The Facebook movie “The Social Network” found millions of friends in theaters during the weekend, taking in $23 million and earning the No. 1 spot at box offices, according to studio estimates on Sunday. The movie, which tells of the founding of the popular social networking website, played in just under 2,800 U.S. and Canadian theaters for a per-theater average of around $8,300, a solid number compared to its rivals.
“It’s a terrific start for a terrific film,” said Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution for the film’s studio, Columbia Pictures.
Indeed, the movie from director David Fincher has earned wide praise from critics, scoring a 97 percent positive rating on website rottentomatoes.com, which ranks films after compiling reviews.
Columbia hopes “Social Network” may even compete for this year’s Oscars, and a solid start at box offices will go a long way toward boosting its prospects for awards.