#BOXOFFICE: “THE HOBBIT” BATTLES ITS WAY TO THE TOP

There just is no arguing with a legacy!  The Hobbit might have come to an end as a trilogy, but Fans certainly won’t say goodbye to it without a bang!  THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES debuts with a stunning $86.4 million for Warner Bros., from 3,875 theatres across North America. The Blockbuster by Peter Jackson gets an A- CinemaScore, barely getting a positive consensus on the Tomatometer with a 60% score at Rotten Tomatoes from Critics.  This debut outdoes its former Franchise-best, with 2012’s An Unexpected Journey garnering $84 million on its opening weekend.

Debuting in second is another Franchise Finale in A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB with $19.6 million for 20th Century Fox, from 3,785 theatres.  By contrast, 2009’s Battle of the Smithsonian earned $54 million on its opening weekend.  Audiences gave the Film a B+ CinemaScore, while reviews were mixed among Critics at 50% on the Tomatometer.

ANNIE opens in third with $19.1 million from 3,116 theatres for a trouble-ridden Sony Pictures.  This Remake bests its 1982 Predecessor, which went-on to become a Classic after a fifth place debut with $5.3 million.  Although Critics hammered the Musical starring Oscar Nominee Quvenzhane Wallis in the titular role with 29% on the Tomatometer, Audiences gave it resounding “yes” with an A- CinemaScore.

After a number one placing last weekend, EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS slips to fourth spot this weekend with some stiff competition from new releases, earning $8 million this weekend. Its two week tally brings it to $38.6 million domestically for 20th Century Fox.

WILD expands to 1,061 theatres for Fox Searchlight and does so successfully, placing sixth with $7 million.

TOP FIVE continues to perform respectably in ninth with $2.9 million in its second week out for Paramount Pictures, now earning $11.9 million in its domestic run.

Rounding-out the Top Ten  is INTERSTELLAR with $2.7 million also for Paramount Pictures. In seven weeks it has grossed $171.6 million.