by "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, "Ted" viewers raved about the funny film.

"Credit a hilarious concept, a funny trailer, above-average reviews and the fact that Seth MacFarlane's Ted voice is a close, but not exact, version of Peter Griffin [from MacFarlane's Fox series "Family Guy]," wrote movie critic Tim Briody on RottenTomatoes.com.

Due to the widespread popularity of "Family Guy," MacFarlane is in talks with studios about adapting the television series into a film.

Briody added that the successful "Ted" my further prompt efforts behind a "Family Guy" movie.

On Twitter, users sounded off about the summer comedy.

"Ted definitely did not disappoint," wrote Jeff. "It was hilarious! I would go watch it again!"

"Just went and watched the movie Ted," posted Jobe. "It was awesome."

Alternatively, "Magic Mike" debuted strongly, but came in behind "Ted" at number two. In addition to Tatum, the film starred Matthew McConaughey, Joe Manganiello, and Alex Pettyfer.

Coming in at number three in the box office was previously-released "Brave" from Pixar, earning $34 million. Next, "Tyler Perry's Witness Protection" opened solidly at number four, earning $26.4 million.

Many of the weekend's films far exceeded studio's predictions. The heat wave and power outages on the East coast likely attracted audiences into air-conditioned theaters.