It’s a repeat at the top of the box office this weekend as Pixar’s Monsters University brought in an estimated $47 million, bringing its domestic cume to $171 million ($300 million worldwide). This is hardly exciting news, or much of a surprise for that matter, but so goes the weekend. However, I guess the fact five films made more than $20 million is “interesting”. I guess.
Of the new releases, it was the Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy R-rated, buddy cop comedy The Heat winning out over Roland Emmerich‘s White House Down as the ladies pushed Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx around a bit, though both films earned “A-” CinemaScores from opening night audiences.
The Heat opened with an impressive $40 million, besting the $34.5 million opening for McCarthy’s early year comedy success Identity Thief, which went on to gross $134.5 million domestically. Perhaps The Heat can rustle up something around $160-175m? Fox tells me the definite recommend norm for movies is 60 and The Heat is at 85 with an “A” CinemaScore from audience members under 25.
It was bad news for White House Down as it only managed $26 million on a $150 million budget. Depending on international audience desire to see the White House destroyed, again, this one may have some issues in front of it. Earlier this year, the R-rated Olympus Has Fallen opened with $30.3 million with only a $70 million budget and went on to make $160.7 million worldwide. Tatum and Foxx are certainly bigger stars than Gerard Butler, but will they be able to make up the hole they’re already in?
World War Z took a 55% drop, bringing in $29.8 million, bringing its domestic cume to $123.7 million.
Bigger news than the domestic results may actually be Despicable Me 2‘s performance in seven international markets where it took in $41.5 million. The animated sequel hits domestic theaters this coming Friday and I have a feeling it’s going to be huge if it can find room inside the marketplace with Monsters U.
In limited action, Pedro Almodovar‘s new comedy, I’m So Excited, opened on five screens and took home a solid $102,730.
As for predictions, it looks like Laremy may actually beat the aggregate of reader predictions if the estimates hold. Check out the current reader predictions standings below and be sure to check back on Monday afternoon for official results.
Next week sees the release of The Lone Ranger and the aforementioned Despicable Me 2 on Wednesday, July 4. So next weekend you’re going to have a few days of box office data to determine your winner. It prove an interesting competition. Care to share any early thoughts on how it may turn out in the comments below?
