As summer reaches its final hurrahs, overall business will hope to make up some of the gaps. Overall business looks like it will be a bit behind last year, which featured the $26 million launch of Crazy Rich Asians.
Here's the predicted Top 10:
#1: The Angry Birds Movie 2 ($18 million, $25 million 5-day start)
With business starting to slow down considerably, the movie with the best chance of capturing the top spot this weekend is this animated sequel. With solid reviews and no more kid-friendly movies opening through mid-September, this is definitely going to take advantage of families looking for one more option this summer. Of course, with a Tuesday opening, its' weekend gross will be watered down a bit. But, there should be enough interest over the weekend to get OK numbers.
#2: Hobbs and Shaw ($13 million, -49%)
This spin-off should continue to level off at a rate a little bit stronger than its predecessors. With the amount of competition in the marketplace this weekend, it'll be hard for it to manage a strong hold.
#3: 47 Meters Down: Uncaged ($11.5 million)
This sequel to the 2017 sleeper hit 47 Meters Down ($44 million stateside) is hoping to capitalize on the recent popularity of shark and creature thrillers. Overall buzz and marketing has been strong, while reviews have been fairly down-the-middle. While competition from another PG-13 horror pic will prevent a breakout, look for a debut in line with its predecessor.
#4: The Lion King ($11 million, -46%)
Even with it being more front-loaded than normal for a family film (and competition from Angry Birds doesn't help), this is still pulling in solid numbers in its fifth weekend.
#5 (tie): Dora and the Lost City of Gold ($10 million, -43%)
Added competition from Angry Birds doesn't spell good news here for Dora, but it should continue to pull in fairly decent business.
#5 (tie): Blinded by the Light ($10 million)
Expectations have been fairly low for this Bruce Springsteen-inspired musical, but the marketing has been pretty much unavoidable here. Reviews are very strong. And after Yesterday turned the Beatles into a $75 million domestic gross, there's definitely potential here. While the theater count is a bit low and it's not going to get into the high-teens like that movie did opening weekend, there's enough space between the two (and enough awareness and fans of "The Boss") that I think there's a great chance this gets to double digits.
#7: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ($9.5 million, -55%)
Unfortunately, with another PG-13 scarefest opening, this means this one may fall like a rock this weekend.
#8: Good Boys ($8.5 million)
While reviews have surprisingly been strong, I don't think this controversial film will break out. Sensible adults probably won't be interested in the idea, while kids are way too young for an R-rated movie about sixth graders. Marketing has interestingly tried to play up these ideas in comedic fashion, but I just don't see this as an idea mainstream audiences will embrace.
#9: Where'd You Go, Bernadette? ($7 million)
Yes, it has Richard Linklater. Yes, it has Cate Blanchett. But this book adaptation has struggled to get much attention lately. It's been pushed back twice and despite a great marketing effort, it just doesn't seem like there's a lot of interest. This looks to be the best bet with female audiences out of all five new releases, but buzz seems to be lacking there too.
#10: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ($6 million, -49%)
With an avalanche of new options, its going to be hard for Quentin Tarantino's latest to continue holding solidly. But, at least its' still doing relatively well given the circumstances.
