The adaptation of Stephen King's novel wins at the chart despite horrible reviews from critics, while Kathryn Bigelow's well-reviewed drama about the 1967 civil unrest fails to attract moviegoers.
- Aug 7, 2017
AceShowbiz - Sony's long-developed adaptation of Stephen King's novel "The Dark Tower" fails to live up to its expectation. The movie has a soft debut with an estimated $19.5 million over the weekend from over 3,400 screens.
The number is just short of analysts' projections of $20 million to $25 million, but is enough to bring the movie to the top spot of North American box office. Starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, the film received generally poor reviews with 18|percent| positive ratings from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Moviegoers gave it B grade from CinemaScore.
" 'Dark Tower' was an ambitious and bold undertaking and it was made at the right price," says Adrian Smith, the studio's distribution chief. "We're looking forward as there's a lot of summer left. Our international roll out is just starting to take off." Smith adds, "It is kind of an irony because 19 is an important number in Stephen King lore."
Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" is bumped to the second place with an estimated $17.6 million after topping the domestic chart the last two weekends. "The Emoji Movie" and "Girls Trip" also fall one spot each, placing third and fourth with approximately $12.4 million and $11.4 million, respectively.
Two other new wide releases debut below these holdovers. "Kidnap" starring Halle Berry rounds out the top five with an estimated $10.2 million, above its modest $8 million projection. Kathryn Bigelow's "Detroit" comes in a little under expectations with an estimated $7.2 million and places eighth. It was expected to bring in $10 million to $15 million over the three-day frame.
The movie about the civil unrest in Detroit in 1967 saw a glimmer of hope when it opened in limited theaters to a strong $350,000 last weekend. It, however, is loved by critics, with a 95|percent| "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
"We wish more people would have shown," says Erik Lomis, Annapura's president of distribution. He adds, "There is always room for a smart movie. I think we can stay in theaters and find our audience. We are extremely proud of the movie. We believe in the message of the movie."
Top Ten Movies at Weekend Box Office for August 4-6:
