The story with Hollywood movies is that films open big in their first weekend and then drop off precipitously in their second weekend as a film opening takes the box office crown. That is not the case with The Help. It is the second film this year — the first being True Grit in January — to rise to first place in its second week of release. (Box office experts also noted that The Blind Side, which this film is being compared to in terms of audience, budget and potential awards, also rose to number 1 after its initial release.) The film has also bested the recent August releases of Julie & Julia and Eat, Pray Love — films with big stars (Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Julia Roberts) also based on widely read books.

The Help only fell 21% and managed to beat four new films and make a little over $20 million bringing its total to over $71 million since it opened on August 10. That on a budget of $25 million (not counting ads.) The film is an honest to goodness bonafide hit and could land in the best picture race with these numbers and the great performances.

Other news is that it looks like women played overseas this summer as Bridesmaids has just hit $100 million outside the US and Bad Teacher is right behind at $98 million.

The Help Takes the Box Office, Becomes Second Viable Best Picture Contender of 2011 (Awards Daily)

Box Office Report: ‘The Help’ Beats Four New Films (Hollywood Reporter)

‘Bridesmaids’ tops $100 million overseas; ‘Bad Teacher’ is close (LA Times)