The weekend box office was a battle of brains versus braun, and even the lion-killing legend couldn't defeat the telekinetic mastermind . The psychological sci-fi thriller starring Scarlett Johansson, Lucy, beat out high-budget Hercules opening weekend, taking the top spot of this week's box office.
The film has already grossed $44 million opening weekend, Daily Mail reports. The film quickly surpassed its $40 million budget.
The premise of the Luc Besson directed film is Johansson's character, Lucy, of course, takes a drug that gives her the ability to use more than just 10% of her cognitive abilities. A movie about an individual taking a pill that gives them greater access to their brain's functions? It sounds a bit familiar, but maybe it's just de-ja-vu.
Universal's president of domestic distribution, Nikki Rocco, spoke of what attracted audiences. "The main reasons for coming to see the film were the story, and then Scarlett," Rocco said, FOX News reports. "She's very diversified in what she does. Lucy brought out the best of her in this movie."
As Lucy came out of the gate with mind-bending speed, it is expected to slow down as it takes its course. According to Daily Mail, many critics weren't too pleased by the film. And movie rating website Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 58 percent rating, saying it "tries to power through its logical gaps with cheesy thrills and Scarlett Johansson's charm."
Ironically, the notoriously harsh rating site gave Hercules a 62 percent. The legend remake, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who doubles as a WWE wrestling superstar during his off time, grossed $29 million opening weekend, but is expected to have prolonged success as weeks go by. It also made $28.7 million internationally from Russia, Australia, Britain, Malaysia and others.
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