DreamWorks Animation's latest was expected to top the box office, there was no question about it. But, it didn't quite catch on as the studio was probably hoping for. The original animated effort earned $20.9 million in its debut (modest $4,915 per-venue average from over 4,200 locations). That's in line with the $17-20 million expected from Universal, but its' among the lowest openings yet for the once-huge animation studio. September has become challenging territory for animated films as of late (that is, unless you're Hotel Transylvania), and Abominable wasn't helped by the fact that it opened exactly a year after another yeti-themed tale, Smallfoot (which opened a bit larger at $23 million). Abominable also came in a bit behind 2016's Storks ($22 million), 2009's Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ($30 million) and opened in line with 2017's The LEGO Ninjago Movie ($20.6 million). Expectations never seemed high for the film, which was marketed as another road trip home film for the kiddos (which really seemed odd as adult critics seem to be really liking this one).
However, DreamWorks and Universal (along with Pearl Studios from China) were wise in the financial decision-making here, keeping the budget to a restrained $75 million. It's almost as if they knew that this film was going to be a challenge to open and succeed in the typically quiet Fall season. That makes the opening look a little bit better, and it still has plenty of international grosses to look forward to (including China itself, where it may outperform the U.S.). As for the road ahead, Abominable earned a strong "A" CinemaScore which bodes well for word-of-mouth. But, The Addams Family and Maleficent 2 could cut its legs short. We'll have to wait and see.
After fans rushed out to see it last week, Downton Abbey slid to second place and was off 53% to $14.5 million. The TV series adaptation has pulled in a solid $58.5 million in 10 days along with another $50 million overseas. However, proving to have better holding power was Hustlers. Jumping up two spots to third place in its third weekend, the well-received adult heist was off just 32% to $11.7 million. With $80.6 million in 17 days, the much-needed original hit will make it past the century mark.
Getting a much-needed good hold, It: Chapter 2 was off 39% in its fourth frame to $10.4 million. The horror sequel has earned a very solid $193.9 million in 24 days as it prepares to cross the double-century mark. It passed $400 million worldwide this week also, putting it safely in success territory. Ad Astra couldn't quite find the legs it needed, off 47% in its sophomore frame to $10.1 million. Brad Pitt's space thriller has earned a disappointing $35.5 million in 10 days.
Rambo: Last Blood always seemed like it was going to be front-loaded. And that assertion was correct. The final installment in Sylvester Stallone's franchise was down 55% in its sophomore frame to $8.6 million, for a modest $33.2 million pick-up in 10 days. With Joker stealing more adult audiences next week, the final gross may not get much past its $50 million budget.
Choosing to expand into semi-nationwide release this weekend, LD Entertainment scored a solid win with its biographical drama, Judy. With Renee Zellweger earning Oscar buzz for playing Judy Garland, the drama pulled in $3.1 million in seventh place, for a Top 10-best $6,706 per-venue average from nearly 500 locations. That's better than anyone expected, as the film attempts to enter the awards season race. Zellweger's buzz plus the popularity of the iconic late actress definitely played strong parts here. No budgeting information was released.
With no R-rated comedy competition, Good Boys continued to slowly fade out. The hit was off a light 22% to $2 million, for a very good $80.4 million in 49 days. The Lion King earned an 11th-straight week in the Top 10, off 40% to $1.6 million, with the Disney blockbuster at $540 million in 77 days. Rounding out the list was Angel Has Fallen, which was off 36% to $1.5 million. The finale in Gerard Butler's action trilogy has earned a successful $67.2 million in six weeks of release, and $125 million worldwide.
That's about it. Stay tuned later this week for box office predictions, where we'll examine the highly-anticipated Joker. Also stay tuned for a review of Abominable coming either late this week or over next weekend. :) Hope all has a great week!
