"Inception" mystifies RP, grosses P61 million in 2 weeks

CEBU, Philippines - Excellent word of-mouth and multiple viewings have driven Warner Bros.’ sci-fi thriller “Inception” to a remarkable P60.88-million gross nationwide after two weeks of release (July 15 to 28). This was announced yesterday by Francis Soliven, general manager of Warner Bros. Philippines.

“Inception” posted a respectable P22-M gross in its first weekend, and in a rare development, earned bigger receipts in its second weekend with P23.32-million. Most titles strike with their biggest hauls during the first weekend, and go steadily down as the weeks pass.

“The film’s exceptional business is being powered by recommendations from those who’ve seen it and curiosity from those who haven’t,” noted Soliven.

“Everyone’s talking about it, and in some cases, arguing over certain points about the story! It has clearly transcended the big screen.”

The cinemas that registered the biggest receipts are SM Mall of Asia (P4.25M), Trinoma (P4.15M), SM North EDSA (P3.70M), Power Plant (P3.25M), Greenbelt 3 (P2.90M), Glorietta 4 (P2.76M), SM Megamall (P2.40M) and Gateway (P2.37M).

Also earning huge grosses are Theatremall (P1.96M), Alabang Town Center (P1.83M), Shang Cineplex (P1.82M), Robinsons Ermita (P1.68M), SM Cebu (P1.40M), Robinsons Galleria (P1.18M), Festival (P1.06M), Market! Market! (P889,788), SM San Lazaro (P883,250), SM Marikina (P825,854).

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan, “Inception” is an original sci-fi actioner that travels around the globe and into the intimate and infinite world of dreams.

In the film, Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the best in the dangerous art of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable.

Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible—inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse; their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime.

Still playing across the Philippines in IMAX, Digital 2D and regular format, Inception is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. (BANATENTERTAIMENT)