Record Breaking Sales in Three Days

Blowing stuff up never gets old in movies, as the death-defying pranksters from MTV's reality series "Jackass" proved at the North American box office on Sunday.

"Jackass 3D," the third installment in a feature series about a crew of thrill junkies, crushed forecasts by selling an estimated $50 million worth of tickets during its first three days of release across the United States and Canada, distributor Paramount Pictures said.

If projections hold up when final data are issued on Monday, the film will beat 2003's "Scary Movie 3" ($48.1 million) to rank as the biggest October opening of all time.

Pundits had forecast "Jackass 3" would open in the $30 million range. The actual result ranks as the best opening since the Leonardo DiCaprio thriller "Inception" kicked off with $63 million three months ago.

The series details the exploits of a crew of daredevils, led by Johnny Knoxville, who withstand grievous bodily harm by performing various gruesome stunts. Genitalia abuse and frequent vomiting are popular favorites. Critics mostly praised the movie, even if the new 3D element failed to add much.

The previous two films also opened at No. 1: the first one to $23 million in October 2002, and the sequel to $29 million in September 2006. They finished with $64 million and $73 million, respectively. Paramount and MTV are units of Viacom Inc.

Opening at a distant No. 2 was "Red," a Bruce Willis action drama based on a DC Comic book. It earned $22.5 million, in line with expectations. The film, which also stars Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren, was released by closely held Summit Entertainment.

After two weeks at No. 1, the Facebook drama "The Social Network" slipped to No. 3 with $11 million. The acclaimed picture has earned $63.1 million to date, said Columbia Pictures, a unit of Sony Corp.

(Reported by Dean Goodman)

I haven’t seen “Jackass 3D” yet but I wouldn’t have doubted that it could break a record for October. I am so excited to see this one. I love the show and all the movies. You laugh the whole entire time because of the ridiculous stunts and stupid stuff they do. My friends and I tried to go to the movie but it was completely sold out. But I am going to see it as soon as I can. From everyone I have talked to they said it was hilarious and a MUST SEE. I will update you on what I thought when I see it which will hopefully be very soon!