As expected, Illumination Entertainment earned another huge win this weekend as their second Dr. Seuss film, The Grinch, opened to $67.6 million this weekend (strong $16,318 per-venue average). That narrowly edges out Frozen ($67.4 million) for the second-biggest opening weekend ever for an animated film in the month of November (2004's The Incredibles still holds the record at $70.4 million). But, against just a $75 million production budget (Illumination prefers to keep the pricetag small), this is undoubtedly a massive success and is in line with most analysts expectations (I was a little too optimistic). Yes, Mr. Grinch was barely outpaced by its' Seussian brethren, The Lorax (which opened to $70 million back in March 2012). But, being a Christmas-themed movie, Grinch looks well-positioned to be a strong player through the holiday season. Ralph Breaks the Internet and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse will prove to be strong competition in the coming weeks, but again, the holiday theme should keep this one afloat for awhile. Universal was projecting a debut in the mid-50's millions, while the CinemaScore was a solid "A-".After a strong debut in the top spot last week, Bohemian Rhapsody had a very solid hold in its sophomore frame. The Freddie Mercury biopic fell just 39% to $31.2 million, for a very good $100.4 million pick-up in 10 days. While not quite as strong of a hold as fellow musical drama A Star is Born (was off 34% in its second frame), its' still very solid for a movie that opened to $50 million. Look for Rhapsody to continue to be a strong player through Thanksgiving and beyond.
Opening narrowly in a distant third place was horror dramedy Overlord. The J.J Abrams-produced flick opened in line with expectations, with a muted $10.2 million in its launch (mild $3,568 per-venue average). Considering horror fans had pretty much already had their fill from The Nun and the recent Halloween remake, interest just really wasn't there for this particular movie. With a $38 million budget, its' going to be hard for distributor Paramount to make ends meet on this one. The film received a moderate "B" CinemaScore from opening night audiences.
After a disappointing debut last weekend, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms took an expected nosedive in the face of added competition. Disney's latest live-action fairy tale was down 50% to $10.1 million, for a weak $35.8 million gross in 10 days (reminder: this had a $120 million budget). The film hasn't quite taken off overseas either, with just $60 million taken in so far. Disney can certainly weather the loss, but this doesn't generate any hope for future original ideas from the studio.
Continuing to play strong in its sixth weekend was the remake of A Star is Born. The possible Oscar contender was off just 26% to $8.1 million, for a huge $178.1 million pick-up in 42 days. Look for Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper to easily grace past $200 million by the time its' finished.
That leaves the final new release in the sixth spot. The Girl in the Spider's Web was the weekend's biggest flop with just $7.8 million (weak $2,666 per-venue average). That was down from its' predecessor, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ($12.8 million in December 2011). While Sony conservatively predicted an $8 million start, most analysts thought it would get above $10 million. But the material here was arguably too weird and risque to really be of interest for general audiences. Web was produced for $43 million, and received a "B" CinemaScore.
After a mixed debut last week, Nobody's Fool followed the usual trajectory for Tyler Perry flicks, off 52% to $6.6 million. The Tiffany Haddish comedy has earned $24.4 million in 10 days, and looks to finish around $35 million. While not bad news considering the $19 million budget, its' among the lowest earnings for Perry as far as his directorial career is concerned. Meanwhile, Venom has surprisingly held on very well considering the negative critical reception. The antihero story was off only 38% in its sixth frame to $4.9 million. In the meantime, it earned a huge $111 million in its debut in China (the second-biggest opening for a superhero flick there behind only Infinity War). Venom has pulled in a strong $206.3 million in 42 days, along with another $450 million overseas. It should end up around $800 million worldwide.
The Halloween reboot followed with a 63% drop to $4 million. While audiences are continuing to move into the holiday season, the reboot has still been a massive success for all involved (with $157 million earned in 24 days). Rounding out the Top 10 in its sixth frame was The Hate U Give. The crime drama slid 39% to $2.1 million, for a decent $26.7 million pick-up in 42 days. It should make it just past $30 million before its done.
And that's about it. Next weekend, the Wizarding World returns with Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald likely to top the box office. Also opening are ensemble flick Widows and family comedy Instant Family. It's set to be a very fun pre-Thanksgiving frame. Predictions coming Wednesday. :)
