The weekend’s major new releases made a clean sweep in the top three spots. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” from 20th Century Fox, collected US$51.1 million from US and Canadian theatres in its debut, Comscore Inc said Monday.
Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” garnered US$20.4 million to land in second place, while the comedy “Nobody’s Fool,” from Viacom Inc’s Paramount Pictures, was a step behind that with US$13.7 million.
Critics were mixed on the Fox tribute to the British band, with some praising Rami Malek’s portrayal of Mercury, despite a distracting set of false teeth. Disney has successfully turned animated classics like “Cinderella” and “Beauty and the Beast” into live-action megahits. But its record with less-known titles isn’t so stellar. “A Wrinkle in Time” and “Christopher Robin” both struggled to attract fans this year.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was forecast by analysts at Box Office Pro to open with sales of US$40.7 million. The movie places Malek, who won an Emmy for his role in the TV series “Bad Robot,” at the centre of the band’s story. It traces Queen’s meteoric rise and the creation of its biggest hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Director Bryan Singer was replaced during production, though he retains his credit.
The film cost US$52 million to make, before marketing costs, according to Box Office Mojo, suggesting a profitable run for the picture. According to RottenTomatoes.com, 61% of critics recommended the movie.
The better-than-expected opening “speaks to the universal appeal of Queen and their music,” said Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox.
The movie also exceeded expectations for international sales, collecting US$122.5 million globally.
A tough Nut to crack
But the metrics for Disney’s “Nutcracker” movie weren’t so favourable and it may face a slog to break even during its theatrical run. Reportedly made for more than US$100 million, the film was expected to open with sales of about US$19.5 million, according to Box Office Pro.
Based on the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann tale, “The Nutcracker” features a star-studded cast including Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Keira Knightley. In the film, a young girl is transported to a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice. They search for a special key that will unlock a priceless gift, travelling to the ominous fourth realm.
“We were looking for a stronger start, but it is a great family-friendly option for moviegoers as we head into the holidays,” said Cathleen Taff, president of theatrical distribution at Disney.
A fool’s gold?
With “Nobody’s Fool,” Paramount Pictures tapped into the rising popularity of comedian Tiffany Haddish in a feature written and directed by Tyler Perry.
Haddish plays Tanya, an ex-con looking to get back on her feet with the help of her successful sister Danica, played by Tika Sumpter. She finds out Danica has been tricked into an online relationship and they go out to unmask her secret boyfriend. The US$19 million movie was forecast to open fourth with sales of US$14.4 million, according to Box Office Mojo.