R-rated comedies pass action films at summer box office
(CBS) Raunchy comedies are bringing in big money at the box office.
So far this summer, R-rated comedies have grossed more money than the annual assortment of superhero blockbusters.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the summer's five R-rated comedies have earned $1.05 billion to date, as compared to $1.01 billion for the superhero flicks "X-Men: First Class," "Green Lantern" and "Captain America: The First Avenger."
"The Hangover Part II" leads the dirty comedy pack with a global total of $563 million, THR reported on Wednesday, and while "Bridesmaids" was released back in April, it played well into the summer blockbuster season and has earned $234.5 million. Cameron Diaz's "Bad Teacher" earned $164 million.
"Horrible Bosses" has grossed $82.6 million in the first three weeks of its domestic release, while "Friends with Benefits" opened to $18.6 million last weekend. Both of these films, THR notes, are still being released overseas.
And the raunch-fest isn't over. Another R-rated comedy, Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynold's "The Change-Up," is due to hit theaters on Aug. 5.
