#BOXOFFICE: “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” WHIPS THE COMPETITION VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND!

Not that there ever was a doubt about it, but FIFTY SHADES OF GREY  manages to exceed expectations  still with a smashing $81.7 million opening from 3,646 theatres for Universal Pictures. This feat makes it one of the highest-grossing R-rated openings of all time with the likes of The Passion of the Christ and Matrix Reloaded. The E.L. James Adaptation from Director Sam Taylor-Johnson, might not have gotten much love critically this Valentine’s Day weekend, but Fans certainly are in love at the Box Office.  It received a 22% from Critics on the Tomatometer. Audiences gave it a C+ CinemaScore.  It was just announced the Sequel starts filming this Summer in Vancouver!  We don’t care what anyone thinks. WE LOVE IT. Our Review here.

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE opens solid with an amazing $35.6 million from 3,204 theatres for 20th Century Fox.  The Action/Mystery starring Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Tagar Egerton opens with a strong 71% on the Tomatometer and B+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER continues to go well in its second week with $30.5million from 3.654 theatres for Paramount Pictures. In already has surpassed the $100-million-mark domestically.

AMERICAN SNIPER slips to fourth spot for Warner Bros. in its eighth week out with $16.4 million.  To date, it has grossed $307 million in North America.

THE IMITATION GAME continues to get positive word of mouth, hanging-on to the Top Ten in eighth with $3.3 million for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films, reaching the $80-million-mark domestically.

PROJECT ALMANAC rounds-out the Top Ten for Paramount Pictures with $2.7 million in its third week.