Ignore those nasty Reviews, Audiences still v. much are in-love with TAKEN. In an opening as explosive as the Action the Franchise is known for, the Trilogy Finale starring once again Liam Neeson, takes-in $40.4 million for 20th Century Fox from 3.594 theatres. In comparison to its Predecessors, this latest Installment doesn’t quite eclipse the opening weekend success of 2012’s TAKEN 2, which brought-in $49 million in its debut. It does however surpass 2009’s first Installment, which opened with $24 million. Critics were unanimous in their snubbing with an 11% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences gave it a solid B+ CinemaScore. Made for $48 million, it looks well on its way to turning a profit.
Paramount Pictures‘ big Oscar Vehicle SELMA opens with $11 million from 2,179 theatres, Both Audiences and Critics alike agree that the Ava DuVernay Film is phenomenal, with an A+ CinemaScore and a matching 98% CinemaScore.
UNBROKEN continues to show amazing consistency, landing in third in its third week out with $8.2 million for Universal Pictures, just surpassing the $100 million-mark domestically.
Disney‘s INTO THE WOODS places fifth this weekend with $8.68 million, also surpassing the $100 million-mark in three weeks. The Film is up for Best Comedy/Musical at the Golden Globe Awards, although it is seen widely as an Outsider in the Oscar race.
THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES finds itself in fifth spot in its fourth week out with $8.61 million for Warner Bros. It thus far has made $235 million in its North American run.
In sixth with $7 million is The Weinstein Co./Elevation Pictures’ THE IMITATION GAME which continues its Oscar Trail with a major piece of the puzzle in its fate being unveiled at Sunday night’s Golden Globe Awards.
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 1 rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.6 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films, now in its eighth week out and a dazzling $329 million grossed domestically to-date.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com