Angelina Jolie scored the best opening weekend in her long Hollywood career thanks to Disney’s special effects spectacular Maleficent. The film scored $170.6 million worldwide, proving that she is still a bankable star, despite her recent sabbatical from appearing in front of the camera.
Maleficent, a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story from the title villain’s perspective, grossed much more than expected in North America, with $70 million. The film also opened in most markets overseas, grossing $100.6 million in foreign territories, notes The Hollywood Reporter.
Clearly, Disney should see no reason not to continue with its plans to mine its animated film library for live action ideas. Cinderella and The Jungle Book are both on tap for next year.
While Maleficent was a huge hit, the same could not be said for Seth MacFarlane’s Western comedy A Million Ways To Die In The West, which was met with a tepid response from critics. While Ted got off to a great start in 2012, Million Ways only opened to $17.1 million, notes Box Office Mojo. On the other hand, Ted had started with $54 million.
The film only earned a B CinemaScore from audiences, so it’s not good news for Universal and Media Rights Capital.
X-Men: Days of Future Past actually came in second with $32.6 million, a drop of 64 percent from last weekend. Godzilla fell hard again to $12.2 million, making the $200 million goal tough to reach. The movie is up to $174.7 million in total.
Blended with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore added $8.4 million while Seth Rogen’s Neighbors added $7.7 million.
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