“Ant-Man,” though weaker at the box office than recent Marvel films, still managed another win with a low $24.8 million, according to studio estimates today. The total after last week’s win came in lower, so it wins, but not really all that much to brag about. But, a win is a win, and two in a row is better than one.
While “Pixels” came in lower than expectations with its $24 million, “Southpaw” came in a bit higher and was the pleasant surprise of the weekend. Jake Gyllenhaal’s stars in “Southpaw,” and proves he can pack a punch playing a boxer. Hollywood loves to make those sports comeback stories, and they also love boxing movies. It took in an estimated $16.5 million.
Note, the number of theaters always matters, too, so “Southpaw” over-achieved and it was in less theaters than “Ant-Man” or “Pixels.”
Weekend, domestically
1. “Ant-Man” – $24.8 million
2. “Pixels” – $24 million
3. “Minions” – $22 million
4. “Trainwreck” – $17.2 million
5. “Southpaw” – $16.5 million
Meanwhile, after the events in Louisiana, “Trainwreck” went on. A shooting at a theater that was showing the R-rated comedy starring Amy Schumer could have seen its numbers dwindle, but it stayed solid. But, “Minions” stayed even more solid as it finished in third.
What seems to have happened with “Pixels” poor showings may not necessarily be about Sandler. There are others in the film including Kevin James and Peter Dinklage. This weekend the family fare was spread around as they had a lot in which to choose. But still, “Pixels” was not animated, as was The LEGO Movie,” and that may have hurt as well. “Pixels” was also banking on nostalgia for the old time video game lovers. having Pac Man and Donkey Kong on the big screen was supposed to bring older men out, in hopes of bringing the kids.The other wide release, “Paper Towns,” took in $12.5 million.
It looks like the climb of “Jurassic World” has put it at No. 3, worldwide. Only “Avatar” and “Titanic” are above it now. That was a fast climb to that spot. Movies these days are making so much money overseas, that the box office game has changed quite a bit. “Furious 7” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” made the bulk of their cash overseas. So, they tear up the worldwide box office charts in fast fashion.
But, who would have thought “Ant-Man” would have two wins and “Minions” only one? That is truly a surprise and shows that this year’s box office is all over the place, as it chases a record.
