Hollywood’s Hit Factory

“IT’S DOING HUGE BUSINESS IN JAPAN” With a few exceptions (Shrek), Hollywood’s summer films have been letdowns at the box office. Unless you ask the studios:

PEARL HARBOR

HYPE Surefire hit, headed north of $250 million in the U.S. BOX OFFICE SO FAR $190 mil. SPIN “We’re right in line with corporate goals. We may surpass $450 mil based on how it performs internationally.” –Buena Vista’s Chuck Viane

A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

HYPE Spielberg’s next E.T. BOX OFFICE $71 mil. SPIN “On track to be a worldwide success. It’s had a record-setting three weeks in Japan.” –Warner’s Brad Ball ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE

HYPE Disney’s answer to Shrek. BOX OFFICE $22 mil. SPIN “Not every movie is going to hit $100 mil. It’s right in line with our expectations.” –Viane

FINAL FANTASY

HYPE Computer-animated blockbuster. BOX OFFICE $19 mil. SPIN “It’s correct that it did not live up to expectations. [But] the film has had some very strong results in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.” –Columbia’s Blaise Noto

Box office figures through July 18, 2001