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Kim Hollis: Don Jon, an independently financed film that was written and directed by, as well as starring, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, earned $8.7 million this weekend. What do you think about this debut

Jason Barney: It doesn't matter if this one opened in fifth place, the limited budget and the opening weekend are what matters here. Again, this is a small project that ended up making more than its production budget in the first weekend. Who doesn't dream of that sort of success? The film is not going to be around for long, but it has accomplished a solid opening, and everything from here is gravy.

Brett Ballard-Beach: Is this the start of a new Affleck? (Gone Baby Gone was also quite acclaimed and did underwhelming business.) After reading his profile in EW, I'm acclaimed to think he can pull off whatever the hell he wants. A romantic comedy about a porn addict (i.e. a much much kinder and gentler variation on Choke) was never gonna be just anyone's first date cup of tea, as the C+ Cinemascore indicates. The project establishes his behind-the-scenes credibility and making back a low budget is always good.

Felix Quinonez: This is another one that, when put into perspective, can be seen as a winner. The budget was already made back in the opening weekend so that's always a plus. The subject matter was always going to make this a tough sell so it was very wise to keep the budget low. I think its legs won't be great given the C+ Cinemascore but like I said the budget was already made back. But the biggest positive to take away is that it further cements Joseph Gordon-Levitt's reputation as being a talented guy who makes interesting choices in the projects he takes.

Bruce Hall: JGL took on the challenge of writing and starring opposite ScarJo and Julianne Moore in a nearly NC-17 rated movie about porn addiction. Not only is that not a bad gig, but he pulled it off in a way that seems to have opened some eyes in the industry. Here's a guy who obviously has his creative eye on more than just being a respected actor. Critics seem to have responded better than audiences in general but who knows. Someday we all may chuckle about how one of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors debuted with a movie about hardcore porn.

Max Braden: The movie may have made back its budget, but I'm not thrilled by the numbers. $9 million for stars like JGL and Scarlett Johansson is something I'd expect from an ensemble Soderbergh production, but not a straight up generic plot. I can't help but think that this coming at the end of the Jersey Shore fad may have actually hurt it, where it might have made more at the height of the fad a few years ago. Projects like Don Jon aren't going to bring JGL the kind of acclaim Affleck is getting for his directorial work, so I'm hoping JGL goes bigger if he intends to continue behind the camera.

Kim Hollis: It's a good opening for a movie that was never intended to be a big breakout. I like JGL, because he has no hesitation about just doing the things he wants to do. This project is a great example, as are any number of his indie projects that have led up to him trying something of his own. I look forward to seeing what he does next.

David Mumpower: Sidestepping the box office question, I would add that Don Jon's advertising has been driving me to distraction. Those accents are the most annoying I have heard since Edward Burns' early work in She's the One and The Brothers McMullen. If I am thinking about Scarlett Johansson's voice rather than...other stuff, something has gone horribly wrong.

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