Every week we dissect the good, the bad, and the bombs of the Aussie box office world. No talk of box office would be complete without mention of the US, so we’ll also take a look at what’s hitting big, what’s not, and where our refined Aussie movie palates differ from our blockbuster loving American brethren. Let’s dig in…
This weekend, we decked the halls with the bro-tastic yuletide comedy The Night Before, Chris Hemsworth battled the white whale in In The Heart Of The Sea, and Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford searched for the Truth.
AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE – DEC 3-6
Source: Urban Cinefile
Not Budging: The top 4 remains unchanged this week, as the newbies didn’t really set things alight. Mockingjay Part 2 led again for a 3rd frame with $2.8 million, with it’s total now stretching past $22 million. Spectre, Hotel Transylvania 2, and Creed followed closely behind, matching their respective placings from last week as well.
Speared: The highest new entry of the weekend, Chris Hemsworth starrer In The Heart Of The Sea, failed to hook much of an audience, snagging $876k in 5th place. From the moment that this movie came on my radar I was concerned that it would have a tough time finding an audience, and I wasn’t wrong. Historical biographical disaster drama-thrillers are just too hard a sell it seems.
Silent Night: I honestly thought that this movie would do better than it has done. A raunchy comedy about Christmas released at the start of December when a lot of it’s target demo is already on holidays, how could this not make more money? What it did make, $777k in 6th place, has got to be a bit of a kick in the baubles to Sony. Shame.
You Can Handle It: Opening on just 10 screens this weekend, the Cate Blanchett/Robert Redford pic Truth managed to eke out a spot in the top 15, coming in at 12th place with $57k. Riding a wave of good reviews, I’m not sure what Roadshow’s release plan for this is, but they’d be silly not to capitalise on that momentum and keep this in theatres through to the new year.
Over in the U.S, Krampus tried to scare up some holiday cheer and fear, but was it the one running scared?
US BOX OFFICE – DEC 4-6
Source: Box Office Mojo
Post Turkey Coma: Typically the post-Thanksgiving frame is pretty crumby at the US box office, and with only one new release this week, much of the top ten didn’t budge from last week. Mockingjay Part 2 led everyone again, taking $18.8 million and bringing it’s total to $227.3 million.
Deadly Night: Debuting a horror-comedy at Christmas is a risky proposition, but one that has seemed to have paid of for Universal, as Krampus defied most expectations and laughed all the way to the bank with $16.2 million, finishing in 2nd place. No word yet on whether we’ll get to see it before Christmas, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
New to cinemas this week: Nothing! The week ahead is clear for moviegoers to catch up on what’s already released before the behemoth that is Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens opens everywhere next week.
So there you go folks, any surprises? Everything pan out just as you suspected? Hit us up in the comments and let us know what you’re enjoying at the multiplex. Also, if there’s anything you’d like to see us cover in the world of box office, speak up and let your opinion be known!