Too many freaking sequels.  That is the message that movie goers are sending to Hollywood as Ocean’s Thirteen is doing millions less than expected by the studios.  However the movie and other sequels are doing very well overseas and in foreign markets.

Ocean’s Thirteen washed over the competition but was sinking compared to projections Friday as Warner’s says its franchise opened with $13 million (though rival studios have it $12.3M to $12.6M) from 3,565 theaters.

It should finish the weekend with $39M, about par for the franchise but well below the $45M to $50M projected by box office gurus. (For those of you keeping score, Ocean’s Eleven opened with $38.1M from Friday to Sunday in 3,075 venues, while Twelve debuted at $39.1M in 3,290 playdates).

Again, U.S. moviegoers look to be seasick on sequels, even though reviews were good for the threequel again starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt and again directed by Steven Soderbergh. But overseas, audiences continue to have sequel fever: I’m told Ocean’s was No. 1 in the UK, Spain, Hong Kong and a slew of other foreign territories.

Shrek the Third, Pirates of the Caribbean 3 and Spider-Man 3 have all done less than many had hoped for.