#BOXOFFICE: “MAMMA MIA!” BRINGS IT HOME IN DEBUT

Often follow-ups fail to live-up to the success of their Predecessors but both critically and commercially, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN does the unlikely! Debuting atop the Box Office this weekend with an impressive $37 million from 3,317 theatres for Universal Pictures, this Prequel to 2008’s Box Office smash MAMMA MIA gets 78% on the Tomatometer and also an A- CinemaScore. By contrast, the 2008 Adaptation of the smash hit Broadway Musical, earned $27.7 million in its debut and mustered only 54% from Critics on the Tomatometer.

In second is another follow-up, EQUALIZER 2 reuniting Denzel Washington and Director Antoine Fuqua, with $33.7 million for Sony Pictures, from 3,388 theatres. Critics gave it 51% on the Tomatometer and audiences loved it with an A CinemaScore. Its 2014 Predecessor debuted with $34 million back in 2014.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: SUMMER VACATION still is going strong in third this weekend with $22.4 million from 3,388 theatres for Sony Pictures, a total $90.1 million gross over two weeks domestically.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP sits in fourth with $15.6 million for Disney/Marvel. Over four weeks it has earned $164 million in North America.

UNFRIENDED: DARK WEB debuts in ninth with $3.4 million for Blumhouse Productions/Universal Pictures. Its 2015 Predecessor opened with $15.8 million.

Rounding-out the Top Ten is SORRY TO BOTHER YOU with $2.7 million for Annapurna Pictures/eOne Films, a two-week total of $10.1 million.