Barry Nielsen (left) treats his son Brodie to a ticket to see Avatar.

Anthea Gleeson

WET weather and blockbuster film titles have sent Toowoomba movie-goers into overdrive.

The Birch, Carroll and Coyle cinemas at Grand Central and The Strand have recorded some of their busiest trading days.

“The five days after Christmas including Boxing Day fell into the top 10 highest grossing days ever in Toowoomba,” Birch, Carroll and Coyle Queensland area manager Ian Mills said.

“We have never been as busy as we were last week. Definitely, the wet weather is a boost for us. Of course, it also helps if there are some good movies.”

Films including Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and Did You Hear About The Morgans? are proving popular with Garden City residents.

“People in this town have a taste for family movies or romantic comedies,” Mr Mills said.

The futuristic James Cameron film, Avatar, is set to eclipse the current number one ranked film, Titanic, in national box office takings this week.

On Sunday, Avatar had taken over $48 million at the box office and is currently bringing in up to $2 million per day.

“We weren’t too sure how Avatar was going to go,” Mr Mills said.

“There was not much promotion prior to its December 17 release.

“But the moment it hit on Boxing Day, it really took off.”

Among a sold-out session to see Avatar in 3D yesterday were father and son, Brodie and Barry Nielsen. Nine-year-old Brodie was excited to see his first film in 3D.

“Mum and I came and watched Alvin, but me and my dad ... we like action,” nine-year-old Brodie said.