Box office delight: ‘Smile 2’ scares up success with $9.4 million on opening day
A perfect kickoff for the Halloween season
The box office is grinning widely as ‘Smile 2’ sinks its teeth into a $9.4 million haul on its opening day. Spanning 3,619 domestic locations, this figure is not only impressive but also eclipses the $8.2 million garnered by its predecessor ‘Smile’ on its first day back in 2022. Produced on a $28 million budget, this sequel is well-positioned to capitalize on the Halloween season, drawing in the thrill-chasing crowds.
A promising start compared to its predecessor
When Smile first came onto the scene, it was initially meant for a streaming release. However, strong test screenings pushed it into theaters, where it flourished. With a viral marketing campaign behind it, the film opened with an impressive $22 million weekend and managed a mere 18% drop in its second week. Ultimately, it grossed $105 million domestically. This history sets the bar high for Smile 2, which faces the challenge of living up to this impressive performance.
Technical brilliance under Parker Finn’s direction
The directorial style of Parker Finn plays a significant role in the success of these films. Known for his ability to create unsettling atmospheres, Finn brought a unique touch to the horror genre with his breakout success. Critics have praised Finn’s latest venture, with particular emphasis on the performance of Naomi Scott, who steers the narrative into the treacherous waters of pop stardom.
Early CinemaScore ratings reflect a commendable “B” grade from audiences, an improvement over the “B-” that the first film received. For a genre that typically scores lower, this is a solid achievement.
The rise of emotional storytelling: ‘We Live in Time’
Expanding to 955 theaters after a limited release in New York and Los Angeles, A24’s heart-wrenching tale, ‘We Live in Time’, starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, is making waves. Having earned roughly $1.8 million on Friday, this John Crowley-directed feature is well on its way to landing in the top five of the domestic box office charts. Its warm reception at the Toronto International Film Festival has bolstered its growing positive reviews.
Animated success: ‘The Wild Robot’
In its fourth weekend, Universal’s ‘The Wild Robot’ remains a box office heavyweight, holding onto the second spot. Expected to cross the $100 million mark domestically, this DreamWorks Animation feature is poised to be the 16th film this year to achieve that milestone. Its sustained performance highlights the enduring appeal and quality of animated family films in the current market.
Slasher thrills: ‘Terrifier 3’ retains audience interest
Last weekend’s champion, ‘Terrifier 3’, is now comfortably in third place. Despite a sharp drop, common for sequel franchises that attract dedicated fans on opening weekend, this horror sequel continues to perform. With an estimated $2.9 million added on Friday, Cineverse’s ultra-gory independent feature looks to surpass the $30 million domestic total by Saturday.
Tim Burton’s whimsical delight: ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
Even in its seventh weekend, Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ remains a top contender at the box office. With another $1.4 million collected on Friday, the comedy sequel is on track to outdo ‘Dune: Part Two’, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing domestic release of 2024. Only ‘Inside Out 2’, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, and ‘Despicable Me 4’ will stand taller in terms of earnings. However, Warner Bros. experienced a stark contrast with ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, which saw a massive 81% drop in its second weekend and has now exited the top five in its third week.
Indie gems: ‘Anora’ by Sean Baker
In limited release, Neon has started rolling out Sean Baker’s screwball festival favorite, ‘Anora’, beginning with a six-theater release across New York and Los Angeles. With an estimated $310,000 earned on Friday, the Palme d’Or winner is set to make a significant impact through awards season.
As the box office landscape continues to shift with new releases and enduring favorites, one thing is certain: viewers are eager for diverse and engaging storytelling across all genres.
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