Boosted by positive reviews, the World War II movie directed by Christopher Nolan earned about $50.5 million in its debut weekend.
- Jul 24, 2017
AceShowbiz - "Dunkirk" easily won the war for the top spot on North American box office. Powered by positive reviews, the World War II movie directed by Christopher Nolan flew past earlier projections to an estimated $50.5 million opening weekend.
The war drama, which reportedly cost about $100 million to make, is expected to have a large multiple and continue to play well through August. "We're absolutely thrilled with this incredible result on this brilliant film," says Warner Bros. distribution chief Jeff Goldstein. "In a summer that has had a lot of disappointments, this movie way over-achieved."
The movie broke unwritten Hollywood rules about release dates by arriving in late July, which is usually reserved for comic-book adaptations and sci-fi epics. Nolan and Warner Bros., however, believed that audiences would be craving for something smart and originals after a number of disappointing sequels.
"The right movie can play and play in late summer," Goldstein brags. Male made up about 60|percent| of the "Dunkirk" audience, with 76|percent| moviegoers over the age of 25. "I think we will see it broaden out in the weeks ahead due to word of mouth," Goldstein adds.
Also performing beyond expectations this week is "Girls Trip". The R-rated comedy, which production budget is reportedly about $20 million, took in an estimated $30.4 million, marking the largest opening of any live-action comedy so far this year. The movie about a group of women who let loose in New Orleans broke the curse of underperforming R-rated movie this summer after "Baywatch", "Snatched", "Rough Night" and "The House".
"Funny is funny. And it's a really funny movie," says Universal's President of Domestic Distribution Nick Carpou of what makes the film stand out. Starring Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah, the film is loved by critics and received an A+ CinemaScore. It nabs the second place on the domestic chart.
On the other hand, another newcomer, "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets", bombed. The sci-fi epic, which had been treated like a passion project by Luc Besson, took in approximately $17 million against its $150 million production budget. It lands on No. 5 on box office.
"Spider-Man: Homecoming" loses another spot, placing third in its third weekend by adding approximately $22 million. "War for the Planet of the Apes" sees a bigger drop (63.7|percent) in its second week. It adds an estimated $20.4 million in its second weekend.
Top Ten Movies at Weekend Box Office for July 21-23:
