So, even though BvS stayed in first place in its second weekend in theaters, the big story is the 68 percent drop-off from the week before, which indicates toxic word-of-mouth, as was expected after poor reviews and a not so great Cinemascore from audiences. It fell further than Man of Steel did three years ago, and with pretty much zero competition to boot. Audiences are clearly indifferent to this superhero team-up at best, and even though it's grossed 681 million worldwide at this point, the staggering 82 percent drop-off in China of all places, probably has the studio more concerned than anything else. There's some question as to whether it reaches 1 billion globally now, which is what it needed to be profitable, given the budget. I wish the movie had been an even worse failure to ensure that WB changes course and fires the director, but I guess the brand name of the superheroes is bulletproof as far as initial interest is concerned. Still, if money is the bottom line, as it always is for the studios, they should at least be aware by now that if the movie had actually been any good, they could have easily made more. A lot more.
On the other hand, Zootopia has exhibited tremendous staying power in second place, falling a teeny 16 percent from last week and bringing in another 20 million, for a 275 million domestic total, and 787 million worldwide at this point. With Japan being the last international market for it to open in, there's a chance the well received Disney film could cross that billion dollar mark. As it is, it will be only the tenth animated film to make more than 300 million in the U.S. The rest of the top five was filled out by My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, which held nicely from last week, the new release God's Not Dead 2, which disappointed with 8 million, and the other faith based movie Miracles From Heaven, which is holding up well and is now at 46 million total.
Top 5:
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice- 52.4 million
- Zootopia- 20 million
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2- 11.1 million
- God's Not Dead 2- 8.1 million
- Miracles From Heaven- 7.6 million
In limited release, Richard Linklater's Everybody Wants Some opened in 19 theaters, earning 323k for the weekend and scoring a PTA of 17k, which is decent enough, while Don Cheadle's Miles Davis biopic Miles Ahead, opened on 4 screens for a strong PTA of 30k. Next week it's Melissa McCarthy's new comedy The Boss against the actioner Hardcore Henry, both opening in wide release. We'll see, but I think it's possible McCarthy's fanbase can get The Boss to take first place away from Batman/Superman, especially if it continues its steep fall.
