Seth Rogen and Zac Efron’s Neighbors was the escape audiences wanted during the second weekend of the summer season. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 took a huge drop in its second week, keeping it from taking another week at the top.
Neighbors grossed $51.1 million in its first weekend, among the best openings ever for an R-rated, non-franchise comedy. According to Variety, it came in just behind Ted’s $54 million debut. That film, like Neighbors, was also a Universal release. Even the studio was surprised by Neighbors’ success on Mother’s Day weekend.
“I never thought this would be a choice on Mom’s Day,” Nikki Rocco, Universal's president of domestic distribution, told Variety.
The film also turned out to be hit overseas, where it opened in 29 markets. Overall, the film made $34.4 million in foreign territories, including a stunning $14.7 million in the U.K.
Spider-Man fell a whopping 59 percent from its debut, notes Box Office Mojo. It earned just $37.2 million in its second weekend and is up to $147.9 million. Don’t feel bad for Sony, though, as Spider-Man keeps swinging overseas. It has made over $400 million overseas.
There were two disappointments on the weekend. Sony and Patricia Heaton’s Moms’ Night Out only made $4.2 million at 1,044 locations. That’s not too bad, since the movie only cost $5 million to make.
However, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return with the voice of Lea Michele was a complete disaster. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it cost Summertime Entertainment $70 million to make, but only grossed $3.7 million. It was screened at 2,607 theaters.
Heaven is For Real added $7 million, while Captain America: The Winter Soldier grossed $5.6 million.
Jon Favreau’s Chef scored a huge debut at six theaters, grossing $204,201 in total.
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