Actual Domestic Profitability

So far, just a few of this year's movies have achieved actual profitability during their domestic runs. They include Madea's Family Reunion, the horror movies Hostel and When a Stranger Calls, the low-budget concert movie Dave Chappelle's Block Party, and the libertarian comedy Thank You for Smoking. (Also, Date Movie and Ice Age: The Meltdown came so close, they should probably be considered profitable as well.)

Clerks II, which just opened on Friday, has already achieved actual profitability. To date, it's earned $12.5 million against a production budget of $5 million. I doubt it'll have a long run -- Kevin Smith's movies typically peter out at around $30 million, which is likely where Clerks II will land -- but from here on, it's all gravy.

Finally, the year's biggest success story so far (in terms of profitability) is The Devil Wears Prada, which cost $35 million and yesterday crossed the $100-million mark. A brilliant example of counterprogramming, Prada opened against Superman Returns; and although Superman won the opening weekend battle, Prada seems to be winning the war.