Big weekend shaping up for 'The Avengers'

Disney's blockbuster took in $18.7 million for its midnight showings (a bit shy of "The Hunger Games" at $19.4 million), and total weekend box office will likely exceed $150 million, according to the various surveys. This could be an indication of a strong summer movie season, though it's early. From the LAT:

The picture, which teams previous Marvel movie characters Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor and Captain America with other superheroes, is already a tremendous hit overseas, where it opened in most countries last week. Including $22.9 million in receipts Thursday, its international take currently stands at $304 million. By Sunday, "Avengers," which cost $220 million to produce, could amass nearly $600 million in worldwide ticket sales.