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Box office buzz: Deadpool & Wolverine dominate, new releases on the horizon
Superheroes reign supreme
In a thrilling continuation of its box office dominance, Disney’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” has once again sliced through the competition in the U.K. and Ireland. The superhero film amassed an impressive £8 million ($10.1 million) over the weekend, bringing its total earnings to a staggering £33.4 million ($42.4 million). This makes it the third highest-grossing film of 2024 in the region, trailing only “Inside Out 2” and “Dune: Part Two”.
Family fun and natural disasters
Holding strong in second place, Universal’s “Despicable Me 4” added £2.5 million to its four-week total, now standing at £30.8 million. The lovable minions continue to charm audiences of all ages, proving that the franchise still has plenty of life left.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ ”Twisters” maintained its position in the top three, generating £1.1 million in its third week for a cumulative total of £10.1 million. This disaster film has captivated viewers with its intense action sequences and gripping storyline.
Animated emotions and purple crayons
Disney scored another win with “Inside Out 2”, which showed remarkable staying power in its eighth week. The film secured the fourth spot with £939,144, bringing its total to £52.2 million. The emotional journey of Riley and her inner emotions continues to resonate deeply with audiences.
The highest-ranking new entry, Sony’s “Harold and the Purple Crayon”, debuted at number five with an opening of £641,548. This charming adaptation of the beloved children’s book has captured the hearts of both young and old.
Nostalgia and global sensations
A one-week re-issue of “Spider-Man” landed at seventh place with £253,260, proving that the web-slinger’s appeal is timeless. Additionally, the Blackpink concert film “Blackpink World Tour (Born Pink) in Cinemas” entered the chart at number nine, earning £93,518 in its opening weekend. The global K-pop sensation continues to draw massive crowds, even in the cinema.
Blackpink World Tour (Born Pink) in Cinemas
Upcoming releases: Thrills, romance, and more
Cinema-goers can look forward to a diverse array of new releases hitting screens on Friday, Aug. 9. Among the most anticipated is M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller “Trap”, starring Josh Hartnett, from Warner Bros., set to open in over 300 locations. Shyamalan’s knack for suspense and unexpected twists promises a gripping experience.
Sony’s romantic drama “It Ends With Us”, adapted from the bestselling Colleen Hoover novel and featuring Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, and Amy Morton, is also poised to make a splash. This heartfelt story of love and resilience is sure to attract a wide audience.
Sci-fi action and buddy comedies
Sci-fi action fans can look forward to Eli Roth’s “Borderlands”, Lionsgate’s adaptation of the popular video game franchise, featuring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Edgar Ramírez, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film promises high-octane action and a visually stunning experience.
Apple Original Films is opening Doug Liman’s buddy comedy “The Instigators”, starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. This film combines humor and heart, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Indie gems and family fun
For indie film enthusiasts, Altitude’s Sundance-winning drama “Radical”, directed by Christopher Zalla and starring Eugenio Derbez, Daniel Haddad, and Jennifer Trejo, will open in select theaters. This thought-provoking film explores themes of identity and belonging.
Superhero fans can catch a one-week-only re-issue of Sony’s “Spider-Man 2”, while family audiences have options like Kaleidoscope Entertainment’s “Gracie and Pedro: Mission Impossible”, boasting a cast including Bill Nighy, Susan Sarandon, Alicia Silverstone, Danny Trejo, and Brooke Shields. Additionally, “Bluey At The Cinema: Family Trip Collection” offers a big-screen treat for younger viewers.
Gracie and Pedro: Mission Impossible
Bluey At The Cinema: Family Trip Collection
Art house and intense fare
Art house cinemas will feature Venice title “Sky Peals” from BFI Distribution, and A24’s drama-fantasy “Tuesday”, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lola Petticrew, and Leah Harvey. For those seeking more intense fare, Vertigo’s “Caligula: The Ultimate Cut”, featuring Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren, will screen in select locations.
Other releases include Vertigo’s action film “Duchess” directed by Neil Marshall, and SXSW-playing buddy comedy ”Babes”. The weekend will close with the wide release of Signature’s animation “Ozi: Voice Of The Forest” on Saturday, Aug. 10, featuring an all-star voice cast including Laura Dern, Amandla Stenberg, Donald Sutherland, Djimon Hounsou, RuPaul, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Rachel Shenton.
A cinematic feast awaits
As the box office landscape remains competitive, cinema-goers are in for a treat with a diverse array of new releases. From thrilling action and heartfelt dramas to family-friendly adventures and indie gems, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your popcorn and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience!
