SUBMITTED BY Timbo

November 25, 2003 — Variety takes a look at how "The Matrix Revolutions" is performing around the world.

The final chapter of the trilogy is generating strong word of mouth in Japan, Italy and Spain, and bookers in the latter two were expecting mild second weekend falls of 30%-40%.

"People are coming out of cinemas saying it's simpler than 'Reloaded'; they like the fact there's less philosophy," noted one programmer in Madrid.

But the reactions generally aren't positive in the U.K., Germany, France and Australia, according to local bookers, and those in Blighty and Oz were steeling themselves for drops of around 50%.

One Gallic exhib predicted a rapid decline, noting the pic is chiefly drawing adolescents who usually flock to the first weekend.

For the record: The WB/Village Roadshow co-prod conjured up an unprecedented $119 million on 10,013 prints in its first five days in 107 territories, including 18 Imax screens, according to Warner's revised numbers.

That topped "The Matrix Reloaded's" $113.2 million three-day haul in May from launches in 80 markets and its soph sessions in 16 countries. In seven days, the final installment amassed an estimated $138.7 million.

Two rival distribs are anticipating an eventual tally of around $350 million, which would be impressive, although way below the forerunner's $456 million.

Read the rest at the link below.