CNN.com has a neat article online right now about the “science” behind “Superbad” going from potential sleeper 3 months ago to full-blown expected hit movie by the time it premiered. Among the factors credited for it’s success are the Apatow name, aggressive pre-screenings and a genuinely effective grass roots internet marketing campaign.

Made for less than $20 million, starring two relative unknowns and R-rated (somewhat contradictory for a teen comedy), “Superbad” gradually grew into one of the most acclaimed and talked-about comedies of the summer.

In its opening weekend, it took in $33.1 million, according to figures released Monday by Media by Numbers LLC, easily topping the box office and surpassing expectations. Most predictions had “Superbad” in the $25 million range.

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