LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Oliver Stone's new film, "World Trade Center," got off to a promising start at the box office on Wednesday, grossing better-than-expected receipts of $4.4 million in its first day, Paramount Pictures executives said on Thursday.

They added that if the pace continued, the film about the battle to save two policemen trapped under tons of rubble in the September 11 attacks could bring in more than $20 million through its opening weekend -- a figure that would exceed expectations.

The $65 million movie, which received several strong reviews, is the first big-budget feature to be made about the suicide hijackings, although a smaller budget film "United 93" last spring grossed $31.5 million.

Many industry experts questioned whether moviegoers are ready for films about the disaster which is still fresh and painful in the minds of many Americans.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Oliver Stone's new film, "World Trade Center," got off to a promising start at the box office on Wednesday, grossing better-than-expected receipts of $4.4 million in its first day, Paramount Pictures executives said on Thursday.

They added that if the pace continued, the film about the battle to save two policemen trapped under tons of rubble in the September 11 attacks could bring in more than $20 million through its opening weekend -- a figure that would exceed expectations.

The $65 million movie, which received several strong reviews, is the first big-budget feature to be made about the suicide hijackings, although a smaller budget film "United 93" last spring grossed $31.5 million.

Many industry experts questioned whether moviegoers are ready for films about the disaster which is still fresh and painful in the minds of many Americans.



Still can't believe someone can relive all that misery

I had a feeling it would open pretty strong. I went to the last showing of the night at 9:50 pm on Wednesday, and there were about 30 people in the theatre with me, So, this news doesn't surprise me at all. It really was an amazing, and non-exploitive film in my opinion. I'm glad I went to see it.

Still can't believe someone can relive all that misery

I don't want to give too much away, but they really didn't focus all that much on the tragedy as a whole, but more on the two main characters. Most of the film you spend with the two main characters, so you really don't experience the whole impact of what went on on that horrible day. Actually, United 93 was much more difficult for me to watch, because it didn't involve the stories of one or two people, but everyone on that airplane.

I read recently that many New Yorkers are staying away. I can't say I blame them.

I went to see this film yesterday and even though I got the sniffles during some parts; I enjoyed it.I don't think I was the only one sniffling either. ;D The tragedy wasn't the main focus but the two main characters.

I read recently that many New Yorkers are staying away. I can't say I blame them.


I didn't think that Movie would make any money in NYC

I read recently that many New Yorkers are staying away. I can't say I blame them.
I live in New York and I know that some New Yorkers are staying away, but not all. The film is still doing very well over here.
I've been hearing a lot and I can't wait to see it for myself.

I live in New York and I know that some New Yorkers are staying away, but not all. The film is still doing very well over here.
I've been hearing a lot and I can't wait to see it for myself.


My Mom was saying she didn't think they would come out with a World Trade Centr Movie until 2021

My Mom was saying she didn't think they would come out with a World Trade Centr Movie until 2021
Yeah, it does really seem too soon. 2021 probably would have been more appropriate for lots of reasons.

I was having an argument with a friend of mine the one day because she thinks its too soon for a 9/11 film...but I stated that numerous novels and books have been written about 9/11 so why can't there be movies? Not to meantion, the film is based off a true story from real characters lives from what I understand. I kind of want to see World Trade Center but I doubt I could get anyone to see it with me.

You know, it makes me sad to think that if a disaster film came out, the movie would make a 100 million, but if WTC movie came out, everyone refuses to see something controversial even though it's made in respect to all the lives that were lost.

I was having an argument with a friend of mine the one day because she thinks its too soon for a 9/11 film...but I stated that numerous novels and books have been written about 9/11 so why can't there be movies? Not to meantion, the film is based off a true story from real characters lives from what I understand. I kind of want to see World Trade Center but I doubt I could get anyone to see it with me.

You know, it makes me sad to think that if a disaster film came out, the movie would make a 100 million, but if WTC movie came out, everyone refuses to see something controversial even though it's made in respect to all the lives that were lost.


Maybe becauase Disaster Films are NOT REAL, and the WTC movie is REAL

This is 1 movie I refuse to go see, tell me something, is oliver stone going to give any of the money to the victims familys? or is this just another way for hollywood to make money on 1 of americas most seriouse disasters ? this is hollywood for you, america gets a disaster and oliver stone gets a money making hit.

I just saw this movie, and I have to say, I was moved. Alot of it was tough to watch, but the story of those two Port Authority officers relying on each other to survive was beautiful. It really is a powerful movie.

Me and and my Uncle went to see it the 2nd day it was released when we visited them in North Dakota movie was really good glad I went to and saw it.