Beastly Does Better Than Expected

From 'Rango' Wins Four-Way Shootout: Box Office Report March 4 - 6 by Gary Susman:

Also opening better than expected was teen horror/romance 'Beastly,' with an estimated $10.1 million, good for third place. Predictions had suggested the movie would open at around $8 million, since neither Vanessa Hudgens nor Alex Pettyfer is a proven box office draw, and since the teen movie market already includes 'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' and 'I Am Number Four' a very similar film to 'Beastly,' right down to the casting of Pettyfer as the unearthly, tormented lead. Nonetheless, 'Beastly' had terrific word-of-mouth, especially among viewers under 18.

That's good news. I wonder how it will fare next weekend up against Red Riding Hood and with word of mouth. Never underestimate the power of Beauty and the Beast...