The Labor Day weekend was a quiet one at the box office. None of the new releases managed to crack into the top five spots, so the real victory goes to Don’t Breathe. Having a horror movie hold onto the number one spot for two weeks running is a rare event. Audiences have obviously responded to this crazy thriller. Maybe that’s because it’s pretty damn good.
The newbies didn’t fare as well. The Light Between Oceans made a very slight impact, but it will live or die on its word of mouth recommendations. The real story this week is Morgan, the directorial debut of Ridley Scott’s son, Luke. Morgan landed in the 17th spot in terms of its returns for this weekend. That’s a huge blow that almost guarantees the film’s quick release to home video. Granted, the movie doesn’t sound particularly interesting, and maybe the marketing didn’t quite have the effect it wanted.
A few tidbits from the box office numbers:
- Suicide Squad will cross $300 million by tomorrow. Sorry critics, but this one is still a big win for DC. Now, how about giving us that alternate cut?
- Don’t Breathe‘s listed budget was $10 million. It has already made five times that number. This is going to be one that sticks around.
The Numbers Game
Each week, I will guess how much wide-release films will be making on their opening weekend. My estimates come from my heart and my gut. You’d think I’d use my brain but that makes far too much sense. Fandom editor Nick Nunziata will also be providing his guesses because two stabs in the dark are better than one.
Last Week:
Morgan
My Guess: $11,000,000
Nick’s Guess: $9,000,000
Actual: $1,960,000
Result: Yeesh. This is one of the biggest flops of the year. Poor Kate Mara.
The Light Between Oceans
My Guess: $9,000,000
Nick’s Guess: $5,000,000
Actual: $4,984,000
Result: Nick wins another weekend. Michael Fassbender cashes Assassin’s Creed paycheck.
This week:
Sully
Tom Hanks is often a box office draw. Mix that together with the true story element and Clint Eastwood’s direction and you’ve got a movie that the 55+ crowd will flock to see. This is obviously one of the first big Oscar contenders of the year, so it’s likely to get a nice bump from that notoriety. However, there’s no way this is a date night movie for anyone without dentures.
My guess: $24,000,000
Nick’s guess: $17,000,000
The Wild Life
Oof. As far as animated kid fare goes, The Wild Life looks like one of the weakest offerings in recent memory. The studio must know this since it’s getting dumped during the transitionary month of September. Will parents be as savvy to this awfulness? They should be when something as excellent as Kubo and the Two Strings is another viable option.
My guess: $4,500,000
Nick’s guess: $6,000,000
When the Bough Breaks
Sexy murder thrillers like When the Bough Breaks don’t come along to the box office as often as they used to. The advertisements have been incredibly sultry and intense, and it’s possible this could end up being the date movie of the weekend. That would make it a weekend where at least three horror films are vying for attention. Though this one won’t be viewed as a horror movie, so it has a chance to break out to a wider audience.
My guess: $14,000,000
Nick’s guess: $9,000,000
The Disappointments Room
That title alone is going to send people running away. It’s a shame since this is written by Wentworth Miller, the screenwriter of the truly excellent Stoker. The premise looks a little too familiar and there hasn’t been anything in the marketing that shows off how special this movie might be. Prepare yourself for tons of hack headlines about how The Disappointments Room disappoints.
My guess: $2,750,000
Nick’s guess: $3,000,000
See you next week, box office buddies!
Source: Box Office Mojo
