#BOXOFFICE: “SPONGEBOB” SOAKS-UP THE COMPETITION IN DEBUT!

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER defies all expectations to soak-up the competition at the Box Office this weekend!  The Animated Feature based on the internationally-popular Nickelodeon Series, debuts with a stellar $53 million from 3,641 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Critics gave it love with a 73% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an on-par B CinemaScore.

AMERICAN SNIPER after a decisive three-week-domination slips to second this weekend with a still-great $22.7 million, bringing its total domestic gross to $280.5 million for Warner Bros. Not bad at all.

JUPITER ASCENDING is being labeled a “bomb” by many insiders but its $18.4 million gross from 3,181 theatres certainly is far from a disgrace for Warner Bros.  Internationally, the Sci-Fi/Adventure starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum, is expected to fare much better.  The Wachowskis Film was made for $175 million and earns a 22% from Critics on the Tomatometer and a much-better B- CinemaScore.

SEVENTH SON debuts in fourth with $6.8 million from 2.785 theatres for Universal Pictures, after changing hands from Warner Bros. Plagued with several delays, the Film finally sees the light of day but even with a stellar Cast including Oscar-caliber names like Julianne Moore and Jeff Bridges, it still only gets a 10% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.  It was made fr $95 million.

PADDINGTON continues to have a strong presence in North America with $5.3 million earned this weekend from 2,888 theatres for eOne Films/The Weinstein Co. In four weeks it is close to the $60 million-mark.

THE BOY NEXT DOOR rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.9 million from 2,193 theatres for Universal Pictures in its third week.