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Bruce Hall: I think America has spoken. This is an official disappointment almost any way you look at it, but that's mainly due to the pedigree of the material. There's no doubt expectations were somewhat higher for this, as Jersey Boys opened in more theaters than anything Eastwood has ever done. Unfortunately in light of that, this weekend's per theater average looks a little closer to something that's been out three weeks, rather than three days.

Still, this result is actually on the high end for Eastwood's directorial work. I don't think it's unfair to call him a "boutique" artist at this stage of his career. He is an elder statesman of Hollywood and an artist who's not afraid to stretch himself. Something tells me more lifetime achievement awards are in his future, and plans to dig his star off the Walk of Fame can be put on hold.

Jay Barney: I am not surprised that it opened on the low end of expectations, but this is another one where a wait and see approach will be best. The production budget of nearly $40 million will be steep against this initial showing, but there is a chance the older crowds will come out during the summer.

It is interesting that Hollywood has fully embraced the summer musical now, even though some are not getting the fan support you would expect. Rock of Ages comes to mind.

Overall, though, this opening has to be seen as a bit of a disappointment. Opening in fourth is not a great accomplishment, nor is barely beating Maleficent, which has been out for a month. So over all this opening is on the blah side, and Jersey Boys has a lot of work to do.

Max Braden: I grew up in New Jersey and had no interest in seeing this movie (nor the source material). All I could think about from seeing the trailer was "Didn't Tom Hanks already do this with That Thing You Do!, and didn't it look more fun?" I didn't recognize anybody but Christopher Walken, so the cast didn't help anything. I actually think it was lucky to pull in this much money opening weekend.

David Mumpower: Looking at this a different way, the best recent comparison is Rock of Ages. Yes, I realize that sounds crazy due to the tone of the films. The key is that Rock of Ages was the only other summer musical release of similar scale. That film cost $70 million to produce while grossing $14.4 million on opening weekend. Jersey Boys required a financial outlay of “only” $40 million while generating $13.3 million. For this reason, I think that disappointment is too strong a term for the result. It is effectively a box office draw that will wind up in the black over the years.

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