“GI Joe” starring Channing Tatum avoided critics and has big box office opening: $56.2 million

The super hot Channing Tatum became a bonafide movie star this weekend with his action flick GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra opening in first place with an estimated gross of $56.2 million- the fourth biggest August opening in history.

The movie took in another $44.3 million overseas for a worldwide total of just over $100 million.

Paramount Pictures seems to have made a smart choice in withholding the movie from critics. Those who saw it after it opened gave it mixed reviews at best, according to the Associated Press.

“The thing we saw from ‘Transformers’ is that with these kind of movies, at times critics have a hard time getting their arms around them,” Rob Moore, Paramount vice chairman told AP. “But the audience got exactly what it was. A fun summer movie, a great way to end your summer. You just relax and have a good time. You don’t have to worry about global politics or global warming.”

Sony Pictures successfully counter-programmed with Julie & Julia starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams enjoying an estimated $20 million.

My feeling is that Julie & Julia will enjoy some lengthy staying power while GI Joe could have a steep second weekend drop.