With its take, domestically, of $18 million, “Furious 7” wins with a weak number, but not really for that film. Since it is the third win, any number is fine. That means the other films could not get pass it. “Age of Adaline” starring Blake Lively was the newcomer that had a chance but it ended in third with $13.3 million.
It was actually a battle for second place as “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” grabbed that spot with $15.5 million. “Little Boy” did very little business for its faith-based theme.
But, it may be the news overseas for “Furious 7” that is the real eye-opener. “Furious 7” has now taken in over $1 billion in that overseas market, too, making it only the third film to do that, behind “Avatar” and “Titanic.” Domestically, it is a solid movie, but it has been the overseas crowd that has pushed this into record territory.
Weekend
1. “Furious 7” – $18 million
2. “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” – $15.5 million
3. “Age of Adaline” – $13.3 million
The total take so far for “Furious 7” is $1.32 billion and with that it has passed “Frozen” for fifth place. This does not take inflation into consideration. It passed the $1 billion mark in 17 days and that was the fastest for any movie. Now, it also has passed $1 billion just from the overseas market. This film is huge.
It looks like the overseas market may start dictating more of what Hollywood makes. For example, 75.7 percent of the take for “Furious 7” comes from overseas, while only 24.3 percent comes from North America, according to Box Office Mojo.
Domestically, “Furious 7” has not even passed “American Sniper” or “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” yet.
Russell Crowe’s “The Water Diviner” was not expected to contend as it was in only 320 theaters. It came in just out of the top ten at No. 11 with $1.2 million. In at No. 10 was “Little Boy” with its $2.8 million.
Now, back to the top three. For “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” to nab a solid second means critics could not keep people away. It was ripped apart but those who went, liked it. It is playing like a family movie, while “Age of Adaline” was heavy on the female side, by a wide margin.
