How many screens?

You could argue that "Spider-Man 2" is the most eagerly anticipated movie sequel ever, given that the original set the record for highest opening weekend gross. So, you might think that Sony would have opened it in more theaters than any other film, right?

Not quite, but it came close. According to Box Office Mojo, Spidey No. 2 is opening in 4,152 theaters -- 11 shy of the 4,163 on which "Shrek 2" opened but still far more than the 3,615 for No. 1. The two "S2" sequels top the site's comprehensive list of the 154 widest-opening movies ever.

Why 154? That's how many films have opened in more than 3,000 theaters, the standard for "wide release." It's a pretty interesting list, since it gives some idea of what movies the studios thought would do really big business. For example, would you have guessed that the Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore comedy "50 First Dates" had a wider release than the much-hyped historical epic "Troy"?