BRITAIN:UK fans helped Spider-Man 3 achieve a world record at the box office in its opening weekend, according to studio estimates last night.
The latest instalment of the superhero's adventures, which sees Peter Parker battle the temptation to use his powers for evil after a brush with a gooey alien entity, grossed $375 million (€275 million) globally, said Sony Pictures, easily beating the $254 million taken by Star Wars: Episode III two years ago.
In Britain, it was set to be the third-biggest three-day opening with £11.45 million (€16.8 million), after Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. The return of Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker heralds the beginning of a summer blockbuster season packed with sequels, including Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End and Shrek The Third.
Spider-Man 3's box-office success came despite mixed reviews, with some critics annoyed by the running time. Michael Lynton, chairman and chief executive of Sony Pictures, said the studio was thrilled and surprised by the figures. - ( Guardian service)