With it seeming more and more true that A Madea Family Funeral is the final film for the character by Tyler Perry, Lionsgate is at least going out on a big note with it. The ninth film with the character took the second place spot here with a $27 million take on what’s expected to be a small budget. With an “A-” CinemaScore as well, it debuted with the fourth largest take in the franchise overall and is expected to hit about $60 million when all is said and done since this is pretty front-loaded. It’s skewing female and older and seems to be similar to how past films have gone recently.
In the top spot, however, How to Train Your Dragon retains its spot after opening the week prior with another $30 million added. That’s got it up to $97 million with a solid hold overall and racking up box office attention faster than the previous two – though it is expected to slow down quicker as it’s simply burning brighter. The film also added another $52 million on the international side, $33 of which came from China, to bring it to $277 million internationally and $375 worldwide with a few markets left through August to hit.
The doldrums are still very much in the marketplace as Alita takes the third place spot with just $7 million as it hit $72 million domestic. It did another $40 million overseas with $278 million there and at $350 million worldwide. Though it may not recoup costs with this run, I suspect if it crosses $400 million worldwide with a solid China take overall that like Pacific Rim we’ll see another installment – just pared down a bit.
Last week also saw Greta release, which got bad reviews and critical word of mouth, resulting in a $4.5 take and a really bad “C-” CinemaScore, which is going to keep it from expanding.
Next week has a very big release with Captain Marvel debuting in 4,100 screens where it’s currently tracking at upwards of $140 million, which means the pressure is really on. Lionsgate is rolling out The Kid in 250 screens while very limited releases are hitting from KimStim with An Elephant Sitting Still and Greenwich bringing out Ferrante Fever. A24 gets its start with Gloria Bell and Ammo Content begins with The Sex Trip. Check out the trailers for these below.
