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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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 OPINION 
2

'Top Moneymaker' Status Comes With Math Problem

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(Newser) – The annual ranking of movie stars based on exhibitors' sentiment is out. Thing is, the Quigley Poll bases its list on what industry insiders think the stars brought in, not on hard numbers. Gina Serpe of E! takes a look at the discrepancies.

  • Will Smith: Theater owners had a lot of confidence in the Hancock actor, putting him first in the poll. But his movies brought in just $271.8 million, paltry in comparison to the runners-up.

  • Robert Downey, Jr.: The resurgent star easily topped Smith, making studios $432.7 million—$567.2 million if you figure in The Incredible Hulk—but came in second in the poll.
  • Christian Bale: His third-place finish seems odd when the actor's only 2008 film, which needn't be named, made a staggering $530.9 million.
  • Relative newcomer Shia LaBeouf endeared himself with his role in the latest Indiana Jones flick and rounds out the top four.
For a full list, click the link below.

Christian Bale and Heath Ledger in
Christian Bale and Heath Ledger in "The Dark Night."   (AP Photo)
Robert Downey Jr. in
Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man."   (AP Photo)
Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan in
Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan in "Eagle Eye."   (AP Photo)
Will Smith.
Will Smith.   (AP Photo)
Will Smith at the premiere of the movie
Will Smith at the premiere of the movie "Hancock" in Moscow.   (AP Photo)
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2 comments
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tommy
Jan 2, 09 4:59 PM CST
Another example of someone making the stats read whatever they want. 2buyitnow.com Reply
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riffran
Jan 2, 09 9:20 PM CST
Thats OK though...Big Willy style is still cool.....but heck I like all four actors.... Reply
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A little history, and a look at other top earners
Reuters

For the last two years, it was Depp all the way
MSNBC

See the poll at Quigley's website
Quigley Publishing


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Shia LaBeouf • film • box office • Robert Downey Jr. • The Dark Knight • Christian Bale • Harrison Ford • Will Smith • movies • Iron Man • Hancock • 2008 • Quigley Poll

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