Weekend Wrap-Up: Shazam Can’t Keep 2019’s Streak Going
April 9, 2019
Shazam topped expectations over the weekend, albeit by a small margin. However, it was the only new release to do this and the overall box office wasn’t particularly strong as a result. It did rise 6.2% from last weekend reaching $146 million. However, it wasn’t able to keep 2019’s winning streak alive in the year-over-year comparison, as this was 11% lower than the same weekend last year. 2018 extended its lead over 2019 and now has an advantage of $500 million at $3.03 billion to $2.53 billion. If you are looking for good news, then the percent difference actually closed by a fraction of one percent. To call that good news is stretching.
Shazam opened with $53.51 million over the weekend, for a total of $56.81 million including its special engagement, which is just ahead of expectations. Its reviews continue to be among the best of the year and it earned an A from CinemaScore. In fact, many are saying it is the best installment in the D.C.E.U.; although the only competition here is Wonder Woman, so calling it the second-best installment in the DCEU would be damning it with faint praise. The film’s family-friendly nature should keep it in theaters for a while, at least until Avengers: Endgame shows up.
Pet Sematary was well back in second place with $24.50 million during its opening weekend, This is below expectations, but still a great start for a film that cost $21 million to make. The film’s reviews are excellent. It did get a C plus from CinemaScore, but that’s typical for a horror film. The film should have no trouble breaking even at this point and I expect a flood of other Stephen King adaptations to hit theaters over the coming years.
Dumbo plummeted 60% to $18.21 million over the weekend for a two-week total of $76.26 million. This is a tragic sophomore stint decline for a family film. Furthermore, the film cost a lot to make, so breaking even became a lot less likely after this result.
Us also fell faster than expected down 58% to $13.80 million over the weekend for a three-week total of $152.38 million. However, unlike the previous film on this week’s list, this one has already made enough to break even.
Captain Marvel was only the second film on this week’s list to top expectations, as it earned $12.43 million over the weekend for a total of $373.88 million after a month of release. Look for $400 million domestically, although Avengers: Endgame will likely debut in theaters before then.
The Best of Enemies missed expectations by the largest degree, at least in terms of percentages, as it only managed $4.45 million during its opening weekend. The film earned an A from CinemaScore, so it connected with audiences more than it did with critics, but theater owners won’t be looking to keep this film around for very long.
- Shazam Comparisons
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- Pet Sematary Comparisons
- The Best of Enemies Comparisons
Filed under: Weekend Wrap-up, Shazam!, Captain Marvel, Dumbo, The Best of Enemies, Us, Pet Sematary, DC Extended Universe, Stephen King