Disney returns in monster fashion as the long-awaited animated sequel “Frozen 2” destroys the competition on its opening weekend.
The sequel to the 2013 smash hit which brought in over $400M domestically and over $1.2B worldwide clocked in with a mammoth $127M domestic opening, ranking fifth for all time November releases. Internationally the film delivered a very solid $223M $53M of which came from China. The film will be expected to repeat at #1 next weekend both domestically and internationally as it releases in another eight markets including Australia and Italy.
A long way back in second (as expected) but also racking up more success for Disney is Fox’s “Ford V Ferrari”. Now in its second weekend, the sporting drama gained a further $16M domestic to take its tally to just shy of $60M. Another success story for Disney’s record-breaking box-office year.
Getting off to a solid and respectable start in third is Sony and TriStar’s Oscar contender “A Beautiful Day In the Neighbourhood” a biopic on famed children’s tv presenter Mr. Rogers. Directed by Marielle Heller ( “Can You Ever Forgive Me”) the film opened in just over 3000 locations, to the sound of $13.5M, not awful considering the vacuum-like qualities of Disney’s animated juggernaut, especially considering the film should have a long run as it positions itself for awards contention.
In fourth is the Russo Brothers produced and Chadwick Boseman starring “21 Bridges”. The cop thriller opened with around $9.2M from over 2500 locations, whilst adding just under $3M from around 20 overseas markets. Though STX could expect nothing less given this weekend’s schedule.
At the tail end of the top five is Lionsgate’s “Midway”. The war drama, entering its third week, scored $4.7M domestically, bringing its total to over $40M.
Elsewhere, It was yet another painful weekend for Sony reboot “Charlie’s Angels” following last week’s catastrophe. Dropping over 60% in its second week, the Elizabeth Banks directed action-comedy drew in just $3.1M, lofting its domestic total to a measly $13.9M after two weeks.
Notable limited releases this week included two films with slight Oscar ambitions. Firstly, Todd Haynes “Spotlight” esque “Dark Waters” starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway, an extreme long shot for awards season now, drew in $110,000 from just four locations. Whilst Amazon’s “Honey Boy”, the auto-biographical pic from Shia LeBeouf and Alma Har’el, took another $260,000 as it closes on $1M in limited release, as the film continues to push LeBeouf further into this years supporting actor Oscar race.
Next week, well Thanksgiving will see the release of one of the year’s most entertaining films. Lionsgate and Rian Johnson’s wickedly sharp ‘Whodunnit?’ “Knives Out”. Boasting a stellar cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Ana De Armas, Lionsgate will hope its extreme and expensive marketing of the film, coupled with glowing reviews from critics will turn into box office returns.
1. Frozen II – $127M
2. Ford v Ferrari – $16M
3. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – $13.1M
4. 21 Bridges – $9.3M
5. Midway – $4.7M
6. Playing with Fire – $4.6M
7. The Good Liar – $3.4M
8. Charlie’s Angels – $3.1M
9. Last Christmas – $3M
10. Joker – $2.8M
I can confirm that Joel Coen’s “Jack of Spades” is based on Frances Frederica Montrésor’s 1901 novel “The Alien: A Story of Middle Age.” It’s a ghost story. A gothic mystery.