It seems like Tom Hanks has always been a Hollywood favorite, but his films as of late failed to light up the box office. Captain Phillips reversed that trend this weekend, even as Gravity continued its record box office run.
Gravity grossed $44 million in its second weekend, just a 21 percent drop from its $55 million opening last weekend. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, this is the smallest week two drop for a film that opened with at least $55 million the previous week in box office history. It did just as well overseas, grossing $28 million from 38 markets this past weekend.
There are two huge keys to the success of Alfonso Cuaron’s film. First, it’s just 90 minutes, which means that theaters can get more screenings in. Also, word-of-mouth is fueling IMAX screenings, since everyone has agreed that this is a movie that must be seen on a huge screen. The film grossed $9 million in IMAX this weekend and its IMAX total is already up to $26.5 million, the second-highest in history, notes THR.
Captain Phillips scored a very good $26 million opening, notes Box Office Mojo. The film, like Gravity, has earned widespread critical praise and earned an A CinemaScore grade from audiences.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 slid to $14.2 million and Machete Kills was a total bomb, making just $3.8 million. Clearly, the B-movie tribute, tongue-in-cheek joke has worn out on audiences and the fanboys didn’t even turn out for it.
Also worth noting, Runner Runner and Prisoners added $3.7 million each.
image: Sony