For the second Friday in a row,M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thrillerSplitleads all competitors by a decisive margin. Bolstered by positive buzz and a critically approved return to form for the twisty writer/director, the film took in almost $8 million in its follow-up Friday and looks to be on pace for a $25 million weekend. The horror/thriller starsJames McAvoyas a man afflicted by two dozen personalities who kidnaps three girls; his intentions are mysterious and threatening, but the final moments of this story are what have people flocking to the theaters.
On the other hand,A Dog’s Purposeis actively driving folks from the theaters thanks toPETA launching a boycottof the film. The controversy stems froma leaked on-set videosuggesting less-than-acceptable treatment of the film’s animal stars. From a purely cinematic standpoint,the film just isn’t that greataccording to our ownAubrey Page. Still, the fact that the film’s marketing has lovable dogs and a family-friendly message (despite the core of the film being about dog death and supposed resurrection…) was enough to land a #2 spot this Friday.
Elsewhere in the Top 10, the sixthResident Evilmovie makes its North American debut with just over $5 million, though it’s already pulled in $35 million from the international market. At the bottom of the pile was another debut,Gold, and it’s one ofMatthew McConaughey’sworst openings ever. It’s not great for directorStephan Gaghaneither, but with the McConaissance on some shaky footing, one wonders if the combined star-power of McConaughey andIdris Elbais enough to secure a solid outing for the long-awaited adaptation ofThe Dark Towerlater this summer. (Fingers crossed.) McConaughey’s voice performance inSing, however, will keep the coffers full; though it lands in the 7th spot this Friday, the animated musical comedy has earned over a quarter-of-a-billion dollars domestically and $431.9 million in total. No wondera sequelhas been announced!
For more onSplit, be sure to check out some of our recent write-ups below:
Check out the full Top 10 from Friday’s Box Office below (viaBox Office Mojo):
$7,900,000
A Dog’s Purpose
$5,300,000
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
$5,100,000
Hidden Figures
$3,775,000
La La Land
$3,450,000
xXx: The Return of Xander Cage
$2,230,000
$1,300,000
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
$1,234,000
$1,155,000
