Remaking classic fairy tales is not new and with “Cinderella” taking in an estimated $67.8 million, it will not be the last time. In fact, look for many more as a formula of victory for this time of the year has been etched. Put on a live action remake of those classics. Much like “Maleficent” a year ago, the audience took in “Cinderella.”
Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James, among others, it was not even close as it beat down Liam Neeson’s latest action picture “Run All Night.” That film, in second, was a weak second place finish, and that more likely tells the tale of the box office. Over the last couple of years, a movie can be big at the top and then the others fall flat, especially in the early months of the year.
Even last week’s winner, “Chappie,” fell hard to fifth place. It was not a huge percentage drop since the win was not all that impressive, but dropping down to fifth is very telling. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” has been a nice box office surprise with its consistency. It is in third after spending a comfortable time in second.
Weekend
1. “Cinderella” – $67.8 million
2. “Run All Night” – $11 million
3. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” – $6.2 million
4. “Focus” – $5.805 million
5. “Chappie” – $5.8 million
The figures for fourth and fifth will be hashed out Sunday to ensure a more clear picture on those two films. Will Smith’s “Focus” has been anything but in focus for moviegoers. But, it was off the the ball for young female moviegoers and that was the demographic.
The Wrap noted the audience for “Cinderella” skewed toward the young female crowd, and nobody is surprised. The audience was 77 percent female, they noted. Of that figure, 56 percent were under 25 years of age.
What that seems to indicate that the tale is really for the young female crowd went and this may mean a big drop is coming for next weekend. One may also wonder if those who have seen it, have. To make that much in the first weekend on basically one demographic tells the true tale. Only one group cares about these type of movies.
It opened well overseas, too. China’s market is starting to show real signs of life so when the attendance goes lower and stays there in the states, it may help that they are there. Another demographic insight is telling, too, and that is for “Run All Night.”
Females drive much of the box office all year long, but when “Run All Night” opens opposite “Cinderella,” there is a reason. It’s to give the male audience something to see. That did not happen as Neeson’s female base came out. The breakdown was 52 percent female. Of that, 86 percent over the age of 25. Perhaps they dropped the young ones off at “Cinderella” and went to the other.
