The highs and lows on the limited-release front

Critics couldn’t decide whether it was a documentary or performance art, but most moviegoers seemed certain they didn’t want to see it.

Despite extensive press coverage of the movie allegedly chronicling actor Joaquin Phoenix’s attempts to become a rapper, “I’m Still Here” opened to an unimpressive $98,000 at 20 theaters in 18 cities. That’s an average of $4,900 per location, a soft number given that it was playing primarily at high-end theaters in big cities, such as the Landmark in West Los Angeles.

It performed much better, however, than WWE Films’ first attempt at a family drama, “Legendary.” Released at 177 locations by Samuel Goldwyn Films, the film starring Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover and the wrestler John Cena brought in a dismal $135,210, or $764 per theater.

It wasn’t all bad news on the limited-release front, though. The French action- romantic comedy “Heartbreakers” opened to a solid $48,600 at three theaters in Los Angeles and New York.

And the drama “The Romantics,” starring Katie Holmes, Josh Duhamel and Anna Paquin, brought in a strong $42,900 from just two theaters in L.A. and New York.

— Ben Fritz