Los Angeles, CA – The recent box office weekend saw Director John Krasinski’s film “IF” fall slightly short of expectations, bringing in $35 million in ticket sales. Despite initial projections of $40 million, the fantasy-comedy managed to secure the top spot at the box office. The film follows neighbors with the ability to see imaginary friends, boasting a star-studded voice cast including Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming. With mixed reviews and an “A” CinemaScore, “IF” faces tough competition next weekend.
Paramount Pictures, the distributor of “IF,” is hopeful for the film’s staying power, despite a wobbly start financially. With the domestic box office still lagging behind previous years, theater owners are looking to upcoming releases like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and “The Garfield Movie” to breathe life into the industry. On the horizon are potential blockbuster hits like “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Despicable Me 4” to help boost ticket sales as the summer progresses.
In third place, Lionsgate’s horror film “The Strangers: Chapter 1” exceeded expectations with $12 million at the box office. Despite lackluster reviews, Lionsgate plans to turn the film into a trilogy, focusing on a young couple terrorized by masked strangers in an eerie small town. The Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black” follows at fifth place, earning a disappointing $2.85 million. The film, which delves into the life of the British singer-songwriter, has garnered mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.
As the summer movie season unfolds, studios are hopeful for a standout hit to revitalize the box office. With films like “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and “The Fall Guy” vying for audience attention, the industry awaits a breakout success to surpass previous years’ performances. Amidst the mix of box office contenders, Amazon MGM’s documentary “The Blue Angels” captures the intense training and aerial shows of the Navy and Marine Corps flight squadron, offering a unique glimpse into the world of aviation.